Military action won't end insurgency, growing number of U.S. officers believe

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Mr. Allen,
I can see in the wire services reports that the Army is
already trying to cultivate and nurture those Iraqi troops
who show valor and leadership under fire. This process
takes time. You cannot make a schedule for detecting
heroes, brave warriors, and leaders in battle. And there is
another problem. How do you protect the best fighters
from Sunni assassins when they are off duty ? The very best
Afghan general was killed by an Al Qaida fake photographer
using a fake camera.

We are going to be in Iraq for a long, long time. The Iraqis have
what it takes to beat the antidemocratic forces in the long run.
The bigger problem will soon be in Afghanistan. Our mistake
has been to Americanize their war when it should be basically
a European initiative. It is axiomatic that whatever regime
controls the capital will not be able to control the countryside
without foreign military assistance. Afghanistan should be a test of
European unity and European resolve.
David H
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