Is it true the conflict in Afghanistan cannot be won with the military only? We, the U.S. need to better the lives of the locals as well, economically. If you were to Google small windmill powered pumps, you will get a list of hundreds of companies that sell these items. Many tribes of Afghanistan live in remote areas of that country. To bring power to these remote areas is a challenge. If we were to bring small windmill powered generators and pumps, this would better the lives of the locals.
       Pumps could help irrigate farms, bring drinking water and haul away waste, for example. Today, there are many contests among universities for student to invent the best solar powered homes and create better windmills, among other things. Some are looking at windmills that look like egg beaters, for power. It utilizes optimal physics for power generating in its unique design. Perhaps this may be the way of the future for optimal windmill design. Some are looking at algae as input for energy. Human waste could also be used as input for energy as well.
       We, the U.S., should continue these contests among college students. So they can develop the best alternative energy products to be used in remote areas of Afghanistan and other areas of the world. After inventing the best alternative power products, the next challenges will be to mass produce these products and deliver them to market.
      Bill Gates made a speech in Des Moines the other day. He mentioned the best way to combat world poverty is to teach people how to farm. We must also teach farmers how to bring their agricultural products to market. Recent studies have shown; it is more economical to grow food close to where people live. Than it is to have mass farms else where to grow the food. Since many parts of the world do not have developed roads and bridges.
      The final challenge is to mass-produce alternative energy products and pumps. Then deliver these products to market. Perhaps the best way may be to create new manufacturing plants as close as possible to where people live and farm. Then air lift these products unassembled to people. Then assemble these items at the final locations. 
      With enough “thinking outside of the box.” We can defeat poverty within Afghanistan and also around the world with the additional use of alternative energy.