U.S. widens war in Afghanistan, authorizes new action against Taliban

[rug]

A U.S. Special Forces soldier and an Afghan National Army commando scan the area for enemy movement during an operation in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. (Spec. Connor Mendez/Army)

By Missy Ryan and Thomas Gibbons-Neff June 10

President Obama has granted military commanders new powers to assist Afghan troops combat the Taliban, U.S. officials said, in a move that pulls the United States farther away from the president’s goal of ending the long Afghanistan conflict before he leaves office.

The new measures approved by Obama late last month will permit military leaders to send U.S. troops on battlefield missions with conventional Afghan forces, broadening an activity that now occurs only with elite local troops, and will expand the use of U.S. air power for offensive missions against the Taliban.

Officials said they will only be approved in limited circumstances when they are expected to have “strategic effect.”

“This added flexibility is fully supported by the Afghan government, and will help the Afghans at an important moment for the country,” said a senior administration official who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss decisions that have not been made public.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/06/09/defense-official-u-s-to-begin-striking-taliban-advise-regular-afghan-soldiers-again/?tid=a_inl

[Rex]

1. I wonder what century Afghanistan will find peace in their nation.

Endless wars, yay such fun. So I guess the 'carpet of bombs' offer didn't turn out to well for us did it?

[rug]

2. Doesn't look good for this century.

And this expansion doesn't help.

[RKP5637]

3. MIC $$$$$$'s. n/t

[Rex]

4. I am disappointed we are still there with no apparent exit strategy or goals.

At least we left Vietnam when it became obvious we are not going to ever bring about 'hope and change'. We seem to have gone backwards and are more apathetic then ever imo.

[rug]

5. I remember when the Afghanistan surge was announced in 2009.

We were outside West Point protesting it as it was announced.

Almost seven years later and now another "change of tactics".

It's getting old - and obscene.

[HassleCat]

6. John McCain was right.

We could easily stay here 100 years. I say it's time to recognize Afghanistan for what it is,a place where people want to be left alone to squabble and fight over the next 5 or 6 centuries. They are not interested in our version of democracy and freedom. We need to respect their wishes and get out.