U.S., Afghanistan and Pakistan
The U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force has no doubt made some progress militarily in Afghanistan, but the Taliban are still strong in the sanctuaries in Pakistan. The war will not turn with U.S. intermittent attacks on militants in Pakistan.
There is a need to be examining how the Taliban view the American-led counterinsurgency-focused strategy and how they are working in Pakistan.
First and foremost is the announcement that the U.S. will start withdrawal in July 2011. The Afghan Taliban must view the U.S. as an interloper who has proven time and time again they will never be in a fight for the long haul.
It started with Vietnam where the U.S. abandoned a long time ally and left over 50, 000 U.S. dead with nothing to show for it.
Then there is Lebanon, Somalia and the 1st Gulf War.