Examining U.S. strategies during the Afghanistan War | 60 Minutes Archive

60 Minutes Rewind. 60 Minutes Rewind. >> 10 years ago tonight, US special forces >> 10 years ago tonight, US special forces >> 10 years ago tonight, US special forces prepared to land in Afghanistan to prepared to land in Afghanistan to prepared to land in Afghanistan to answer the attack on America. The answer the attack on America. The answer the attack on America. The Taliban fell in just 6 weeks, and with Taliban fell in just 6 weeks, and with Taliban fell in just 6 weeks, and with that swift victory, America began a war that swift victory, America began a war that swift victory, America began a war that doesn't seem to end. In the last that doesn't seem to end. In the last that doesn't seem to end. In the last few months, US casualties have reached few months, US casualties have reached few months, US casualties have reached some of their highest levels, while some of their highest levels, while some of their highest levels, while America's relationship with a critical America's relationship with a critical America's relationship with a critical ally, Pakistan, has sunk to new lows. ally, Pakistan, has sunk to new lows. ally, Pakistan, has sunk to new lows. Why are we still in Afghanistan? What's Why are we still in Afghanistan? What's Why are we still in Afghanistan? What's the plan? No one knows the answers the plan? No one knows the answers the plan? No one knows the answers better than the two men that President better than the two men that President better than the two men that President Obama has just charged with running the Obama has just charged with running the Obama has just charged with running the war. Over the forbidding landscape of central Over the forbidding landscape of central Afghanistan, the new American Afghanistan, the new American Afghanistan, the new American ambassador, Ryan Crocker, is returning ambassador, Ryan Crocker, is returning ambassador, Ryan Crocker, is returning out of retirement to a diplomatic career out of retirement to a diplomatic career out of retirement to a diplomatic career shaped by Islamic terrorism. shaped by Islamic terrorism. shaped by Islamic terrorism. His partner, Marine Corps General John His partner, Marine Corps General John His partner, Marine Corps General John Allen, is a warrior scholar. Allen, is a warrior scholar. Allen, is a warrior scholar. Four stars, three master's degrees, a Four stars, three master's degrees, a Four stars, three master's degrees, a combat commander who was dean of combat commander who was dean of combat commander who was dean of students at the Naval Academy.

students at the Naval Academy. students at the Naval Academy. The pair arrived 3 months ago, called in The pair arrived 3 months ago, called in The pair arrived 3 months ago, called in by the president because they're the by the president because they're the by the president because they're the same team that helped end the insurgency same team that helped end the insurgency same team that helped end the insurgency in Iraq. in Iraq. in Iraq. >> What's your plan to get us out of here? >> What's your plan to get us out of here? >> What's your plan to get us out of here? >> Well, the plan is to is to win. The plan >> Well, the plan is to is to win. The plan >> Well, the plan is to is to win. The plan is to be successful. And the United is to be successful. And the United is to be successful. And the United States is going to be here for some States is going to be here for some States is going to be here for some period of time. period of time. period of time. >> That's the message General Allen wanted >> That's the message General Allen wanted >> That's the message General Allen wanted friends and enemies to hear. friends and enemies to hear. friends and enemies to hear. >> The US is scheduled to hand security >> The US is scheduled to hand security >> The US is scheduled to hand security over to Afghanistan in 2014, the 13th over to Afghanistan in 2014, the 13th over to Afghanistan in 2014, the 13th year of the war, but he told us that year of the war, but he told us that year of the war, but he told us that won't be the end of it. won't be the end of it. won't be the end of it. >> You're talking about US forces being >> You're talking about US forces being >> You're talking about US forces being here after 2014? here after 2014? here after 2014? >> Yes, there will be. >> Yes, there will be. >> Yes, there will be. >> How many? >> How many? >> How many? >> We don't know. That's That's to be >> We don't know. That's That's to be >> We don't know. That's That's to be determined. determined. determined. >> Some analysts have suggested 20, 25,000. >> Some analysts have suggested 20, 25,000. >> Some analysts have suggested 20, 25,000. Does that sound about right? Does that sound about right? Does that sound about right? >> Too early. It's too early to tell. >> Too early. It's too early to tell. >> Too early. It's too early to tell. >> Are we talking about fighting forces? >> Are we talking about fighting forces? >> Are we talking about fighting forces? >> We're talking about forces that will >> We're talking about forces that will >> We're talking about forces that will provide an advisory capacity and we may provide an advisory capacity and we may provide an advisory capacity and we may even have some form of counter-terrorist even have some form of counter-terrorist even have some form of counter-terrorist force here to continue the process of force here to continue the process of force here to continue the process of developing the Afghans counter-terrorism developing the Afghans counter-terrorism developing the Afghans counter-terrorism capabilities.

