 He specifically mentions , “ Maintaining military pressure on the Taliban is key for survival of the pluralistic state in Afghanistan . Otherwise , the democratic space will shrink , and the Taliban 's bargaining power in future talks will increase further . ” He then concludes presciently , “ Some analysts have tried to paint this war as a conflict between Afghans . It isn 't . In reality , it is a war between a Pakistan @-@ supported militant group and the rest of the world . There are only two possible solutions : A Western @-@ backed Afghan government decisively defeats the Taliban , or the Taliban agree to demilitarize and join the political process . The United States , however , should understand one thing very clearly : It would be making a huge error -- and confirming the Afghan people 's worst fears -- if it picked up and left Afghanistan to the Taliban 's brutal ways . ” 
