We Are Losing The War In Afghanistan

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Regiment wait aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyz Republic, March 27, 2008, to be flown to Kandahar Air Base in the Helman province of Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jason T. Guiliano)

Why We Are Losing Afghanistan -- Captain's Quarters

Completely aside from any political point or campaign (TCJ is conservative), and in spite of having lost readers and links because of our stand, The Captain’s Journal has made it clear for more than half a year that the security situation in Afghanistan is degrading. We have pointed out that many NATO troops operate under rules of engagement that prevent them from participating in any offensive operations, that NATO has no coherent strategy of engagement with and provision of security for the population, and that the Taliban, once restricted primarily to asymmetric operations, have been able to field hundreds of fighters in heavily conventional operations such as the battle of Wanat, in a raging battle that U.S. soldiers describe as pure chaos.

While U.S. Army intelligence and senior command in Afghanistan was denying that there would be a spring offensive, we were describing the dual front strategy of the Taliban (with the Taliban directed towards Afghanistan, and the Tehrik-i-Taliban directed towards Pakistan, but assisting the Taliban), and the choking of NATO supplies through the Khyber Pass and Torkham Crossing (and even down to Karachi). None of this is to deny that U.S. soldiers (and Marines) have fought bravely and efficiently, but we have always claimed that we needed to increase the force size. The Financial Times has a sobering commentary on the Taliban creeping closer to Kabul that runs in the same theme as our reports.

Read more ....

More News On Why We Are Losing The War In Afghanistan

Hidden Battles And Secret Victories -- Strategy Page
Pakistan Army Helping Militants Attack Afghanistan -- Human Events
The State of Afghanistan -- Time Magazine

My Comment: A dysfunctional NATO presence and command structure in Afghanistan. Opium and heroin production that provides the funds to the Taliban to continue the battle. Safe havens in Pakistan. Taliban receiving support from the Pakistani Army and Pakistan's Intelligence Services. Support from dozens if not hundreds of Taliban funded madrases, charities, and a supportive media.

Yup .... trends are not going in our favor.