capabilities. capabilities. But if necessary respond ourselves. But if necessary respond ourselves. But if necessary respond ourselves. >> What you're saying is that the United >> What you're saying is that the United >> What you're saying is that the United States isn't leaving Afghanistan in the States isn't leaving Afghanistan in the States isn't leaving Afghanistan in the foreseeable future. foreseeable future. foreseeable future. >> Well, that's an important message. >> Well, that's an important message. >> Well, that's an important message. >> A message that might surprise people who >> A message that might surprise people who >> A message that might surprise people who remember that a third of our troops are remember that a third of our troops are remember that a third of our troops are scheduled to be withdrawn next scheduled to be withdrawn next scheduled to be withdrawn next September. And to the enemy that September. And to the enemy that September. And to the enemy that believes that they can wait, perhaps in believes that they can wait, perhaps in believes that they can wait, perhaps in Pakistan until 2014. Pakistan until 2014. Pakistan until 2014. >> It's a bad narrative. >> It's a bad narrative. >> It's a bad narrative. They're wasting their time. They're wasting their time. They're wasting their time. >> After the withdrawal in September, >> After the withdrawal in September, >> After the withdrawal in September, America will still have almost 70,000 America will still have almost 70,000 America will still have almost 70,000 troops here. troops here. troops here. So far, the war has claimed 1,800 So far, the war has claimed 1,800 So far, the war has claimed 1,800 American lives and cost half a trillion American lives and cost half a trillion American lives and cost half a trillion dollars. It runs about two billion dollars. It runs about two billion dollars. It runs about two billion dollars a week. Still, Ambassador dollars a week. Still, Ambassador dollars a week. Still, Ambassador Crocker told us there will be no rush to Crocker told us there will be no rush to Crocker told us there will be no rush to the exits. the exits. the exits. >> Is it going to be an uh-oh moment for >> Is it going to be an uh-oh moment for >> Is it going to be an uh-oh moment for the American people? the American people? the American people? >> I don't think so. >> I don't think so. >> I don't think so. >> Who are hoping that the US involvement >> Who are hoping that the US involvement >> Who are hoping that the US involvement in Afghanistan can be wrapped up? in Afghanistan can be wrapped up? in Afghanistan can be wrapped up? >> Again, I think the American people uh >> Again, I think the American people uh >> Again, I think the American people uh understand what's at stake here.

understand what's at stake here. understand what's at stake here. This is where 9/11 came from. This is where 9/11 came from. This is where 9/11 came from. >> Good morning, sir. How are you? >> Good morning, sir. How are you? >> Good morning, sir. How are you? >> No diplomat understands like Ryan >> No diplomat understands like Ryan >> No diplomat understands like Ryan Crocker. He was there at the beginning, Crocker. He was there at the beginning, Crocker. He was there at the beginning, the first time Islamic terrorists struck the first time Islamic terrorists struck the first time Islamic terrorists struck America in 1983, the US Embassy in America in 1983, the US Embassy in America in 1983, the US Embassy in Lebanon. Crocker, age 33, a junior Lebanon. Crocker, age 33, a junior Lebanon. Crocker, age 33, a junior officer, emerged from the wreckage in a officer, emerged from the wreckage in a officer, emerged from the wreckage in a blood-stained shirt. Later, he became blood-stained shirt. Later, he became blood-stained shirt. Later, he became ambassador to Lebanon and Kuwait, Syria, ambassador to Lebanon and Kuwait, Syria, ambassador to Lebanon and Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, and Iraq. Pakistan, and Iraq. Pakistan, and Iraq. >> When >> When >> When you left as ambassador of Iraq, you you left as ambassador of Iraq, you you left as ambassador of Iraq, you retired from the foreign service and you retired from the foreign service and you retired from the foreign service and you promised your wife you would never go to promised your wife you would never go to promised your wife you would never go to a war zone again. a war zone again. a war zone again. What are you doing here? What are you doing here? What are you doing here? >> When the commander-in-chief asks you to >> When the commander-in-chief asks you to >> When the commander-in-chief asks you to serve in a time of war, there is only serve in a time of war, there is only serve in a time of war, there is only one right answer. one right answer. one right answer. Um you say yes. And I believe that um Um you say yes. And I believe that um Um you say yes. And I believe that um with the right resources and the right with the right resources and the right with the right resources and the right approach, uh approach, uh approach, uh we can stabilize this country uh to the we can stabilize this country uh to the we can stabilize this country uh to the extent that there never again is a 9/11 extent that there never again is a 9/11 extent that there never again is a 9/11 that comes at us from Afghan soil. I that comes at us from Afghan soil. I that comes at us from Afghan soil. I flew into New York that morning.

