The Growing Erosion Of Trust In Afghanistan Will Undermine Our Exit Strategy (Commentary)

Afghan commandos conduct a two-day presence patrol in Sar-e Takht village in Afghanistan's Farah province, Feb. 27, 2012. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally

Erosion of Trust in Afghanistan -- Bing West, National Review

The accidental burning of Korans resulted in the murders of several American servicemen and led to the withdrawal of advisers from ministries for an extended period. The murder of Afghan civilians by a U.S. soldier is certain to fuel Afghan popular resentment against Americans, and American opinion against the war.

The worst effect is the erosion in the bond of trust that comprises the linchpin of our military strategy. Our withdrawal plan is based upon replacing our battalions with Afghan battalions advised by small teams (about 20 soldiers) of Americans. The advisers are expected to go on daily combat patrols, where they will be the distinct minority. Without U.S. fire support, the Afghan soldiers will shirk from patrolling and concede the countryside, district by district. Once outside the wire, the Afghan soldiers and the advisers must trust each other as brothers.

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My Comment: Bing West observations have always been spot on .... and unfortunately .... they are probably spot on with what he has seen (and is seeing) in Afghanistan today.