http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102603394.html?hpid=topnews
The article at this URL is very good and should cause everyone to wonder as this this former Marine officer and State Department Foreign Service Officer does about what are we up to in Afghanistan. I appreciate that President Obama is not doing the "Ready, Aim, Fire" that the Bush administration did and which former (I stress FORMER) Vice President Cheney wants President Obama to repeat, but I cannot help but think we have find ourself in a bottomless pit. Historically, many empires have been defeated in Afghanistan. As this article points out, many of the local tribes DON'T want us there and thus have joined with the Taliban and al Qaeda to fight us.
While no one wants to lose, I think we must ask ourselves how many young men and women and many resources are we going to waste before we decide we have had enough. We have not yet figured out that we are the enemy to many Afghanis. As Pogo said many years ago, "W have met the enemy and he is us." Our problem is that our leaders are not as smart as this comic strip character.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
America and Afghanistan--A Different View
This article points you to a very excellent paper by Gilles Dorronboro of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. I highly recommend you click on the CEIP link and read his article. It is long but may help to explain why we are having problems and why the Pakistan Army is having trouble with their latest efforts. (Not to detract from the CEIP article, but if you want to see what is happening with the latest Pakistani effort against the Taliban, go here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/77472.html )
We have way underestimated the Taliban and their abilities and determination. They ain't a bunch of "ragheads" or "Hadjies" (today's replacement for Gook and other disparaging remarks for indigenous folks). The Taliban is ruthless and has killed many tribal leaders in order to gain control of much of Afghanistan. It is no wonder that locals don't want to oppose them. They know we will leave eventually, but the Taliban will still be around and will return to seek their revenge.
BTW "Hadji" is an honorific used to address someone who has made the Hadj to Mecca.
Think Tank Nation — America and Afghanistan
1 Reviews
2009/10/16 00:00:00
By Dr. Alan L. Gropman
Review of U.S. strategy for Afghanistan is all over the news and very much on President Obama’s mind. U.S. counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts and operations are currently widely debated. A relevant essay by Gilles Dorronsoro, “The Taliban's Winning Strategy in Afghanistan,” is available from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), complete with a highly useful bibliography. The CEIP, arguably the most venerable think tank in the world, has influenced public policy for a year short of a century. Visit http://www.ceip.org/ and click on publications to call up Dorronsoro’s essay. (His well-informed views on this critical issue also can be found in a short essay in the most recent The National Interest titled “Afghanization” which also is well worth the MOAA reader’s time.) Dorronsoro writes: “A misunderstanding of the insurgency [in Afghanistan] is at the heart of the difficulties facing the international coalition in Afghanistan. The Taliban are often described as an umbrella movement comprising loosely connected groups that are essentially local and unorganized. On the contrary, this report … reveals a resilient adversary, engaged in strategic planning and coordinated action.” Dorronsoro further advises: “The Taliban are a revolutionary movement, deeply opposed to the Afghan tribal system and focused on the rebuilding of the Islamic Emirate. Their propaganda and intelligence are efficient, and the local autonomy of their commanders in the field allow them both flexibility and cohesion. They have made clever use of ethnic tensions, the rejection of foreign forces by the Afghan people, and the lack of local administration to gain support in the population. … [T]he Taliban have achieved their objectives in the South and East of the country, isolating the Coalition, marginalizing the local Afghan administration, and establishing a parallel administration (mainly to dispense Sharia justice and collect taxes).” In other words, Dorrononsoro tells Americans we are losing in this graveyard of empires in large part because we have flunked Sun Tzu’s critical requirement of understanding our adversary and have not taken the Taliban “seriously.” Dorronsoro emphasizes: The Taliban “are often characterized as ‘backward,’ ‘medieval,’ and ‘reactionary,’ and as an association of loosely organized groups. The insurgency is perceived as a local problem to be solved locally; the national and dynamic dimension of the struggle is not taken into account. In fact, the Taliban