There are a growing number of suggestions in the media that after eleven years of deployment by the German army (Bundeswehr) expectations initially set by the international community could not be met. Indeed, the security situation remains fragile. However, it would be unfair to ignore the partial successes that have been achieved. In some regions at least, stability is possible, but it requires concentrated effort and continuity. Nobody wins if Afghanistan once again descends into chaos. Realistic assessments are needed.