Pentagon's Quiet Shift on Afghanistan War: Maybe Safe Havens Aren't Crucial

[tekisui]

Source: Christian Science Monitor

After stressing for years that removing insurgent sanctuaries in Pakistan is vital to winning the war in Afghanistan, US military officials are subtly deemphasizing the importance of that goal as realities on the ground shift.

Foremost among Pakistan's sanctuaries has been North Waziristan, which has served as headquarters for a key insurgent group allied with the Taliban, the Haqqani network. Without the Haqqani network, many senior US military officials believe, the Taliban would likely not be able to sustain operations against NATO troops throughout Afghanistan.

Yet in comments that surprised many analysts, Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, commander of US troops in eastern Afghanistan, told Pentagon reporters last month that, even if Haqqani network forces aren't cleared out of North Waziristan, it is still possible for the United States to win the war in Afghanistan.

“I think that’s doable if it doesn’t continue, you know, if it doesn’t get significantly worse,” Rodriguez said of insurgent attacks launched from North Waziristan. The continued operation of the Haqqani network is “not a mission-stopper in my mind.”

more: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2011/0310/Pentagon-s-quiet-shift-on-Afghanistan-war-Maybe-safe-havens-aren-t-crucial

_____________________________

They haven't known and don't know what the fuck they're doing.

[gratuitous]

1. Just keep pouring in the money

We'll determine what "winning" looks like sooner or later. As long as the country's going under for the third time, might as well snatch whatever dollars are still floating on the surface before the end. If you can avoid being pulled under as well, you're going to need some cash to start fresh somewhere else. Look for the heretofore unknown "Haqqani network" to become the next flashpoint of patriotism. If you're not dead set against the Haqqani network, you hate America, don't support the troops, and sympathize with terrorists.

And the motherfuckers keep fucking us.

[Bandit]

2. Just like we WON the Iraq situation.....

They are having Demonstrations as I type with thousand upon thousand of people in the streets..

[Rabblevox]

3. The pentagon only has one victory condition. Permanent bases to protect...

the upcoming oil pipeline. Anything else the pentagon or White Hose say is complete and utter bullshit. And they know EXACTLY what they are doing.