I have 1 observation and two questions from reading this thread.

I read a book by Andrew Skeen and he suggested that the Pathans were at their absolutely most dangerous when you were retreating from a position. I guess this action shows that.

My first question is prompted by the photos of the base in question. It looks to be at the bottom of a very narrow, steep and close valley. How much more difficult does that kind of terrain make it to effectively deliver supporting fires, fixed wing, rotary wing and artillery? I figure it must hinder it some but I don't how much.

Secondly, does anybody know what percentage of infantry fights in Afghanistan are initiated by our side and what percentage are initiated by the other side?