Joao Silva for The New York TimesFrom Registan:
Remember that time Michael Yon bravely reported the “top secret” mission to refurbish the Kajaki hydro plant? The same top secret mission ISAF bragged about in a press release on the very same day? It seemed like a wonderful thing, a stunning blow both to the Taliban in Helmand (who couldn’t stop its transportation and installation), and to the naysayers who are convinced there is no hope for the country.
Last year, when Rory Stewart was preaching about his “grand infrastructure” idea (later transmogrified, sans explanation, into a muted call for a neo-light footprint strategy), this seemed like the best idea ever: a huge, undeniable, expensive symbol of the West’s commitment to Afghanistan. While praising his intentions, Carl Robichaud tossed water on the idea given its impracticalities, especially since the combat in nearby Sangin Valley was so brutal.
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