Taliban Recruiting In Marjah Is On The Rise, Says Kerry

By Monique Cala
University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

Army General John Nicholson discussed progress in Afghanistan, in particular the city of Marjah, during a hearing held by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“We cleared systematically, over the course of the past two years, some of the key and most densely populated areas, resulting in this remaining enemy sanctuary and this remaining narco-trafficking sanctuary in the area of Marjah,” said Nicholson.

Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) lamented the fact that Marjah has become such a hotbed of dangerous activity despite being a fairly insignificant area.

“Marjah is not a great Afghan city like Kabul, Herat or Kandahar,” he said. “Marjah was the last Taliban stronghold in the central Helmand River Valley and it was the poppy production hub of Afghanistan and the world.”

Kerry said a recent survey showed that the majority of villagers in Marjah harness negative feelings toward foreign troops and blame them for the increasing number of men joining the Taliban. Kerry, a veteran himself, attributed such attitudes to the lack of jobs, money for marriage and inability for people there to buy land.

“The ultimate measure of our success is going to be if we can win the trust of the Afghan people and transfer security and governance to them,” said Kerry. “Our challenge was never to just clear the territory, it’s always been to hold it, to build it, and then to transfer it. I think transfer is the single most critical element of all.”

Progress In Marjah Steady, But Slower Than Expected, Reports Military Leader

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen conceded Monday that while steady progress is being made through the military offensive in the Afghan town Marjah, advancement is slower than expected.

"We need to be realistic about this operation," said Mullen during a press briefing with Defense Secretary Robert Gates. "It's going to take some time."

The offensive, which is in its second week, is part of a joint effort between U.S. and Afghanistan security forces to eradicate the heavy Taliban presence in the 72 square mile region.

Both Mullen and Gates denied that the pace in Majrah is an indicator that General Stanley McChrystal, who commands U.S. forces in the nation, will need to reevaluate the overall military strategy for the country.