The United States engaged enemy forces in Afghanistan earlier than it did in Iraq. Afghanistan was secured (militarily) with a modest, asymmetrical force compose dof special operations units, local nationals and traditional units. The result was a relatively swift victory in a fractured, mostly rural / undeveloped and tribal nation. Afghanistan has no seaport, no major infrastructure, no major exports (save opium) and no real central government. It is a nation of divergent, tribal groups barely linked by the common religion of Islam.
Prior to 2001, it was the training haven for Al Qeada. It afforded numerous secure locations to prepare for global jihad against the forces of the West and internal enemies of a future Caliphate. Our success in Afghanistan hinges solely on our overwhelming ability to delivery lethal force to any part of the nation within minutes. This ability, however, will not convert an eleventh century culture into a modern society.
We are now facing peace talks with the Taliban, as we inevtibaly must and a likely premature exit in 2013. This will result in Afghanistan devolving back into sectarian violence and partitioning. It will also mean our presence wil be limited to a base in Khandahar or one of the -Stans from where SOCOM units will act to kill any coalescing threat which may spread outside the borders of the nation.
Michael Yon has written extensively about our challenges and now we have an Army O5 reporting his frustration with the truth on the ground. The truth on the ground in Afghanistan is the summary of his article.
Let's just hope we can maintain that ability to decisively deliver necessary force to preserve our own security. I fear that the security for the Afghans will remain elusive.
Farewell faithful comrade, with deeply humble thanks for your service and that of your faithful companion.
Dead soldier Liam Tasker and Army dog return home
L/Cpl Tasker's body will return along with the ashes of his Army dog Theo The body of a soldier who died along with his record breaking sniffer dog in Afghanistan last week will be returned home to the UK.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, from Kirkcaldy in Fife, was shot dead while on patrol in Helmand province.
The ashes of the 26-year-old's dog Theo will be flown home on the same plane.
L/Cpl Tasker, who was called a "rising star" by Army chiefs, was shot by Taliban snipers and Theo died of a seizure shortly after his master.
The soldier and his 22-month-old dog had made 14 finds in five months while on the frontline.
The pair's successes at uncovering so many explosions and weapons had resulted in their tour of Afghanistan being extended by a month.
Just three weeks ago, springer spaniel Theo was praised as a record breaking Army sniffer dog.
The body of L/Cpl Tasker and the ashes of Theo will be flown to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire at lunchtime, before a cortege passes through Wootton Bassett, the Wiltshire town which has built up a tradition of welcoming back fallen heroes.