UPDATED ON:
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
15:07 Mecca time, 12:07 GMT
 
News CENTRAL/S. ASIA
Defections hit Afghan forces

Afghan security forces are tasked with battling a resurgent Taliban  [EPA]

After fighting the Taliban for the past seven years, many working for the Afghan security forces are now switching sides.
 
Sulieman Ameri and his 16 men were until a month ago serving the Afghan government as police patrolling the border with Iran.
 
Now they answer to the Taliban and their goal is to drive all foreign troops out of Afghanistan.
 
Ameri, now a Taliban commander, told Al Jazeera that he joined the Taliban because of what he called anti-Muslim behaviour by international soldiers.
 
"I have seen everything with my own eyes, I have seen prostitution, I have seen them drinking alcohol. We are Muslim and therefore jihad is our obligation," Ameri said in the mountains south of Herat.
 
"Our soil is occupied by Americans and I want them to leave this country. That is my only goal," he added.
 
'Respectful behaviour'
 
Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, a spokesman for the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) in Afghanistan, said Isaf troops were "behaving in the most respectful way".
 
"I have no specific information about any activity that would have happened in Herat but I know for sure that the Taliban and other insurgents are conducting a propaganda campaign against us. And I can confirm to you that our troops are behaving in the most respectful way," he told Al Jazeera.

The UN has warned that the Taliban's
influence is spreading [EPA]

"Anytime that I would hear that somebody is joining the insurgency I think it is bad news because we know the Taliban are offering nothing for the future of this country," he said.
 
But Ameri and his men are not the only renegade government forces – some 70 police and soldiers have switched allegiances across the western region in the past two months.
 
Al Jazeera's Dan Nolan, reporting from Afghanistan, said "low wages for a dangerous jobs" did not seem to be the reason behind the desertions.

Instead, they deserted for ideological reasons, Nolan explained.
 
"When Russia came it was only one country, today we have 24 foreign infidel countries on our soil. All our men and women should come and join the jihad," Fida Mohammad, a new Taliban recruit, told Al Jazeera.
 
'Infidel' training
 
But though they reject the "infidels", they are not averse to receiving weapons or military training from them.
 
The recruits - so fresh that many have not yet grown their beards, while some are still smoking, a practice banned by the Taliban - carry weapons provided by the Afghan government and certificates for weapons training by the US.
 
Abdul Rahim, another new recruit, said he received training from American military contractor Blackwater for 45 days.
 
"I can use the training to save my life in these mountains and I can also use it to fight them," he said. 
 
The switch in allegiances comes as the UN special envoy to Afghanistan warned on Tuesday that the Taliban's influence continues to spread beyond traditional strongholds to provinces around the capital, Kabul.
 
Kai Eide also told the UN Security Council that Taliban attacks - at a six-year high – would probably grow in the coming weeks instead of easing, as they have in previous winters.
 
"We should be prepared for a situation where the insurgency will not experience the same winter lull, the same reduction in hostilities we have experienced in past winters," he said.
 
Eide added that attacks against humanitarian workers had also increased.

Abdul Hakim Ashir, a spokesman for the Afghan interior ministry, denied that a high number of police officers had defected.

"I strongly refuse that 70 people [have defected to the Taliban] because this year we lost only 10 officers who maybe joined the Taliban,"

"We have increased the number of officers from 61,000 to 82,000 this year. The police recruitment process is going very well. Those from the young generation especially are joining the police forces.

"Over the last month, we have graduated 2,000 non-commissioned officers. That means there has been an increase and not a decrease in the police force."

 Source: Al Jazeera
 
Feedback Number of comments : 76
 
mar
South Africa
15/10/2008
yeah, muslims are ruthless in killing innocents an dnot westerns, its muslims who hv attacked the westerns lands and killing their children, in kashmir, palestine, iraq , afghanistan, chechnya etc etc it all muslims who have invaded the non muslim lands, isnt it jim?

