MOD Afghan Strategy Disaster

The Times this week revealed that US Lietenant-General Freakley had been critical of the British effort in Helmand Province in particular.  He had specifically criticised the tactics of sending small groups of soldiers to defend small outposts in far-flung places such as Sangin.  He appears to feel that there should have been more offensive action to stop the enemy building up.  We certainly know, from our work and pro bono Inquests, that certain military groups have sustained heavy casualties employing this tactic.

This revelation was linked to an earlier investigation by the Times which referred to the MOD as grossly under-estimating the threat from the Taliban and ignoring warnings that planned troop numbers were inadequate.

Events this week – President Obama’s address to the nation on Iraq gaining sovereignty, and Tony Blair’s “journey” – only serve to focus attention on Afghanistan.  President Karzai has indicated that NATO strategy there needs to be reassessed.  The casualties bring their own imperative.  A further 7 US troops died at the weekend and the bodies of 5 kidnapped aid workers were also recovered.

I do not know if General Freakley’s tactics would have proved to be superior, taking into account the IED threat on mobility, but we do not appear to be any nearer to a solution markedly improved security situation in Afghanistan.