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Iraqi Security Forces Emboldened Following Sunday’s Election

By user on March 10, 2010

The relationship between U.S. and Iraqi forces is beginning to take on a different dynamic as Iraqi Security Forces grow in strength and numbers.
Maj. General Terry Wolff, a U.S. commander in Iraq, pointed to Sunday’s elections as a sign of the Security forces’ development.
“It’s a very different looking partnership,” Wolff, told reporters in Washington Wednesday via-satellite from Iraq. The General noted that the Iraqis acted “superbly” Sunday amid highly dangerous circumstances.
The Iraqi’s accomplishment comes as U.S. forces enter what is expected to be the conclusion to their active involvement in the country. The 96,000 American troops currently stationed in the country are slated to be reduced to 50,000 by the end of the summer. A full withdrawal is anticipated for 2011.

In Marja, A Psychological Struggle Remains

By user on March 4, 2010

While a two-week long offensive in the Taliban stronghold of Marja can be chalked up to a military victory for U.S. and Afghan forces, there are still pressing concerns facing the next stage of the operation, including the struggle to psychologically win over the Southern Afghan city’s population.
“We’ve got a very skeptical population,” Brigadier General Larry Nicholson, who commands U.S. forces in the region, told reporters Thursday. “I think we have a very narrow window here in Marja to make that first impression. You get one shot at it.”
Nicholson explained that the locals have been deeply disappointed with the Afghan government in current years, and as a result, embraced the Taliban.
According to the Commander, the U.S. is pursuing a number of steps to establish trust, including working with local religious leaders, supervising the formation of the region’s police force and creating jobs.
“I want to hire more than a thousand [Afghans] very, very quickly,” said Nicholson. “I think a lot of the people we hire may have been Taliban at one time.”
To maintain stability, thousands of Marines and Afghan forces will remain in Marja until at least this summer.

Combat In Marja Not Yet Complete

By user on March 3, 2010

Although the Taliban presence in the Afghan city of Marja has been largely reduced following a two-week long offensive from the U.S. military and Afghan security forces, a Department of Defense spokesperson said Wednesday that scaled-down combat could continue for weeks.
“There are still pockets where we believe there to be some Taliban hiding out. Perhaps lying in wait,” Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters. “We expect the fighting will remain with us for weeks as we go about clearing those hold outs.”
Morrell stressed that although the U.S. is prepared for additional combat, the military has moved from the clearing phase of the operation to holding and building.
“Things are trending in the right direction there,” Morrell added.

Progress In Marjah Steady, But Slower Than Expected, Reports Military Leader

By user on February 22, 2010

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen conceded Monday that while steady progress is being made through the military offensive in the Afghan town Marjah, advancement is slower than expected.
“We need to be realistic about this operation,” said Mullen during a press briefing with Defense Secretary Robert Gates. “It’s going to take some time.”
The offensive, which is in its second week, is part of a joint effort between U.S. and Afghanistan security forces to eradicate the heavy Taliban presence in the 72 square mile region.
Both Mullen and Gates denied that the pace in Majrah is an indicator that General Stanley McChrystal, who commands U.S. forces in the nation, will need to reevaluate the overall military strategy for the country.

Rather Than An Israeli Nuclear Strike, Gates Hopes For A Diplomatic Solution To Iranian Weapons Programs

By user on February 8, 2010

When asked if he is concerned about a nuclear strike from Israel against Iran’s nuclear program, Gates said that nobody wants the conflict to escalate and explains that he hopes that Iran can be dealt with through economic and diplomatic pressures from the international community instead. (1:08)