are quite capable of strategic planning and coordinated action. This means that they will adapt to and counter any moves by the International Coalition [IC]. On-the-ground observations and reliable evidence suggest … the Taliban have an efficient leadership, are learning from their mistakes, and are quick to exploit the weaknesses of their adversaries. They are building a parallel administration, have nationwide logistics, and already manage an impressive intelligence network. Based on the analysis of the insurgency, I argue that the Taliban organization and goals call for a different IC strategy.” The author, therefore, advises us to “know our enemy” and also makes several cogent suggestions such as: “Stop focusing on the local leadership of the Taliban in Afghanistan and focus more on the central command in Quetta while pressuring Pakistan directly to take action there. … Focus new resources in places where the Taliban are still relatively weak: around Kabul and in the North to counter their strategy of geographical and ethnic extension of the war. … The current strategy of focusing the reinforcements in two provinces (Helmand and Kandahar) is risky. The lack of Afghan institutions condemns the IC forces to stay there indefinitely to prevent the return of the Taliban, especially since the Pakistani sanctuary enables them to conduct hit-and-run operations. In addition, the insurgency could rapidly redirect its resources to the North. Finally, more reinforcements will be needed in 2010 if this ‘clean and hold’ strategy is to be expanded to other provinces.” Dorronsoro ends this way: “NATO mistakenly views the insurgency as a local or regional phenomenon and has organized its forces accordingly, thereby failing to develop an integrated, coherent national response. The current offensive in Helmand, with its very local focus, is the latest example of this misguided strategy.” All good advice!
About the author: Dr. Alan Gropman teaches a course at the National Defense University called Public Policy Formulation: Think Tanks. He is a Life Member of MOAA and served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force. His ideas are his own.
Copyright Alan Gropman and Military Officers Association of America. All rights reserved.
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Captain Harris
10/21/2009 7:25:38 AM
This is an excellent article. Dorronsoro's article is riveting and is a must read. It will help explain our problems as well as the news today that the Pakistan army is not doing well in their battle--see McClatchy news today here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/77472.html
We have way underestimated the Taliban and their abilities and determination. They ain't a bunch of "ragheads" or "Hadjies" (today's replacement for Gook and other disparaging remarks for indigenous folks). The Taliban is ruthless and has killed many tribal leaders in order to gain control of much of Afghanistan. It is no wonder that locals don't want to oppose them. They know we will leave eventually, but the Taliban will still be around and will return to seek their revenge.
BTW "Hadji" is an honorific used to address someone who has made the Hadj to Mecca.
Think Tank Nation — America and Afghanistan
1 Reviews
2009/10/16 00:00:00
By Dr. Alan L. Gropman
Review of U.S. strategy for Afghanistan is all over the news and very much on President Obama’s mind. U.S. counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts and operations are currently widely debated. A relevant essay by Gilles Dorronsoro, “The Taliban's Winning Strategy in Afghanistan,” is available from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), complete with a highly useful bibliography. The CEIP, arguably the most venerable think tank in the world, has influenced public policy for a year short of a century. Visit http://www.ceip.org/ and click on publications to call up Dorronsoro’s essay. (His well-informed views on this critical issue also can be found in a short essay in the most recent The National Interest titled “Afghanization” which also is well worth the MOAA reader’s time.) Dorronsoro writes: “A misunderstanding of the insurgency [in Afghanistan] is at the heart of the difficulties facing the international coalition in Afghanistan. The Taliban are often described as an umbrella movement comprising loosely connected groups that are essentially local and unorganized. On the contrary, this report … reveals a resilient adversary, engaged in strategic planning and coordinated action.” Dorronsoro further advises: “The Taliban are a revolutionary movement, deeply opposed to the Afghan tribal system and focused on the rebuilding of the Islamic Emirate. Their propaganda and intelligence are efficient, and the local autonomy of their commanders in the field allow them both flexibility and cohesion. They have made clever use of ethnic tensions, the rejection of foreign forces by the