It has a long way to go, but looks like at least some people are learning lessons from Iraq. Here's the latest from the Jamestown Foundation:
An increasing series of similarities between the insurgency in Afghanistan and Iraq has caused concern that militants are learning from the ongoing insurgency in Iraq. The abduction of foreign civilians, the increased use of roadside and suicide bombing attacks and the frequent ambush of security forces in Afghanistan are the same strategies pursued by militants in Iraq. Speaking in Kabul about the shift in tactics, U.S. military spokesman Colonel James Yonts said that Afghan insurgents "have shifted their tactics to something that is successful" (al-Jazeera, April 10).
For instance, on April 14 a roadside bomb that targeted a car carrying Afghan police officers claimed the death of three policemen in eastern Khost province (Pajhwok Afghan News, April 14). Meanwhile, a suicide bomber in southern Helmand province blew himself up outside a British military camp, wounding three people including two British soldiers. A spokesman for the Taliban, who claimed responsibility for the attack, claimed in an interview with Tolo TV—a Kabul-based television channel—that the bombing killed 8-10 foreign soldiers. As for abductions, the killing of a kidnapped Turkish engineer—whose body was found burned—in western Farah province on April 3 was the most recent abduction incident of a foreign citizen in the country.
Additionally, the violence is spreading to previously safe provinces in Afghanistan. It appears that a process to foment instability throughout the whole country is underway, similar to the strategy of insurgents in Iraq.
This isn't the first mention I've seen of insurgent tactics migrating from Iraq to Afghanistan. But it's the first time I can recall that a U.S. military spokesman said insurgents tactics are becoming more successful. It shouldn't be a big surprise: Coalition casualties seem to be rising. Part of that may be the migrating tactics. But let's not overestimate their likely effect.
There are plenty of other things also helping fuel the insurgency. For example: a questionable reconstruction effort and commitment, and don't forget Pakistan's apparent double-dealing and the U.S.'s turning a blind eye to it.
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