In a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the U.S. will encourage members of the Taliban to denounce al-Qaeda and join normal community life in Afghanistan.
The members will have to denounce al-Qaeda and violence, Clinton said, and vow to become a part of life in the community. They may be encouraged to join the Afghan security forces or other groups.
Asked by Sen. John Thune (R-SD) how they could tell if such a person was sincere, Clinton said it would be done on a case-by-case basis.
“It’s a very painstaking process,” she said.
Gates added that, because many join the Taliban because foot soldiers are paid, part of the strategy will focus on creating more economic opportunities for Afhganis.
