Rethink the war in Afghanistan

Comments on Paul Kelly “PM must think like a war leader or quit field”, 22/07/2009, http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25816658-12250,00.html

It is important win the war in Afghanistan, but it is even more important to think about and formulate the best strategies to win it.

The experience of the war so far seems to suggest that the war strategies have not been successful, or even the right ones. Obama and other world leaders must reflect on that and rethink their approaches.

It seems that the focus of the war there needs to change. Rather than fighting the Taliban as a whole, it is better to fight the real core of terrorists within that group. It is likely that not all Taliban fighters are terrorists. They may have a religious belief that is different or a bit more radical than others, as long as they don’t engage in terrorism, they should be allowed to have their belief.

Further, it may need to be carefully considered if it would be better to even accept a conditional peace with the Taliban fighters to end terrorism.

There is a need for fresh thinking in the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan. World leaders must show leaderships.