How US Tactics in Afghanistan Changed

Tackling the Taliban (2007): As casualties mount in Afghanistan, questions are being asked about NATO's tactics. Can the Taliban be defeated by military might alone or is a more subtle strategy required? For downloads and more information visit http://journeyman.tv/57153/short-film... A convoy of 20 armed vehicles rolls into a village. After a security perimeter is established, engineers start fitting a water tank to the village mosque. It's part of a plan to win over hearts and minds. "If the people support you, then you will win," explains NATO Spokesman Mark Leity. This strategy of fighting coupled with development was introduced to the South by NATO's British commander, General David Richards. Much to the Americans' disgust, Richards also negotiated a truce with the Taliban, which lasted until the US took command of NATO. "There are good Taliban out there as well", he claims. Richards is convinced his strategy is; "setting the conditions for success". But last year also saw the highest levels of fighting since the invasion. Almost 200 coalition troops were killed. It looks like NATO's new American commander will ditch Richards' tactics in favour of a more aggressive approach. SBS Dateline - Ref. 3375 Journeyman Pictures is your independent source for the world's most powerful films, exploring the burning issues of today. We represent stories from the world's top producers, with brand new content coming in all the time. On our channel you'll find outstanding and controversial journalism covering any global subject you can imagine wanting to know about.