Inside Story

The battle for Afghanistan

Will the NATO forces and its allies win the heart and minds of the Afghan people?

The biggest allied offensive in Afghanistan since 2001 is on its 5th day.

A serious attempt to turn the war against the Taliban has given the allied troops control of most of the target areas.

But with Taliban fighting a guerrilla war of attrition, and increasing numbers of civilian killed, can they win hearts and minds of the Afghan people, or create more sitting ducks for the Taliban to recruit?

Inside Story discusses with guests: Norine McDonald President and founder of the international Council on security and development, Sebastian Gorka, from the national defense University, and Shukria Barakzai, a member of the Afghan parliament.

This edition of Inside Story from Wednesday, February 17, 2010.