Afghan people, and the lack of local administration to gain support in the population. … [T]he Taliban have achieved their objectives in the South and East of the country, isolating the Coalition, marginalizing the local Afghan administration, and establishing a parallel administration (mainly to dispense Sharia justice and collect taxes).” In other words, Dorrononsoro tells Americans we are losing in this graveyard of empires in large part because we have flunked Sun Tzu’s critical requirement of understanding our adversary and have not taken the Taliban “seriously.” Dorronsoro emphasizes: The Taliban “are often characterized as ‘backward,’ ‘medieval,’ and ‘reactionary,’ and as an association of loosely organized groups. The insurgency is perceived as a local problem to be solved locally; the national and dynamic dimension of the struggle is not taken into account. In fact, the Taliban are quite capable of strategic planning and coordinated action. This means that they will adapt to and counter any moves by the International Coalition [IC]. On-the-ground observations and reliable evidence suggest … the Taliban have an efficient leadership, are learning from their mistakes, and are quick to exploit the weaknesses of their adversaries. They are building a parallel administration, have nationwide logistics, and already manage an impressive intelligence network. Based on the analysis of the insurgency, I argue that the Taliban organization and goals call for a different IC strategy.” The author, therefore, advises us to “know our enemy” and also makes several cogent suggestions such as: “Stop focusing on the local leadership of the Taliban in Afghanistan and focus more on the central command in Quetta while pressuring Pakistan directly to take action there. … Focus new resources in places where the Taliban are still relatively weak: around Kabul and in the North to counter their strategy of geographical and ethnic extension of the war. … The current strategy of focusing the reinforcements in two provinces (Helmand and Kandahar) is risky. The lack of Afghan institutions condemns the IC forces to stay there indefinitely to prevent the return of the Taliban, especially since the Pakistani sanctuary enables them to conduct hit-and-run operations. In addition, the insurgency could rapidly redirect its resources to the North. Finally, more reinforcements will be needed in 2010 if this ‘clean and hold’ strategy is to be expanded to other provinces.” Dorronsoro ends this way: “NATO mistakenly views the insurgency as a local or regional phenomenon and has organized its forces accordingly, thereby failing to develop an integrated, coherent national response. The current offensive in Helmand, with its very local focus, is the latest example of this misguided strategy.” All good advice!
About the author: Dr. Alan Gropman teaches a course at the National Defense University called Public Policy Formulation: Think Tanks. He is a Life Member of MOAA and served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force. His ideas are his own.
Copyright Alan Gropman and Military Officers Association of America. All rights reserved.
Rate This Item:
Reviews
Page: «First 1
Captain Harris
10/21/2009 7:25:38 AM
This is an excellent article. Dorronsoro's article is riveting and is a must read. It will help explain our problems as well as the news today that the Pakistan army is not doing well in their battle--see McClatchy news today here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/77472.html
40 Years Ago...
It is good to know that bravery does get recognized, even if it is a few years late!
Almost 40 years late, unit honored for bloody Vietnam battle
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to the White House. And welcome to a moment nearly 40 years in the making.
Last month, I was privileged to present the parents of an American soldier, Sergeant First Class Jared Monti, with our nation's highest decoration for valor — the Medal of Honor. Today, we celebrate the awarding of our nation's highest honor for a military unit — the Presidential Unit Citation.
The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for "gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions." Since its creation during the Second World War, it has only been bestowed about 100 times.
Today, another unit assumes its rightful place in these ranks — Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry, the legendary Blackhorse Regiment.
To mark this occasion we're joined by Congressman — and Vietnam veteran — Leonard Boswell; Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jim "Hoss" Cartwright; John McHugh, our Army Secretary; and Vice Chief of Staff Peter Chiarelli; from Fort Irwin, California, leaders of today's 11th Armored Cavalry — Colonel Paul Laughlin and Command Sergeant Major Martin Wilcox; and most of all, the men of Alpha Troop — those behind me and some 100 here today.
