"Forces Ready to Attack Taliban in Afghan Town"

To the Editor:
Oxymoron: Military intelligence. Sometimes I wonder what goes through the minds of our military generals. I have no doubt they know more about military tactics than I do, but many times I question if they realize how unusual their decisions look to the laity. In reference to an article on 4 February 2010 (“Forces Ready to Attack Taliban in Afghan Town”), I fail to see how the tactics mentioned would greatly benefit the U.S./ISAF. The article stated that a “secret” offensive would be launched in the “near future” somewhere. Whilst the article did not mention when, it repeatedly stated a name of a town that is most likely the target city. Marja, Afghanistan has been a Taliban stronghold and is the expected location for the offensive. The tactic of telling the other side “secret” plans is nothing new, but it is extremely risky, with few historical examples of success. Because of the increased troop numbers since last December, the Taliban have become more concentrated in their efforts and when this offense occurs, there will likely be many casualties on both sides. But to what end? A retreat by a side to regroup, reorganize, and retaliate? Surrender? And what will happen after? The article mentioned that if Marja is taken by U.S. forces, the troops will stay to defend it, but it opens the door to retribution by Taliban forces. This offensive also comes at an interesting time. The U.N. was trying to get peace negotiations with the Taliban by taking some names off the terrorist “blacklist”. With this offensive, any hope for that tactic is gone, as well as any sort of peace talks. I do support the efforts to liberate the city of Marja, but I fail to see the logic in the operational tactics to achieve this objective. But even this is mere speculation. What proof is there that the U.S. forces will even succeed? I guess only time will tell what will come of this offensive and how it will affect the ongoing conflict.

Kellye T.
Greeley, Colo. 5 February 2010