Danger Room in Afghanistan: Don’t Call it a ‘Surge’ ('Surge Suggests That It's Temporary')

[tekisui]

Source: Wired

BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN — A Reuters report on rising casualties in Afghanistan makes an interesting observation: U.S. commanders are avoiding the word “surge” to describe the recent infusion of U.S. troops here.

So what’s the current term of art? I made a quick inquiry at the public affairs shop here at Bagram Airfield, and found a different phrase in use. “This is a planned troop increase,” said Capt. Scot Keith. “A surge suggests that it’s temporary.”

It’s more than just semantic distinction: It sends a message to the public that the U.S. commitment here is more open-ended. Some re-branding is at work here as well. The word “surge” is closely associated with George W. Bush’s 2007 re-think of Iraq strategy.

more: http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/07/danger-room-in-afghanistan-dont-call-it-a-surge/

[tekisui]

1. What would the reaction on the left have been if this had happened during

the bush administration?

[Solly Mack]

2. K&R

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. Call it a "Hail Mary Pass" in a lost game.

It won't work, but it will make good PR for the killing.

[Mari333]

4. +!1

yep