Lets End This War in Afghanistan

This is my opinion on how the problems with Al Qaeda can possibly be solved in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The biggest problem I see is that the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan see us Americans the same way the people of Iraq sees us, as occupiers. I know the president already knows this because of his response to Steve Kroft, when asked about how the Afghan people view us on 60 minutes last night, which happened to have aired March 22, 2009.

As long as people see us as foreign governments in their countries, they will continue to act out against us. What we need to do is find a way to withdraw.

This is my solution. The US, Afghanistan and Pakistan governments, along with Taliban leaders need to secure a ceasefire, and do some good old fashion talking. I would try this; put the word out in advance that we want to put an end to this war within the next two to three years. Let them know that we the United States will not fire a shot while negotiations are going on and we expect others to do the same. Give them a few months to get the word around. Secure a meeting place that everyone can agree on. This is to show good faith. Let them know that we all want the same thing; that’s to go home to out wives and children. Appeal to them as men, for I truly believe all men want the same things, and that’s to see our children grow up healthy and prosperous. We can’t achieve this through war.

America must change its policies when it comes to negotiations with foreign and rogue nations. We must learn to communicate with nations that harbor terrorist because not talking is going to get us the same old thing, nothing but more death. Make them understand that we are not trying to tell them how to run their governments and that we understand that democracy is not for everyone.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying we should be easy on terrorism. We cannot tolerate such behavior, but we must learn to view each other as human beings. Al Qaeda must not be able to thrive, but the only way to stamp out its tyranny is to convince the very nations that protect them that it’s wrong. There is no honor in mass murder. If this bloody war is allowed to continue there will be no winners. Find a way to convince the Afghan government that we Americans are willing to give them a chance to run their government the way they please as long as they are willing to stand against Al Qaeda. Taliban leaders must also know that they will not be allowed to go back to their old ways of religious extremism.

Stop and look back at history. Arabs and Muslims will defend what they believe until death. They don’t quit. Look at the Russian and Afghanistan war which began in 1979, where the last of the withdrawal didn’t come until February of 1989. We must ask ourselves if we want to be involved in a ten year war where there is a good chance we could come out looking like Russia. America cannot afford to loose another war.

Mr. President, if you happen to read, this I am available to come to Washington to sit down and share my views and ideas with you.