Add Sgt. Issac Jackson of Clinton County to the roster of war’s fallen soldiers.

Salute him and his memory.

Recall that he and his comrades were dispatched to Afghanistan to assist in ousting the renegade Taliban regime in the aftermath of September 11, and to attempt to bring stability to that historically troubled region.

Mourn that he was among nine U.S. military personnel killed in action in a single day last week. Mourn deeply that he is among at least 831 members of the U.S. military who have died in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan since late 2001.

Find it in your heart to recognize that the calling to thwart global terrorism is noble and Sgt. Jackson’s service was honorable.

These are challenging times for patriots and soldiers. They rally to the call to contribute to a safer world, then become entangled in a struggle with no end in sight. To many, this sums up the state of affairs in Afghanistan.

We cannot agree with those who would simply walk away from this costly war, if for no other reason than the threats to democracy and our security remain. We do agree with the move to rethink U.S. policy and objectives in the region.

A New York Times story in recent days describes the evolving strategy as one that recognizes the limits of U.S. military might, but also holds the potential to effectively neutralize the Taliban. The Times cites sources who explain that the policy debate no longer is over whether to send more troops into Afghanistan, but how many.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal reportedly has detailed how he would deploy additional forces to secure 10 large population centers, significant agricultural regions and major transportation routes. The central aim, a source told the Times, would be to “remove the main pressure that civilians live under, which is the constant intimidation and corruption and direct threat from the insurgency.”

There is plenty in this approach to fuel debate on both sides. But most Americans will take comfort in knowing a clearer strategy with achievable objectives will be in place soon.