A new offensive is now entering its first phase under the auspices of the ISAF. Operation Baaz Tsuka or Falcon Summit takes place in the same hinterland as Operation Medusa, which ended in September. This offensive is designed to 'smoke out' Taliban elements who have returned to the locality in partnership with the Afghan National Forces. Co-operation with the local elders has removed the element of surprise but the participation of Afghan forces (hopefully Pushtuns) will remove some of the xenophobic hostility that greets foreign forces.
ISAF members accept there was a failure to inoculate Panjwaii district from the Taliban after Operation Medusa ended on Sept. 17. Most blame this failure on a lack of Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police strength and presence. Since then, both Afghan forces have undertaken extensive training and patrolling exercises with Canadian troops in Panjwaii. The goal is to "put an Afghan face" on coalition efforts to cleanse the region of Taliban, and to reassure farmers and villagers foreign troops will not be a permanent part of the landscape.
ISAF is determined to ensure that NATO gains are not dissipated by a lack of 'follow-up' from Afghan forces. That Operation Medusa was a failure demonstrates that the Afghanistan government is still unable to project security in this area without the aid of NATO. Pakistani connivance at Taliban insursions is an emerging threat: Pushtun nationalism, channelled through Afghanistan, has always been viewed as a threat by Pakistan. Expect no let-up in their support of the Taliban.