According to current plans, the Afghan security forces will be sustained at current levels until the end of 2014 and are then likely to begin declining.
But since interest rates cannot be sustained at current levels without adding unbearably to the budget through extra debt-servicing costs, the only hope of restoring market confidence after the election will be a far more drastic fiscal squeeze.
Combine that with each city's 2009 economic prognosis for unemployment and income, and it's tough to see current ticket prices being sustained much longer.
In addition, as product lifecycles become shorter, the road to sustained growth requires that senior executives ensure a balance between keeping current customers satisfied and uncovering new markets with new products ahead of the competition.