Diplomacy Ahead of the Offensive

With the coming storm in Kandahar, the first wave - diplomacy - is underway. Since Kandahar is a higher-profile target than Marjah, the pre-fighting efforts are more high-profile, as well.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai joined the commander of U.S. forces in a meeting with tribal leaders Sunday in the volatile south, amid tensions over Karzai's recent scathing accusations of foreign interference in last year's elections.

Karzai and Gen. Stanley McChrystal flew together to the southern city of Kandahar, deep in the heartland of the Taliban insurgency, to meet with scores of tribal elders as part of efforts to build political support ahead of an expected U.S. and NATO push into the area.

Most of the 30,000 new troops promised by President Barack Obama will be headed to Kandahar city and the surrounding province.

Speaking to the gathering, known as a shura, held under tight security at the governor's compound, Karzai said he knew people in the area were fearful of the coming offensive.

He pledged to discuss tribal leaders' concerns with them and said the military action would be "an operation to bring security."

By: Brant