Morning Reading, April 22: Civilian deaths raise new questions
Published: April 22, 2010
Another tragic shooting involving Afghan civilians this week means another round of public relations headaches for U.S. and NATO forces trying to win over the local population there. But are they promising too much, and setting expectations too high for providing citizens safety in a war zone?
I spoke with a number of think tankers and lawmakers about the issue for a piece in today's paper. The bottom line is that while the goal of zero civilian casualties is both laudable and important to strive for, no one thinks that's unrealistic. Whether that idea sets up NATO efforts to succeed or fail in the eyes of the average Afghan depends on who you ask.
Over in Europe Jen Svan and Kent Harris report that military flight operations are finally starting to return to normal after the lengthy volcanic ash problems. Jeff Schogol reports that military officials hope Medevac and other aircraft schedules will return fully to hubs in Germany and Britain by next week.
On a happier note, Matt Orr has a story today about the return of 150 Marines from Afghanistan to their home base at Camp Schwab on Okinawa. Check it out -- Everybody likes pictures of happy families and babies hugging their returning parents.
[PHOTO: Associated Press]
Continuing civilian toll tests U.S. mission in Afghanistan (Stars and Stripes)
Military resumes Europe flight operations (Stars and Stripes)
Camp Schwab Marines return home after nine month tour (Stars and Stripes)
Changes shake the isolated world of Navy submarines (Washington Post)
Iraq reveals details of deadly Al Qaida raid (McClatchy Newspapers)
VA tells Senate it's working on GI Bill fixes (Medill News Service)
On Iran, containment may be only U.S. option (Washington Post)
