It’s one of the dangers of fighting an asymmetrical war. Since Sunday there have been two incidents of civilians being caught in American troops’ crossfire. After a suicide bombing, several troops in an American convoy opened fire at civilian vehicles on the street, which led to protests from Afghan men removing the wounded (from the bombing and possible subsequent insurgent fire, not the Americans). The convoy’s reaction is understandable, but when you can’t differentiate enemy from friend (as is the case in both of our counterinsurgencies), maybe a different strategy is needed.

This is highlighted with the Afghan civilians killed because two insurgents who fired a rocket at US forces took refuge within the same housing compound. Afghan families often share homes with one outer structure and several interior rooms. These insurgents fled to the house, which was quickly struck by two bombs from coalition fighters. Approximately ten civilians were killed and it’s not sure if the bad guys were among them.

Again, understandable reaction, but very damaging to our political capital. With the Taliban holding two provinces in southern Afghanistan and expecting a record opium crop this season, can we afford to alienate the people?

Link to Coalition Airstrike Kills Afghan Family — TIME

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