Taliban pressuring U.S. forces in Afghanistan, says commander
From today’s Wall Street Journal, NATO’s commander in Afghanistan offers a sobering if preliminary assessment of the trend line there. It sounds to me like he’s preparing Washington for tough news when he delivers his official report later this month:
“The Taliban have gained the upper hand in Afghanistan, the top American commander there said, forcing the U.S. to change its strategy in the eight-year-old conflict by increasing the number of troops in heavily populated areas like the volatile southern city of Kandahar, the insurgency’s spiritual home.
Gen. Stanley McChrystal warned that means U.S. casualties, already running at record levels, will remain high for months to come… The militants are mounting sophisticated attacks that combine roadside bombs with ambushes by small teams of heavily armed militants, causing significant numbers of U.S. fatalities, he said. July was the bloodiest month of the war for American and British forces, and 12 more American troops have already been killed in August.
“It’s a very aggressive enemy right now,” Gen. McChrystal said in the interview Saturday at his office in a fortified NATO compound in Kabul. “We’ve got to stop their momentum, stop their initiative. It’s hard work.”
The piece also delves into the issue of whether more U.S. troops will be needed, in addition to the 21,000 already on the way. Some military experts expect a request of another 10,000 troops, including more trainers to try to increase the size of the Afghan police and military. The Obama White House is reportedly cool to the request, at least for now, and as the WSJ points out:
“The prospect of more troops rankles some of Gen. McChrystal’s advisers, who worry the American military footprint in Afghanistan is already too large.
‘How many people do you bring in before the Afghans say, ‘You’re acting like the Russians’?’ said one senior military official, referring to the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. ‘That’s the big debate going on in the headquarters right now.’”
I’m working on a longer, column-length piece for tomorrow, but in short I’m convinced by those in the military who argue that another year will be needed — taking us through the summer of 2010 — to fully comprehend what may be possible and impossible in Afghanistan now that we’ve committed more troops, more focus and a new leadership and strategy.
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233 comments Add your comment
I Report (-: You Whine )-:
August 10th, 2009
7:19 am
Setting us up for defeat.
They left wing Code Pinko media will “assess” that Afghanistan is “unwinnable,” and we will surrender shortly thereafter.
Disgracefully surrender.
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
7:20 am
another year??? over the weekend, the British generals said they expect a presence in the country for 40 years as the country rebuilds
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/5990684/Afghanistan-conflict-could-last-40-years-says-new-head-of-British-Army.html
In a magazine interview to be published today, Sir David described the scale of the task facing Western governments trying to establish a stable Afghan regime able to ensure the country is not a base for extremists.
Sir David said: “It will take time. This is nation building – not the starry-eyed type, but nation-building nonetheless. It is not just reconstruction: jobs and simple governance that works are key, and there has to be a strong reconciliation element to the latter.
He added: “The Army’s role might evolve, but the whole process might take as long as 30 to 40 years. There is absolutely no chance of NATO pulling out.”
stands for decibels
August 10th, 2009
7:24 am
Jay, looks like your blog-authoring interface has foiled you–your bits are being quoted within the quoted bits.
Beyond that, if we’re there, we’re there. I think it’s up to us-the-people to determine whether this is worth the blood and treasure. So far I don’t think the Administration has made the case that it is.
(A case to nation-build can be made, I suppose; I just haven’t really heard it yet.)
Denny
August 10th, 2009
7:26 am
Surely President Obama will ask for a hug from Bono prior to committing more troops to a war.
I Report (-: You Whine )-:
August 10th, 2009
7:27 am
The 2005 CBO report said that the majority of the uninsured are either illegal immigrants (as many as 12 million), or earn between $50,000 and $75,000 annually (8.3 million), or earn more than $75,000 a year (8.74 million) and elect not to purchase health insurance. That adds up to 29 million of 46 million total.
