A withdrawing power that first announces a phased exit and then pursues deal-making with the enemy undermines its regional leverage. It speaks for itself that the sharp deterioration in US ties with the Pakistani military has occurred since the drawdown timetable was unveiled.
这个正在衰退的大国先是宣布分阶段撤离的计划，接着又努力与敌人达成协议，这降低了其在该地区的影响力。自撤退时间表公布以来，美国与巴基斯坦军方的关系显著恶化就是明证。分阶段撤离的计划促使巴基斯坦的将军强硬起来。更加糟糕的是，该如何确保在不损害西方利益或导致该地区更加动荡的情况下结束阿富汗战争，美国还没有清晰的战略。