"Tip of the Spear": Richard Engel's documentary from Afghanistan (video) ("Tis madness there")

[Are_grits_groceries]

If you didn't see "Tip of the Spear" last night, you can watch it at this site:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33107901/ns/nightly_news_with_brian_williams-tip_of_the_spear

He and 2 other NBC employees were with Vipre Company in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan. It is the most dangerous outpost there. There are only 150 men in this company trying to clear the valley. Engel was in Firebase Restrepo. It is the most forward outpost and has 20 men.

The bravery of these men is unbelieveable.

The documentary left me wondering why are we asking these men to go on a mission that puts them in an impossible position with nowhere near what they need. The valley can only be reached by helicopter.

During one firefight, their weapons kept jamming while the Taliban kept coming. With just a few more problems, the base would have been overrun.

Here is a link to pictures from Restropo from the Boston Globe: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/11/afghanistans_korengal_valley.html

This mission is complete madness. All of these outposts should be closed, and the men pulled back into an area that is halfway reasonable to defend.

The strategy in Afghanistan is bullshit. Some reports say that the Taliban won't welcome Al Qaeda much less give them any leadership:
"the Absurdity of War" by Robert Scheer: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20091007_a_war_of_absurdity/

[elleng]

1. Hope we're changing target from Taliban and al Q to al Q,

in Paki.

Thanks for this, grits.

[Are_grits_groceries]

2. We should be IMHO.

We are achieving results by finally getting some human intelligence instead of relying on technology for everything.

If we stay, it should be with a mission designed to specifically keep targeting Al Qaeda and the most militant Taliban leaders.

McChrystal is nuts for asking for troops to build the nation. Afghanistan is a hodgepodge of groups and alliances with a corrupt government doing who knows what.

Nobody has been able to achieve victory in Afghanistan unless they use their own surreal definition of victory. This has been true for decades and with many different nations trying.

[elleng]

3. With you 100%, grits.

Wrong to laud mcchrystal when Prez is searching for the right goal. Mcc does what he can do with goal he's been given.

No victory in Afghan for CENTURIES!

[elleng]

4. 'Tis indeed madness.

Just saw the 'friendly fire' incident. YES, close the 'outposts,' PLEASE.

[Are_grits_groceries]

5. I think politicians should have to go to Restropo. nt