Of the rest, approximately 8.8 million are without insurance for four months or less and then return to the ranks of the insured. That leaves some 8.2 million Americans the Kaiser Family Foundation’s analysis describes as “chronically uninsured.”-AmSpec
Is it really all about the “uninsured?”
Surely the democrats are aware of the same information the rest of us have, aren’t they?
It kinda calls into question their whole entire motivation for wanting to destroy the best medical care system in the world and replace with a bunch of government zombies and hacks, doesn’t it?
Power mongers.
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
7:29 am
They don’t need more troops, they need a different strategy and different tactics. Of course they should have never gone in in the first place. Knowing the troop buildup is coming of course they’d be trying to get their licks in now.
Acting like the Russians? We should have stayed out of the fray then and maybe they could have stabilized the country. It would have been in our best interest as well.
Hunker down in fortiified positions and stop hurrying and scurrying around like they’re on an LA freeway. When actionable intelligence is available act on it in the dark of night.
The aftermath of 9/11 was a law enforcement problem. If the airlines had been more interested in safety than they were on time departures it might not have happened. Several of the evil-doers were flagged by the computer system but were allowed to board anyway. Of course it might have helped if they had been put on alert by the FAA. The military should have been used for covert operations.
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
7:31 am
I Report (-: You Whine )-:
August 10th, 2009
7:19 am
With the media on our side now, how can we lose?
I Report/ I Am The Mob (-: You Whine )-:
August 10th, 2009
7:31 am
Uh, where’s bin Laden at?
Huh, huh?
Paul
August 10th, 2009
7:31 am
So the military guys say it’ll take a year to know what’s possible. Amazing.
And how long will it take the political leaders to know if they’ve asked to military to do something realistic? At over 40 American deaths last month and rising, that’s hundreds and hundreds of deaths before we know what’s possible.
You’re going to get lots and lots of comments – as are the Democratic Congressional leadership – questioning why they’re willing to wait and sacrifice lives upon committing more troops, more focus and new leadership and strategy now, when a few years ago in a neighboring country….
It was just days ago Gen McChrystal and Holbrooke spoke with Stanley Karnow, author and Vietnam critic.
“In an interview Thursday with the AP, Karnow said it was the first time he had ever been consulted by U.S. commanders to discuss the war. He did not elaborate on the specifics of the conversation.
When asked what could be drawn from the Vietnam experience, Karnow replied: “What did we learn from Vietnam? We learned that we shouldn’t have been there in the first place. Obama and everybody else seem to want to be in Afghanistan, but not I.”
“It now seems unthinkable that the U.S. could lose (in Afghanistan), but that’s what experts … thought in Vietnam in 1967,” he said at his Maryland home. “It could be that there will be no real conclusion and that it will go on for a long time until the American public grows tired of it.”
Possible scenario for 2010 and 2012: Democrats saying “stay the course” and Republicans saying “time to leave.” What a difference a few years (and not being in power) makes.
Normal
August 10th, 2009
7:32 am
Look at Aganistans terrain. It’s not a good place for modern armys. The old Soviet Union proved that.
Because of past mistakes and a second
status war label, it is what it is and there isn’t anything we can do about it except throw more troops into the meat grinder.
It’s old, and it’s sad, but it’s true. Iraq should never had happened and Afgaistan should have been our first priority…Too late now, just sayin’
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
7:33 am
ohgoodgrief.
so. 8.something million people are chronically uninsured (mostly likely between jobs) … what? do you think bad things can’t happen to these people when they’re between gigs? you think that they can’t fall and get a compound fracture in their wrist, needing surgery that will cost thousands of dollars (a true story).
and another 8.something million people can’t afford health care because they have to pay for food and shelter first – so they’re on a prayer that they don’t find a lump or a mole or start passing blood.
and you think this isn’t a problem that you and I already pay for when 17 million people are forgoing health care????
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
7:35 am
TnG –
“Hunker down in fortiified positions and stop hurrying and scurrying around like they’re on an LA freeway. When actionable intelligence is available act on it in the dark of night.”
