What is the strategy for fighting terrorism in Afghanistan?
In Afghanistan, we are fighting terrorism as a phenomenon, not just terrorists as individuals. Large-scale, periodic military sweeps can not completely eliminate the terrorist infiltrations. Eventually, the soldiers pull back, and the terrorists crawl out of their hiding places to renew their campaign of fear and intimidation. To address this issue, President Karzai recommends a “Clear, Hold and Build Strategy” to fight terrorism more effectively. First, the countryside will be cleared of terrorists through large scale, periodic military operations. Next, a compact and highly mobile international military force will work with our national army and local government authorities to hold the area and respond to daily terrorist attacks. We will further enhance the capacity of the Afghan National Police to move in and to be permanently present in villages that have been threatened by terrorist incursions. In the long term, increased resources will allow Afghan police to be present twenty-fou
