Combat operations some 4,000 Marines began last week in southern Afghanistan and an influx of additional forces represent a big step toward carrying out a more comprehensive U.S. strategy there, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says.
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Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told a National Press Club audience today he’s encouraged by the regional focus of the strategy and its emphasis on building capacity in the economic, agricultural, governance and other civilian realms.
“There is a very comprehensive approach here that covers all of the areas that are required to move this in a positive direction,” he said. “And I’m actually encouraged by the strategic approach, and now we’re in a position where we just have to execute it.”
But the chairman acknowledged that the additional troops focused on providing the security climate necessary for those efforts — as well as the new leadership Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal brings to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan — come at a time of increased violence.
Mullen conceded that the fighting during the next 12 to 18 months “is going to be very, very challenging” and will mean more troop casualties.
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