flew into New York that morning. flew into New York that morning. Um Um Um >> On 9/11? >> On 9/11? >> On 9/11? >> On 9/11. I was one of the >> On 9/11. I was one of the >> On 9/11. I was one of the one of the last planes to land at one of the last planes to land at one of the last planes to land at LaGuardia. I was stuck in traffic on the LaGuardia. I was stuck in traffic on the LaGuardia. I was stuck in traffic on the Queensboro Bridge when both towers went Queensboro Bridge when both towers went Queensboro Bridge when both towers went down. I I watched it happen. down. I I watched it happen. down. I I watched it happen. >> Five weeks after it happened, US forces >> Five weeks after it happened, US forces >> Five weeks after it happened, US forces landed here with the goal of defeating landed here with the goal of defeating landed here with the goal of defeating two enemies, Al-Qaeda and the Taliban two enemies, Al-Qaeda and the Taliban two enemies, Al-Qaeda and the Taliban government that harbored the terrorists. government that harbored the terrorists. government that harbored the terrorists. The US believes that there are only The US believes that there are only The US believes that there are only about 50 Al-Qaeda left here. 50. And we about 50 Al-Qaeda left here. 50. And we about 50 Al-Qaeda left here. 50. And we were surprised by Alan's estimate of were surprised by Alan's estimate of were surprised by Alan's estimate of Taliban fighters. Taliban fighters. Taliban fighters. >> It's probably in the in the low >> It's probably in the in the low >> It's probably in the in the low thousands. thousands. thousands. >> Low thousands? >> Low thousands? >> Low thousands? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> 10,000? >> 10,000? >> 10,000? >> Uh again, low th- fewer, much fewer. >> Uh again, low th- fewer, much fewer. >> Uh again, low th- fewer, much fewer. >> The US has 98,000 troops here plus >> The US has 98,000 troops here plus >> The US has 98,000 troops here plus 40,000 from NATO. Around a third of them 40,000 from NATO. Around a third of them 40,000 from NATO. Around a third of them are combat forces and you can add to are combat forces and you can add to are combat forces and you can add to that 300,000 that 300,000 that 300,000 Afghan troops. Afghan troops. Afghan troops. Help me understand the order of battle. Help me understand the order of battle. Help me understand the order of battle. If there are 400,000 coalition troops If there are 400,000 coalition troops If there are 400,000 coalition troops and 10,000 Taliban, and 10,000 Taliban, and 10,000 Taliban, why can't we mop that up in a week?

