Ditto. But somehow this nation building attempt that lacks a solid foundation (Current literal Islam as brainwashing techniques) which was present in Europe (Free market principles/historic Christianity although not alive as it once was) and Japan (The impact of not only hearing Hirohito's voice but announcing the whole Emperor thing was a lie provided an easier transition) are absent in those tribal countries.
Only way to truly change things are killing the opium trade the brainwashing of radical Islam etc.... The rest are just temporary and hollow victories while our best are sacrificed in the process in order to make the commanders look good (Limit the collateral damage). There is an extremely cynical atmosphere in the ranks which leads to the erosion of moral.
The American State run media would be more pissed if “civilians” (Who mostly provide help/logistics in arming/Intel the Islamist) are killed then active duty members. Says a lot about who side they are on, especially spiking stories about what these “innocent civilians” are doing in helping out tribal forces (Kill them all, and put the fear of the true God into their Islamic lies).
Walls of Jericho Time should be our strategy not Vietnam/Post WWII Marshall plans. Pressure Pakistan because the USSR failed because 1) The US were supplying the resistance through Pak/other countries 2) Failed to cut off the enemies logistic capabilities
If we want Afghan as an outpost first you need to establish your will, not create ROEs that are easily taken advantage of.
Indeed. As an armchair general- part of my problem with the way Iraq was fought early on was my belief we had it backwards. FIRST- you kill the enemy without hesitation. When you have their attention, then you can begin with hearts and minds. I don't believe it's possible to do both at once.