<< As a super power American image should be humane, merciful and benevolent. It will be unfortunate that in the zest to destroy terrorism, America is labeled as a terrorist itself. America's bad image will give its closest ally Pakistan also a distorted image, especially at home, because the people of Pakistan do not wish the people of Afghanistan to be hurt, and will blame their government for complicity if that happens due to continued merciless Allied bombing of Afghanistan. >>
Definitely US/British forces need to go back to the drawing board and come up with a novel strategy - such as multiple fronts with quick 2-3 days of combined ground and air attacks at specific key targets. If they don't know what and where those targets are. then they have no business being there. For this operation, expect military personnel casualties, or they should pull out. US and its allies must also consider setting up other bases around Afghanistan, including in Iran.
American humanitarian image as well as Musharraf's command should not be jeapordized nor forsaken. When areal bombing sorties have proven to have minimal impact (except for higher civilian losses and higher frequency of mistakes), then a new strategy should be put in place. The US and British Allied forces should make use of tactical moves that confuse the opponents. As of now, the bombings are so predictable and Talebans are using the civilians as shields and use the civilian casualties as propaganda.
If Musharraf were to lose control (heaven's forbid!), it would be a huge setback (which is an understatement). Without any doubt, the Taleban leadership is planning for such a chaotic and leaderless Pakistan. Musharraf's leadership preservation must be taken into account on all daily decisions.
<< The aim of the inimical mullahs will be achieved with disorder and anarchy. >>
That's how they get their recruits as well, catching all those young men who have yet found their place in the society and still searching for the purpose of their lives.
<< During the last two weeks the Allied Air Forces have flown over three thousand sorties and have destroyed Taliban air power, but not military power. Immense damage has been caused to the infrastructure. ..... But US and UK have failed to achieve their political and military aims. >>
That is a great point and it should be obvious. If it is not quite apparent to the Allied Forces commanders, then the overall outlook will be bleak. Civilian casualties will mount. Public opinion and support will turn negative. The bombing has become too predictable and that makes it easier to hide and prepare for the attacks and lessen the impact. |
