The Iraq war may be winding down. But the battle for Afghanistan could continue until 2025.

That's the view, at least, of Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David Barno, the former head of coalition forces in Afghanistan. In testimony yesterday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Barno outlined a strategy that anticipates keeping U.S. troops there for another 16 years.

Barno's vision of the Afghanistan strategy, in brief:

2009 – Holding Operation: A surge of combat forces to protect the population during the upcoming presidential elections and to stabilize the security situation;

2010 – Counteroffensive: provide security to the population while building state institutions and mentoring the Afghan government;

2010-2015 - Consolidation: Begin selective transition ("Afghanization") of security in the north and west;

2015-2025 – Transition: continue selective transition – as security allows – and hand over control to responsible Afghan institutions.

It's unusual to hear someone discuss a long-term presence in Afghanistan with such candor. And while Barno may be out of uniform, his influence continues. For instance: his paper was prepared in collaboration with counterinsurgency guru Dave Kilcullen.

[PHOTO: U.S. Department of Defense]

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