WWGMD? That is, What Would Greg Mortensen Do? I've become an instant fan of "Three Cups of Tea" and think there might be some lessons in that example.

I think engaging the smaller tribes/communities directly might have some good outcomes with minimum investment. Heck, we could even sell it to the Muslim world as I/O showing that we care. Despite the unique nature of Afghanistan/Pakistan and it's apparent irrelevance.

Hiding behind our borders, and lashing out blindly at perceived slights to America, ala Ralph Peters, will eventually brand us the rogue elephant, that needs to be put down by the rest of the world. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but sooner or later.

Not a big fan of grand modernization/aid projects, either, as we repeatedly batter ourselves bloody against the USAID constructed canals of Nad-e Ali district in Helmand Province and the warlords who inhabit them. Unintended consequences, and all that....