22/6/08
Foreign military efforts to win “hearts and minds” in Afghanistan are misplaced and failing, according to research that calls into question tactics used by Australian troops. Afghans “are not fooled” by reconstruction and aid programs designed to improve stability and their material conditions, the research says. Instead, the study by international aid agencies says Afghans see the tactics as attempts to prop up the “discredited” Government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The research gives a rare insight into Afghan views of reconstruction projects done by foreign troops. It focuses on two provinces, including Oruzgan where most of the 1000 Australian troops in Afghanistan are based.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/national/hearts-and-minds-not-won-20080621-2un0.html
Afghanistan’s deadly double whammy
Tom Hyland; 22/6/08
WHAM. It’s an unfortunately violent acronym, given that it covers the softer side of what Australian troops are doing in southern Afghanistan. It stands for “winning hearts and minds”, and it refers to development and reconstruction projects designed to undermine support for the Taliban, win the trust of local people and spread the influence of the Afghan Government. It’s the reverse side of the counter-insurgency coin — involving what the military calls “non-kinetic” actions, unlike “kinetic” actions, such as killing insurgents.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/world/afghanistans-deadly-double-whammy-20080621-2ulo.html
Tags: Afghanistan, Terrorism, USA