Meeting with the Taliban

Increasing our efforts in Afghanistan military leaders want to begin small-scale talks with Taliban fighters in the hopes of causing dissention. The tactic of reaching out to low-level fighters was part of the successful strategy utilized during the "surge" in Iraq.

This was the same surge that was supported by Senator McCain & opposed by Barack Obama.

From Yahoo News --

The United States is considering taking part in talks with elements of the Taliban in a sharp change in tactics in Afghanistan, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday citing unnamed officials.

"Senior White House and military officials believe that engaging some levels of the Taliban -- while excluding top leaders -- could help reverse a pronounced downward spiral in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan," the paper said on its website.

The report said the new approach was contained in a draft recommendation in a classified White House assessment of US strategy in Afghanistan. Talks would be led by the Afghan government, "but with the active participation of the US," it said.

The final White House recommendation is expected next month after the US presidential elections, the report said. More...

With the final recommendation coming after the presidential election we can only hope Senator McCain is elected! McCain is seasoned and battle tested in handling the fragile intricacies such as this. Senator McCain will allow his military commanders the freedom to use their best judgment when crafting plans for defeating the Taliban and any other terrorist elements.

On the other hand - if Barack is elected, he will immediately handcuff our military leaders, will stifle their success and make this about himself. Barack, through his own words, would have no problem going to meet with Taliban "leaders" - thus giving their movement more credibility making them harder to defeat!