Quote of the day: A Marine on the Afghan fight
Here are some wise words from Capt. William Osborne, who was the S-2 (intelligence officer, for our West Coast readers) for the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Marines in Afghanistan last year. He warns in an article in the July issue of Marine Corps Gazette titled “Southwestern Afghanistan: A few things you should know” that: ...
Here are some wise words from Capt. William Osborne, who was the S-2 (intelligence officer, for our West Coast readers) for the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Marines in Afghanistan last year. He warns in an article in the July issue of
Marine Corps Gazette
titled "Southwestern Afghanistan: A few things you should know" that:
Here are some wise words from Capt. William Osborne, who was the S-2 (intelligence officer, for our West Coast readers) for the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Marines in Afghanistan last year. He warns in an article in the July issue of
Marine Corps Gazette
titled “Southwestern Afghanistan: A few things you should know” that:
The Afghan insurgent is incredibly able at adapting. He will closely watch your patterns and your response to his attacks, then adapt…to capitalize on any perceptible weakness….More impressively, he will undertake defense, reinforcement, attack and withdrawal based on an impressive understanding of both terrain and our capabilities. He will attempt to flank you. In short, respect this enemy.
This is good to keep in mind as you read the current news about the fighting in the Helmand River valley.
US Army Korea – IMCOM/Flickr
Thomas E. Ricks is a former contributing editor to Foreign Policy. Twitter: @tomricks1
More from Foreign Policy
America Is a Heartbeat Away From a War It Could Lose
Global war is neither a theoretical contingency nor the fever dream of hawks and militarists.
The West’s Incoherent Critique of Israel’s Gaza Strategy
The reality of fighting Hamas in Gaza makes this war terrible one way or another.
Biden Owns the Israel-Palestine Conflict Now
In tying Washington to Israel’s war in Gaza, the U.S. president now shares responsibility for the broader conflict’s fate.
Taiwan’s Room to Maneuver Shrinks as Biden and Xi Meet
As the latest crisis in the straits wraps up, Taipei is on the back foot.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.