Mullahfeldmarschall von Omar?

Let's hope our general is right (on only one count).

There are growing warnings among U.S. military ranks that Kandahar, the "holy grail" for Taliban militants, will once again be the central objective of an anticipated spring offensive.

The high sign is coming not only from American commanders on the ground, but senior officials with newly appointed U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates, who is expected to travel to Afghanistan in the coming days.

The senior Canadian commander in Afghanistan said he doesn't believe the province of Kandahar, nor the city itself, would bear the brunt of a spring offensive if one materializes [count one - MC], adding he has confidence his U.S. allies will not yield any ground.

"Clearly if they're talking publicly about it, there's no doubt in my mind that they would have plans to deal with it," said Brig.-Gen. Tim Grant in an interview with The Canadian Press...

"There's no doubt the Taliban understand operational-level tactics [emphasis added - count two - manoeuvres?]," said Grant.

"It would be a tremendous coup for them if they were able to cut the Kandahar-Kabul highway, but I have tremendous faith in the Americans operating in (Regional Command) East that they would not allow that to happen."

Tata, who is deputy commander of the American 10th Mountain Division, and U.S. marine commandant Gen. James Conway say a marine combat brigade should be sent to eastern Afghanistan [see last part at link] to reinforce the area along the border with Pakistan. U.S. media reports over the weekend also suggest Britain is considering adding to the 5,600 troops it already has the country, most of whom are stationed in the neighbouring province of Helmand...