KABUL, Afghanistan — The International Security Assistance Force commander, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, issued his counterinsurgency guidance to his forces here Aug. 26, which provides direction to ISAF conducting counterinsurgency and stability operations in Afghanistan.
"Protecting the people is the mission," said McChrystal, who explains the conflict in Afghanistan will be won by gaining the support of the population, not by destroying the enemy.
In his guidance, McChrystal directs his forces to change their conventional mindsets and outlines the path to success through earning the trust of the Afghan people, partnering with the Afghan national security forces, building governance and accountability, and improving and adapting operations to local conditions.
The counterinsurgency guidance calls for getting Afghans involved as active participants in the success of their communities, and continues ISAF's focus on protecting civilians and operating in a manner that is respectful and mindful of Afghan culture.