After all these years and the Taliban is still THE major force within Afghanistan. Why is that?
Remember, even inside the old USSR and inside Modern China, still religion has a foothold. The Taliban in Afghanistan is their state church. You can't stomp it out unless you kill everyone.
Many Republicans believe (they believe so many odd and strange things) that the Taliban was part of the WTC Terrorist attack because they wouldn't give up al Qaeda. But we now know in their culture, you can't "turn over" an honored guest once you have accepted them into your home. And remember, al Qaeda fought with the Taliban against Soviet Incursion. They were most certainly "honored guests".
Republicans, even if they cared, don't understand this. Remember, John McCain didn't even know the difference between Sunni and Shiite. Add in the Republicans complete lack of understanding in this country of anyone other than a white conservative and you have a recipe for disaster.
Obama is going to have to cut a deal with the Taliban. There is not a shred of evidence that the Taliban had a hand in 9/11. Considering where all the bombers came from, the US is probably looking in the wrong country.
Hopefully, Obama will be re-elected. We need a president who will get this country out of Afghanistan and you know that no Republican will do that. Republicans see foreign wars as highly profitable ways to make lots of money. And we only lose a few poor kids so it's a "Win-Win". Money to people already rich versus the cost of the lives of a few poor kids. Eliminate abortion laws and they can be replaced easily enough.
We will be stuck there until after the presidential elections because Republicans will never, ever allow peace between the US and the Taliban. They would say Obama is friends with terrorists and that's the proof.
Remember, the generals told us Gitmo was a "recruiting tool" for al Qaeda. Republicans say that if you close Gitmo you will have to release terrorists onto the streets and into backyards as if they never heard of "maximum security prisons" before. So sick of this "willful ignorance".
Republicans know this and fought to keep it open even though it threatens the lives of young patriotic American soldiers. They don't care. It's all about getting the black guy out of the WHITE House. If they can't control the country, they will see it destroyed. Like a dog guarding a pile of hay, their natural instinct is to keep others from using it even when they have no use for it.
Have to Negotiate with them? why? Who in their Right mind actually thinks they will abide by any Agreement we may come to?
Look you left wing loons, and Isolationist Paul Supporters. Listen up. If our Intent is to keep the Taliban from Ever Coming Back to Power, then Getting out, and Negotiating is not an Option. The Moment we Leave that Country, Any Agreement we come to with the Taliban will be broken as fast as you can say Allah Akbar.
So if you are intent on this course, lets not waste the time of pretending to have Negotiations, and a peace treaty. Only to be made to look like fools when the Taliban Violates the Treaty and Again attempts to take over Afghanistan once we leave.
I am Tired of trying to convince people of the Necessity of some Wars, so if I am to Resign myself to the Idea that were getting out of Afghanistan before the Job is Done, lets please at least not have the added insult of a Broken Peace Treaty. Just get out, Don't agree to anything with the Taliban, equip the Afghans as best possible to defend themselves, and then when the Taliban Attacks again at least we wont look like fools for Falling for a Bogus Deal with them.