James B. Cunningham: “This strategy for peace correctly aligned three elements for getting the Taliban to genuine negotiations...”

We are in a long-term competition with China over influence in the world.

An agreement which fails in fact to open the way to peace for Afghanistan will be a defeat for U.S. leadership and values.

An orderly and legitimate political transition through Presidential elections in 2014 is key to future Afghan stability.

I would--I would think it is important to get to a cease-fire as quickly as possible, particularly given the ongoing campaign against Afghan civilians being waged by the Taliban.