Petraeus' Rules: Fight Taliban, get to know the locals

[BootinUp]

Fight the Taliban "relentlessly." Don't tolerate corruption. Drink "lots of tea" with the locals.

Those admonitions are among the two dozen guidelines for counterinsurgency warfare that Gen. David Petraeus issued to U.S. and allied troops in Afghanistan on Sunday. In his first major public pronouncement since taking command in early July, Petraeus urged American troops and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force to learn and adapt to the culture of Afghanistan while battling the Taliban insurgents and their allies.

"The decisive terrain is the human terrain," Petraeus wrote. "The people are the center of gravity. Only by providing them security and earning their trust and confidence can the Afghan government and ISAF prevail."

"Earn the people's trust, talk to them, ask them questions and learn
about their lives," he wrote. Coalition troops should be "a good guest," learn the local history and "make sure you have the full story."

"Don't be a pawn in someone else's game," he wrote. "Spend time, listen, consult and drink lots of tea."

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[USArmyParatrooper]

1. GEN Petraeus can see the whole picture and think outside the box

I was very happy when it was announced he would be taking over operations in Afghanistan.

[BootinUp]

2. comments under the article:

Will

If we nuked these guys 9 years ago like we should've then this wouldn't even be an issue. Our boys would be home and we'd all still be working.

August 1, 2010 at 5:14 pm | Report abuse | Reply



Joseph McCarthy

Will,have you absolutely no decency in you at all?Never have I seen such right-wing drivel in my life!!!

August 1, 2010 at 7:28 pm | Report abuse | Reply

Tom Posey

Neither have I,Joe.That's telling him!

August 1, 2010 at 7:35 pm | Report abuse |



jimmy

Your a clown. Good thing your in no more of a position of leadership than co-manager at burgerking.

August 1, 2010 at 10:23 pm | Report abuse | Reply