Pentagon Admits Afghan Strategy isn’t Working

For sometime, anyone with a rudimentary understanding of military and political strategy knew that America’s approach to Afghanistan wasn’t working. For almost seven years, the US has tried to establish a stable government there. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullens told a Congressional committee on Wednesday, “We cannot kill our way to victory.” It’s a start.

The admiral also said, “We can hunt down and kill extremists as they cross over the border from Pakistan, as I watched us do during a daylong trip to the Korengal Valley in July. But until we work more closely with the Pakistani government to eliminate the safe havens from which they operate, the enemy will only keep coming.”

He noted the obvious, that roads, schools and courts can be built and repaired, but he’s wise enough to know that isn’t sufficient. He stated that Afghanistan needs more experts in commerce, agriculture, jurisprudence and education. The nation also needs “foreign investment, alternative crops [rather than opium], sound governance and the rule of law.”

The real solution to the Afghan problem lies in Pakistan. “In my view, these two nations are inextricably linked in a common insurgency that crosses the border between them.” He plans “to commission a new, more comprehensive strategy for the region, one that covers both sides of the border.”

Of course, with a fragile political situation in Pakistan and a failing Afghan economy, this is well-nigh impossible for now. For example, Pakistan's chief of army staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, said recently, “There is no question of any agreement or understanding with the coalition forces whereby they are allowed to conduct operations on our side of the border.”

Admiral Mullens pulled no punches, “I'm not convinced we’re winning in Afghanistan. I am convinced we can.” Seven years after the attacks by Afghanistan-based Al Qaeda, the US is still working to “eliminate the enemy's safe havens.” He also cautioned that the US and its NATO pals are “running out of time.” Year eight of the war begins in 25 days.

© Copyright 2008 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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