Dear Mr. President,
We believe, that after eight years of war, we need a whole new approach in
Afghanistan.

We speak not as military or political strategists, but as citizens seeking to
faithfully apply our moral values to this most crucial issue. We want first of
all to commend you for taking the time to make a careful and considered
decision on this important matter that will affect the lives of so many.
We feel deeply about the ethical and moral issues at stake in our future policy
in Afghanistan - legitimately protecting Americans from further terrorism,
protecting the lives of our men and women in uniform, protecting the Afghan
people from the collateral damage of war, defending women from the Taliban, and
genuinely supporting democracy - to name a few.
But we also lament the suffering, violence, and death on both sides of the
conflict and recognize that war can never bring about the peace we strive to
build in this world.
We are concerned that the discussion in Washington, D.C., is far too narrow. We
respectfully and prayerfully suggest that you pursue a strategy built on a
humanitarian and development surge.
Massive humanitarian assistance and sustainable development can rebuild a
broken nation, inspire confidence, trust, and hope among its people, and
undermine the appeal of terrorism. And it costs less - far less - than
continued war.
Lead with economic development, starting in areas that are secure, and grow from
there - providing only the security necessary to protect the strategic
rebuilding of the country. Do not make aid and development another weapon of
war by tying it so closely to the military; rather, provide the security needed
for development work to succeed. This kind of peacekeeping security might
better attract the international involvement we so desperately need, both from
Europe and Arab and Muslim countries.
Pursue political and diplomatic solutions by promoting stable governance in
Afghanistan and Pakistan; seeking political integration of those elements of
the Taliban that are willing to cooperate; engaging with the United Nations and
regional states to stabilize the region and promote economic development; and
investing in international policing to prevent the spread of extremists and the
use of terror.
We humbly suggest you host a meeting with the heads of the leading,
well-established international development agencies in Afghanistan, who are
trusted by the people of the country and have many indigenous employees. These
organizations can share what kind of security they would need for the
development that is most needed. Equally important, meet with members of Afghan
civil society for their perspective as well. This input is crucial to your decision
on Afghanistan.
Finally, it is time for a vigorous, public, and ongoing conversation between
the government and the faith community about the moral and ethical implications
of our policy decisions. Our counterterrorist missiles and unmanned drones may
cost less in American lives and treasure, but they have very significant
political and moral costs. The collateral damage of our technological war is
great, resulting in many civilian deaths - further alienating the populace and,
inadvertently, producing more recruits for terrorism.
Mr. President, we urge you to take the approach of effective humanitarian aid
and development and genuine engagement with the moral issues that confront us
in Afghanistan. As always, you are in our prayers as you seek the right
decisions to these most difficult questions and choices.