Legalise opium - suddenly less money for the Taliban.

Overrun Pakistan? Please! Every coutry has infinite money It's called taxes. You make it sound that the Taliban have some printing machine that others don't have.

Afghanistan is a mess, always was and might always be. Who gets elected to look after that wasteland is not my concern. Why should be get tarred with this country imploding?

Pakistan is also a mess, but it is in a position to be able to use some aid and support in a meaningful manner.