Soft power: military rivals State Dept. in diplomatic skills.(WASHINGTON PULSE: NEWS FROM INSIDE THE BELTWAY)

In just a few years, U.S. military leaders in Afghanistan have evolved from "Powerpoint warriors" to competent counterinsurgency operators, says Greg Mortenson, founder of the Central Asia Institute, an organization that builds schools in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. "The Defense Department is now ahead of State in building relationships," he said. Mortenson is a coauthor of "3 Cups of Tea," a bestselling book that contends that the United States must fight Islamic extremism by alleviating poverty and improving access to education.

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Mortenson expressly praised Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for his frequent trips to the Af-Pak region. On one occasion, Mullen spent two days--12 hours each day--in Afghanistan listening to local leaders. Then he did the same in Pakistan. He was scolded in both countries but listened anyway and earned the locals' respect, said Mortenson. "For the first time in history the U.S. has sent someone to go over and listen to the people" in extended sessions. That will help advance U.S. strategy, he said. "Building relationships and putting the elders in charge" is key.

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