I thought that the current strategy was to hold current ground and move forward, adding to secured areas … ???
Normal
August 10th, 2009
7:35 am
USinUK…totally unrelated but inquiring minds want to know. What is the difference between a Kipper, Herring, and Sardine, if any? I see them in the grocery store all the time. I have eated sardines (mustard sauce, yummy), but have chickened out on the other two. Help a fella out…Thanks
Turd Ferguson
August 10th, 2009
7:36 am
We shouldve stayed in pulled all troops from afghanistan and moved them to Iraq. These afghan types sell us out every chance they get to these tribal masters. We should pull out and let them fight their own war, which they wont.
Paul
August 10th, 2009
7:37 am
USinUK
[[There is absolutely no chance of NATO pulling out.”]]
Will other NATO countries stay if the US thinks our time there is at an end?
I think not –
But they’re welcome to try.
TNGelding
[[they need a different strategy and different tactics.]]
I believe that’s what Gen McChrystal’s brought and is what we’re seeing in the new offensive.
Problem is, no guarantee ‘different’ means ‘victory.’
Report/Whine
[[Uh, where’s bin Laden at? Huh, huh?]]
Not where we are!
But do we have to be where he is to neutralize is effectiveness? That’s different from ‘getting him.’
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
7:43 am
I Report (-: You Whine )-:
August 10th, 2009
7:27 am
I agree the uninsured aren’t the problem. They’re getting care, altho expensive when needed. We underutilize and overutilize different parts of the system. Regional hospitals need to better coordinate what type of specialty care they offer and the super-hypochondriacs need to be sent home and told to stay there. The chronically ill need to be given better support at home and from their families to keep them out of the hospital.
We all need to take care of our own health care needs working with health care professionals.
And my goodness, if you’re overweight, lose the extra pounds and improve your health and your quality of life.
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
7:44 am
Good morning, Normal –
A kipper actually IS a herring that’s been salted and smoked.
Sardines are relatives of the herring – very popular in the Med – and can be eaten fresh or preserved in oil and canned. The tapas place down the road from us does some killer sardines … yumyumyum.
Then, there’s herring – which is, evidently, very popular pickled. Whitebait is a very small herring (about the size of your pinkie) that’s lightly floured and flash fried, topped with lemon and parsley. Then, you eat it like fries with a side of mayo, head, eyes, bones and all … tasty, tasty, tasty!!!
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
7:45 am
Paul –
“Will other NATO countries stay if the US thinks our time there is at an end?”
me, I don’t think that a British officer would come out and say that if there weren’t international discussions already going on …
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
7:45 am
I Report/ I Am The Mob (-: You Whine )-:
August 10th, 2009
7:31 am
I’ll fill up one of your Escalades for you if he isn’t dead or captured by the end of the year.
I Report/ I Am The Mob (-: You Whine )-:
August 10th, 2009
7:45 am
and you think this isn’t a problem that you and I already pay for when 17 million people are forgoing health care????
So you libs want to make everyone suffer?
Brilliant idea.
NRB
August 10th, 2009
7:47 am
Let me be the first to say: President Obama…THE SURGE WON’T WORK.
Right, Jay?
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
7:47 am
Paul
August 10th, 2009
7:31 am
I can’t see the GOP saying it’s time to leave. America doesn’t quit and America doesn’t lose.
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
7:50 am
“So you libs want to make everyone suffer?”
which is my point – you already ARE paying for people who don’t have insurance.
Peadawg
August 10th, 2009
7:51 am
When are the democrats going to start crying that Obama is a murderer and this is an unjust war? Just yesterday another story came out about a soldier getting killed over in Afghanistan.
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
7:53 am
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
7:33 am
But the uninsured are getting care, and they don’t have to pay for it if they can’t afford to. Yes, we’re paying for it, but the point is that is not the main problem.
Some of the uninsured are by choice. Most of us believe in it, but some don’t. We need to get away from these Cadillac plans and use it as it was intended for catastrophes.
