http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2012/10/26/Petraeus-on-Benghazi-It-Wasnt-Me
When Petraeus was in Afghanistan he decided that the troops should get out of their armored vehicles and interact with the populace more. You know, the old hearts and minds crap? The result was a dramatic increase in injuries, legs and testicles blown off, due to IEDs. When he saw that Afghanistan was not going well, he turned the mess over to somebody else and came home as the conquering hero. He has always been a self-promoting tool.
The hearts and mind approach cost us heavily, there is no arguing that, but we aren’t the Russians. They tried the Iron Fist approach and look at the results. They engaged in this territory with savage brutality but it got them nowhere and cost them tremendously. They achieved no more victory than us with open ROE and zero accountability.
In Afghanistan, even if we rode in on unicorns that farted money and virgins, we would still be seen as invaders. We are foreigners in every sense of the word. The Taliban, even at their worst, are still viewed as their brothers. They are still their countrymen. I understand why Petraeus tried his approach, but it’s naive to continue when it is so costly and ineffective. Does anyone know what we are doing there anymore?
I found this HBO (dont gag) documentary last weekend on the war in Afghanistan. It’s worth a watch and delves heavily into your point about winning hearts and minds. It’s tough to watch but it places you there on the ground with Marines and pulls no punches. It’s brutal, thrilling, heart breaking, and awe inspiring. It is also totally R rated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9Pq5JZ2Fd8
It’s videos like this, and many others on youtube, that solidify my respect for the sacrifice of our Military. It also reminds me that we do not turn our backs on those who serve our Country and we cannot allow Benghazi to go away without answers and accountability.