Clinton said the United States and its NATO allies in Afghanistan are simultaneously pursuing "three surges" aimed at ending the nearly decade-old conflict. The military offensive will be supported by civilian efforts to bolster Afghanistan's government and an "intensified diplomatic push," she said.  "As the military surge weakens the insurgents and pressures them to consider alternatives to armed resistance, the civilian surge creates economic and social incentives for participating in peaceful society," Clinton said.  Also being launched, she said, is a "diplomatic surge to move this conflict toward a political outcome that shatters the alliance between the Taliban and al Qaeda, ends the insurgency and helps produce a stable Afghanistan and a peaceful region."  "That would leave al Qaeda alone and on the run," she said.  Although the reconciliation process must be Afghan-led, Clinton said, it will draw in other countries in the region and the international community.  Such efforts could build upon President Karzai's plans for reconciliation, including the Peace Jirga in June and the High Peace Council which is holding meetings throughout the country. The process, she said, must be accepted by "all of Afghanistan's major ethnic and political blocs" and must include women.  She said that in order to join reconciliation efforts, the Taliban must renounce violence, abandon their alliance with al-Qaeda, and abide by the constitution of Afghanistan.  "If former militants are willing to meet these red lines, they would then be able to participate in the political life of the country under the constitution," she said.  She acknowledged that the success of reconciliation efforts depends on the participation of Pakistan, which she said plays a "pivotal role."
Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan will be unable to withstand mounting U.S. pressure and their only option will be to break with al Qaeda and join a peaceful dialogue on the country's future, U.S....