WITH the toll of US casualties in Afghanistan peaking at 132 dead this year, the Obama Administration's growing concerns are understandable. A policy reassessment is currently underway in Washington with an aim to bring down casualties, eliminate Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, declare victory and bring US troops back home. The sentiment is fine, provided it does not lead to any f the quick fixes that have often added to the problems instead of resolving them. The contours of the policy advocated in a document, avowedly prepared by the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicate there are chances of the US again landing up in a cul de sac. The President, however, is yet to receive more feedback, particularly from CENTCOM Chief Gen David Petraeus, who emphasized during his confirmation hearing last year the need for "comprehensive efforts and solutions" in the region. Hopefully, these would lead to a more realistic approach than indicated in the Pentagon report. The report is an outstanding example of taking the complex issue of terrorism out of its socioeconomic context and treating it through military means alone. After seven years of havoc wrought by the US and allied forces in Afghanistan, particularly in its Pukhtun areas, the report advises the Administration to wash its hands of the promises of nation-building, economic uplift and a democratic polity, as being too broad and ambitious. It suggests instead total concentration on military action. The report thus ignores all the discussion that has gone on over nearly a decade regarding the need to deal with the root causes that promote extremism and provide a breeding ground for terrorism. It narrows down the focus of US policies on terrorism to targeting Taliban and Al-Qaeda sanctuaries in Pakistan. Earlier Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm Mike Mullen had expressed similar views before Congress, also emphasizing that the root of the problem lies in the militant havens inside Pakistan's tribal areas. Unless sanity prevails in Washington, an increased reliance on force alone will lead to devastating consequences in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are required to bear the brunt of the War on Terror. It is the moral responsibility of the US to build Afghanistan which they have destroyed twice, first during their proxy war against the former Soviet Union to avenge the Vietnam defeat and then during their war against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Leaving it as it is, as they did earlier, would be extremely harmful. The conclusions of the report would be unwelcome in Pakistan also, which is already protesting against the drone attacks. The best way for Washington is to provide the Pakistan Army the high-tech weaponry it badly needs, and let it deal with the terrorists. Further, it has to fulfil promises regarding the development of the tribal areas, including the establishment of the ROZs.