[katana]

I seem to recall what worked in 2001-2002 was a balanced approach of a small number of ground based operatives, sometimes on horseback, calling in B-52 strikes. Shock and awe. Then it somehow evolved into the worst of both worlds, large numbers of American regular forces and Obama’s suicidal paddy cake rules of engagement. Just because some people are still in the stone age doesn’t mean you can’t move them even further back into a state of pink antediluvian slime.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"Then it somehow evolved into the worst of both worlds, large numbers of American regular forces and Obama’s suicidal paddy cake rules of engagement."

Obama thought you could do a surge in Afghanistan the same way you could in Iraq. Apply the same COIN strategy in both places. He even hired the same General (Petraeus) to employ it. Newsflash, two different areas of the world with different sets of problems. The same strategy would not work, but Obama doesn't get it. They don't teach military strategy at Harvard law.

I think the small forces footprint strategy with large air support from bases could work. Long term, these backwards areas in the eastern provinces need education and brought into the 21st century. Heck, bringing them into the 20th century would be an improvement.