U.S. says nearing key moment in eastern Afghanistan (close to achieving "irreversible momentum")

Reuters ^ | 4/22/09 | Andrew Gray

[NormsRevenge]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. and NATO forces are close to achieving "irreversible momentum" in their battle with insurgents in eastern Afghanistan, a senior commander said on Wednesday.

The Taliban and other insurgent groups have been strongest in eastern and southern Afghanistan but U.S. Army Major General Michael Tucker said security had improved this year in the east, where U.S. forces lead NATO troops.

He said about 80 percent of insurgent activity now took place in southern Afghanistan, where the United States plans to deploy thousands of troops in the coming months to reinforce British, Canadian, Dutch and other NATO soldiers.

"We're approaching what you could actually, cautiously term irreversible momentum in the east," Tucker told reporters at the Pentagon by videolink from Afghanistan.

Tucker, deputy chief of staff for operations for NATO and U.S. forces, said the improvement was partly due to an influx of some 4,000 U.S. troops to the area earlier this year.

A pilot project creating a local community protection force has also begun in the east and economic development efforts are well established there, Tucker said.

"We have a combination of the right amount of forces... now to cover the area," he said.

[NormsRevenge]

Looks like this spring's TaliBunny Season is officially open.

Let's Go out there and show them some good old Western Civilization Love.. and Justice.

Semper Fi

[mojito]

The Taliban are cowards, but they are not stupid.

Why stay in Afghanistan and die fighting the US Marine Corps, when you can flee into the Swat Valley of Pakistan and help overthrow the Pakistani government?

[NonValueAdded]

Sounds Westmorelian.

[Valpal1]

I’m worried that this plan will result in US military deaths for absolutely no useful purpose except to massage Obama’s ego.

If it goes bad, Obama will throw the military under the bus.