Mike
United States
15/10/2008
Jim & the West have it wrong!
Sadly, what Jim (made the 1st comment), most americans, & most Westerners dont understand is the role the USA played in creating Al Qaeda during the Cold War as a way of defeating Russian forces occupying Afganistan. Al Qaeda fighter were recruited, trained, & armed by the US along w/ Pakistan ISI & Saudi Intelligence. The war there today has to do w/ liberation. Innocents are killed more so by the US (1 million in Iraq so far & thousands in Afganistan). Imperialism is what kills innocents!

Jay
United States
15/10/2008
"Our soil is occupied by Americans and I want them to leave this country. That is my only goal"
Very interesting quote from the Taliban Commander. I think his goal should be to build a better country and to form a responsible government that doesn't hate women and minorities. ProudPathan/UK, the US is not losing in Iraq, and I would be more than happy to have US troops pull out of both countries. Also, it appears you're not proud enough to live in your own country. And Mar, you're right, when you said "its muslims who hv attacked the westerns lands and killing their children."

Wiggy
United Kingdom
15/10/2008
Response to Neil Hoskins
I agree you are confused, there is no evidence that Taliban was responsible for 9/11

Duc
Canada
15/10/2008
Its about Christianity against Islam
This is about Christianity against Islam, there is no question about it. Is killing and wiping out the whole innocent villagers a Christian behaviour? It should have been noted that the West will always fight Islam no matter how passionate they will be. The US cannot not be bipartisan when it involves Muslims. The true colour of whites is showing its ugly head in this year's US election. Obama has been portrayed as a Muslim and an Arab, let's say he is, but he's an American first and foremost.

Truthman
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Neil
You must be the only person left that believes the towers were brought down by muslims and/or Taliban. The financiers for the deed live in your neighborhood.

Mirror
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Only one God
The children of religion fail to realize that the one true God, The Eternal Omni Present is not limited to one religion. The children of religion today are like dogs fighting for scraps. They fail to realise that The Merciful is only 1 of the 99 Names. If one finds the need to choose sides when both sides are confused, the confusion only increases. Enjoy the scraps: Muslim, Christian or Jew. There is no God but God and He has more than one Prophet.

mo
United States
15/10/2008
response to ji
seems like Mar and Jim were raised up in one of those Bush Camps. pls understand. the US in the past has played a huge role on how Afghanistan is today, going back there again & tryin to restore things the way it should have been will not work, The US created the monister, it will be hard to convince the Afghans they them selves will be removing it. these soilders can see that the so called coalition has done nothing for them. no need to be surprised of the drinkin & prostitution. it happns!!!

Adan Dahir
Somalia
15/10/2008
feedback
I think everyone can see what is going on in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, Pakistan, Somalia, so the only solution is to pull out all foreign troops,then stability will com back.

Akram Malik
Australia
15/10/2008
Defection Hits Afghan forces
it is sad to read comments that are not correct and are based on ignorance. The fact of the matter is that the West in general and the US in particular wants to control what is now known as Afghanistan. It is a fact that the Afghans were not in all in 9/11 and that Islam is not a violent religion. You do not have to take my word for it, read the history of Spain from 711 to 1482 this was the period when the Muslims ruled Spain, Jews Christians and Muslims live together in harmony

umer
Pakistan
15/10/2008
Response To Jay - West is doomed
You seem to be missing the point Jay you guys have made our homes hell and we shall do the same by coming over to your countries and making them hell... if there aint no peace in my country because of your imperialism then why should be there peace in yours... and you havent got the GOD given right to think about our coutries just because you are a good white christian think about your sinking boat and leave us alone, once you do that who will want to come your countries - NOBODY

Am
South Africa
15/10/2008
Defectors
Jim....there are no innocent people in the world except the children who have not reached puberty, for the simple reason that we all know the truth and the mere fact that you turn your back against the truth means you no longer innocent. And Fatima its not the west killing the muslims but the muslims themselves and not being united. So the muslims are their own worst enemy.

