President Karzai and General Stanley McChrystal flew together to the southern city of Kandahar, a city deep within the heart of the Taliban insurgency, to meet with tribal elders.  This meeting was an effort to build political support ahead of an expected U.S. and NATO push into the area. While visiting Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, he was told few would join the army for fear of being killed by the militants.

Unlike the previous offensive in neighboring Helmand which began with a military push, the Kandahar campaign has contained a major emphasis on politics.

The tribal gathering, which is known as a shura, was held under tight security at the governor’s compound.  During the gathering, one tribal elder after another stood up, speaking loudly and angrily shouting at the president, complaining of police corruption, official bribes and insecurity.  At one point in the meeting, the president urged “Tell me what is in your heart.”  However, one of the tribal elders retorted ” I can’t, I will be killed by the terrorists,”- a reference to the growing power of the Taliban in the area.

The overall message that was taken away from this gathering of 1,500 tribesman is they are not ready for any major military operation by Afghan and NATO led forces any time soon.

The president’s younger brother, a key source of support in the south was also in attendance.  He has been publicly accused of being a major drug lord — part of the corruption and cronyism that undermines support for the government and drives Afghans to the Taliban. He denies any involvement in drugs.

The Kandahar visit is at risk of being overshadowed by the fallout from Karzai’s Thursday remarks.