(Thumbnail image: Sky News)

In Afghanistan's Helmand province, a U.S. general says the largest offensive since the start of the war is almost over.

The offensive, known as Operation Moshtarak, aims at removing the Taliban. With coalition forces saying they're meeting that goal, so the focus is now on winning public support.

Reports on the ground show a return to normalcy, but CBS News suggests the Afghan people fear corruption.

"Life is slowly returning to Marjah. Now that the Taliban has been cleared out, the challenge will be keeping it that way. 'I am very happy I can open my shop,' says this shopkeeper. 'But I am worried about the police, because all they did last time was shake us down for money.'"

A British lieutenant colonel tells the BBC he's confident that coalition troops will be able to win over Afghan support.

"They are weary of the fighting that is going on. I think not only is, not a natural place for an insurrection to take hold. There were grievances, which were exploited by the Taliban. As long as we can address those grievances, then, that's what the people want, and that way they will support us."

But a Taliban fighter disagrees, telling Al Jazeera English the Afghan people will never help the coalition troops and instead have increased their support for the Taliban in light of the foreign presence.
 

"This operation will not benefit the Americans. There are 14 districts in Helmand, and not one of them is peaceful for them. Our people are dying anyway, so they say, 'Why not die doing jihad?' The situation of the Taliban is much better now. The people appreciate them much more. The people used to donate money, but now they're giving five times as much."

Operation Moshtarak's main target--Marjah plays a significant role in the region's drug trade. A reporter for Indonesia's The Jakarta Post says foreign presence will create a conflict of interest for Afghans who depend on that trade.

"If US and NATO forces are to succeed in wooing the population of the drugs town to their side, they had better have some really good financial incentives to persuade locals to give up their horrific trade. Not only that, but the Afghan police and officials moving in need to be immune to the bribes that will assuredly be offered them."

A Foreign Policy correspondent reports that public perception is divided.
 
"Their main worries are their immediate security and making enough money to feed and clothe their families.... But Afghans who are aware of Operation Moshtarak and follow it on the news are worried about the thousands of families that have been displaced because of the offensive."

Writer: Brandon Twichell

Producer: Newsy Staff