Gen. John F. Campbell holds a news conference at the Kinnard Mission Training Complex at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Aug. 1, 2013. Sam Shore/MVISC via U.S. Army
Reports Of Taliban Surge Are Exaggerated, Incoming ISAF Commander Says -- Stars and Stripes
WASHINGTON — Reports of the Taliban gaining ground as U.S. troop levels fall and Afghan soldiers take on more fighting duties are more about PR than battlefield realities, the general set to take over command of the NATO combat mission in Afghanistan suggested.
Gen. John F. Campbell, who spoke to reporters at the Pentagon on Friday, said insurgents are talking a better game than they’re fighting and receiving credit for victories they’re not winning. Campbell is wrapping up a term as Army vice chief of staff and is scheduled to arrive in Afghanistan late next month.
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My Comment: I have been following the Afghan war religiously since 2001 .... and I getting really tired of hearing U.S. Generals boast of victory and success coupled with a decline in the reach and influence of the Taliban year after year after year. They were obviously wrong .... and so is incoming top NATO commander Gen. John F. Campbell.
Update #1: Taliban Making Military Gains in Afghanistan -- NYT
Update #2: The Taliban ‘waiting game’ in Afghanistan, mapped by media since 2009 -- Dan Lamonthe, Washington Post
1 comment:
What would happen if 20 to 100 generals put in their retirement papers on the same day saying nothing but everyone implicitly knowing they would speak to the press soon?
Maybe generals should synchronize their retirements say in time for a QDR.
They can make a public case after retirement and give specifics. they will not be beholden to the politicians in power of either party.
In the 1950s we had the Revolt of the Admirals. We need something like that now. We don't need political generals and people like Kerry.
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