I Report/ I Am The Mob (-: You Whine )-:
August 10th, 2009
7:54 am
To show what a loyal tort-lobby servant he is, Mr. Specter has also introduced a bill to let attorneys claim an up-front tax deduction on expenses they incur while building contingency fee cases. Amazing but true: Mr. Specter wants to give a tax cut to sustain the likes of Mel Weiss or Dickie Scruggs in the yachts to which they have become accustomed while they await jackpot jury verdicts. Even Democrats are too embarrassed by this giveaway (estimated cost: $1.6 billion) to pass it as a stand-alone bill, so tort lobbyist Linda Lipsen recently said “we have to tuck it into something” else, such as another “tax vehicle.”-WSJ
democrats, the party of ambulance chasers.
eewww!
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
7:54 am
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
7:35 am
It ain’t working!
Doggone/GA
August 10th, 2009
7:56 am
“When are the democrats going to start crying that Obama is a murderer and this is an unjust war?”
Don’t hold your breath. Afghanistan was never the problem. It was IRAQ that was unjust. But really, you already knew that.
Normal
August 10th, 2009
7:56 am
Thanks, USinUK…I think I’ll go by the store and try them out…are they good with saltines?
———–
PEADOG…why do you keep forgetting that President Obama wasn’t the one who mismanaged the Afganistan war?
Paul
August 10th, 2009
7:57 am
USinUK
All the General said was that it could take 40 years to stabilize and rebuild Afg.
It’s all optional.
TnGelding
[[I can’t see the GOP saying it’s time to leave. America doesn’t quit and America doesn’t lose.]]
Wisecrack out of the way first: of course we do! Vietnam and Beirut.
But more to the point: realities, national interests change over the years. Does anyone here remember a goal of going into Afg after 9-11 as “rebuild the country, give’em a democratic government and eradicate the effects of their war with the Soviet Union?
No need to think in terms of ‘defeat’ or ‘quit.’ We simply adapt to our emerging interests. If they aren’t served by remaining in Afg with a different obj than it was 8 years ago, we change the mission or leave.
Jackie
August 10th, 2009
7:59 am
There are old reports that indicate the USA and other countries are in Afghanistan because of the oil. Anecdotal evidence suggest viewing the placement of our military outposts follows the proposed oil pipeline from the “stan nations.”
The current president of Afghanistan is a former executive of one of the major oil companies.
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
8:00 am
TnG –
“Some of the uninsured are by choice. Most of us believe in it, but some don’t. We need to get away from these Cadillac plans and use it as it was intended for catastrophes.”
I don’t think you can call it “choice” when your choice is between rent and your premium.
and, I’d be interested to hear what you term “catastrophe” … the reason I ask – in 2005, I had a cancer scare. 3 mammagrams, a needle biopsy and lumpectomy later, they said it was nothing. However, even WITH insurance, my part of the bills added up to $3,000+ … without insurance, my bills added up to $18,000 (my doctors and hospital bills included both fees in their bills). I don’t consider that catastrophic, however, those kind of bills would have a catastrophic effect on my finances if I didn’t have insurance.
Paul
August 10th, 2009
8:00 am
Normal
[[why do you keep forgetting that President Obama wasn’t the one who mismanaged the Afganistan war?]]
Not meant snarkily, but are you discounting the idea that maybe Pres Obama’s the one mismanaging it now?
Remember, VP Biden and SecState Clinton argued against the current strategy.
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
8:01 am
NRB
August 10th, 2009
7:47 a
It will work, but at much cost in blood and treasure. Bush had over 7 years, Obama has had less than 8 months. Which reminds me, 9/11 is coming up.
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
8:01 am
Normal –
“Thanks, USinUK…I think I’ll go by the store and try them out…are they good with saltines?”
try them with eggs for breakfast (that’s how you usually hear about kippers being served)
Paul
August 10th, 2009
8:02 am
Jackie
Ummmm, Afg isn’t one of the ’stans’. Former Soviet Republics are. If the scenario you’ve heard is correct, we invaded the wrong countries.