Now, these men might be a little bit older, a little bit grayer. But make no mistake — these soldiers define the meaning of bravery and heroism.
It was March 1970, deep in the jungles of Vietnam. And through the static and crackle of their radios Alpha Troop heard that another unit was in trouble. Charlie Company, from the 1st Calvary Division, had stumbled upon a massive underground bunker of North Vietnamese troops. A hundred Americans were facing some 400 enemy fighters. Outnumbered and outgunned, Charlie Company was at risk of being overrun.
That's when Alpha Troop's captain gave the order: "Saddle up and move out."
As these men will tell you themselves, this isn't the story of a battle that changed the course of a war. It never had a name, like Tet or Hue or Khe Sanh. It never made the papers back home. But like countless battles, known and unknown, it is a proud chapter in the story of the American soldier.
It's the story of men who came together, from every corner of America, of different colors and creeds. Some young — just 18, 19 years old, and just weeks in the jungle; some older — veterans hardened by the ugliness of war. Noncommissioned officers who held the unit together and the officers assigned to lead them.
It's the story of how this team of some 200 men set out to save their fellow Americans. With no roads to speak of, they plowed their tanks and armored vehicles through the thick jungle, smashing a path through bamboo and underbrush, mile after mile, risking ambush and landmines every step of the way, and finally emerging from the jungle to the rescue — what one member of Charlie Company called "a miracle."
It's a story of resolve. For Alpha Troop could have simply evacuated their comrades and left that enemy bunker for another day — to ambush another American unit. But as their captain said, "That's not what the 11th Cavalry does."
And so, ultimately, this is a story of what soldiers do — not only for their country, but for each other: the troopers who put themselves in the line of fire, using their tanks and vehicles to shield those trapped Americans; the loaders who kept the ammunition coming, and the gunners who never let up; and when one of those gunners went down, the soldier who jumped up to take his place.
It's about the men who rushed out to drag their wounded buddies to safety; the medics who raced to save so many; the injured who kept fighting hour after hour. And finally, with dark falling, as the convoy made the daring escape back through the jungle, these soldiers remained vigilant, protecting the wounded who lay at their feet.
The fog of war makes a full accounting impossible. But this much we know. Among the many casualties that day, some 20 members of Alpha Troop were wounded. And at least two made the ultimate sacrifice — their names now among the many etched in that black granite wall not far from here. But because of that service, that sacrifice, Alpha Troop completed its mission. It rescued Charlie Company. It saved those 100 American soldiers, some of who join us today. And those soldiers went on to have families — children and grandchildren who also owe their lives to Alpha Troop.
Now, some may wonder: After all these years, why honor this heroism now? The answer is simple. Because we must. Because we have a sacred obligation. As a nation, we have an obligation to this troop. Their actions that day went largely unnoticed — for decades — until their old captain, John Poindexter, realized that their service had been overlooked. He felt that he had a right to wrong. And so he spent years tracking down his troopers and gathering their stories, filing reports, fighting for the Silver Stars and Bronze Stars they deserved and bringing us to this day.
Thank you, John.
We have an obligation to all who served in the jungles of Vietnam. Our Vietnam vets answered their country's call and served with honor. But one of the saddest episodes in American history was the fact that these vets were often shunned and neglected, even demonized when they came home. That was a national disgrace. And on days such as this, we resolve to never let it happen again.
Many of our Vietnam vets put away their medals, rarely spoke of their service and moved on. They started families and careers. Some rose through the ranks, like the decorated Vietnam veteran that I rely on every day, my National Security Advisor, Jim Jones.
Indeed, I'm told that today is the first time in 39 years that many from Alpha Troop have pulled out their medals and joined their old troop. Some of you still carry the shrapnel and the scars of that day. All of you carry the memories. And so I say, it's never too late, we can never say it enough. To you and all those who served in Vietnam, we thank you. We honor your service. And America is forever grateful.