Scott G
United States
15/10/2008
Mar
As a matter of fact, it is the Muslims who cannot seem to get along with anyone. India, China, Chechnya, Kosovo, Dagestan, Smolia, Sudan, the US, Europe, the Phillipines, Indonesia. They can't seem to get along with anyone.

Bahloss
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Islam on the rise?
Proudpatrhan states that "I think its your religion that is on the decline, your faith is faith in name only, because I dont see many practicing Christians in the West." Well, I have been to the Middle East and I only saw Muslims in name too. Lets not loose site of the real issue here, Its power and control that both sides are after. Anti Terroism and Jihad are just being used as excuses. Pull out of the middle east I say, then we will see how peacfull Islam is...

Rahmat
Canada
15/10/2008
Islam vs Christianity?
The US may have the strongest army in the world, but also have the worst moral values. The world knows that. In revenge, Taliban acts with the similar. In my opinion, and I believe many share the same with me, the US is there not to fight Taliban, Iran, nor Iraq. they don't have interest in saving democracy in that region, but are obligated to defend the interest of Israel who actually run the whole US regime financially, politically, and militarily. Would you disagree with me?

vusi
South Africa
15/10/2008
time to kick the europeans out
The occupation of Afghanistan is unacceptable and an act of terrorism. what the Americans and their europeans brothers have done was in line with their tradition of enslaving other nation like they did in Africa and other part of the world. I call on the afghan people to fight to liberate their land from the same traditionally oppressive countries of this planet.

Amal
Sudan
15/10/2008
Repeating mistakes
Alienation and marginalization of various segments of the population by the coallition forces led to the failures in Iraq. The same is happening in Afghanistan. Like them or not, the Taliban are Afghans and NATO cannot simply exterminate them in their own country, just like the US coallition could not exterminate the various groups in Iraq that were hostile to the invasion. Negotiation and national reconciliation is the only way forward.

ANON
Zimbabwe
15/10/2008
scott from canada, I agree the only people that are truly getting hurt in this whole mess is the women and children.

Mike
United Kingdom
15/10/2008
Short-sighted
It's very sad that people here - most of them armchair mujahidin in Britain and elsewhere - seem to think that the Taliban are a brave liberation force. We thought that too, once, in the 1980s, and look where that got us - and Afghanistan. If and when the West does leave Afghanistan you will see what kind of 'authentically Muslim' regime remains. Sad as it is, most of the Arab Muslim world currently lives under strongmen or dictators. Is that really better than Western 'imperialism'?

cdoc
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Afghan defections
The US goal was never to "win" militarily, but to push the Taliban out and allow a less hostile, if not friendly gov't to be formed. I think as long as Pakistan allows Taliban to train and refit, there is no end in Afghanistan. The only thing Americans want is OBL for his admitted crime on 9-11. After that Afghanis can go back to slaughtering each other as they have done for centuries. This is not my wish, but it is reality. Sad, sad, sad. I say US/NATO out, but watch the slaughter then...

kaydk
Canada
15/10/2008
troops in Afghanistan: reconstruction or distruction?
I am alwyays disturbed and bothered to hear that the Western troops in Afghanistan are peace makers who are helping the Afghan people while the reality shows otherwise. A am not particularly in favor of the Taliban but rather a skeptical of the whole notion of liberating Afghanistan from taliban. Afghanistan is 100 times worster then 2001 where thousands of innocen Afghan people are either masacred or displaced by the Western powers. the best solution is reconciliation not Bush Doctorine

Barry Watts
United States
15/10/2008
Defection hits Afghan forces
No matter how you look at the situtation, we know from history how cruel the Taliban would be if they are allowed to return to power in Afghanistan. If there is growing support for the Taliban, it is due to a sense of nationalism in the face of foreign occupation, not a longing for Taliban rule. Problem: A Taliban victory would result in a return to warlords fighting each other for territorial control even as they unite against the Taliban. Afghanistan needs a strong central government.

