Afghanistan: Challenges to the U.S.-led Campaign

U.S. Gen. Stanley McChrystal has confirmed that the long-anticipated (and widely publicized) security offensive in the city of Kandahar will be delayed and reconceived. This announcement comes amid a number of U.S. and NATO statements reflecting concern about the strength and persistence of the Taliban and ongoing difficulties in the farming community of Marjah. In short, the U.S.-led effort in the Afghan south is encountering serious problems.