1.  Who is Mohammed Ismail Kahn - what do you learn about him from this commentary?

2.  How do you know Kahn's views haven't changed since 1979?

3.  Read Mr. Sperry’s commentary, and the “Background” below the questions.  The purpose of an editorial/commentary is to explain, persuade, warn, criticize, entertain, praise, exhort or answer. What do you think is the purpose of this commentary? Explain your answer.

4.  Why do you think U.S. military leaders, according to Mr. Sperry in para. 15:  "seem to be in denial about the breadth and  scope of the internal threats it faces in Afghanistan"?