Lt. Gen. David Richards demonstrates that he has no idea of how the jihad ideology will render futile the efforts of a “people-friendly force.” From the BBC, with thanks to JE:
The Nato commander in Afghanistan has pledged to use new tactics to win over the support of disenchanted Afghans.
Lt Gen David Richards said Nato soldiers would be a “people-friendly force” when they take over security in the south from US forces in July.
He said troops would “accept more risk” when driving, to prevent a repetition of rioting in Kabul last week after a US road accident killed several people….
Does that mean that American troops will reduce steps they take to make sure that roads are not lined with bombs or that they are not driving into an ambush?
Is this really wise — to ask American troops to die in order to win hearts and minds?
The BBC’s Bilal Sarwary in Kabul says that for the last four years many people in southern and eastern Afghanistan have been complaining of aggressive tactics used by American troops.
These have included house-to-house searches in which doors are broken down and male soldiers searching Afghan women.
There has also been widespread anger over a number of bombing operations in which civilians have been killed.
‘People focused’
“We will be a very people focused and a very people-friendly force,” Lt Gen Richards said at a news conference in Kabul.
“I will use military power not necessarily just to defeat the Taleban but just as importantly to secure the future of their villages and their localities.”
The British commander also referred to last Monday’s fatal rioting in Kabul that began after a US military vehicle crashed into a number of cars, killing several people.
He said there were too many people among the US-led forces, the Nato forces and others in the international community who “drive too quickly and in an inconsiderate way”.
He said: “We are all determined to improve that so the people here don’t look on us as people who don’t care about the Afghans.”