'Marjah, a bleeding ulcer in the Afghan campaign'

General Stanley Mc Chrystal, the commander of the Allied forces in Afghanistan displayed his impatience at the slow pace of operations in Helmand, describing the ongoing operations at Marjah as a 'bleeding ulcer.' McChrystal made the remark at a meeting of international commanders, strategists and Afghan officials, mclatchy reported.

The Marjah operation was supposed to be the thrust of the US army's effort to dislodge the Taliban in Helmand and adjoining Kandahar-- their spititual home. The deployment was supposed to bring peace to Marjah and showcase the American commitment to helping the Afghans develop a self sufficient police and army to take on the Taliban.

The progress of the offensive has been blunted by the fact that the locals in Marjah don't trust the Afghan government's representatives. The legacy of cooruption and inneficiency has led the locals to be wary. The Taliban has also responded by intimidating and sometimes killing locals who support the Americans or defy their diktats.

While most military and civilian experts agree that it will take time to convince the locals, McChrystal is acutely aware of the lack of time before the proposed pullout of American troops in 2011.

Locals allege that there is not enough security and some experts say that the American deployment there is too meagre. Inspite of the lack of preparedness, McChrystal has suggested that some area may be handed over to Afghan control faster than planned.  

Even as the July 2011 deadline for the pullout of US forces from Afghanistan, set by the Obama administration looms, key allies like the British are saying that the thrust to oust the Taliban needs more time. 


Image: General Stanley McChrystal | Photograph: Tobias Schwarz/Reuters