The Afghan summer this year
The Petraeus reading list is probably worth your consideration. McChrystal is also known as an avid student who listens to audio books on his iPod while running to work at the Pentagon. They are both the kind of officers who make things happen.WITH Afghanistan troubled, Pakistan aflame and Washington impatient, Gen. David Petraeus faces even greater challenges today than he did in his rescue of Iraq. Currently heading the US Central Command, Petraeus is the American soldier responsible for the greater Middle East. It may be the toughest job of our time.
On Saturday, the general answered questions posed by The Post:
Post: With the summer combat season beginning, the Taliban in an aggressive stance and a surge of 21,000 more US troops into Afghanistan, what should the American people expect in the coming months?
Petraeus: Expect tough fighting. As we and our allies launch operations to improve security, the enemy will fight back. When we launched the "surge of offensives" in Iraq, al Qaeda-Iraq elements sought to retain their sanctuaries and safe havens. We experienced tough combat. We'll see the same in Afghanistan. In preparation, and in response to Gen. McKiernan's request for additional forces, we've been deploying "enabler" elements in addition to the ground combat units. This will ensure that our troopers have the support they need -- attack and lift helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, various intelligence systems, route clearance units, MRAP [mine-resistant ambush-protected] vehicles, EOD [bomb-disposal] elements and logistics units.
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Post: With the Taliban and the Pashtun tribal network in which it's rooted sprawled across the Afghan and Pakistani borders, aren't we reliant on Pakistan for the success of our mission?
Petraeus: Certainly, what happens in Pakistan has a significant effect on what transpires in Afghanistan. That's one reason -- among many -- why we need to help Pakistan. But progress can be achieved in Afghanistan -- even as Pakistani action against the extremists in the rugged border areas develops slowly, due in part to their present focus on the Taliban in Swat.
The Pakistani operation under way is a very significant effort. The Pakistani military has been concentrating a substantial force for this operation -- one they're intent on fighting without our help, reflecting their view that this is their fight and demonstrating that they're not merely pursuing American interests. The magnitude is the result of a unique convergence of public rejection of the Taliban, political unity and military determination.
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Post: You're famous for "doing your homework," for studying a problem well beyond the daily intelligence reports. What are you reading right now?
Petraeus: "The Pathans," by Olaf Caroe, the classic work on the Pashtu of Afghanistan and Pakistan, for its wonderfully rich history; and "Seven Deadly Scenarios," by Andrew Krepinevich, for its thought-provoking scenarios, many of which are in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
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I found his reference to the "enabler" elements interesting. These are more than just support. They have the effect of being force multipliers in some instances.
While he talked some about the Pakistan army operations, I would have like to ask him to what extent the Taliban are being distracted by having to fight for their base in Pakistan and if their offensives there were a reaction to a buildup of our forces in Afghanistan.
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