From Afghanistan to Syria, an anemic U.S. civilian effort - Reuters

The United States’ track record in similar efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, though, is grim. From Kabul in 2001 to Tunis today, Washington has struggled to identify, work with and strengthen local moderates. In some countries, these moderates simply did not exist. In others, they had no power. In many cases, the American government – particularly its civilian agencies — did a poor job of implementing its policies and promises. - From Afghanistan to Syria, an anemic U.S. civilian effort - David Rohde