Dan
United Kingdom
15/10/2008
Afghan defections
It's shocking how so many people from all over the world are so misinformed. All governments involved are corrupt and the people of the UK, the US, and many in the middle east need to see through their governments propaganda and realise that all these people want is money and power. The governments hide behind their religions and ideals and feed their people with poison propaganda to make them think that people from far away lands want to harm them. All people truly want is to live in peace.

Hagen Caldwell
United States
15/10/2008
Afghanistan
The US needs to pull back and take care of our country and people. We are in 100 countries, spreading a culture and ethos that is strong on force and thin on humanity. Each country deserves to find it's specific culture and government and not be force fed by "America". As a Viet Nam veteran, I have seen the result of our imposing an "AWOL" - American Way of Life - it is not appreciated by the target country. Peace to all.

Fred
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
15/10/2008
Bad government?
Who are you to say it will be a bad government? Maybe it will but at least its truly independent. You are just enforcing your western ideals on a Islamic country. If the Taliban was as bad as the situation now, why would Afghans still join it? I respect what these people are doing, fighting for an Afghan Afghanistan, although I may not be in agreement with the method these gazis are using.

Mike
United States
15/10/2008
Religions generally
There is a common thread though all of this inhumanity. It is a belief in god. The second you start to think there is an afterlife and a god, your brains malfunction and you start killing other people. I am an atheist and there has never been a war pushed by any group of atheists. We just leave other people alone. You are all acting crazy and need to get over it. Start treating other human beings with respect and love.

Vincent Reynolds
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
15/10/2008
The Afghan occupation
The USA condemned Russia for invading and occupying Afghanistan, and then did exactly the same thing. They supported the same freedom fighters that they now brand as terrorists. Obama's preacher had it correct when he said that America's birds come home to roost. If America had left the Russians alone in Afghanistan maybe women would still be going to university in Kabul, and not having to wear traditional dress.

George Washington
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
desertions
When you hear about civilian deaths you assume there were more than reported, yes? Same thing goes for casualty figures, you just shrink those if they're Taliban/alQaeda and multiply them for security forces. Should the same rules not apply for desertions? You think they report every trooper who never comes back to his post?

WhiteAlaska
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Lots of Opium
Wars are fought over 'something' to be gained.They (wars) are not fought elsewhere.History will show this.Alot of people enjoy opium and are prepared to pay for it, too often with their conscience.If only those involved could see the light going out in the eyes of a child.

Richard
United Kingdom
16/10/2008
Defection hit Afghan Forces
Whilst our government back at home is removing our liberty, freedom & democratic values, it is killing people abroad in the name of freedom, liberty and democracy. What we have in power in the UK are a bunch of corrupt gangsters in suits who don’t represent us but represent Orwellianism. Once the Afghans liberate their own country, could they do us a favour and liberate the UK?? When the 'good' guys & the 'bad' guys play for the same team, - it's time to change the game!!! (Peace)

Abdi
United Arab Emirates
16/10/2008
Tit For Tat
The USA must go back and think cos they are just spending too much money for nothing cos Somalia was peaceful with the Islamic Courts and Afgahnistan with the Taliban and also Iraq with Saddam. Now what have they gained in Iraq rather than 1 million people dying for nothing?

Jim
United States
15/10/2008
24 Infidel nations
The world wants peace!! The Taliban wants war with christ or (Infidel). The 24 nations are trying to help Afghanistan and destroy the taliban. You need to understand that during WWII many were anti german and anti japan. That all takes time to pass! It doesn't help that so many muslims are ruthless in killing innocents. If Islam doesn't stop the radicals then people will continue to leave the religion in mass. And the coalition will be there for a very long time. God bless us with Peace!

proudpathan
United Kingdom
15/10/2008
Talibans
Typical arrogant view from Jim in USA, but whats new?.The whole world knows that the Americans and the West have lost in Iraq are loosing to the Talibans,so why dont you just pack your bags up and leave. Oh please dont worry about Muslims killing Muslims, let us sort that out between ourselves, not that the West have shed any tears for the innocent people that die in Afganistan, Iraq, Palestine

proudpathan
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Talibans
Sorry Jim, you say muslims will leave their religion in mass because of extremists,let me point out Jim that your country is just 400 yrs old, and the second largest religion in your country is........ Islam. I think its your religion that is on the decline, your faith is faith in name only, because I dont see many practicing Christians in the West.

