The AP reports useless facts

The AP reports that a major offensive is underway in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The AP does a reasonably good job of informing the reader as to the situation, letting him know that the offensive is called 'Strike of the Sword', is being conducted by Marines and Afghan Army troops, and is taking place in a Taliban stronghold.

That said, instead of with even more important facts, such as which units are involved, the AP provides us with facts unimportant to the story. The war is called 'once forgotten' which must be news to the American, Canadian, and British troops which took part in the bloody campaigns of 2005 and 2006, Operation Medusa for instance. The AP lets us know that the planned level of 68,000 troops in Afghanistan is still less than half of the number in Iraq. We are also told that there is 'no time table for withdrawal' as if Lincoln set one for Sherman's march to the Sea.

One of the reporters is Lara Jakes. A quick google search finds no Lara Jakes, but a Lara Jakes Jordon, who also writes for the AP. Has she been through a divorce? More likely she dropped the Jordan from her name because it is the surname of her husband, Jim Jordan, a Democrat strategist. The same search reveals Lara Jakes Jordon has in the past been singled out by the conservative News Busters, for problems with her reporting. Here's another critique again from a conservative outfit, World Net Daily.

Incidentally, another quick search reveals the American unit involved to be the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. an AP update says 650 Afghan troops are involved most likelythe commando Kandak either from the 3rd Brigade, or attached to the 205th Corps. The Washington Post new, and saw fit to report it. Why not Ms. Jakes?

Will's book about the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the Battle of 73 Easting, is called A Line Through the Desert. It may be purchased at Amazon.