1.  What is the main idea of Ralph Peters' commentary?

2.  Mr. Peters states in paragraph 8:  "This is a major operation, involving over 15,000 US, British, other NATO and Afghan troops. Marjah's the main objective, but not the only one. The mission is to wrest a key opium-growing, income-producing region from the Taliban -- and keep it."
Has this commentary helped you to better understand the challenge our troops and commanders face in Afghanistan?  Explain your answer.