On AlterNet: coin

Stories, blog posts, and videos tagged as "coin"

Why We're Bound to Fail in Afghanistan: What Happened When I Spent 2 Weeks at a U.S. Military Base

Ann Jones, TomDispatch.com. August 4, 2010.

Based on my experience at a Forward Operating Base, it's clear enough that the hearts-and-minds part of COIN is already dead in the water.

The Mythology Surrounding Petraeus' Surge in Iraq Will Keep Us Trapped in Afghanistan

Joshua Holland, AlterNet. June 30, 2010.

The real story of Petraeus' job in Iraq is that he failed to accomplish one of the most crucial tasks of the occupation.

"Are We Going to Keep Winning For 20 Years?": The Insane Reality of the U.S. Mission in Afghanistan

Nir Rosen, Mother Jones. February 23, 2010.

On the front lines of Obama's campaign in Afghanistan, the Taliban are seamlessly embedded within communities, and the cops are stoned.

President Obama's Escalations in Afghanistan Far Exceed Troop Increases Discussed in Campaign

ZP Heller, AlterNet: Video. December 2, 2009.

President Obama's latest escalation exceeds the increase contemplated in his campaign speeches by almost 20,000 troops.

General McChrystal Defines "Success," and Fails

ZP Heller, Brave New Films AlterNet: Video. September 30, 2009.

Warning: Some graphic images. Gen. Stanley McChrystal told Congress that the measure of success in Afghanistan should be "the number of Afghans shielded from violence." Fail.