Peadawg
August 10th, 2009
8:03 am
Hey Normal, has Obama made an effort to get our soldiers out of Afghanistan? Anyone? Anyone? Beuler? Beuler?
Bud Wiser
August 10th, 2009
8:03 am
Maybe if Obowo goes on national TV (again), and offers a deep genuflect, followed by promise of sending trillions in aid, multiple arse kissing, berate the US (again), followed by (another) apology tour, maybe, just maybe, the mean old Taliban will leave us alone.
We don’t mean to cause trouble, but we are just an evil empire unto ourselves, and simply cannot help it; right, cracker chasers????
Normal
August 10th, 2009
8:04 am
JACKIE: I think that both wars objectives were oil and the emotional excuse was terrorism, just like the real reason the Great War of Northern Aggression was fought, State’s Rights and slavery was the emotional excuse. After all, it was oil men in office at the time..
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
8:04 am
Paul
August 10th, 2009
7:57 am
Well, it would be great if some kind of agreement could be reached between the Taliban and the Afgahn government, but I don’t see that happening. But certainly everything should be done to get them talking.
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
8:04 am
Normal –
actually, if you want to try a VERY British-during-the-Raj sort of dish, try kedgeree
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fish-recipes/kedgeree
in that recipe, Jamie uses haddock, but kippers would work, too
Bud Wiser
August 10th, 2009
8:06 am
Oh, and Jay, you did practice catch and release on your fishing trip, did you not?
I suspect your previous thread was a subliminal hint that you wish you were still on vacation, and were having a hard time getting ‘back in the swing’ of things.
Normal
August 10th, 2009
8:07 am
PEADOG: One last time. President Obama is trying to win this one, unlike the “other guy”. And I’ll tell you this, if it looks like he isn’t doing it, I’ll be the loudest screamer yelling “Bring them home”.
Got it?
TnGelding
August 10th, 2009
8:07 am
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
8:00 am
They don’t believe in insurance, period!
Catastrophic would depend on what each individual was comfortable with. I have a serious medical condition as does my wife, so we need the Cadillac plan.
Peadawg
August 10th, 2009
8:09 am
So Normal, how many more articles do you need to read about soldiers dieing before you scream “Bring them home”? I’ve seen 1 or 2 a week for about a month now.
Normal
August 10th, 2009
8:10 am
Thanks, USinUK…Looks yummy! I put the site in my favorites, YeY!
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
8:10 am
TnG –
“Catastrophic would depend on what each individual was comfortable with. I have a serious medical condition as does my wife, so we need the Cadillac plan.”
but, darlin’, here’s the thing – if you’re purchasing insurance independently (as in, not going through an employer), then you should have a cadillac plan “just in case” … my sister wasn’t quite 30 when she was diagnosed with MS — you don’t have to be any particular age when something catastrophic strikes. And, if you don’t have adequate coverage when it does, you’re not going to get it after the fact (unless you pay out the wazzoooo)
stands for decibels
August 10th, 2009
8:11 am
Which reminds me, 9/11 is coming up.
Which reminds me–given that we’ve had to hear approximately 37 million times from assorted conservatives that, say what you will about the previous Presidet, by golly, it’s undeniable that “George Bush kept us safe” — would it logically follow for them that if we manage to get to 9/12/09 without a major terrorist attack by foreigners on American soil, that Barack Obama has kept us safer?
USinUK
August 10th, 2009
8:13 am
Normal –
“Thanks, USinUK…Looks yummy! I put the site in my favorites, YeY”
you’re welcome!! let me know what you think of the kippers … and sardines! do you ahve a good Spanish restaurant near you? if so, try fresh sardines there – NOMNOMNOM!!!
(thank god I’ve just had my lunch so that this isn’t a repeat of Friday’s food conversation)
Paul
August 10th, 2009
8:16 am
TnGelding 8:04
I’m more interested in talks between us and the Taliban -