More than a week in and the attack on the Afghan town of Marjah is quickly looking embarrassing for the Americans.
The Pentagon has been trying to remain upbeat on the progress of the campaign, but the Americans had always needed a quick victory here. The main problem for the Americans is that the battle is between 15,000 US, Afghan and NATO troops against a Taliban force of at most 1,000.
Simple math tell you the Taliban are out-numbered at least 15 to 1 with the Americans having the heavier firepower, and yet they are still holding off the Americans. Worse, their British allies now seem to have second thoughts on the battle. The British commander of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, Major General Nick Carter, now says that the troops would need another 25 to 30 days just to secure the Taliban stronghold and another 3 months after that to control the whole area.
In the grand scheme of things, it probably wouldn’t change the war too much but the battle of Marjah was suppose to be the start of a change in the tides of war in Afghanistan. That is unlikely to happen if the Americans take over a month to take just one town, especially when they have the Taliban outnumbered and outgunned 15 to 1.
That’s why the Americans had always needed a quick victory in Marjah. Unfortunately despite out-numbered 15 to 1, the Taliban have other ideas.
5 comments:
Do you have any idea what the rules of engagement are for our troops? They have their hands tied and can't shoot back when they need to. Do you know that the Taliban are lowering themselves to use women and children as shields? So then how do our guys shoot? Do you know how many IED's were planted for our troops to come into contact with? No wonder it's taking longer that they 1st thought. Our guys are every day putting their lives on the line. God bless them all and take your time to survey the ground around you!
Sorry madam but I disagree with the tone of what you are saying.
The IEDs are part of the defense of the Taliban. Just as the American troops have an attack plan, the Taliban has a defense plan. The American troops are putting their lives on the line everyday, but then despite being outnumbered and outgunned (at least 15 to 1) so are the Taliban.
I might add that even it’s true that the Taliban are using human shields, they are doing it to prevent their enemies from shooting at them. That’s what everyone does in war. You want to kill the other guy without getting killed. That is also why Americans have drones and drop bombs 3000 feet in the air. They do it not because they like the air but because they do not want the Taliban to shoot at them.
When Israel used human shields in the Gaza war last year, I didn’t say anything about it because it’s war. Are human shields acceptable when your allies used them, but unacceptable when your enemies used them? No. Maybe I’m a little different on this but I don’t find having human shields to be dishonorable because its war and war is ALWAYS dishonorable.
Interesting that Ghost did not respond to the issue of IED's Ruth. There have been so many IED's in houses, on streets, in walls, that reportedly 6 per hour are being detonated in order to allow safe access for our NATO forces. And then the Taliban go back after areas are 'cleared' and plant more IED's. That is the reality of why it is taking so long. I would like to see Ghost go walking through the streets where our warriors are losing limbs, eyes, and lives from IED's.
Uh...I did. "The IEDs are part of the defense of the Taliban. Just as the American troops have an attack plan, the Taliban has a defense plan." It's right there on top.
Another thing I don't understand is why you are so upset about the Taliban using IEDs. The Americans are attacking using warplanes, choppers, and overwhelming fire-power.
What are IEDs compare to that? However is it wrong for the American troops to use superior fire-power? Absolutely not! Because you use the weapons you have
First of all, Taliban by definition, are terrorists. Second, civilized people do not use children as human shields, even in time of war. Third, the plan for this offensive was an 18 month event.
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