Commentary
The main source of Russian aggression is a profound mistrust of the West and the firm belief that it intends to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia. As long as this fear persists, the war will not end.
Tatiana Stanovaya
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Source: Getty
In The Media
The Effect on Public Opinion
The disclosure of thousands of classified military documents reveals a darker picture of the war in Afghanistan that is likely to increase public opposition to the war.
Published on Jul 26, 2010
Source: The New York Times
Still, the general public now has a better understanding of the day-to-day conflict that is playing out across Afghanistan. What’s clear is that the level of improvisation and — to be frank — disorganization is striking. U.S. troops have never been completely comfortable with this war, and the learning curve has not been as impressive as hoped.
The debate in Washington has focused on counterinsurgency and the big picture, but these documents show that complex policies are not going to work because no one knows how to implement them on the ground. It’s also clear that the Taliban are much more aggressive and well organized than the coalition was prepared to recognize.
The incidents detailed in the documents could put further pressure on the coalition. Accusations of war crimes are possible. And public opinion in the United States and Europe will be more opposed to the war. The leak reveals what war is — a confused and dirty exercise where goals can be quickly lost in the confusion of an actual fight.
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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