From The US Report: “The idea is being reviewed at Headquarters [International Security Force Afghanistan],” said Lt. Col. Edward Sholtis, the spokesman for Gen. McChrystal. “The idea is consistent with our approach. Our young men and women display remarkable courage every day, including situations where they refrain from using lethal force, even at risk to themselves, in order to prevent possible harm to civilians. ... That restraint is an act of discipline and courage not much different than those seen in combat actions.” However, restraint hasn't translated into progress on the battlefield. A recent report from the Pentagon revealed that violence in Afghanistan is increasing – up 87% from last year – and that more districts support the Taliban than did six months ago (none of the 92 districts surveyed actively support the Karzai government while 42 are sympathetic to the Taliban). While our forces build infrastructure, provide medical care, and show restraint on the battlefield, the Taliban acts like barbarians – intimidating, raping, and murdering. Yet when our troops act in self-defense, Afghans gather in protest, chanting “Death to America." P.S. - Deaths caused by the Taliban are soaring. Yet Afghans don't chant "Death to the Taliban" do they? If Pop-centric COIN would work in Afghanistan, I think the country would be turning on the Taliban, yet as the document above shows, the country is increasingly supportive of the barbaric regime. How many more of our friends are going to die before our leaders pick a strategy that works, or pull the troops out so that the jihadists can follow us home?
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Posted
May 12 2010, 11:54 PM
by
BLACKFIVE