Counterinsurgency Field Manual: Afghanistan Edition

For the past five years, the fight in Afghanistan has been hobbled by strategic drift, conflicting tactics, and too few troops. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen, got it right when he bluntly told the U.S. Congress in 2007, "In Iraq, we do what we must." Of America's other war, he said, "In Afghanistan, we do what we can."

It is time this neglect is replaced with a more creative and aggressive strategy. U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, is now headed by Gen. David Petraeus, the architect of the U.S. military's counterinsurgency strategy widely credited with pulling Iraq from the abyss. Many believe that, under Petraeus's direction, Afghanistan can similarly pull back from the brink of failure.

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Comments

[Soshesaid]

What happens if we're not willing to do what it takes? We don't want to send in the number of troops required, the Afghan government isn't able to do what it needs to do, we're not willing to risk the casualties, etc. It's great to outline a plan but if it can't be implemented, what then? Maybe we should pull out now and spend the $billions on peace rather than war.

[1differentdrummer]

Too few troops are applying a military solution to a social/political/economic/military problem. We ask too much of them. They are great, but they are only human.

[lokesh]

War is not not a solution of peace. Choose another way. Thank's
www.builderscopilot.com

[rasit]

Great article. A great approach by Gen. Petreaus and his new strategy sounds reasonable and feasible; seems like the US-NATO folks can use lots of help from the UN folks trained in setting up civilian infrastructures, such as schools, hospitals, court houses etc. while the military personnel focus on security, training and mentoring of Afghan army and Police... NGOs helping with development of agriculture, livestock rearing etc. Foreign investment, possibly by rich Arab nations may also help improve the economy, healthcare etc.

It may take a few years, but under this plan we may be leaving a country in far better shape, than we found it...I only wish the MSM will write an elaborate article, rather than give a brief account with "surge" in bold letters....