The End Of Counterinsurgency In Afghanistan

MORNING MISSION - As seen through a night-viewing device, U.S. Army soldiers lift off to conduct an air assault mission during the early morning hours in Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 23, 2011. The mission's goal was to infiltrate near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to stop enemy fighters from entering Afghanistan. The soldiers are assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. International Security Assistance Force photo

This Is The End Of Counterinsurgency In Afghanistan -- Spencer Ackerman, Danger Room

Neither of the two men responsible for running the war in Afghanistan over the next year are willing to tell a Senate panel that the military is done with counterinsurgency in the U.S.’ longest conflict. But from their testimony on Tuesday morning, both Lt. Gen. John Allen and Vice Adm. William McRaven see a glide path starting with the withdrawal of the surge forces: less tea drinking and more insurgent killing.

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My Comment: The Rand Corporation has their own "Scorecard on Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan" The link to that report is here.

US Think Tank: Pakistan Helped Train Taliban, Gave Info On US Troops

From The International Herald Tribune:

KABUL, Afghanistan: Pakistani intelligence agents and paramilitary forces have helped train Taliban insurgents and have given them information about American troop movements in Afghanistan, said a report published Monday by a U.S. think tank.

The study by the RAND Corp. also warned that the U.S. will face "crippling, long-term consequences" in Afghanistan if Taliban sanctuaries in Pakistan are not eliminated.

It echoes recent statements by American generals, who have increased their warnings that militant safe havens in Pakistan are threatening efforts in Afghanistan. The study was funded by the U.S. Defense Department

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News From Other Sources On the Rand Study:
US think tank: Pakistan helped Taliban insurgents -- Associated Press
U.S. study says Taliban getting help from Pakistan's intelligence officials -- RTT News
US think tank: Pakistan helped Taliban insurgents -- Yahoo News
The Rand Study

My Comment: The Rand Study is a must read for those who wish to understand the situation in Afghanistan better. It is a long report .... 177 pages long .... but it is detailed and observant of what is happening.

In a nutshell .... if the report is accurate .... Nato, the Afghan people, and the U.S. are in for a very long struggle.