WASHINGTON - The goal of the United States is to make sure that the Taliban views that the only solution is a political one and they cannot win in the battlefield, General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told lawmakers on Thursday.
“The goal is to make sure that they view that the only solution is a political solution; that they can't win on the battlefield,” Dunford told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing.
Dunford said this in response to a question from Senator Lindsay Graham. “The goal is to punish the Taliban, to get them at the table and end this thing at the negotiations. Is that correct?” he asked.
Both Dunford and the Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that they agree that a residual force is necessary in Afghanistan for a while to come, and it should be conditions-based, if the US ever leaves.
Mattis agreed with Graham that the rules of engagement changing, targeting the Taliban as part of the enemy force, is really beginning to pay dividends. (Pajhwok)