Sending messages to the world that the United States is more about talk than action is a dangerous thing. Yet the administration continues to do just this. In a surprising about-face, American and Afghan forces initiated an offensive operation (Operation Khanjar) against the Taliban last week. Thus far, the operation has been “relatively successful.” I applaud the decision to fight our enemies instead of begging them to talk to us. Unfortunately, the scope of this operation is limited (Helmand province) and if the Taliban are going to be defeated, we will need more than the 4,000 we are sending to clear and hold specific areas. A US commander has already expressed that we need more Afghan troops to supplement our troops that are making up the majority of the forces taking part in the operation.

As a first step, this offensive is a good move, but we need to get serious about fighting the Taliban. We need to vastly increase the pressure on the Taliban and press on other parts of the country before the Taliban get too entrenched. The administration must make it a priority to use as much force as necessary as quickly as possible to totally defeat the Taliban. Until that time, half-measures and incomplete action will end up giving the enemy the breathing room they need to prolong this war and continue attacking American troops. Let’s pray that the administration realizes the need for swift and decisive action sooner rather than later. Let’s also pray for the safety our the brave men and women defending America from the suicidal extremists that hit us on 911 and their benefactors.

-AG