The surge is on in Afghanistan, but it's (again) not what you may think....

[Robb]

...sort of a follow-up to http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x309235">Kandahar "offensive" begins, but it's not what you may think...

http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/05/27/the-surge-is-on-in-afghanistan/">The Surge is On in Afghanistan

If you're wondering when the U.S. Military is beginning it's surge in Afghanistan, wonder no more. It's on. If you're wondering why you haven't heard more about battles with the Taliban, it's complicated.

There are tens of thousands of Marines fresh on the ground in Afghanistan, including more than 13,000 in the Helmand River Valley, under the command of Brigadier General Joseph Osterman. Many of these Marines are now laying the groundwork for future operations and establishing relationships with local tribal elders and government officials.

"A lot less kinetic activity (like gun battles)" says General Osterman, in an exclusive interview with Fox News Channel at Forward Operating Base Payne, "and much more on the non-kinetic side, which the Marines have been doing a great job with. Very sophisticated in their approach."

Like developing local governments and local economies. "Not as glamorous or sensational as clearing operations.." the General says, but far more important long-term.

The Marines are working every angle. They're offering seed to farmers at a cut rate price and offering classes on how to better work their land. They're having sit-downs with tribal elders to establish trust and spread the word that they're here to establish security and provide aid, asking in exchange that locals share information on Taliban insurgents.....

Yes, I know it's a Faux guy. Bear with me and read about what the Marines are up to.

[babylonsister]

1. Sounds good to me; they're trying to improve the Afghans' lot. That

will do far more for relations than carrying on a senseless war.

[Robb]

2. Kick. nt