When Obama decided to send 17000 more US troops to Afghanistan the number of troops stationed there has increased to 60000. Add to this already 32000 non US NATO troops. So, about 100000 highly trained NATO troops are engaging war with the resurgent Taliban. Yet, the problem is far from getting solved. Obama himself has said that though his main priority will be Afghanistan, he is of the view that the problem cannot be solved only militarily.
Taliban means something terrible. They don’t know the meaning of humanity. In the name of defending a great religion they have shown utter lack of human dignity. They need harsh treatment. But, it is also a fact that you cannot defeat them militarily. In fact, the experience world over suggests that to wipe out terrorists you need two pronged strategy. One the one hand, there must be military onslaught and on the other there should be a honest attempt to keep the civilians from helping the terrorists.
NATO forces, though unwillingly, has killed score of civilians. It spawns terrorism. Civilians start to give shelter to runaway terrorists, who reassemble themselves. Srilanka Government has done the same mistake which keep LTTE live for so long year.
Obama administration must try to educate the masses in Afghanistan. The opium production should be stopped immediately. A healthy society cannot be developed around the production houses of drugs. And the most important, the army must become extra cautious in choosing a civilian hideout of terrorists. A civilian death will create ten times more terrorists. Vietnam is the perfect example.
Another thing, Taliban is of no use to anybody other than some ultra religious mad. Iran and Russia will also profited immensely by the extinction of this blot on the society. Obama administration should try to improve relations with Iran and Russia. Support of this country is vital for them. Like Bush if Obama keeps trusting Pakistan then Afghanistan will surely become a quagmire for the US. At loss will not only the US or NATO countries, but the whole world.