A Broader Resolve

The uncompromising core of the Taliban and al-Qaida militants must be defeated,President Obama insisted.We will also work on a reconciliation process in every Afghan province.We will set clear markers to measure progress,and hold ourselves accountable.None of these steps will be easy;nor can they be undertaken by the U.S. alone.What's at stake is the very notion that free nations can come together for the common security.We will seek not simply troops from our allies,but a commitment to civilian action as well.We seek a broader coalition,incuding Russia,China and Central Asia.Nearly 700 Americans have died in the war,plus troops from 20 other nations.The USA did not choose to fight a war in Afghanistan.Most of the blood on al-Qaida's hands is the blood of Muslims.The road ahead will be long.We will use all the elements of our national power to defeat al-Qaida and defend our allies,Mr.Obama promised.