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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)
A US Marine firing on the town of Marjah during Operation Moshtarak, 02/14/10. (photo: Reuters)

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0 # Merschrod 2010-02-14 17:39
This may be a repeat on my part, but basically, the author of the opinion is a bit too cocky and arrogant when it comes to the the significance of the battle for Majah.

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
 
 
0 # Merschrod 2010-02-14 17:41
Oh, theer will also be the strategy fo decentralizatio n and the engagement of local Shura - watch for that too. If funds and resources are not syphoned off in Kabul and go directy to Majah and other districts, that, too will be a major change of strategy.
 

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