Tribal Trickery
Coalition troops have set up outposts in Afghanistan's least accessible regions, taking the battle for hearts and minds right to the Taliban's doorstep. But with deployments both short and rare are they doing any good?
We join the 503rd Airborne Batallion at their outpost in Nakah district. They have 10 days to influence villagers and create confidence in the strength of the coalition. So far it seems to be working, in Staranara villagers report, "if we see any terrorist we will report and let you know." But the complexity of the situation soon becomes clear. Staranara is engaged in a territorial battle with neighbouring village Zirok, and when the Taliban comes calling they're far too nervous of the repercussions of informing on them. Instead they would much rather inform on their enemies in Zirok.
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