Today also reminds us of our obligations to all our veterans, whether they took off the uniform decades ago or days ago — to make sure that they and their families receive the respect they deserve, and the health care and treatment they need, the benefits they have earned and all the opportunities to live out their dreams.
And finally, if that day in the jungle, if that war long ago, teaches us anything, then surely it is this. If we send our men and women in uniform into harm's way, then it must be only when it is absolutely necessary. And when we do, we must back them up with the strategy and the resources and the support they need to get the job done.
This includes always showing our troops the respect and dignity they deserve, whether one agrees with the mission or not. For if this troop and our men and women in uniform can come together — from so many different backgrounds and beliefs — to serve together, and to succeed together, then so can we. So can America.
I cannot imagine a more fitting tribute to these men, who fought in what came to be called The Anonymous Battle. Troopers, you are not anonymous anymore. And with America's overdue recognition also comes responsibility — our responsibility as citizens and as a nation, to always remain worthy of your service.
God bless Alpha Troop and the 11th Armored Cavalry. God bless all those who wear this nation's uniform. And God bless the United States of America.
Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)
Almost 40 years late, unit honored for bloody Vietnam battle
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to the White House. And welcome to a moment nearly 40 years in the making.
Last month, I was privileged to present the parents of an American soldier, Sergeant First Class Jared Monti, with our nation's highest decoration for valor — the Medal of Honor. Today, we celebrate the awarding of our nation's highest honor for a military unit — the Presidential Unit Citation.
The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for "gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions." Since its creation during the Second World War, it has only been bestowed about 100 times.
Today, another unit assumes its rightful place in these ranks — Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry, the legendary Blackhorse Regiment.
To mark this occasion we're joined by Congressman — and Vietnam veteran — Leonard Boswell; Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jim "Hoss" Cartwright; John McHugh, our Army Secretary; and Vice Chief of Staff Peter Chiarelli; from Fort Irwin, California, leaders of today's 11th Armored Cavalry — Colonel Paul Laughlin and Command Sergeant Major Martin Wilcox; and most of all, the men of Alpha Troop — those behind me and some 100 here today.
Now, these men might be a little bit older, a little bit grayer. But make no mistake — these soldiers define the meaning of bravery and heroism.
It was March 1970, deep in the jungles of Vietnam. And through the static and crackle of their radios Alpha Troop heard that another unit was in trouble. Charlie Company, from the 1st Calvary Division, had stumbled upon a massive underground bunker of North Vietnamese troops. A hundred Americans were facing some 400 enemy fighters. Outnumbered and outgunned, Charlie Company was at risk of being overrun.
That's when Alpha Troop's captain gave the order: "Saddle up and move out."
As these men will tell you themselves, this isn't the story of a battle that changed the course of a war. It never had a name, like Tet or Hue or Khe Sanh. It never made the papers back home. But like countless battles, known and unknown, it is a proud chapter in the story of the American soldier.
It's the story of men who came together, from every corner of America, of different colors and creeds. Some young — just 18, 19 years old, and just weeks in the jungle; some older — veterans hardened by the ugliness of war. Noncommissioned officers who held the unit together and the officers assigned to lead them.
It's the story of how this team of some 200 men set out to save their fellow Americans. With no roads to speak of, they plowed their tanks and armored vehicles through the thick jungle, smashing a path through bamboo and underbrush, mile after mile, risking ambush and landmines every step of the way, and finally emerging from the jungle to the rescue — what one member of Charlie Company called "a miracle."
It's a story of resolve. For Alpha Troop could have simply evacuated their comrades and left that enemy bunker for another day — to ambush another American unit. But as their captain said, "That's not what the 11th Cavalry does."
And so, ultimately, this is a story of what soldiers do — not only for their country, but for each other: the troopers who put themselves in the line of fire, using their tanks and vehicles to shield those trapped Americans; the loaders who kept the ammunition coming, and the gunners who never let up; and when one of those gunners went down, the soldier who jumped up to take his place.
