Author
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Topic: Continuing US Misadventures in Afghanistan
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jester
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11798
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posted 26 January 2008 08:12 AM
10 Die in Afghan raid quote: The confrontation happened when United States forces were conducting a night raid on the compound of a man suspected of being an insurgent and of organizing suicide bombings, according to Maj. Chris Belcher, the spokesman for the United States military at Bagram Air Base. The soldiers were part of the United States-led coalition that conducts counterterrorism operations, not part of the NATO-led force in Afghanistan, he said. The American soldiers came under fire from insurgent forces and fired back, Major Belcher said. He suggested that those killed were insurgents and said that he had no information on whether they were members of the national police. “I know there were some deaths, but I don’t have a number,” he said. The Afghan government has repeatedly requested that United States forces coordinate with local authorities and take along Afghan security forces during operations because there have been many instances in which Americans have inadvertently killed civilians or local police officers. But Mr. Hussaini, the Parliament member, said the American forces involved had not coordinated with any government authority before or during the raid.
Another example of Operation Enduring Freedom winning hearts and minds in Afghanistan. This will reflect badly on Canada's attempts to stabilise Kandahar. Adding 2200 US Marines to Kandahar will not increase security, it will drive more of the local population into the arms of the insurgents.
From: Against stupidity, the Gods themselves contend in vain | Registered: Jan 2006
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unionist
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11323
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posted 26 January 2008 08:29 AM
Great article, jester. It belongs in the Keystone Cops forum: quote: Hajji Zaher, an elder in Ghazni town, gave this account: “At 3 a.m., when the Americans were searching the houses and when they blew up the gates, the police rushed to the area thinking that they were Taliban. And at the same time the Americans thought that the police were Taliban and there was a firefight.”
The Taliban can stop recruiting. They're oversubscribed! Then there's this: quote: Eight people were detained by American soldiers, Mr. Rahman said, but two were from the provincial Education Department.
Were they released??
From: Vote QS! | Registered: Dec 2005
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jester
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11798
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posted 26 January 2008 09:49 AM
This sort of incident typifies the criticism US Defense Secretary Gates made of NATO. More and more,the NATO allies with the possible exception of Britain are assuming the defacto position of the Euros.Whether by tactical exigencies or covert political instruction, the Canadians and Dutch in provincial command are becoming more risk-averse. Together with the Danes in Helmand, they are using direct fire from tanks and artillery rather than using close combat infantry. These militaries are withdrawing under the guise of allowing Afghan forces to progress but in practice they are assuming the Euros' posture of lip service to the mission to appease the elephant in the room. The Euros are in Afghanistan to forestall American reprisals, not to assist Afghans. By withdrawing into cantonments or barracks much like the Brits did in Basra, Canada can still claim support for ISAF and NATO while simultaniously limiting exposure to its forces.The presence of US Marines in Kandahar with their attendant shoot first policy will negate ANY progress Canadians have made. After 60 years of running to the can when the bill comes due and in light of the Euros' consistent use of the subtrefuge,this hypocracy will go unnoticed in NATO. There is no way Canada can commit to an immediate withdrawl. It isn't going to happen but Canada can inobtrusively limit its exposure.
From: Against stupidity, the Gods themselves contend in vain | Registered: Jan 2006
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