Neil Hoskins
United Kingdom
15/10/2008
Anti-Muslim behaviour?
But the Taliban think that flying airliners into office blocks is acceptable Muslim behaviour. I'm confused.

Peter johnson
United States
15/10/2008
Taliban and America
The coalition must admit their defeat and way back home. Twenty four Nations have completely failed to handle the situation. How shameful, a superpower's lost a war in Veitnam then by the hands of Taliban

Nadim
Bangladesh
15/10/2008
Afgan war
Jim, You said the world wants peace but have you ever asked yourself why did this peace disappear? Muslims are not born to be killed to to kill others, they want live a happy life like you. Yes, I believe we need to stop those radicals no matter muslims or christians. You said Taliban wants war with Christians that's wrong. Did Taliban target any swiss or irish intentionally, they always target people from those countries who support creation of Israel and deny the existence of Palestine.

Fatima
Turkey
15/10/2008
Afghanistan
What we are witnessing in Afghanistan are signs of defeat and frustrations from the West. If the West think they could defeat Muslims around the world, they are mistaken. Today, their powers and influence are starting to deteriorate. Their economies are also suffering. These are the prizes for being oppressors.

Scott
Canada
15/10/2008
GROW UP!!!
Everybody blaming everybody else. At then end of the day It's woman and children that pay the price. Always has, always will. You know both sides have done a very poor job with protecting both. It would be great to see woman in Charge...but men are to afraid, they lack the courage.

Judge Dredd
United Kingdom
15/10/2008
Taliban beating 24 civilised militarily superior nations?
Whilst I am not sure what to make of all the policies of the Taliban, I know for sure that the "peace" that the 24 nations are spreading has no chance when they are seen as invading forces that are killing innocents en masse in Muslim countries and promoting anti-Muslims. The "civilised Intelligence" refuses to see this. That is what causes more wars and divisions. PS you should mention that Smoking is banned in most of the "civilised" world too (and India)- at least only in public for now.

Mohammad
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Afghan Nation never accept Invassion
As most of the readers commented US is about to be defeated in Afghanistan that is really thrue. No respect for culture, religion and change of the behaviour to an agression force, are the the factors which will ensure Coalition forces defeat in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is different from Iraq and rest of the world, Americans with their CowBoy type of behaviour faced a real hero nation for first time. It is still early to change the policy and turn to Negotiations, otherwise Vietnam history again

asad
United Kingdom
15/10/2008
asad The people of Afghanistan are heroes I hope they will liberate their soil by the westrn insha allaah they will win asad

mohammed
Nigeria
15/10/2008
defections hit afghan forces
No nation love war. muslims are peaceful people. The message of the religion is been changed by the anti muslim. "Allah is ever the Greatest". as long as Muslims believe in that, no nation can cause calamity to them. Sept 9/11 is a propaganda, can 't we think? You can't destroy nations for the sake of one man (iraq and afghan) .both religion preach unity in their holy books, why the supremecy. The west should tell us the truth about their agitated war on these nations. Dont fool the world. why?

Dan Zaivv
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Taliban & The West
People fighting fighting is all I hear. Who is right? The West with its foreign policy messing up the world against cave-era folks called the Taliban whom are protecting their lands for invasive forces. I ask the Almighty, ''Give an awakening to the women of all muslim countries to stand up for their right to be free from the barbaric ways of their so-called men'' and ''Give America a new president which will change their foreign policy''. After only an apology from both sides will do.

