The battle taking place in Taliban stronghold Marja is the “initial salvo” in a military effort that could take up to twelve to eighteen months, General David H. Petraeus said today. Petraeus, who oversees the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, appeared on Meet the Press this morning and explained that American forces have been organizing a “comprehensive civil-military campaign,” determining strategic objectives and gathering resources. He added that of the 30,000 additional troops President Obama has pledged to deploy, about 5,400 are already “on the ground.”
And what’s Petraeus’s take on the proposed repeal of ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell”?
“I served, in fact, in combat with individuals who were gay and who were lesbian in combat situations and, frankly, you know, over time you said, ‘Hey, how’s this guy’s shooting?’ Or, ‘How is her analysis?’ or what have you.”
So there you have it.
General Calls Marja Push ‘Initial Salvo’ in Long Battle [NYT]
