Examines the policy choices the next president will face as he inherits an overstretched military, frayed alliances, and wars on two fronts. Features strategists and diplomats discussing how to correct past failures and how to shape a realistic foreign policy approach in the war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Presents on-the-ground reporting from the deadliest battlefield in the mountains of Afghanistan and follows the trail to the militant safe havens deep inside the Pakistani tribal areas.

Originally broadcast on Oct. 28, 2008 as a segment of: Frontline. Purchased for AV RIGHTS for CLASSROOM USE ; limited public performance rights included.