Dimitris Kalifonos
Greece
15/10/2008
The west is wrong.. which is nothing new
What worries me most is not the western government policies (which are short-sighted, unjust and driven by ruthless economic interests) but the western people which appear to be brain-dead, accepting whatever the TV (owned by major companies with doggy interests) is serving them. It appears that common sense, sensibility and education is missing... Do they actually believe that the muslims attacted the west? They need to read the recent history of the middle and far east. An orthodox Christian

Noor
South Africa
15/10/2008
JIM AND MAR
Oh Jim and Mar...you are covering up Im sure! Ashamed of your very own people who are killing innocent muslims in the whole world! Jim and Mar must go to the islamic countries as human shields, there you will see the truth! Seeing is believing! GO JIM AND MAR! Truth always PREVAIL!

Paul
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Dontblame Islam
What the hell is the US doing in Afghanistan anyway? It's clear they are not winning and will have to leave. If the US cares so much, why is the place still so messed up? Either the US does not care or they have lost in Afghanistan.

aqsha
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Defections hit Afghan forces
America and their european union will never keep off from the muslim contries till they are taught alesson, if the name they are using to invade our land is democracy,let them do that in their countries but if they have other motives and iam sure there are,they will find themselfes in abad situation. advice-if there is any goodies u want fr your neighbour you dont fight him and u have no right to do that,but u ask him to give u some or u negotiate with him.if he fails to give u, that is it.

Mohammed
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
In reply to Mike's (US) "Al Qaeda fighter were recruited, trained, & armed by the US along w/ Pakistan ISI & Saudi Intelligence. " Yes they were and immediately following the "liberation" of Afghanistan they turned on their allies, and started bombing them - 9/11 was only one incident in a campaign that had been killing "westerners" for decades. The Taliban's honour obivously is a very fickle excuse.

Laurie
Australia
15/10/2008
They want the Taliban back?
I can't believe there are Afghanis who want the Taliban back! Not being allowed to smoke or shave is nothing, wait until they are publicly stoning people to death again, that's when you'll know the boys are back in town. No God would want that done to his sons and daughters.

Mohammad Ayub
Afghanistan
15/10/2008
Afghan forces.
Lets be clear, the coalition made a strong mistake in supporting the northern alliance and their commanders. These people who are now switching sides are criminals and were defeated by Taliban. Thanks to America they are armed again. I don't believe they switched sides because of their love for Islam but because of their need and greed for money. I feel sorry for Afghan nation, because after 8yrs its back to sqr 1. Taliban, Nothern alliance, no government and no peace.

steve
United States
15/10/2008
Duc
to:Duc from Canada I would hope you realize that the "ugly head of the white man" is quite a minority in the US. People who portray obama as a "secret Muslim" are shouted down as fools and as the polls indicate Obama leads by a substantial amount. As for this story i guess its to be expected but i think these defectors are likely hypocrites. All men sin as im sure these "jihadists" do. To act like pure holy warriors is rubbish in the eyes of god when you cannot live up to your own standard.

Nathan
United Kingdom
15/10/2008
Afghanistan
We need to stop forcing our lifestyles, beliefs and culture onto others - we in the West are the worst at it, although I do believe the intentions are good at heart. I see the distribution of wealth as appaling in the middle east but of course it's not all about materialism. Perhaps 'you' have the stronger, more pure morals, but we have better quality of life... but listen please This is an issue for Philosophers, NOT men with guns, or politicians with armies.

Sergei Andropov
United States
15/10/2008
This is propaganda
Since when is 70 out of 82,000 "many"? I expected much, much better than this of you guys.

