During his stint as the lead Commander of US forces in the country, Eikenberry was one of the first to highlight the growing challenge being brought to the counter by a resurgent Taliban and has had strong words to say about the importance of tackling Al Qaeda elements inside of Pakistan, which of course is in accord with Obama’s statements. Eikenberry’s current position as a NATO deputy chairman could also prove useful in negotiations for more European support for the stabilization of the state, emphasis on ‘could’.
It would be wrong to not end this post with an acknowledgement of the fine work done by current US Ambassador William Wood, who has now served in a very difficult position admirably for two years. Here is a recent Q & A with the Ambassador.