Perhaps you thought the Left's latest claims couldn't possibly be wrong again. Wrong war. Wrong place. Distraction. Surely, this time for sure, right? I didn't think so, but what is my opinion compared to the depth of knowledge our anti-war side brings to the table in terms of military history and warfare? They're nuanced, dammit! Surely that counts for something!
Guess again:
Afghan and security forces waited, and waited, for the Taliban Spring Offensive, but it never came. Gun battles with the Taliban were down 50 percent so far, compared to last year. Roadside bomb attacks were about the same. But Taliban casualties were up, as more Afghan and NATO forces went looking for them. Last year, 8,000 people died in Taliban violence. So far this year, the death toll is 1,200, indicating casualties for the year will be about half what they were last year. This year, a higher proportion of the dead are Taliban and al Qaeda, and a lower proportion civilians. While some Taliban commanders have tried to develop new tactics to reduce casualties (smaller units of Taliban, and avoiding contact with police and troops), nothing has worked. The Afghan army is larger (76,000 troops) and better trained than last year, and there are more foreign troops. Worst of all, more tribal leaders have sided with the government this year, meaning tribal militias are also ready to fight Taliban moving through previously pro-Taliban territory.
Yes indeed, I feel doomed. Doomed to enduring another bout of defeatism next January when our Left will dust off the predictions of imminent disaster in Afghanistan.
