Reverse Obama’s bellicose campaign rhetoric about Afghanistan and signalWashington’s intention to eventually disengage. Afghanistan is a quagmire. Askthe British or the Russians. Most of America’s allies want out. Washingtoncannot expect more European troops to back up the GIs in Afghanistan. Sochallenge the Europeans and the Japanese to put their money where their mouthsare and boost their economic redevelopment assistance. Spend some of thebillions Washington will save drawing down forces in Iraq to provide education,health care and job opportunities for Afghanis. Publically warn Afghan PresidentHamid Karzai that America’s withdrawal timetable depends on his crackdown oncorruption. The more honestly and effectively he spends economic developmentassistance, the longer Americans will stay. And make it clear that Afghanisovereignty will not get in the way of the United States defending itself.Washington will strike back from the air and with special forces’ operationsif terrorist training camps reemerge in Afghanistan. Richard Holbrooke,Obama’s new special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, is a blunt-spokenrealist who can deliver this message loud and clear.
Focus on Pakistan as the long-term threat to regional stability because ofIslamabad’s inability to control its own territory, Pakistan’s nucleararsenal and the ever-present danger of war between Pakistan and India. Offer a90-day pause in US drone bombing of suspected terrorists living on Pakistaniterritory, which is alienating Pakistani public opinion, in return formeaningful Pakistani military action against terrorist operations. Challenge theEuropeans, Japanese and Chinese to counter the fundamentalists’ appeal bybuilding schools, clinics and factories to afford Pakistanis a better life. Andrestrain New Delhi. Whatever the provocation, war will only make conditions inPakistan worse. Pressure Islamabad to turn over suspected terrorists to Indianauthorities and launch back-channel efforts to reduce tensions in Kashmir.