‘Courageous Restraint’ Questioned
"Courageous restraint," or stringent restrictions on engaging the enemy that were implemented to cut down civilian casualties in Afghanistan, is under fire by Britain's top general there after soldiers complained against the perceived inflexibility of the protocol.
“Courageous restraint,” or stringent restrictions on engaging the enemy that were implemented to cut down civilian casualties in Afghanistan, is under fire by Britain’s top general there after soldiers complained against the perceived inflexibility of the protocol.
To put these criticisms into context, June was the deadliest month in Afghanistan for NATO troops since they arrived back in 2001, with many soldiers believing they have not been given the freedom to properly engage those they see as the enemy.–JCL
Your support is crucial...The Daily Telegraph:
Soldiers and Royal Marines told The Daily Telegraph last week that their lives were being endangered by the policy of “courageous restraint” introduced by Gen Stanley McChrystal to cut down the number of civilian casualties.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Lt Gen Sir Nick Parker said troops in more dangerous areas should be able to use “all the tools at their disposal”.
Last month was the bloodiest since Nato troops entered Afghanistan in 2001, and it is understood that soldiers will be given more flexibility in using lethal force to defend themselves after some complained they were fighting with “one hand tied behind our backs”.
“In some areas we have over-corrected and we have to absolutely make sure we bring that gently back into line,” said the Deputy Commander ISAF (International Security Assistance Force).
As we navigate an uncertain 2025, with a new administration questioning press freedoms, the risks are clear: our ability to report freely is under threat.
Your tax-deductible donation enables us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes the reality beneath the headlines — without compromise.
Now is the time to take action. Stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and uncover the stories that need to be told.
Middle East
What some in Joe Biden's administration appear to see as an opportunity to sideline Hezbollah is really a trap destined for failure.
TD Interview
A new book offers a personal and political history of Bush-era America and its imprints on the present.
Film
With unprecedented access to the Taliban, the documentary “Hollywoodgate” makes promises it can’t keep.
Wounds of War
Over the decades, the DoD has been responsible for the deaths of scores of civilians, but compensating those harmed has never been a serious priority.
Opinion
Where’s the headline-making outrage over the never-ending travesty of Gitmo?
Opinion
We both have the same enemies but spend most of the time ignoring that fact.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.