Matthew Houston
United States
15/10/2008
Reconciliation
I hope that all those switching sides, from either direction, could be communicated with in order to help for a common relationship/dialog for resolving the crisis. Those who are switching sides can obviously see the points-of-view of both sides, so are invaluable in understanding the pathways to reconciliation.

tamer
Canada
15/10/2008
Crusade!
the invasions of Irak and Afghanistan are crusade wars!

mike pdx
United States
15/10/2008
defections
I don't find it hard to beleive that these defections have taken place. Such is the tenor of any totalitarian ideology. The Taliban have been able to exercise recruitment through the use of nationalistic and religious radicalism. While the Taliban will most certainly lead the country down a different path then those influenced by the west I think it is a simple to understand what these people feel Their land has been invaded once more and as in the past they will defend it with their lives

Robert
United States
15/10/2008
Yeah? Many?
I agree, making the claim that 70 out of 82,000 is "many" is propaganda spin that shouldn't even be news worthy. That works out to a .00085% defection rate... how is that news or even relevant to Afghanistan's situation? I bet more then .00085% of the population thinks the Earth is flat, would you do a story on that and claim "Many" think the Earth is flat?

Bob
United States
15/10/2008
End the wars
I agree, we need to pull all US troops out of Afghanistan now. We have a good idea where al qaeda and the Talaban are so we just need to level those areas, nuke if needed. The taliban has harbored al qaeda and are therefore responsible. And if "innocent civilians" get killed, oh well, that's what they get for tolorating the taliban. When it comes down to the rights of Afghans vs. my right to live peacefully in my country, I win. This whole mess could be over in a matter of hours.

Tamara
United States
16/10/2008
Afghanistan
I was so angry when the US went into Afghanistan. The hijackers were not even from there. Afghanistan has been through too much already. I don't agree with what the Taliban did, they need to be more moderate, but the US had no right to go in there in the first place.

"spaised" out
United States
16/10/2008
no more "WAr"
it's difficult for me to defend anything the US does anymore. i recommend that all view Adam Curtis BBC documentary Power of Nightmares. everyone warring in Afghanistan is dishearteningly doing the wrong thing. the US invented Al-Qaeda after the '98 Bombings, and the Taliban use fear to manipulate the good people of Afghanistan. when will this end?

Norberto
Argentina
16/10/2008
At the end of the day everyone will smell the rat
Who can seriously believe what the pseudo Western press claims, namely that the Zionist troops are the locals and the Afghans (Taliban) are the foreigners. The truth, since the West really believes in truth even if we have no mass media means to say it freely, if FREE democratic elections were called now, Taliban would win by a land slide again !

ali
United States
16/10/2008
Afghanistan turmoil
You are all wrong, all of you. The problem is not Muslims or Infidels etc, the problem is too much population and we are getting on each other's nerves.

Nanga Pir
Pakistan
16/10/2008
West should Leave Afghanistan
It was wrong to attack Afghanistan in the first place. The so called 9/11 hijackers were Saudis, Egyptians and from the Gulf. THe US should have attacked these countries. Now that it has happened what West needs to do is: 1.Apologise to the people of Afghanistan. 2.Pay compensation for the destruction of the country. 3.Return Afghanistan to Taliban. 4.Donate money to build it. Let history take its natural course, Either the Taliban will modify or they will be replaced. Drugs and lawlessnees need Taliban.

Jöran Lövgren
Sweden
16/10/2008
Bob Bob Bob
Well, Al-qaeda and many other Muslims believe that the USA and their firends are the evil ones. Should they use nukes against them and say, well, if some civilians will die let them...People like you make al-qaeda strong.And because there are people like you they did 9/11. And please nuke Pakistan then you will see a hell. They are a nuke country, plus China, India, Russia are near by, they would never never let the US blow up nukes in their backyard. You ARE ARROGANT AND IGNORRANT

lucia
United Kingdom
16/10/2008
Mike, Atheism is a core cause of the problem. Atheists believe in secularism. Most Western govt have been secular and yet they have conducted some of the worst acts of war and aggression than religiously led govts have! Both the US and UK are primarily driven by secular rules, the Nazis were secular and atheistic in nature, yet they were the most violent and destructive forces in history. It's delusion to simply equate everything as religion is bad and athiesm is good.

