Are The New U.S. Rules Of Engagement Working In Afghanistan?

US and Afghan National Army soldiers enter the front door of a suspected house during a night raid in search of Taliban insurgents in Razbeg village in Ghazni Province, in this 2007 file photo. Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Newscom/File

In Afghanistan War, A Kinder, Gentler Night Raid? -- Christian Science Monitor

Gen. Stanley McChrystal has issued new rules designed to make night raids less invasive, as part of the broader Afghanistan war strategy to win over the population. Some soldiers say it’s hamstringing their ability to nab Taliban militants.

Arghandab Valley, Afghanistan

“Open this gate! We are from the Afghan National Army!”

It was the midnight call that Afghan villagers have learned to dread, though this night raid would turn out less aggressive than usual.

Following a tipoff that a compound housed Taliban bombmakers, night vision-enabled Afghan and American troops stalked the sandy lanes of Kuhak village, part of the lush Arghandab Valley in southern Kandahar Province. Overhead an American surveillance drone hovered, relaying images to a nearby control room of men carrying boxes and scurrying across the courtyard.

Ten minutes passed. The soldiers waited outside the gate.

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My Comment: In the history of warfare, such tactics have never been used.

But will these tactics and rules of engagement work?

My own take .... I doubt it. If you are not out there killing or imprisoning the enemy, you are only setting yourself up for a lot of hurt in the future. In Afghanistan .... this touchy feely way of conducting military operations may have their supporters back home .... but for the Taliban this is a Godsend, and I am sure they are taking advantage of it to the full.