Operation Khanjar Launches
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
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