Nigeria, Aug. 20 -- The lesson scrawled and etched across the neglected covers of history books (few read them these days) suggests one mighty, consistent rule: Never invade Afghanistan. The history of the country is one of admirably stout resistance to invasions and intrusions by foreign powers, and, significantly, a strong aversion to imposed social and political solutions. Along the way, three empires - the British, the Soviet and the American - have suffered defeats.



The clerically stern Taliban, scourged by supposedly enlightened Western powers for being hopeless brigands in government and impossible as functionaries, have lasted for five years. "We pray to Almighty God to forever protect our homeland from occupation, aggression...