why can't we mop that up in a week? why can't we mop that up in a week? >> Well, let's be precise now as well. The >> Well, let's be precise now as well. The >> Well, let's be precise now as well. The The ANSF, the entire ANSF has yet to The ANSF, the entire ANSF has yet to The ANSF, the entire ANSF has yet to become operationally committed, which become operationally committed, which become operationally committed, which are both the police and the army. And it are both the police and the army. And it are both the police and the army. And it requires, you know, a relatively large requires, you know, a relatively large requires, you know, a relatively large footprint in order for us to dominate footprint in order for us to dominate footprint in order for us to dominate and prevent the the Taliban fighters and prevent the the Taliban fighters and prevent the the Taliban fighters from reentering the population. from reentering the population. from reentering the population. >> So, it's not just a matter of hunting >> So, it's not just a matter of hunting >> So, it's not just a matter of hunting down these 10,000 enemy troops and down these 10,000 enemy troops and down these 10,000 enemy troops and killing them? killing them? killing them? >> It's not just a hunter-killer mission >> It's not just a hunter-killer mission >> It's not just a hunter-killer mission that our troops are on. And we do deal that our troops are on. And we do deal that our troops are on. And we do deal with the with the insurgents. And we with the with the insurgents. And we with the with the insurgents. And we deal with them uh very kinetically uh deal with them uh very kinetically uh deal with them uh very kinetically uh when when choose to fight. But they when when choose to fight. But they when when choose to fight. But they don't choose to fight on a regular don't choose to fight on a regular don't choose to fight on a regular basis. basis. basis. >> And when you say kinetic, that's war >> And when you say kinetic, that's war >> And when you say kinetic, that's war college talk for shooting them. college talk for shooting them. college talk for shooting them. >> Well, it's it's Marine talk for shooting >> Well, it's it's Marine talk for shooting >> Well, it's it's Marine talk for shooting them as as well, frankly. them as as well, frankly. them as as well, frankly. >> How can a few thousand Taliban tie up >> How can a few thousand Taliban tie up >> How can a few thousand Taliban tie up the world's strongest military? the world's strongest military? the world's strongest military? We went to find out in the home of the We went to find out in the home of the We went to find out in the home of the Taliban, Kandahar province. Taliban, Kandahar province. Taliban, Kandahar province. Here, the Third Brigade Combat Team of Here, the Third Brigade Combat Team of Here, the Third Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division is fighting the 10th Mountain Division is fighting the 10th Mountain Division is fighting its way into territory no American has its way into territory no American has its way into territory no American has occupied. The brigade came in April, led occupied. The brigade came in April, led occupied. The brigade came in April, led by Colonel Patrick Frank.

by Colonel Patrick Frank. by Colonel Patrick Frank. Your casualties so far? Your casualties so far? Your casualties so far? >> We have lost uh in Third Brigade Combat >> We have lost uh in Third Brigade Combat >> We have lost uh in Third Brigade Combat Team uh 28 soldiers. Team uh 28 soldiers. Team uh 28 soldiers. >> And how many wounded? >> And how many wounded? >> And how many wounded? >> Uh we've had over 300 soldiers wounded. >> Uh we've had over 300 soldiers wounded. >> Uh we've had over 300 soldiers wounded. >> Colonel Frank showed us how the war has >> Colonel Frank showed us how the war has >> Colonel Frank showed us how the war has changed. For starters, because of the changed. For starters, because of the changed. For starters, because of the enemy's preferred weapon, we traveled in enemy's preferred weapon, we traveled in enemy's preferred weapon, we traveled in the new mine-resistant trucks that are the new mine-resistant trucks that are the new mine-resistant trucks that are such an improvement for the troops. such an improvement for the troops. such an improvement for the troops. >> How often do you have contact with the >> How often do you have contact with the >> How often do you have contact with the enemy? enemy? enemy? >> Uh >> Uh >> Uh On a given day, On a given day, On a given day, 20 to 25 uh contacts with the enemy. 20 to 25 uh contacts with the enemy. 20 to 25 uh contacts with the enemy. >> Now, nearly all of Frank's casualties >> Now, nearly all of Frank's casualties >> Now, nearly all of Frank's casualties come from mines and roadside bombs. They come from mines and roadside bombs. They come from mines and roadside bombs. They found 52 of them in this area in just found 52 of them in this area in just found 52 of them in this area in just the last 3 weeks, and destroyed them. the last 3 weeks, and destroyed them. the last 3 weeks, and destroyed them. They're not standing and fighting you. They're not standing and fighting you. They're not standing and fighting you. >> They do not. They They know that when we >> They do not. They They know that when we >> They do not. They They know that when we are able to identify their location, are able to identify their location, are able to identify their location, they'll be met with overwhelming they'll be met with overwhelming they'll be met with overwhelming firepower. firepower. firepower. >> Overwhelming firepower took this ground. >> Overwhelming firepower took this ground. >> Overwhelming firepower took this ground. It doesn't look like much, but here, It doesn't look like much, but here, It doesn't look like much, but here, Colonel Frank gets a sparkle in his eye.

