Eight years have passed since the United States first sent troops to Afghanistan in an effort to stop the Taliban from spreading the damage around the world. Recently, General Stanley McChrystal has rethought the position of U.S. troops and the strategy behind winning a war that seems endless.
The new strategy
The troops are no longer trying to penetrate the areas where the Taliban is hiding and plans, demolishing each and every one of its strength. Instead, the soldiers are fighting to gain the trust of Afghan citizens in an effort to get them involved in their own protection. Knowing how to protect themselves and drive the enemy out of their region is important to help recover their independence.
The role of President Obama
Obama understands that the destruction of al-Qaida will probably never happen, but the protection of Afghan society against future threats is the key to retake the country. Pressured by the military recommendations, opponents and allies in the political arena and the allied nations that have pledged to send their own troops, Obama knows there’s only one way to win and that is to break the culture of corruption in the country
Our allies and their thoughts
Recently, Obama met with Prime Minister of India, in an effort to perceive what the future actions of India considers it necessary to wage the war on terror. PM Manmohan Singh, made his thoughts clear in stating that the lack of security in Afghanistan would be a devastating blow to the international community. Gordon Brown, UK Prime Minister also believes that further action in Afghanistan is vital.
The strength of the Taliban
The Taliban has only between 20,000 and 35,000 active fighters in Afghanistan, but the group has improved their tactics over the past eight years to gain control not only in the south, but now in the west and north . The U.S. strategy to think and move faster than the enemy by preventing attacks against civilians seems to be working, but it is too early or strong enough?
What will Obama do?
Options are sending more troops to help around every area of Afghanistan, maintaining the status quo or to start bringing the troops home really the only choices? There are many who believe that eight years is long enough to try to win a war and now in Afghanistan should be left to their fate. Others want to keep doing what we are doing, standing guard. But if anyone wants to admit the truth or not, nobody wants the Taliban to gain strength and continue to dominate other areas.