Election Update and COIN

Posted on 08/12/2009 by Rex Temple

Only 8 more days until the Afghan presidential and provincial government elections are held. Unlike the previous elections of 2001, this one holds even more significance. In 2001, the Taliban were on the run from coalition forces. But this time, they have openly vowed to disrupt the polling stations by preventing the citizens from casting their votes. The United States has injected the majority of the $224 million to ensure safe and fair elections are held. As a result, the election process has taken center stage for the ANA, ANP, and coalition forces. A lot of resources have been employed and monumental coordination has taken place to prepare for this day. It will truly be a litmus test to show the joint cooperation and coordination of all these agencies working towards the same goal to ensure the citizens will not be swayed by fear and cast their vote freely. Their vote will help determine the next path that this country will follow. In retrospect, in the US we have to convince people to give up a few moments of their personal time to vote, but here they have to risk their life so they can vote. Our joint mission is to minimize and negate this risk for the Afghan people.
To prevent possible vote rigging, the Afghanistan Independent Election Commission (AIEC) has taken careful measures. Indelible Silver Nitrate Ink will be used to stamp the ballot papers which voters will be given before they cast their vote. A ballot paper without a stamp will not be recognized. Afterwards, the ballot will be placed into a metal ballot box. Each ballot box will be secured by a serialized controlled lock and will be opened according to serial number sequence after collection from the 17 provinces. It could take awhile until all of the ballot boxes are collected because they are employing 3100 donkeys to facilitate remote villages inaccessible by vehicle or helicopter. Hmmmm…I wonder whether the donkey that stood stubbornly in front of my HMMVW will be part of this government team. I would love to get a photograph of the donkey carrying the ballot boxes. I just hope my next mission isn’t donkey patrol.
The Taliban have also stepped up their efforts too with more frequent attacks against coalition forces and towards the various campaign offices and people. Over 20 attacks have been launched against politicians or aides. Presidential candidate Dr Abdullah Abdullah had two of his campaigners murdered. Insurgents have also attacked incumbent President Karzai’s people and campaign centers. My friends deployed at the COPs have also told me about the increased insurgent activities. Fortunately our soldiers are much better trained and thanks to taxpayers dollars we have the best equipment available to repel these attacks. We have the ability to reach out and touch someone.
I just finished reading Dr. David Kilcullen’s 28 articles of Counterinsurgency (COIN) principles. Coincidentally, this retired Australian Lieutenant Colonel has been named as a senior advisor to Lieutenant General McChrystal, the top commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. In Article 25 he says “Fight the enemy’s strategy, not his forces. At this stage, if things are proceeding well, the insurgents will go on the offensive.” Perhaps Dr. Kilcullen is correct and this would explain the enemy’s behavior lately. Not only are the insurgents using offensive operations, but our Marines are using kinetic operations to clear out the nest of insurgents in Helmand province and disrupting the opium manufacturing and distribution. I think its paramount we cut off one of the main sources of funding for the Taliban. Instead of eradicating poppy fields being grown by poor farmers, the main distribution centers and heroin manufacturing labs have become the targets. I also read that the US is considering using deadly force to take out the top 50 narco-traffickers in Afghanistan. Ironically, President Karzai stunned the country when he granted presidential pardons to 5 of the largest narco-traffickers being held.
In Kilcullen’s last article, Article 28, he emphasizes “Whatever else you do, keep the initiative. In COIN, the initiative is everything. If the enemy is reacting to you, you control the environment. Provided you mobilize the population, you will win.” To me this is the bread and butter of our winning the hearts and minds motto. It’s so easy to get frustrated because we want to see more tangible results in a shorter period of time. But we can’t lose sight of the fact that this country has endured war and terrible suffering for over 30 years now and it will take time before this country is back on track. This is the poorest country I have ever visited during my 26 year career. I am constantly reminded if not haunted by the words of the little 8 year old boy who lives a daily life surrounded by Taliban (“You don’t have to live here, but I do”). His image has been branded on my brain and is a constant reminder for me not to lose my initiative. This little boy provides me the motivation to not give up and succeed with my missions.