Colonel Frank gets a sparkle in his eye. Colonel Frank gets a sparkle in his eye. It's the hometown of Mullah Omar, the It's the hometown of Mullah Omar, the It's the hometown of Mullah Omar, the fugitive leader of the Taliban. fugitive leader of the Taliban. fugitive leader of the Taliban. This is the American strategy at work. This is the American strategy at work. This is the American strategy at work. Clear the enemy, Clear the enemy, Clear the enemy, hold the ground, and build roads, hold the ground, and build roads, hold the ground, and build roads, schools, markets, even this playground, schools, markets, even this playground, schools, markets, even this playground, so that Afghans will move toward their so that Afghans will move toward their so that Afghans will move toward their government. The enemy does what he can government. The enemy does what he can government. The enemy does what he can to disrupt that. And what do you got, Colonel? And what do you got, Colonel? >> Some small arms fire it appears to be >> Some small arms fire it appears to be >> Some small arms fire it appears to be from the south. from the south. from the south. >> Enemy fire forces US troops to build >> Enemy fire forces US troops to build >> Enemy fire forces US troops to build forts to hold on to what they've gained. forts to hold on to what they've gained. forts to hold on to what they've gained. This ground was captured by Captain This ground was captured by Captain This ground was captured by Captain Dennis Cole's men. This piece of ground Dennis Cole's men. This piece of ground Dennis Cole's men. This piece of ground that you're building on now cost you that you're building on now cost you that you're building on now cost you what? what? what? >> 32 American soldiers. We had 25 wounded >> 32 American soldiers. We had 25 wounded >> 32 American soldiers. We had 25 wounded and we sustained seven killed in action and we sustained seven killed in action and we sustained seven killed in action here in in the Nawa Ghazi area. here in in the Nawa Ghazi area. here in in the Nawa Ghazi area. And so And so And so the cost has been America's most the cost has been America's most the cost has been America's most precious commodity and that is the precious commodity and that is the precious commodity and that is the American soldier.

American soldier. American soldier. >> The forts provide security for >> The forts provide security for >> The forts provide security for improvements like this school built by improvements like this school built by improvements like this school built by Colonel Frank's soldiers. But on the day Colonel Frank's soldiers. But on the day Colonel Frank's soldiers. But on the day we dropped in, the children were we dropped in, the children were we dropped in, the children were teaching. The adults had run away after a Taliban The adults had run away after a Taliban warning. warning. warning. The enemy likes to tell villagers that The enemy likes to tell villagers that The enemy likes to tell villagers that the Americans will leave and the Taliban the Americans will leave and the Taliban the Americans will leave and the Taliban will come back. will come back. will come back. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> That's why Afghanistan demands so much >> That's why Afghanistan demands so much >> That's why Afghanistan demands so much in time, treasure and troops. It takes a in time, treasure and troops. It takes a in time, treasure and troops. It takes a platoon to convince a village that the platoon to convince a village that the platoon to convince a village that the school is safe and only the whisper of a school is safe and only the whisper of a school is safe and only the whisper of a threat to shut it down. threat to shut it down. threat to shut it down. And to make matters worse, the school is And to make matters worse, the school is And to make matters worse, the school is 75 miles from the border of Pakistan. 75 miles from the border of Pakistan. 75 miles from the border of Pakistan. Pakistan is supposed to be America's Pakistan is supposed to be America's Pakistan is supposed to be America's ally, but to hear General Allen tell it, ally, but to hear General Allen tell it, ally, but to hear General Allen tell it, Pakistan is a big part of the problem. Pakistan is a big part of the problem. Pakistan is a big part of the problem. >> Carry on. Have a seat, Colonel. >> Carry on. Have a seat, Colonel. >> Carry on. Have a seat, Colonel. >> Does the enemy enjoy a safe haven in >> Does the enemy enjoy a safe haven in >> Does the enemy enjoy a safe haven in Pakistan? Pakistan? Pakistan? >> Uh yes, he does.

