As Obama's strategy for Afghanistan takes shape and the new commanders (well, not so much new as reassigned or given a good talking to) hit the ground running, let's find out how things are going. The Taliban spring offensive is underway, the levels of violence have never been higher, April set a record for airstrikes and corresponding civilian casualties, disputed and unsubstantiated of course. Tens of thousands of American soldiers are pouring in to the most volatile areas, pushing deep into Taliban controlled territory and setting forward operating bases where their job will be to draw constant fire.
In historic times like these, it's important to pay attention to what is happening so that we may more fully appreciate the brilliance of our Commander in Chief in escalating and conducting this war. This edition of the Chronicles answers such important and interesting questions as: What's the deal with constant overblown Afghan claims regarding civilian casualties? Who is the new commander, Gen. McChrystal and why is he awesome? How are our troops feeling? and Where is the Taliban getting its weapons? Would you like to know more?