In broad daylight Thursday, a Taliban attack in Afghanistan killed leaders of Kandahar Province—and could well have killed America’s top in-country commander, Gen. Austin Miller.
The violence is a screaming siren: The longest war in United States history needs a change in strategy, or reinforcements, or a decisive pullout. Staying the course is not an option. American forces entered Afghanistan right after 9/11, aiming to crush al-Qaida and break the back of the Taliban, which had sheltered the terrorist network. Al-Qaida has scattered; the Taliban, after limping, is strong again.
Donald Trump once called this war a mistake. Last summer, he halfheartedly announced that American troops would stay there with a new strategy— and no withdrawal timetable.
It’s time for another reckoning. Over to you, Mr. Commander in Chief.