The Battle for Kandahar: Part I
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FOB Frontenac, Afghanistan
28 March 2010
Under an early morning sky, a red glow is cast from the lights on an Air Force water drilling rig. A new MATV, or “MRAP All Terrain Vehicle,” is being deployed to Afghanistan to combat homemade bombs, the favorite weapon of the Taliban.
The 1-17th has lost 22 soldiers on this tour but, has inflicted far more on the enemy. It appears that U.S. forces have gained the initiative in the Arghandab River Valley (ARV). The ARV is crucial human and physical terrain for the unfolding Battle of Kandahar.
The Battle for Kandahar has begun. The face of this battle is not one of sudden fury but a process, a complex struggle for legitimacy between local Taliban governance and Kabul rule.
A scent of weakness is in the air. The Taliban remain deadly and capable – yet they seem to be losing the initiative. “Shaping Operations” are underway. Special Operations Forces are picking off and collecting key Taliban leaders. With our increase in troops, the Taliban must spend more time on self-defence, deducting from their capacity for offensive operations.
This year, 2010, is particularly crucial for the future of Afghanistan. The fight is on for key physical terrain, politcal terrain, and information dominance. Before Christmas, we will know who won the Battle for Kandahar. Who wins this Battle likely will win the war.
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Michael Yon
P O Box 5553
Winter Haven, FL 33880-5553
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Thank you!
Michael
Comments
Thank you for giving them the kudos they deserve.
All our prayers to the families of those who were lost.
We pray for the safety of all over there, and for a speedy and final solution to this mess so all can come home.
God Bless you and those you report on.
I have reposted the links to this dispatch along with a few other posts... something I picked up earlier and so the heading of one of my blog posts is "Michael Yon has moved very close to the status of legend.."
You are wise and brave; you're the reason more moms should be in charge. Send that guy to stand in the corner and have his little private pity party. Meantime, there's things that need said, so thanks for speaking out. And there's things that need doing, so thanks to Michael Yon for being over there for us. Never underestimate the reach of the influence you and he have. My brother lives in Pakistan doing his regular job, importantly, helping the people forward. Over in Afghanistan too, when possible. He will not come and stay home in the face of danger. I don't have children over there, but I do know a glimpse of how you feel about your Marine and your sailor. Here's something else to say: it is a very good, very positive, very strong thing that there seems to be a little more courtesy, attention, care, and respect for our Commander-in-Chief, President of the United States of America, a patriotic citizen like the rest of us. There is certain, righteous power in all of us standing together. The whole world is looking to us, that's for sure.
Respectfully,
Brad
You state: "I have never understood what the United States was doing in Afghanistan."
Yet you conclude with: "Our presence there is absurd."
Non-sequitur...?
I am the proud mother of a soldier at Frontenac.
Thank you Micheal for being there and keeping those of us informed.
God Bless our soldiers.
Well Dan Juan, I suppose from your sentiment that you were one of those boys that as a child would pick up his ball and take it home with him just because the game wasn't going his way!!
You need to to remember that the stakes are high when you play on the world stage, pulling out is not an option. We in the west should be standing behind our guys who are at this very moment working in one of the worlds most inhospitable places, Where sleep is a luxury one can only dream of. When are you going to open your eyes to the real issues rather than spouting off some simplified sound bite stolen from a tabloid newspaper.
I myself have spent 22 years of my life fighting for the right for you to hold your opinion, including the second gulf war. All I ever asked is that people like yourself have the self control to know when it is appropriate to voice those views.
Unfortunately though, it is probable that you will remain on your sofa, and will not have the courage of conviction to stand up for your views in the most appropriate manner such as lobbying your government, tis' far easier to air your views here. No doubt your life is full of easy options.
But that they say is between you and your conscience, I for one know that mine is clear, as I Know most of the contributors to this site are.
What say you DAN JUAN?
As for Afghanistan, soemtimes I think we should have left the Russians there. Or perhaps we should have found a way to "partner" with them. The Afghan people are very good people. They deserve better than what the Taliban have done to them. Young girls should not be hurt and killed simply because they want to go to school.
Meanwhile, what can be done about the drug trade? Americans and Europeans are actually the ones who create the demand for the drugs and we are responsible for making this such a profitable business. What Afgan farmer can raise wheat and vegetables for a couple of hundred dollars an acre when that same farmer can make a thousand or two with the poppies? In many ways, all of this is worse than what we faced in Viet Nam forty years ago.
From Joseph Patrick Meissner (LTC-RET), author of "The Green Berets and Their Victories."
Let go? Are you serious? It is true that OBL did escape due to series of unfortunate circumstances, but only a Lefty or a conspiracy nut would think Bush let him go on purpose.
Brad wrote:
… it is a very good, very positive, very strong thing that there seems to be a little more courtesy, attention, care, and respect for our Commander-in-Chief, President of the United States of America, a patriotic citizen like the rest of us.
From my point of view, Obama is not a patriot in the traditional sense. Progressives like him see themselves as world citizens first.
Finally, I want to commend Michael for all the great articles on Afghanistan. My young nephew is with the Marines (B. Co., 2nd AABN, Det. A) that took part in the Marjah operation. He’s due back in the ‘states next month. God Bless all our troops as they go in harm’s way for us.
Anyway, great work as usual Michael. Keep it up. You are out eyes and ears on the ground and we than you for it.
Oh and by the way, if we are not there fighting them now, they will be here fighting our children in years to come. Anyone with an ounce of research skills would know that. Just google "caliphate" and the "islamic twelvers", the sect of Islam that AQ and Ahmoud Amadinejad is a member of.
3rd platoon B Co.
I know now that your past, current and continued reporting of the AO has given me hope and respite from the MSM's gloomy reporting!
Thank you, brother.
Strength and Honor!
Ted from San Diego
Just curious, what camera system are you using now? Perhaps you can post an equipment discussion some time in the future.
We are both into nature and bird photography. I remember you posting some nice photos of Iraqi birds a while back. Here are some of ours from the American continent for your enjoyment.
http://www.cabinwood.blogspot.com/
I have a Pentax K10, Sally has a K100. Mine is dunk proof (never going to try that!). The K20 would make a good Desert Camera. It is sealed too, and has a bigger sensor.
A blessed Easter Michael.
To the Enlisted of "The Pro*******als".
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