Fighting Afghan Terrorism, Without Troops

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 25 May 2014 10:32:49 -0400

If the U.S. and NATO pull all troops out, how can the international community minimize the risk of a terrorist resurgence?
Having no troops or bases in Afghanistan would limit U.S. operational flexibility in tracking and interdicting terrorist threats there. American forces now enjoy proximity, relative freedom of action and manifold intelligence, communications and transportation assets. Common sense and physics suggest that these advantages will be eroded if no American forces remain in country.
Whats your opinion?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 10:43 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 10:43:16 -0400

The Afghan people see US soldiers as occupiers, not as liberators. US should support the Afghan government by providing resources (equipment) as well as other support (advisers, training). Assisting the Afghans with medical facilities is another potential investment. US can likewise provide limited aviation support for evacuation, special operations, etc.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Jan 30 at 2015 8:33 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 08:33:28 -0500

I don't think we will ever convince the Afghan people we have their best interests at heart, partly because we have our OWN interests at heart first. We will keep the terrorist resurgence at a low boil through intel and drone strikes on leadership. From a Realpolitik perspective (what is good for my nation's security is good....everything else is secondary), we should keep bases and access in Afghanistan, even if we pull out most of our troops. Afghanistan doesn't have any resources we care about, but like real-estate...location, location, location. Look at a map. I doubt we'll leave completely before 2025.