Operation Khanjar Launches
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James Joyner | Thursday, July 2, 2009 |
I do a massive roundup of the news coverage of the massive show of force in Afghanistan’s Helmand Valley that kicked off in the wee hours this morning in my New Atlanticist post “U.S. Launches Major Afghan Offensive.”
My detailed take at the link but what’s most remarkable is not so much the sheer size of the undertaking — which is the biggest since the Fallujah campaign in 2004 — but the absolute emphasis on COIN tactics. Most notably, the extraordinary lengths the mission planners went to in order to prevent civilian casualties.
It may well be too late for success, however that’s defined. But it’s a huge step in the right direction.
I’m guessing Dave Schuler will have more to say later.
Image: BBC
About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.
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Well, if it is too late for success, then what exactly is the objective in this new offensive?
Reports are out that there will be only 500 ANA involved. Essentially no contractors are ready. What gives? Seven years of training the ANA and we can only come up with 500? Where is the State Department? This does not look like the integrated approach being promoted.
Steve
