Needed: An Exorcism in Kandahar
Needed: An Exorcism in Kandahar
by Vegetius
Download the full article: Needed: An Exorcism in Kandahar
It is said that President Obama is looking for a proof of concept for General McChrystal’s proposed strategy in Afghanistan. Kandahar is probably is an excellent place to start. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal by Michael Phillips, NATO forces will soon attempt to retake Kandahar from the Taliban who are in de facto control of Afghanistan’s second city.
Kandahar is critical on a number of levels. Most importantly, it is the heart of the Pashtu dominated portion of Afghanistan; the Pashtu led Taliban movement was born there. Second, Kandahar sits at a key crossroads on the ancient Silk Road between the west and Asia; it is strategically vital to control of Afghanistan. The Afghan government never lost Kandahar in a military sense, but the Taliban dominates its soul; its shadow government dispenses a rough form of governance and justice that competes favorably with the warlord dominated kleptocracy that pretends to run the city.
A few hundred American and Canadian trainers are allowed to be billeted in the city by the Taliban because they pose no real threat and chasing them out would bring unwanted attention to the cadres of the Taliban who are the real rulers of the city.
If the Phillips article is correct, the first phase of NATO plan for wresting control of the city from Taliban domination is sound. The coalition commander will attempt to isolate it and control all traffic in and out. This is a good strategy for laying siege to any city in conventional or irregular warfare. Where the plan breaks down is in its second phase.
Download the full article: Needed: An Exorcism in Kandahar
The author is a government employee who is a former infantryman.
