Marines meet with Afghans to explain offensive, seek support

[NJmaverick]

Nearly 400 elders, farmers and tradesmen attended the open-air meeting called by their tribal leaders. In the distance, artillery boomed and Hellfire missiles exploded as the Marine-led assault on Marja entered its first full day.

For the U.S., the meeting was part of a strategy to move quickly from the fighting to the establishment of at least the beginnings of a government that answers to President Hamid Karzai, not the Taliban.

Marine Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson has ordered each of his commanders to hold a public meeting as soon as possible to explain the mission and ask the residents of Marja and surrounding communities what they want from a government. Saturday morning's meeting, attended by Marine Lt. Col. Matt Baker, commander of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Regiment, was the first.

When Baker's convoy was delayed by the discovery of a roadside bomb in its path, the audience members, sitting cross-legged on rugs outside an abandoned school, waited patiently for an hour. When he arrived, they stood and applauded, cheered on by Helmand provincial government leaders who have long seen Marja as a threat.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-afghan-meeting14-2010feb14,0,3089484.story

Certainly a better approach than had been tried before.

[Captain Hilts]

1. Our people sure are trying. Best of luck to them. Talking is good. nt

[NJmaverick]

2. Yes, talking and working with the people is the best way

to have a chance for victory.

[malaise]

3. Was that before or after they bombed those civilians to oblivion

earlier today?

[NJmaverick]

4. Tragic accidents don't negate the effort being made

It certainly wasn't helpful (I am sure the troops and everyone else feels horrible about the mistake and the sad loss of life) and they have banned the use of the rocket system involved.

If I didn't know any better it would seem like some people are rooting for failure in Afghanistan