Joining Forces, Requesting Forces, etc.

I got the press release for this new report from Kim and Fred Kagan on force requirements for Afghanistan and started laughing: "Dr. Kimberly Kagan of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and Dr. Fred Kagan of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) have joined forces to produce a thoughtful and detailed presentation on the necessary troop requirements needed for for a proper counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan?"

Joined forces? Like, what, the Super Friends? I thought they were, uh, married or something?

Anyway, this is no substitute for a troop-to-task analysis conducted by a military staff, but this is, as advertised, a thoughtful and detailed presentation that is worth your time. It shows where U.S. and allied troops are in Afghanistan and offers a number for how many more brigades might be needed. So if you're looking for a hint as to how many more troops Gen. McChrystal will request, this is as good a primer as any. Nothing here on civilian resources, sadly, but aside from the fact that this was written in PowerPoint, I found myself nodding my head in agreement as I read this. Solid work, and good food for thought.

Meanwhile, this may or may not be a video of Kim and Fred's wedding day: