Let's hear some practical ideas.

[rotorgun]

The one thing, it seems to me, that rings true for all of these conflicts, is that
the groups that are dubbed "terrorists" or "insurgents" have all been created by an intense disatisfaction with the policies of their countries or with their general situation. I know it appears weak to negotiate with these groups, but it could be useful to at least try and listen to their demands, and see if some kind of agreement could be reached to get them to stop their attacks. I mean we don't seem to even take them seriously. I know I didn't take Al Queda seriously until the fateful day in September 2001. After I went through my initial reaction of shock and rage, I thought who are these people? What has caused them to hate us so? Are any of their demands reasonable? Am I just being closed minded to any alternative then this endless madness that we have become party too?

I know what some may think. Is this man, a soldier of his country, out of his mind? There is no way to give in to them! I can sympathize with anyone who might feel this way, but in what way has our reacting to Al Queda's attacks been effective? In what way will Isreal's attacks on Hezbollah and Hamas solve the ongoing retaliation that never seems to end?
What does Russia gain by continuing to deny the Chechans a voice? These questions all point to the fact that the major powers fighting these insurgents and terrorist groups are only thinking one dimensionally. The root causes of these conflicts must be analyzed and a hard look must be taken to see if their is some validity to their complaints. It might even be a good idea to take a non-violent stand, as did Ghandi, Bhudda, and Jesus Christ against their foes. Trust me when I say that I believe that it is reasonable to fight one's enemies when attacked, but being willing to reason with a foe is the sign of greatness in any nation.

As for taking the "sledgehammer" approach that most nations do, it is inefficient, wasteful, and ineffective. I agree with others that good intelligence, espionage, and above all patience is the correct path to ultimate victory. Like the certain sea snake that lies on the bottom and allows its prey to take little nibbles on itself before striking, as mentioned by the character Commodus in the film Gladiator, so must we become. They will make mistakes for they are human. If we are careful, we may just catch them while they are in the process of making one.