Ep 7. Who's Running this War?

Who's Running this War? is the seventh episode of the fourth season of the investigative documentary series, Frontline. Set against the backdrop of the United States' war in Afghanistan, this episode examines the intricacies of the U.S. military's chain of command and the political factors that affect strategic decisions.

The episode begins by highlighting the challenges faced by U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan. They are tasked with balancing the need to pacify the country and ensure the safety of U.S. troops while also reducing civilian casualties and effectively combating the Taliban insurgency. However, the complexity of the mission is compounded by political factors, including the influence of the White House and the role of civilian leaders in military decision-making.

Through interviews with military officials, political analysts, and journalists, the episode explores the ways in which the Obama administration's approach to the war in Afghanistan differed from that of the Bush administration. Specifically, it examines the tensions that arose between the military and civilian leaders over the strategy of "counterinsurgency," which involved increasing troop numbers and engaging in more aggressive military operations.

The episode also delves into the role of General Stanley McChrystal, who was appointed to lead U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan in 2009. McChrystal was responsible for implementing the new counterinsurgency approach, but his tenure was marked by controversy, particularly after he made critical comments about the Obama administration in Rolling Stone magazine. The episode explores the events leading up to McChrystal's resignation and the impact of his departure on the war effort.

In addition to highlighting the challenges faced by military leaders in Afghanistan, Who's Running this War? also explores the broader political implications of the conflict. The episode examines the impact of the war on the U.S. economy and the challenges posed by war fatigue and declining public support. It also touches on the question of whether the war in Afghanistan is even winnable.

Overall, Who's Running this War? provides a nuanced and thought-provoking analysis of the complexities of the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Through interviews with experts and insiders, the episode sheds light on the political and strategic factors that have shaped the conflict over the past decade. Whether one supports or opposes the war effort, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges of modern warfare and the complexities of managing a military campaign in a volatile, politically charged environment.