11 pages on the difficulties confronting NATO there. I'm struck by the repetition of tactics and strategic strongpoints from the Soviet-invasion era. :-/

PBS offered two fascinating surprises this evening ... first how well Robert Macneil is doing, the second is the rather crucial and frank presentation of the foreign policy choices facing the US now.

The first episode (graphically!) reviewed the situation in Iraq, titled Gangs of Iraq, and interviewed key people in the unraveling situation - both ( Read more... )

1. Squaddie heroism in Helmand - one senses these operations are being conducted without overwhelming force, or a total equipment mix for unexpected circumstances. One also can't help wonder what the conditions were like that rendered B-1 bombloads, 155mm artillery, and Apache helicopter rocketfire that ineffective.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4708946.stm

What strikes me in particular is this:
When the video apparently showing British soldiers beating up young stone-throwers was shown around the world on Sunday, a spokesman for al-Fadhila, an important moderate ( Read more... )