RAFFEY
Afghanistan
16/10/2008
alligence means nothing
Let me get this right, the taliban are more islamic than the afghan army and that's why troops are changing sides? taliban support drug cultivation and harbouring fugitives, and this war isn't about being islamic it's about supporting a new gov. if the afghan army would become more islamic would they switch alligence? what hypocrites!!!

TheSinclair
Australia
16/10/2008
O! Almighty US
The US lost my trust when the truth came out about the Iraq-WMD, AQ ...etc. I am suspicious about this Afghan war too. In my opinion, we all Westerners lost our moral grounds to talk about this war.

Rex
United States
18/10/2008
Israel, Imperialism, Religion, Slavery, Crap
None of the above motivates most Americans to risk our lives in your pile of rocks...We want to kill Al-queda and any who support their violent agenda! All of you with empty rhetoric to the contrary are ignorant fools! Kill Al-queda and we'll leave your garden so that you can continue to fight among yourselves...Democracy, are you kidding? Tribal warfare among the ignorant is the best you are capable of.

pepei
Afghanistan
19/10/2008
I agree that all foreign troops ought to leave Afghanistan but I have big doubts that Islam is a religion of peace. Most conflicts are in areas where muslims live or used to live. Terrorist bombings, 11-S, 11-M, 7-J etc were tainted with an islamist colour. And a piece of comment for Akram Malik-Australia,you do not fight and expulse entire communities if you live in peace and harmony, do you? They, muslims,christians and jews , lived together ONLY for a while. It was just an accident.

muussaa
Japan
20/10/2008
Joining the Taliban
while I may not agree with some of their policies Afghan People have no choice now the country has been destroyed and raped by US and NATO countless times so much it is a dire situation now for the people just think for a moment if UK was like what Afghanistan is now and they were in -vaded " We will fight them on the beaches" Winstonb Churchil Insha Allah I hope peace and prosperity for a multiethnic muslim Afghanistan US NATO have only brought destruction

Neil Hoskins
United Kingdom
20/10/2008
@ Wiggy
Give me a break, for heavens' sake. The Taliban went to war to protect their Al Qaeda buddies. They were guilty of "aiding and abetting" by any legal standard. People who will attack us and our allies must never again be given safe haven in any country.

Mission Accomplished!
United States
18/10/2008
America triumphs again!
Historically God is always on our side and that is why we always win. Money grows like magic when we give our banks and corporations all of our freedom. It doesnt matter when poor people die from our bombs as soon as they die they are terrorists! It doesnt matter that we gave money and weapons to muslim radicals to fight communists and nationalists that all happened in the stone ages before Jesus was born. If you dont pray to God at least pray to Karl Rove.

Prathiba
India
19/10/2008
Marines in Trouble
Why marines comes to Afghanistan? To kill the people. They already killed millions of Afghanis. Now, the wind will blow reverse. I think not a single marine will return back to USA in live. The Afghan people recognized the interest of foreign troops. Afghan people need freedome from foreign occupiers. They started to unite. Even Karzai will join with the Taliban. Beware! Americans are in Danger!!

Jonathan Pulliam
United States
20/10/2008
Time to leave
I feel it's time for the U.S. to get out of Afghanistan. Even if it were in our national security interests to remain and it's obviously not, there's the undeniable problem that the financial cost of the war is destroying our world economy. The great Panic of 1907 was caused by excess capital flows to finance the 1905 Russo-Japanese war and rebuilding post- San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Similarly today, expenditures on Iraq & Afghan wars are bankrupting the world's financial system.

Em
Afghanistan
21/10/2008
...and breathe
As the English NATO commander said - there are good taliban and bad taliban. The US NATO commander has messed it all up. Surpised! Nope. I'm all for troops if they are helping to rebuild communities. I'm not for troops who disrespect the locals. Remember, all it takes is for a community to respect their women, children, families and animals. To offer assistance to those in need for no return. To forget the whole 'honor' thing and to just love and/or respect each other. Why is this so hard

 
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