Thursday, February 11, 2010

Getting Ready For The Offensive In Afghanistan

Image from The Economist

Countdown To An Afghan Offensive -- New York Times

As American, NATO and Afghan forces engaged in final maneuvers before the imminent offensive in Marja, a Taliban stronghold in Helmand Province, Afghan leaders met with tribal elders in the area to discuss the goals of the operation — the biggest joint offensive of the Afghan war.

Our colleague Dexter Filkins reports that the meeting between Hanif Atmar, the Afghan interior minister, and a group of about 350 elders from Marja’s main tribes, laid out plainly the wariness of the local leaders.

Marja’s tribal elders, who gathered in the governor’s office in nearby Lashkar Gah, expressed no love for the Taliban. But they voiced deep skepticism that Afghanistan’s leaders would make good on their promises to protect them from insurgents.

Read more ....

More News On Preparing For The Next Afghan Offensive

As Afghan Push Looms, Tribal Leaders Skeptical -- New York Times
Tribal elders seek assurances from NATO as Afghan offensive looms -- Vancouver Post
Tribe and prejudice: America's 'new hope' in Afghanistan -- The National
NATO's planned offensive in Afghanistan: Get out of the way -- The Economist
Afghanistan conflict an 'information war' -- BBC
Afghan tribe makes first step in anti-Taliban pact by bringing in alleged collaborator -- Canadian Press

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