Cannonneer: Solution is to recruit the indiginous forces from the local populace. Entice them by paying them. This allows to “hold” with a minimum of US manpower/tax dollars.

The areas being held can then be made to network with each other through various and sundry agricultural and animal husbandry projects and whatever else that can be turned up.

Then these networked groups combine to form the national government.

Means that Karzai and company are relegated to Mayor of Kabul. Their proper function. Marines did all this in VN via their CAP Teams.

Problem: Our own government, especially Foggy Bottom is instinctively opposed to
federal principles. Problem worsens with current administration and congress.

Nonetheless, the physical problem is very solvable.

PS: Gotta go now. Hot date tonight. A dynamite chick name of Chiquita.