The Battle for Marjah Discussion Questions
- In your opinion, what is the primary aim of counterinsurgency warfare? To totally eliminate the enemy? Win the next firefight? Or win over the local population?
- What advantages did the Taliban have over the marines at Marjah?
- Why was clearing out the Taliban only the first of the marines’ objectives?
- In what ways could the marines drive a wedge between the local civilians and the Taliban?
- What frustrations did the marines experience in the use of airstrikes against the enemy?
- Do you believe that condolence payments are an appropriate response to civilian casualties?
- What challenges did the marines face in transferring control to Afghan forces?
- Of the four main tasks the marines had to perform at Marjah, which do you think was the most difficult? The easiest?
