The reason that the Taleban have become such an influence in Afghanistan can be laid
at the doorstep of US military policy. The Afghans don't want Americans in their face.
The military proponents may tell you a different story but that's pure propaganda.

It's a situation of the lesser of two evils with the Pashtuns. Who can they live with?

It's time for these tin-pot militarists to step aside and deal with the cultural aspects of
Afghanistan and Iraq. Naturally, the militarists are going to try to defend their turf. And they will do it with belligerence and not with the Afghan or the Iraqi people in mind.

The Taleban will not be a force if we can educate the Afghan people not with weaponry
or phony posturing but with showing good will to them and conveying that we (US) don't want to occupy their country. Let's see some schools, hospitals, libraries, museums, and the preservation of the country's cultural legacy being built and preserved.

Why is it that the easiest solution of bombing, killing and maiming in a country is always
employed? It never works.