Nearly eight years after the United States entered Afghanistan, the situation continues to be unstable, the war drags on, the central government has little power, corruption is rampant, warlords have much power, opium is a primary source of income, families live in fear for their lives, schools operate at their peril ... and nobody is sure what to do.

Many are beginning to speak of peace talks as the best option, but others believe a forceful foreign presence is still necessary to combat insurgent Taliban fighters. Of course, a positive peace - including development for the Afghan population - is another matter still.