“Military activity of the sort that involves uniformed Marines and soldiers on the ground in the political vacuum that is the Afghan-Pakistan border area ends up, more often than not, being tasked solely with its own force protection, and they serve as a visible symbol of “occupation” and thus a rallying influence for Jihad.”

But that vacuum is not the only, nor the most likely situation our uniformed soldiers find themselves in. In many areas of that border, the harsh rules of the Taliban are not accepted as the way it ought nor needs to be. Pashtun (as well as Peshmergah) have found other options, and when allowed to choose rarely opt for the very conditional forms of Taliban rule. It is governing under duress, and is not the optimal form of government or social structure for that culture. Despite the harsh environment the punitive nature of the Taliban works against them in dealing with local long established custom and civil order. I places where our forces have been allowed to operate, the locals see us as a balance against the agitation caused by the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Even when the local Taliban and Al Qaeda are members of the tribe or clan.

It can get dicy due to the customs and close familial rules and ties, but it is not by any means something that cannot with good intel, good dipolomatic advice and strength evolve into a society that is advantageous to the Afghanis and us. Heck, it can even advance much of Paks causes too.