The War In Afghanistan, remember that?

The New York Times has an article on how the US strategy has shifted.

There has been a concerted attempt to move away from the conventional style of warfare, occupying/securing major cities, key valleys, and roads, to fanning out across the  sparse county.

“Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the United States military has settled into a campaign for scattered villages and bits of terrain that few people beyond their immediate environs have heard of.”

The fighting is slow, with soldiers moving from village to village in an attempt to root out Taliban insurgents.

“Officially, Mr. Obama’s Afghan buildup shows signs of success, demonstrating both American military capabilities and the revival of a campaign that had been neglected for years. But in the rank and file, there has been little triumphalism as the administration’s plan has crested.

With the spring thaw approaching, officers and enlisted troops alike say they anticipate another bloody year. And as so-called surge units complete their tours, to be replaced by fresh battalions, many soldiers, now seasoned with Afghan experience, express doubts about the prospects of the larger campaign.”

There is little certainty whether or not the strategy is working, but what does seem to be sure is that as time drags on the forces on the ground are losing patience and faith in the War.