Journal Community


Explore Group

What do you think of the U.S. military announcing the precise target of their first big Afghan offensive?


After days of publicizing exactly where their first big offensive would be, U.S. troops and allies entered Marjah, Afghanistan before dawn, launching an assault on one of the last Taliban-controlled towns as part of a major campaign that will test whether President Barack Obama's troop escalation can turn around the faltering war effort.

The announcement of the precise target was a rare break from traditional military secrecy, an apparent bid to intimidate the Taliban and limit local resistance and loss of civilian life. Do you think the strategy is working?

(See more polls, discussions and hot topics.)

« »
Recommend a comment by clicking the recommendation icon

    We'd need to know all of the details of the rationale behind the decision to know if it's a good one, but off the top of my head, I can think of several benefits:

    1) Allows innocent bystanders plenty of time to clear the area.
    2) Allows the military to observe how the enemy reacts to it.
    3) If the goal is primarily to take control of the area, and there are strategic benefits to that, then all the better if the enemy leaves before we get there.
    4) Where are all of the enemy combatants going to go? Most likely they'll be scattered in surrounding areas. And therefore, it fouls up their ability to communicate and coordinate their efforts, logistics, supplies, weapons, etc.
    5) Maybe it will give some of them the opportunity to quit the fight, by disappearing into civilian life again.



    The purpose of the announcement is to prepare the civilians the opportunity to rid themselves of the Taliban as the operations come to their towns and rooting the bad guys out. They know who the bad guys are and it would otherwise be impossible to tell since they wear no uniforms. Given the opportunity they will indicate where they are and who they are. Once taken this puts the pressure where it needs to be putting the pressure on Karzai to govern. This ultimately will determine if Karzai has the ability to run a real government and puts the government in the hands where it needs to be, with the civilians!


  • The Elders that are now helping US/Afgan forces are probably the best "initial effect" obtained in exchange for giving away the element of surprise. A win with surprise that resulted in heavy civilian casualties is as the commanding general has indicated, not the desired outcome. Nothing but tremendous respect for the soldiers who fight with restraint - they are simply amazing.



    Agreed. Minimize collateral damage as much as possible. We need to continue the battle for hearts and minds. COIN playbook.


« »
To add a comment please
Create an Account

Your real name is required
for commenting.

  • Clear
  • Post
Your Profile Here…

Set up your profile to connect with members of Journal Community.


Your Groups Here…



Most Active Discussions