http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/07/06/afghanistan.marine.standoff/index.html
Above is a link to a CNN article on the progress of Marines currently fighting in Afghanistan. This new surge of Marines has cast new attention on the Afghanistan "War on Terror", as much focus has been made recently of US personnel leaving the cities of Iraq.
The standoff currently in the town of Khan Neshin is a uneasy one at best. Once considered a Taliban stronghold, the capture of this town marks a slight shift in policy. The new directives for the Marines include respecting Afghan customs regarding women, and protecting civilian soilders. The article also mentions the US military's restraint in calling in air strikes on cities.
The insurgents dressed as women to escape the city during the fighting. In essence utilizing the new rules of engagement to their advantage.
This fall will mark the 8th year that U.S. forces have been engaged in Afghanistan. With this new "surge" of Marines, are we ever planning to withdrawl from the country? It's been reported that Hamid Karzai has no real influence beyond the capitol of Kabul. His brother has been accused of being involved in the drug trade, as well as many of his governmental officials.
The country is in terrible shape economically, politically, regionally. What should(can) the U.S. do?
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The article points up how hard it is for our warriors to fight the Taliban: we ask our men and women to respect cultural norms, avoid civilian casualties, and exercise tactical restraints. The Taliban do not -- and exploit the rules of engagement.
ReplyDeleteThe article seems to suggest that with the presence of the Marines, Afghani civilian government may be able to establish some functionality in Khan Neshin.
By the way: this is not a "surge." The Marines and other forces involved in this anti-Taliban operation were already in-country.