Marines wait for impact of Sangin peace deal
A security deal brokered by leaders of an influential tribe is spurring hopes that the erosion of Taliban power and influence in southern Afghanistan will finally reach the violent Sangin river valley, where Camp Pendleton's 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment has suffered heavy casualties in recent months. But the potential breakthrough in Sangin could just as easily disintegrate, as similar deals in Sangin have before, or even backfire. Ref. Source 5
Karzai Confirms US Seeking Permanent Afghan Bases
By DPA
The bases would enable US troops to remain in the area beyond the planned transfer of security responsibility from US and NATO troops to Afghan forces by end of 2014, a process due to begin in the spring. Ref. Source 3
Corruption in Afghanistan: Greed is more powerful than ideology
US Armed Forces News
In a fascinating article by Carl Thompson, published by IDGA (Institute for Defense and Government Advancement) entitled The Real Enemy in Afghanistan – Corruption, Mr. Thompson lays out compelling evidence of the level of corruption that is thwarting our progress in Afghanistan.  Found below are examples cited by Mr. Thompson of rampant corruption across all [...]
Source: SFTT: Best body armor, combat boots, helmets, sidearms and weapons for US frontline troops.
Pendleton Marines maintain uneasy calm in battle-scarred Afghan town
This small district in the northeastern corner of Helmand Province had been the deadliest patch of ground for British troops in Afghanistan during their four years here. When U.S. Marines replaced them, the attacks were ferocious. Now, despite the danger, the Marines and their police partners walk around the bazaar at Sangin, Afghanistan, as if they own it. Ref. Source 8
Pendleton Marines root out Taliban "murder holes"
The battalion had been locked in daily firefights since October, but the gunfire finally relented this winter. The Marines are taking advantage of the lull to destroy the enemy's defenses, before the trees burst into leaf and provide cover for a potential spring offensive. Ref. Source 4