4 Threat Matrix: Why did ISAF publicize the Marja op?

Written by Bill Roggio on February 14, 2010 7:41 PM to 4 Threat Matrix

Available online at: http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2010/02/why_did_isaf_publicize_the_mar.php

Soldiers with Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 23th Infantry Regiment inspect their equipment at Camp Tombstone in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The US, British, and Afghan military are preparing for an assault on the town of Marja. Photo by US Air Force Tech Sergeant Efren Lopez.

There has been a lot of controversy over ISAF's media blitz prior to launching the ongoing operation in Marja in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Here is the explanation given by Major General Gordon Messenger, the top British military spokesman in Afghanistan, from a press release at the British Ministry of Defence website:

There were three reasons for signalling the operation in Central Helmand in advance. First, to give the Taliban a choice. Second, to make the population aware that the operation was about to unfold. Third, it allowed a much greater level of Afghan involvement and ownership, and subsequently Afghan participation.