I have argued on this board that a decisive victory of our foot soldiers against theirs will hasten the end of this conflict.

I have read numerous references to honor among the Afghans. They perceive our bombing as cowardly and will not capitulate until we have met them and bested them on their perception of a field of honor,

In the old south there was a similar code of honor where disputes were settled by the willingness of two individuals to exchange fire. Regardless of who won the exchange both parties left the field exonerated. While many died or were wounded on the field of honor, it was not unusual for both rounds to be fire into the air. The willingness to make the appearance satisfied the honor of both parties.