It's about the men who rushed out to drag their wounded buddies to safety; the medics who raced to save so many; the injured who kept fighting hour after hour. And finally, with dark falling, as the convoy made the daring escape back through the jungle, these soldiers remained vigilant, protecting the wounded who lay at their feet.
The fog of war makes a full accounting impossible. But this much we know. Among the many casualties that day, some 20 members of Alpha Troop were wounded. And at least two made the ultimate sacrifice — their names now among the many etched in that black granite wall not far from here. But because of that service, that sacrifice, Alpha Troop completed its mission. It rescued Charlie Company. It saved those 100 American soldiers, some of who join us today. And those soldiers went on to have families — children and grandchildren who also owe their lives to Alpha Troop.
Now, some may wonder: After all these years, why honor this heroism now? The answer is simple. Because we must. Because we have a sacred obligation. As a nation, we have an obligation to this troop. Their actions that day went largely unnoticed — for decades — until their old captain, John Poindexter, realized that their service had been overlooked. He felt that he had a right to wrong. And so he spent years tracking down his troopers and gathering their stories, filing reports, fighting for the Silver Stars and Bronze Stars they deserved and bringing us to this day.
Thank you, John.
We have an obligation to all who served in the jungles of Vietnam. Our Vietnam vets answered their country's call and served with honor. But one of the saddest episodes in American history was the fact that these vets were often shunned and neglected, even demonized when they came home. That was a national disgrace. And on days such as this, we resolve to never let it happen again.
Many of our Vietnam vets put away their medals, rarely spoke of their service and moved on. They started families and careers. Some rose through the ranks, like the decorated Vietnam veteran that I rely on every day, my National Security Advisor, Jim Jones.
Indeed, I'm told that today is the first time in 39 years that many from Alpha Troop have pulled out their medals and joined their old troop. Some of you still carry the shrapnel and the scars of that day. All of you carry the memories. And so I say, it's never too late, we can never say it enough. To you and all those who served in Vietnam, we thank you. We honor your service. And America is forever grateful.
Today also reminds us of our obligations to all our veterans, whether they took off the uniform decades ago or days ago — to make sure that they and their families receive the respect they deserve, and the health care and treatment they need, the benefits they have earned and all the opportunities to live out their dreams.
And finally, if that day in the jungle, if that war long ago, teaches us anything, then surely it is this. If we send our men and women in uniform into harm's way, then it must be only when it is absolutely necessary. And when we do, we must back them up with the strategy and the resources and the support they need to get the job done.
This includes always showing our troops the respect and dignity they deserve, whether one agrees with the mission or not. For if this troop and our men and women in uniform can come together — from so many different backgrounds and beliefs — to serve together, and to succeed together, then so can we. So can America.
I cannot imagine a more fitting tribute to these men, who fought in what came to be called The Anonymous Battle. Troopers, you are not anonymous anymore. And with America's overdue recognition also comes responsibility — our responsibility as citizens and as a nation, to always remain worthy of your service.
God bless Alpha Troop and the 11th Armored Cavalry. God bless all those who wear this nation's uniform. And God bless the United States of America.
Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)
Friday, October 16, 2009
New Elections in Afghanistan--Maybe, Maybe Not
Well it looks like the United Nations-backed Afghan Electoral Complaints Commission has finally finished its work and if they can now figure out how to subtract the fraudulent votes, it may just be that President Hamid Karzai will be forced into a runoff election. This will give him a second oppotunity to steal votes and to stuff ballot boxes, particularly in the remote areas of Afghanistan. That is, if people can get to polling places what with winter coming on and the resurgence of the Taliban and its strange bedfellow al Quaeda. People may well think twice about losing their heads literally over casting a ballot.
If we had some hanging chads around this would remind me of the first George W. Bush election. Fortunately or unfortunately that is not the case.
In the meantime, President Barack Obama is trying to reach some conclusion about what we are going to do in Afghanistan. I don't know how in good faith, he can support a government that has stolen an election. I would like to think the American people will rise up and we will still protests much like those we saw 40+ years ago. At least I would hope so.
