The Need To Change The Rules In Afghanistan

Today’s New York Post has an opinion piece about the changes in the rules of engagement  that have occurred since President Obama took office.  Two of these rules are very troubling:

  • Unless our troops in combat are absolutely certain that no civilians are present, they’re denied artillery or air support.
  • If any civilians appear where we meet the Taliban, our troops are to “break contact” — to retreat.

I am not a military strategy expert, but this is dumb even to me.  We are fighting an enemy that is very good a waging a public relations war as well as an insurgent war.  It is a good idea to avoid civilian casualties if possible, but not in a way that gives our enemies a way to avoid being attacked.  I am sure that the Taliban figured out very quickly that all they have to do is have civilians with them at all times and they will not be attacked.  In an organization where suicide bombers are routinely trained, I am sure it is not difficult to find a few civilians to go into the battlefield with you.

I support the war in Afghanistan.  I believe it is a proxy war with Iran and that it is a necessary part of fighting terrorism.  However, if our soldiers are not being allowed to fight the war with everything they have, bring them home.  To do otherwise is the put them in jeopardy for no reason.  If you choose to tie our soldiers’ hands as they fight this war, remember that the price of Afghanistan falling back into chaos is that terrorists have a safe haven to plan their attacks on the rest of the world.