Security Issue Memorandum about Status Quo In Afghanistan

What, if anything, should the U.S. do in response to the resurgence of the Taliban and other militant groups against in Afghan forces? Should the U.S. decrease the number of forces and rely on the Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul to negotiate with the Taliban or eliminate the threat? Should the U.S, include the Afghanistan government in peace negotiations, and what are the risks if the U.S. negotiates with the Taliban without other international actors? Does the U.S. have a greater interest in the region due to poppy growing and the opium trade, threats to stability in Pakistan, or are there other reasons that should keep some U.S. forces in Afghanistan? What are the benefits and costs of changing tactics to confront the strengthening Taliban and militants?
First paper should be about the status quo and then the source essay about plies, an essay in which you identify your sources and provide commentary about the essay.