Not Ranked
A good analysis of why the Taliban are gaining ground. Were paying the local police more to "inspire them", paying the farmers to quit growing poppy flowers, building bridges, roads, infrastructure for the people to gain their support.
Basically that is what McCrystal says is the key to victory there, thus the need for more troops. As McCrystal has said, we may be to late to ever win at this point (local support, thus the "war") even with additional troops. Do we then stay, add more troops and try to make it work? Or do we focus more on Al Queda and give up the Afghans as a lost cause?
I don't know, I like McCrystals plan, hate to give up now after 8 years or so of investment there. Still, sometimes you gotta fold your hand. BIG question remains unanswered: How we going to pay for this? Were freakin' broke all ready! I'm leaning toward a downsize, rumor has it Obama is leaning toward a troop increase. It's a tough one...
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