Indeed, everything about the selling of Operation Moshtarak adds to our doubts about the wisdom of the strategy. As Patrick Cockburn writes today, the offensive seems to be designed for ready consumption by the US media.
A US Marine firing on the town of Marjah during Operation Moshtarak, 02/14/10. (photo: Reuters)
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The strategy is a major change over the past and it remains to be seen just how well the strategy will work. This is a change from the straight military take by force and then be done. The mobilization and preparation before hand of a civilian body to manage Provincial and District affairs is new. The obvious attempt to allow the militants to leave is deliberately new; the advance supply of agricultural inputs is new. This is also a test of the Karzai government - can they provide non-corrupt officials and police?
I'd say, come back i 30 days to review the military ation and the initial civilian phase. Come back i September to review the agricultural and marketing efforts. Then be cocky and say, "I told you so." But for now, hold the nihilist blather
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