Rules of Engagement-

[Bluerthanblue]

Just in case anyone missed this, it's worth a listen/read.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2010/0310/Afghanistan-war-New-rules-of-engagement-don-t-pit-civilians-vs.-soldiers

Afghanistan war: New rules of engagement don't pit civilians vs. soldiers
New rules of engagement in Afghanistan that are designed to better protect civilians will safeguard US soldiers, too.

By Sarah Holewinski, James Morin / March 10, 2010

Washington
In concert with Afghans and NATO allies, American soldiers last month waged an aggressive fight against Taliban insurgents in the town of Marjah.
About the same time, US military commanders revised the rules of engagement and limited some kinds of tactical warfare – such as night operations and raids – in an effort to better protect Afghan civilians. Good public relations, the thinking goes, may matter more than good missile strikes.
Military families back home want to know: Are troops walking into hell with one hand tied behind their backs? Are civilian lives being spared in exchange for military ones?

The answer to both questions is no.

Last year, the head of international forces in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, put in place a critical evolution in military tactics and strategy: To save a village, you don’t destroy it (a Vietnam War approach). You really have to save it.

Since then, civilian deaths caused by international forces in Afghanistan have fallen by nearly 30 percent. Protecting the population isn’t political correctness; it’s a vital military objective and a distinct advantage over an enemy that uses civilians as shields. The drop in civilian casualties is a mark of success.

Allied troop fatalities have meanwhile increased, but efforts to spare civilians are not the cause. Rather, troops are fighting the insurgents where they live – as in Marjah. Taking on the Taliban requires taking that risk. American and allied forces may be walking into hell, but given the right strategy and purpose, they remain free to fight effectively.
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more at link.