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Even as General David Petraeus gears up for his role as commander of the US Central Command, he will view his assignment in Afghanistan as the most testing. Petraeus's profile includes Iraq, Iran, Syria and Afghanistan, but subduing insurgency in the latter state will be the most difficult. At least this is what Britain's commander in Afghanistan, Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, believes, viewing the situation as idealistic but currently unrealistic.
The social and political equations in Afghanistan and the tribal regions of Pakistan make for a completely different scenario. This is being exploited by the Taliban and Al Qaida. Conversely, it also blunts the efforts of the military. The dual assignment of reversing the violence in the south and around the capital Kabul and stemming the infiltration of Taliban and Al Qaida forces from the tribal regions of Pakistan will also be draining.
"Win the people and you will win the fight" seems to be the common refrain. Perhaps the answer lies in establishing social, economic and political inter-dependance with the natives of these affected areas. This will counteract the gameplan of the Taliban and Al Qaida whose authority and control in these areas is spreading rapidly.
Disillusioned with the efforts of the military so far, the people in these belts are also forming their own private armies but, unless managed prudently, this could one day get out of control, giving way to individual power struggles. Much is also at stake in terms of funding from the illegal poppy trade, which buys both the militants and the citizens arms for the bigger struggle ahead. This option too needs to be eliminated.
Finally, the fear of the Taliban must be replaced with the will and actions of the common man. And this will be the biggest struggle of all.
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