If we had some hanging chads around this would remind me of the first George W. Bush election. Fortunately or unfortunately that is not the case.
In the meantime, President Barack Obama is trying to reach some conclusion about what we are going to do in Afghanistan. I don't know how in good faith, he can support a government that has stolen an election. I would like to think the American people will rise up and we will still protests much like those we saw 40+ years ago. At least I would hope so.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
VA Extends ‘Agent Orange’ Benefits
Some very important information here. In addition to checking with the VA, I recommend contacting Disabled American Veterans www.dav.org for assistance.
VA Extends ‘Agent Orange’ Benefits
VA Extends ‘Agent Orange’ Benefits
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Taliban and Afghanistan
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-09-11-voa10.cfm
This article from the Voice of America points out that the Taliban now has a viable presence in at least 80% of Afghanistan. It is no wonder that General Stanley McChrystal is painting such a gloomy picture. A year ago, the Taliban was an important force in about half of Afghanistan and today that presence is increasing. Is there any possiblilty that we can change that? I personally do not think that is the case regardless of General McChrystal's "new strategy".
As we are slowly learning, keeping small groups of American troops is very isolated areas has done little more than offer them up for sacrifice. Many of these areas are so remote that everything must be flown in by helicopter--food, water, ammunition, toilet paper, you name it. And when things get hot, support is often some time away and in short supply. In 1840, the British lost 16,000 men, women and children, civilian and military as they tried to abandon Afghanistan. One military physician survived and it is believed that was on purpose in order to send a message to the British. Are we going to wait until we have lost 16,000 people before we figure out that Afghanistan is not worth the loss of so many young men and women? The Russians spent ten years and had as many as 106,000 personnel in Afghanistan and finally left. Are we going to continue down that same path?
Falling back and protecting the major population areas seems to me to say that we are willing to give up most of Afghanistan to our avowed enemy. To try to train an army and national police force of several hundred thousand seems to be a waste of energy, time and money. Afghanistan can't support such a force for the long haul. The world at large would have to spoon feed billions or perhaps trillions of dollars into a place that has nothing to offer as a return on the investment. We don't need more opium and we have enough sand and rocks. Afghanistan is for Afghanis--they are going to have to figure out what it is they want to be and who they want to rule them. This is no longer our fight.
This article from the Voice of America points out that the Taliban now has a viable presence in at least 80% of Afghanistan. It is no wonder that General Stanley McChrystal is painting such a gloomy picture. A year ago, the Taliban was an important force in about half of Afghanistan and today that presence is increasing. Is there any possiblilty that we can change that? I personally do not think that is the case regardless of General McChrystal's "new strategy".
As we are slowly learning, keeping small groups of American troops is very isolated areas has done little more than offer them up for sacrifice. Many of these areas are so remote that everything must be flown in by helicopter--food, water, ammunition, toilet paper, you name it. And when things get hot, support is often some time away and in short supply. In 1840, the British lost 16,000 men, women and children, civilian and military as they tried to abandon Afghanistan. One military physician survived and it is believed that was on purpose in order to send a message to the British. Are we going to wait until we have lost 16,000 people before we figure out that Afghanistan is not worth the loss of so many young men and women? The Russians spent ten years and had as many as 106,000 personnel in Afghanistan and finally left. Are we going to continue down that same path?
Falling back and protecting the major population areas seems to me to say that we are willing to give up most of Afghanistan to our avowed enemy. To try to train an army and national police force of several hundred thousand seems to be a waste of energy, time and money. Afghanistan can't support such a force for the long haul. The world at large would have to spoon feed billions or perhaps trillions of dollars into a place that has nothing to offer as a return on the investment. We don't need more opium and we have enough sand and rocks. Afghanistan is for Afghanis--they are going to have to figure out what it is they want to be and who they want to rule them. This is no longer our fight.
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