An Uncharacteristically Upbeat General in Afghanistan

While the “Happy Talk” continues, consider the accompanying charts/reports on “the progress” and the “teeth in the jugular vein”, as you read the latest coming out of US/NATO in Kabul.

Afghan NGO Safety Office, 2010 4th Quarter Report

2010 4th Quarter Report

Claim: Afghans Heart G.I.s Who Flattened Their Village [Updated]

Apparently, if you are not on the ground, and you are a skeptic of tactics that “demolish” entire villages, then you can’t understand or even fathom how this tactic creates a “small victory” for the war effort.  At least that is the latest attempt to square the circle of heavy-handed COIN in Kandahar province by the ISAF/NATO commander’s biographer.  In fact, the villagers love that we destroyed their entire village.  Hearts and minds…

U.S. says to monitor Afghan parliament progress

Finally.  A US/NATO statement on the Afghan parliament:

The U.S. embassy in Kabul commended the agreement to convene the newly elected Afghan parliament tomorrow, saying in a statement that the decision demonstrated “respect for democratic governance,” but added “…while the United States welcomes today’s outcome, we will continue to closely monitor this situation.”

Note that it was an “embassy” statement, not specifically from the US Ambassador or US/NATO.

We all understand that this is a delicate situation and there have (and will be) behind-the-scene discusses, negotiations, etc.  But, flat out silence calms no nerves nor demonstrates any leadership.   Wake up Kabul, we are “closely monitoring” the situation.