Tag: afghanistan

Obama Declares Victory, but Will It Win Votes?

Over two years ago, President Barack Obama, who had campaigned declaring that Iraq was an unnecessary war, doubled down on the war that he declared to be a vital interest, Afghanistan. Today, the United States is departing Iraq and Obama is acting like it is his decision to go, but it is only because the … Continue reading “Obama Declares Victory, but Will It Win Votes?”

UN Tally Excluded Most Afghan Civilian Deaths in Night Raids

WASHINGTON/KABUL — A July United Nations report asserting that only 30 civilians died in targeted raids in Afghanistan during the first six months of 2011 reflected only a very small fraction of night raids in which civilians were killed, according to officials of the independent Afghan commission that co-produced the 2010 report on civilian casualties … Continue reading “UN Tally Excluded Most Afghan Civilian Deaths in Night Raids”

Freedom Plaza Protesters Settle In

“Exhilarating” is the most appropriate word to describe our assembly since Thursday on Freedom Plaza — our “Tahrir Square” — in Washington, D.C., called into being by October2011.org. And it appears we will be staying for the duration to exercise our freedom to assemble to petition for grievances — peacefully, unless the National Park Police … Continue reading “Freedom Plaza Protesters Settle In”

Justice Obstructed at Bagram: 10 Years Is Too Long

Despite 10 years of occupation and untold millions of dollars spent on rebuilding Afghanistan’s broken judicial and criminal justice system, the Afghan courts are “still too weak,” The Washington Post reported on Aug. 12, for the United States to relinquish its control over the Parwan Detention Center on Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. On Sept. … Continue reading “Justice Obstructed at Bagram: 10 Years Is Too Long”

Light at End of Afghan Tunnel Recedes

“Now we can see [success in Vietnam] clearly, like the light at the end of a tunnel.” – Gen. Henri Navarre, commander French forces in Vietnam, May 20, 1953 “A new phase is starting … we have reached an important point when the end begins to come into view … there is a light at … Continue reading “Light at End of Afghan Tunnel Recedes”

Study: US Night Raids Aimed at Afghan Civilians

U.S. Special Operations Forces have been increasingly aiming their nighttime raids, which have been the primary cause of Afghan anger at the U.S. military presence, at civilian noncombatants in order to exploit their possible intelligence value, according to a new study published by the Open Society Foundation and the Liaison Office. The study provides new … Continue reading “Study: US Night Raids Aimed at Afghan Civilians”

Community Policing, Afghan-Style

Lal Mohammed says his 9-year-old son was stabbed and shot and left to die in a raid on his home. Another Afghan villager reported that a 17-year-old boy had been detained, beaten, and had nails driven into his feet. His injuries were so bad that his family packed up and left the country to get … Continue reading “Community Policing, Afghan-Style”

Kabul Attack Continues Taliban Control of War Narrative

Gen. David Petraeus wrote in his 2006 counterinsurgency manual that the U.S. command headquarters should establish a “narrative” for the counterinsurgency war — a simple storyline that provides a framework for understanding events, both for the population of the country in question and for international audiences. But this week’s Taliban attacks on multiple targets in … Continue reading “Kabul Attack Continues Taliban Control of War Narrative”

Surge Finally Getting a Second Look?

If he were to pat you on the back, you would list it on your resume. When in Rome, they do as he does. He is the life of parties he has never attended Sharks have a week dedicated to him. He is the most interesting man in the world. Just a few lines from … Continue reading “Surge Finally Getting a Second Look?”

How an Empire Defines Victory

Seeing the end of the Gadhafi regime has somehow vindicated the war on Libya in many Americans’ minds, including some previously on the fence. This is a usual pattern: The U.S. goes to war, always with some lofty goal advertised, and the euphoria kicks in as soon as the regime is defeated. It happened throughout … Continue reading “How an Empire Defines Victory”