FYI, the topology of Afghanistan

[Lerkfish]

If you were a military strategist, how would you take and hold this territory?

[FarCenter]

1. Let Pakistan have the Southeast -- hold the Northwest with Tajik, Uzbek and Haazara forces

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_Ethnic_Groups_in_Afghanistan,_by_district.svg

Generally along the Pashtun versus non-Pashtun line, and some ethnic groups need to be moved, e.g. the Pashtun in the north.

[atreides1]

4. Partition?

[Laelth]

8. Yup. That thing is not designed to be "held together."

A partition would be in the best interests of the people.

:dem:

-Laelth

[elfin]

2. Bunker Busters

In Pakistan border area, followed by DNA experts to prove Bin Laden blown to smithereens. Game Over.

Would that it be so simple. While I think this is a fool's errand, I do not think Obama is a fool.

I still have some hope that he sees a viable way out of this mess that either captures/kills Bin Laden and close associates and also smashes enough of the Al Qaeda in the Taliban to give saner people in the region a chance to take charge.

The key is what happens in the Pakistan border area while most eyes are on Afghanistan.

We shall see --- wouldn't it be SWEET if Osama were delivered due to this???

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. Probably the same way that Alexander, the Mongols, and the Persians did

who are only three of the empires that invaded and occupied for generations - there have been others, as well.

But of course, that is not our intention. And it never has been.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

5. Funny how it still looks like Vietnam...again.

[hunter]

6. First I'd ask "What's the point?"

Because terrorists live everywhere, even in your own cities.

[damntexdem]

7. Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore.

How's clicking our heels as an exit strategy?

[elleng]

9. I wouldn't.

http://rawstory.com/2009/11/gen-wesley-clark-calls-exit-afghanistan/