>> Uh yes, he does. >> Uh yes, he does. >> The enemy can move back and forth across >> The enemy can move back and forth across >> The enemy can move back and forth across that border essentially at will. that border essentially at will. that border essentially at will. >> It can, yes. >> It can, yes. >> It can, yes. >> The story will continue after this. >> Pakistan not [music] only tolerates the >> Pakistan not [music] only tolerates the enemy, US officials tell us that enemy, US officials tell us that enemy, US officials tell us that Pakistani intelligence has a Pakistani intelligence has a Pakistani intelligence has a relationship with the terrorist group relationship with the terrorist group relationship with the terrorist group that is staging the most violent attacks that is staging the most violent attacks that is staging the most violent attacks today, a group called the Haqqani today, a group called the Haqqani today, a group called the Haqqani network. This was the scene in Kabul last month This was the scene in Kabul last month as fighters from the Haqqani network as fighters from the Haqqani network as fighters from the Haqqani network dramatically up the ante with a 20-hour dramatically up the ante with a 20-hour dramatically up the ante with a 20-hour attack on General Allen's headquarters attack on General Allen's headquarters attack on General Allen's headquarters and Ambassador Crocker's embassy. and Ambassador Crocker's embassy. and Ambassador Crocker's embassy. >> You're the one who was under fire. >> You're the one who was under fire. >> You're the one who was under fire. >> Yeah, it was personally. >> Yeah, it was personally. >> Yeah, it was personally. >> They were shooting at you. >> They were shooting at you. >> They were shooting at you. >> And I was pretty damn mad about it. Um >> And I was pretty damn mad about it. Um >> And I was pretty damn mad about it. Um you know, if you want to talk about you know, if you want to talk about you know, if you want to talk about hostility, an attack on an American hostility, an attack on an American hostility, an attack on an American embassy in a third country that emanates embassy in a third country that emanates embassy in a third country that emanates from uh the soil of Pakistan is about as from uh the soil of Pakistan is about as from uh the soil of Pakistan is about as hostile as you can get. hostile as you can get. hostile as you can get. >> It was just days before that attack that >> It was just days before that attack that >> It was just days before that attack that General Allen went to Pakistan to try to General Allen went to Pakistan to try to General Allen went to Pakistan to try to stop a Haqqani bomb that US intelligence stop a Haqqani bomb that US intelligence stop a Haqqani bomb that US intelligence knew was coming.

knew was coming. knew was coming. >> I understand that you had intelligence >> I understand that you had intelligence >> I understand that you had intelligence that there was a truck bomb heading from that there was a truck bomb heading from that there was a truck bomb heading from Pakistan to attack your troops. And that Pakistan to attack your troops. And that Pakistan to attack your troops. And that you personally took that information to you personally took that information to you personally took that information to the head of the Pakistani army, General the head of the Pakistani army, General the head of the Pakistani army, General Kayani. Kayani. Kayani. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And asked him to stop it. >> And asked him to stop it. >> And asked him to stop it. >> I did. I asked him for help in that >> I did. I asked him for help in that >> I did. I asked him for help in that regard. And knowing of course that there regard. And knowing of course that there regard. And knowing of course that there has been a relationship has been a relationship has been a relationship uh through the intelligence uh uh through the intelligence uh uh through the intelligence uh service with the Haqqanis. service with the Haqqanis. service with the Haqqanis. Uh I would ask anyone for help to try to Uh I would ask anyone for help to try to Uh I would ask anyone for help to try to stop that truck bomb from getting into stop that truck bomb from getting into stop that truck bomb from getting into Kabul, which is what we believed it was Kabul, which is what we believed it was Kabul, which is what we believed it was trying to do. trying to do. trying to do. >> What became of that truck? >> What became of that truck? >> What became of that truck? >> Uh it we think it ultimately exploded >> Uh it we think it ultimately exploded >> Uh it we think it ultimately exploded against the outer wall of one of our against the outer wall of one of our against the outer wall of one of our combat outposts. combat outposts. combat outposts. >> How many of your troops were injured? >> How many of your troops were injured? >> How many of your troops were injured? >> Uh 77 were wounded that day. >> Uh 77 were wounded that day. >> Uh 77 were wounded that day. >> By a truck bomb that you told the >> By a truck bomb that you told the >> By a truck bomb that you told the Pakistanis was coming. Pakistanis was coming. Pakistanis was coming. >> Uh yes, that's correct. >> Uh yes, that's correct. >> Uh yes, that's correct. >> How did you feel about that? >> How did you feel about that? >> How did you feel about that? >> Uh >> Uh >> Uh I was uh I was uh I was uh emotional over the issue. emotional over the issue. emotional over the issue. >> I brought this up to the Pakistani >> I brought this up to the Pakistani >> I brought this up to the Pakistani foreign minister the other day. She told foreign minister the other day. She told foreign minister the other day. She told me, "Well, if you knew the truck was me, "Well, if you knew the truck was me, "Well, if you knew the truck was coming, why didn't you stop it?"

