article_snippet: What can the United States do?
article_snippet: First, the Obama administration could agree to the Afghan government's request to slow American troop withdrawals.
article_snippet: This would allow the United States to assist the Afghan government to stabilize the country and contain any splintering anti-government factions.
article_snippet: Second, the United States could remain actively engaged in promoting the success of the Afghan government.
article_snippet: This means not merely maintaining existing development and economic efforts, but finding opportunities to assist the Afghan government to boost the Afghan government legitimacy.
article_snippet: For example, the United States could support emerging efforts to build a meaningful relationship between Afghanistan and the United States neighbor Pakistan, which would increase public confidence in the Afghan government's ability to protect the United States people.
article_snippet: the United States also could lend a hand advising political leaders, including the many first-time cabinet officials, on governance and public service.
article_snippet: Sowing the seeds of future success in bringing peace to Afghanistan requires no new the United States boots on the ground or extravagant financial commitments.
article_snippet: Rather, it takes a willingness to continue to engage with Afghanistan's dynamic set of political challenges in small, but meaningful ways.
highlights_snippet: Rebecca Zimmerman: the United States doesn't need more boots on ground .