British Forces in Afghanistan "On the Path to Success" According to Senior Welsh Army Officer

Strategic Insights -

The situation in Afghanistan appears to be improving for British forces, with a senior Welsh army officer claiming that the mission is "on the path to success". Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Wheeler, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion the Royal Welsh, stated that grassroots level successes, such as the recent movement of insurgents out of an Afghan village, are "incredibly heartening" and that the public now understands the difficulty of fighting an insurgency in a country like Afghanistan.

Key Takeaways:

  • British forces in Afghanistan are achieving grassroots level successes, such as the movement of insurgents out of an Afghan village, which are "incredently heartening".
  • Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Wheeler claims that the British forces are "on the path to success" and that the public now understands the difficulty of fighting an insurgency in a country like Afghanistan.
  • Influencing the local populace is critical to the mission's success, with British forces focusing on providing security and trying to win the "hearts and minds" of the Afghan people.
  • The Taliban is also attempting to influence the local population, using unrestricted methods.
  • British forces realize the importance of being truthful and following through on promises to the local people, to avoid being burned in the past.

Statistics:

  • More than 350 foreign military deaths have occurred in Afghanistan so far this year, with 217 of those being British.
  • The 12-month timeframe is critical for the mission, with General Stanley McChrystal warning that failure to gain the initiative and reverse insurgent momentum within the next 12 months risks an outcome where defeating the insurgency is no longer possible.
  • The Afghan national army is being trained and equipped to take over security duties from British forces, with the goal of gradual withdrawal.

Sources:

  • Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Wheeler's statement, Western Mail, as quoted July 14, 2009
  • General Stanley McChrystal's 66-page report, presented to US defense secretary Robert Gates, as quoted in the Washington Post, July 14, 2009.