(CNN) -- The current chaos in Iraq is tragic in almost every way. In retrospect, it is easy to conclude Iraq was not nearly ready enough to assume control of its own security situation when the United States made the decision to withdraw forces in December 2011. The wisdom of that decision will long be debated, but having made it, the United States is now understandably reluctant to undo it. Even as the Obama administration sorts through a galaxy of unattractive options, none of which is guaranteed to provide stability, it would be well-advised not to overlook one of the biggest strategic lessons of the Iraqi deterioration. That would be the warning signal it provides for another country headed down the same disturbing path: Afghanistan.
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Anish Goel: The dilemma faced by the U.S. with Iraq could happen in Afghanistan
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He says: A weak Iraqi government with a poorly trained Army faces a fierce insurgency
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When U.S. troops leave Afghanistan, will government be able to stop Taliban, he asks
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All of these characteristics describe the situation in Iraq, but all may be equally descriptive of @placeholder in only a few short years.
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Perhaps the biggest wild card in @placeholder's future is the Afghan National Army.
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And much like the @placeholder, the Afghans have been trained by the United States.
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And much like the Iraqis, the Afghans have been trained by the @placeholder.
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As we heard in Iraq, the training of the @placeholder will be sufficient preparation to defend the country from any threats that may arise.
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In addition, @placeholder has never had a real national fighting force, meaning there are few examples and fewer role models for current soldiers to emulate.
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As a national army, the @placeholder came from a much less mature and much less professional starting point than the Iraqis.
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Given all this, it is not difficult to look at the situation in Iraq and see @placeholder's future.
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However, unlike Iraq, this bleak @placeholder future need not necessarily become reality.