US Must "Soldier On" in Afghanistan
Editorial, Times of India | October 21, 2009
The early victory, coupled with key mistakes and the over use of air support at the start of the conflict has led to the present, dire security situation. ++ The “pacification of a country needs boots on the ground [and] the tiny US military footprint bred a long-term disaster.” ++ The immense airpower used by ISAF forces has alienated the Afghan population leaving them hostile toward the small force on the ground. ++ “If the Americans are serious...they will need to commit enhanced resources and stay the course for at least one to two decades.”
