to develop a stable Afghan government supported by a powerful Afghan army, capable by itself of crushing any attempted move by re-emerging and regrouping Taliban/Al Queda types. It would be great to have a perfectly democratic Afghan government but that ain't exactly the top priority right now. Let the Afghans get together, and with some international help, put in place the best (non-terrorist) government they can muster for the moment, and work on improving it over time.

As long as it's well understood by all parties in Afghanistan that anybody supplying aid and comfort to terrorists at war with the USA will be immediately blasted mercilessly to Hell...

It's best for the United States to be loved and admired.

But if we can't be loved, it's best that we be respected.

And if we can't be respected, then we'd better be feared.