Problems with Current American Policy in Afghanistan

Discussion in 'World Events' started by DiamondHearts, Aug 1, 2008.

  1. DiamondHearts Registered Senior Member

    Messages:
    2,557
    I have recently read this article written by a Vietnam war veteran named Mr. Brian Cloughley for the Reuters News Agency. It discusses the issues with a confrontational policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The article can be found here:

    Pakistan should shutter- Afghanistan should despair

    An Excerpt:

    ------
    My comments are as follows:

    The current conflict in Afghanistan cannot be resolved through warfare, but must be resolved through negotiation. The more innocent civilians who perish in Afghanistan, the more resentment and support will build up for anti-American groups in Afghanistan and the more difficult it will make it for all parties involved. It is now reported that nearly 90% of the populations of Afghanistan and Pakistan believe the US policy in the region is pushing the region into open anarchy and chaos based on their experiences in the past few years.

    NATO and the US forces are increasingly destabilizing and polarizing Afghan and Pakistani people against their mission in Afghan as scores of their relatives and kinsmen are being massacred, killed, abducted, tortured, etc. The world powers including India, Russia, European Union States who are not actively involved in the conflict are condoning the atrocious massacres and genocide of the Afghans and Pakistani Pathans which is taking place at a rapid pace.

    Afghanistan's civilian infrastructure is in absolute ruins, there are a lack of schools, hospitals, power plants [many places have no electricity], water, and food. The situation is dire for Afghani people, in particular, and to Pathans in Pakistan because of the growing rise of independent militant groups, warfare, bombing and murder of civilians by all sides of the conflict, esp US, NATO troops and ethnic warlords under US puppet Hamid Karzai, now the most hated man in the history of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

    Some Americans have taken the view that the lack of effort by the Pakistani government is to blame for the problems of the situation in Afghanistan. This is a convenient excuse to a brutal and rapidly failing occupation war in Afghanistan. Majority of the warfare is occurring in Afghanistan. The installed government in Kabul, of which Hamid Karzai is the president, has no power whatsoever over the entirety of Afghanistan. Ragtag militias, warlords, and thieves do as they wish. If the puppet government of Kabul wished, they could not barely extend their control outside of Kabul which is controlled its opponents.

    People, especially those in America and the NATO countries involved in this war, should stand against this war of savage aggression and genocide against native Afghans and Pathans. American people should their leaders to account for their lack the use of diplomacy and peaceful means to settle these disputes. The only way to resolve this conflict is 1. Withdraw Foreign troops from Afghanistan [As this breeds significant hostility and lessens chances of peace], 2. Actively engage in negotiations and support the surrounding countries, especially Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian republics in taking a wider role in Afghanistan to resolve the current quagmire, 3. recognize the faults of all parties in Afghanistan [In Afghanistan no one is completely free of blood and guilt], 4. Reign in the militias of Karzai and Northern Alliance and hold those who murder innocent civilians to account for their crimes [No country should give a carte blanque to its allies], 5. To establish a peaceful and viable democracy in Afghanistan with the help of its neighbors and other Islamic nations.

    The longer we wait, the longer more innocent Afghans will die.

    I apologize for the long post. I hope we can discuss this matter as gentlemen. Please take into consideration the views of Afghanis in what is happening in their country.
     
  2. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  3. S.A.M. uniquely dreadful Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    72,825
  4. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  5. joepistole Deacon Blues Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    22,910
    Your point that the solution in Afganistan needs to be political, I agree. I disagree with the assertion that American troops engage in commiting atrocities. Civilian casualties are unfortunately a cost of war. That cost has been greatly reduced by American smart technologies. But still they happen. I might also add, that in the first Iraq war more Americans accidentally killed more of our troops than did Iraq. War is not a precise business...especially when the enemy hides behind civilians.
    The Bush administration has not done a good job in Afganistan. Bush II let Bin Ladin and his leadership escape from Tora Bora. Bush II has failed to make the needed investments in the Afgan economy, further empowering the enemy.
    Pakistan, Iran, and the Central Asian Republics had their chance to resolve the Afgan problem before the United States was attacked. And their efforts obviously failed. So what makes you think they would do a better job now?
    Contrary to your position, NATO troops are a stabilizing force in Afganistan. Without those troops the country would quickly deteroriate into the chaos that existed before the American takeover. The solution has to include a stable rational government that does not support terrorism. And it has to have the support of the Afgan people.
    Murders should be punished on both sides. Taliban murders should also be punished.
    The occupation of Afganistan is not brutal by any measure. American and NATO troops routinely give free medical and food aid to Afgan citizens. NATO troops in Afganistan are no threat to anyone but those who rule by terror.
     
  6. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  7. S.A.M. uniquely dreadful Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    72,825
    So if the Chinese gave you food, you'd accept the occupation of your country? Clearly, as a rising economy, they need to liberate you of your failed society.
     
  8. DiamondHearts Registered Senior Member

    Messages:
    2,557
    Not from Afghani view. This war has caused untold suffering to Afghani people. The lack of Western media reporting and "we don't do body counts" policies makes Western citizens believe everything is well. This is far from the truth.


    Afghan sky-line. Thank you America.

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!




    From Website (Read for more detailed explanation): http://www.cursor.org/stories/civilian_deaths.htm
     

Share This Page