coming, why didn't you stop it?" coming, why didn't you stop it?" >> We were trying to stop it. >> We were trying to stop it. >> We were trying to stop it. We we ask for help to try to stop it We we ask for help to try to stop it We we ask for help to try to stop it from those who we think might be able to from those who we think might be able to from those who we think might be able to help us. And ultimately went off against help us. And ultimately went off against help us. And ultimately went off against an American position. That's an American position. That's an American position. That's unacceptable. And again, I'll deal with unacceptable. And again, I'll deal with unacceptable. And again, I'll deal with the Haqqanis as they come across the the Haqqanis as they come across the the Haqqanis as they come across the border. If those safe havens haven't border. If those safe havens haven't border. If those safe havens haven't been closed up in 10 years, why should been closed up in 10 years, why should been closed up in 10 years, why should you have any hope that it's going to you have any hope that it's going to you have any hope that it's going to happen now? happen now? happen now? >> I think the pressure is clearly been >> I think the pressure is clearly been >> I think the pressure is clearly been ratcheted up. ratcheted up. ratcheted up. >> That's the lesson Crocker and Allen >> That's the lesson Crocker and Allen >> That's the lesson Crocker and Allen learned in putting down the insurgency learned in putting down the insurgency learned in putting down the insurgency in Iraq. Pressure the safe havens, hit in Iraq. Pressure the safe havens, hit in Iraq. Pressure the safe havens, hit them on the battlefield, but offer the them on the battlefield, but offer the them on the battlefield, but offer the enemy a way to join the government. enemy a way to join the government. enemy a way to join the government. Their experience in Iraq made us wonder Their experience in Iraq made us wonder Their experience in Iraq made us wonder what might be going on here that no one what might be going on here that no one what might be going on here that no one has heard about. has heard about. has heard about. >> Is the United States negotiating with >> Is the United States negotiating with >> Is the United States negotiating with the Taliban? the Taliban? the Taliban? >> We talk to the whole range of people. I >> We talk to the whole range of people. I >> We talk to the whole range of people. I I learned that in Iraq. I learned that in Iraq. I learned that in Iraq. >> But >> But >> But have US officials spoken directly with have US officials spoken directly with have US officials spoken directly with Taliban representatives? Taliban representatives? Taliban representatives? >> Again, we talk to the whole range of >> Again, we talk to the whole range of >> Again, we talk to the whole range of people. people. people. Anybody will talk to us and I'll let you Anybody will talk to us and I'll let you Anybody will talk to us and I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

draw your own conclusions. draw your own conclusions. >> Sounds like a yes. >> Sounds like a yes. >> Sounds like a yes. >> As I said, you can you can draw your own >> As I said, you can you can draw your own >> As I said, you can you can draw your own conclusions. conclusions. conclusions. >> The US is spending $300 million >> The US is spending $300 million >> The US is spending $300 million a day in Afghanistan. a day in Afghanistan. a day in Afghanistan. Over the last couple of years, about Over the last couple of years, about Over the last couple of years, about 250,000 250,000 250,000 teachers have been laid off back home. teachers have been laid off back home. teachers have been laid off back home. And there are a lot of folks And there are a lot of folks And there are a lot of folks who don't believe this is worth it. who don't believe this is worth it. who don't believe this is worth it. >> This is worth it. They can be proud of >> This is worth it. They can be proud of >> This is worth it. They can be proud of what we've accomplished here. They can what we've accomplished here. They can what we've accomplished here. They can be proud of what we will accomplish be proud of what we will accomplish be proud of what we will accomplish here. here. here. >> It will take vision to see what can be >> It will take vision to see what can be >> It will take vision to see what can be accomplished. America's new leadership accomplished. America's new leadership accomplished. America's new leadership in Afghanistan is faced with building a in Afghanistan is faced with building a in Afghanistan is faced with building a peaceful society among people much more peaceful society among people much more peaceful society among people much more accustomed to war.