Today on the Sean Hannity Show, I heard the host mention new “rules of engagement” for our troops. Such rules are necessary, but they can easily become a hindrance. What is going on?
Last September, we reduced the number of airstrikes.
Airstrikes by coalition forces in Afghanistan have dropped dramatically in the three months Gen. Stanley McChrystal has led the war effort there, reflecting his new emphasis on avoiding civilian casualties and protecting the population. (continued here)
Last November the Washington Times published an article on the rules of engagement. Here are some of the rules.
The Times compiled an informal list of the new rules from interviews with U.S. forces (from here). Among them:
• No night or surprise searches.
• Villagers have to be warned prior to searches.
• ANA or ANP must accompany U.S. units on searches.
• U.S. soldiers may not fire at the enemy unless the enemy is preparing to fire first.
• U.S. forces cannot engage the enemy if civilians are present.
• Only women can search women.
• Troops can fire at an insurgent if they catch him placing an IED but not if insurgents are walking away from an area where explosives have been laid.
Are all these constraints necessary and wise? I have my doubts, but I am not in Afghanistan. From my perspective, only time will tell. This LA Times article, Marines focus on civilian safety in Afghanistan, is noncommittal. This Christian Science Monitor article, Afghanistan war: US troops’ new push into ‘heart of darkness’, and this Voice of America article, Thousands Flee Ahead of NATO Offensive in Southern Afghanistan, speak of a canny enemy resisting US soldiers on the assault. Too often, this enemy succeeds in killing our dedicated and carefully restrained young men, US troops killed in Afghanistan and Africa.
When we ask our soldiers to take on such a difficult mission with severe self-imposed constraints, we have an obligation to back them and give them every chance of success. Of one thing I am certain. If we make the commitment, we can and will win. Nonetheless, President Barack Obama has already set a date to begin a withdrawal, July 2011. Is Obama just going through the motions and then planning to blame Bush — again? I hope not.
