I just received a response from Senator Mikulski on the wars in Afghanistan & Pakistan. What's frightening is we appear to agree on several points.
See how you feel about her responses.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about our involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is one of the most important issues facing our nation and I appreciate hearing your views.
On March 27, 2009 President Obama announced a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. At its core was a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle and eventually defeat al Qaeda and to prevent their return to either Afghanistan or Pakistan. On December 1, 2009 President Obama announced an increase of 30,000 new troops to Afghanistan.
I have no reservations about our troops -- their courage or competence. They will accomplish whatever mission we give them with honor. But I do have grave reservations about sending additional troops to Afghanistan. Our troops are worn out and we are out of money.
There are no simple answers, and no silver bullets for Afghanistan. President Obama rightfully went through a deliberative and thoughtful process to arrive at this strategy. Now Congress needs to ask hard questions to better understand this plan and hold the Administration accountable for progress.
My three key principles going forward are: First, the U.S. commitment cannot be open ended. Second, Afghanistan needs a functional and sustainable government. Third, the Afghans must take the lead in this war.
I continue to have serious concerns about the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan and question whether their leaders share the commitment of U.S. forces to combat extremism. I am concerned that Afghanistan seems threatened not only by the Taliban, but by a government that's riddled with cronyism and corruption. The corruption is aiding the booming narcotics trade in Afghanistan and lining the Taliban's pockets. I fear Afghanistan is on its way to becoming a narco-state.
I am also concerned about the safety, treatment, and security of Afghanistan's women. That's why I joined my Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution calling on Afghanistan's leaders to repudiate a law they passed that includes provisions legalizing marital rape and imposing Taliban-era restrictions on Shiite women in Afghanistan. The Shiite Personal Status Law violates the basic human rights of women. American soldiers fight every day to help Afghans create a stable and free nation that can protect and provide for its people. This law is an affront to the sacrifices they make every day. The United States should do everything it can to encourage Afghanistan to respect the basic rights and welfare of women and children.
I also supported the Fiscal Year 2009 Supplemental funding bill because it provides the necessary funding to meet the needs of our troops on the ground and to continue our assistance programs in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I fully support our troops and will not abandon them while they are on the battlefield or when they come home needing healthcare.
Again, thanks for contacting me. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me again.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Saturday, December 5, 2009
President Karzai and the Ally Deadline
Afghan President Hamid Karzai states that he has no problem with the withdrawal plan of the USA and NATO troops from his country in eighteen months. Even though it is unlikely Afghanistan will have time to train the approximate 250,000 soldiers they will need to continue the fight against the Taliban and al Quada, President Karzai is confident the Afghan people can take the initative and be ready.
Another interesting statement he made involves the Taliban. He stated that he has always wanted to open negations with the Taliban and that it has been th USA that has blocked the initiative.
Interesting. I suggest that President Karzai clean up the nepotism and corruption in his administration before meeting with the Taliban. After all, the Taliban way be extremist nuts but they frown on corruption and deceit, two things very prevalent in the current Afghan government.
I hope that President Karzai is serious about cleaning up his act and working with the the world aide agencies to better the condition of the people of Afghanistan. At the same time I hope he makes a real effort to create a true coalition government of the various tribes that make up Afghanistan and that he cooperates with the USA and NATO in what should be a very intense eighteen months.
Let us hope that the effort of the next eighteen months leads to the beginning for a democratic Afghanistan where all are truly equal. Or, at least more equal than they have ever been in the past.
If Karzai does not cooperate and reform, then our human and material treasures will have been wasted in Afghanistan and that is unacceptable.
Its Common Sense!
Another interesting statement he made involves the Taliban. He stated that he has always wanted to open negations with the Taliban and that it has been th USA that has blocked the initiative.
Interesting. I suggest that President Karzai clean up the nepotism and corruption in his administration before meeting with the Taliban. After all, the Taliban way be extremist nuts but they frown on corruption and deceit, two things very prevalent in the current Afghan government.
I hope that President Karzai is serious about cleaning up his act and working with the the world aide agencies to better the condition of the people of Afghanistan. At the same time I hope he makes a real effort to create a true coalition government of the various tribes that make up Afghanistan and that he cooperates with the USA and NATO in what should be a very intense eighteen months.
Let us hope that the effort of the next eighteen months leads to the beginning for a democratic Afghanistan where all are truly equal. Or, at least more equal than they have ever been in the past.
If Karzai does not cooperate and reform, then our human and material treasures will have been wasted in Afghanistan and that is unacceptable.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Afghanistan Surge - HELP!!!
I watched President Obama's speech this evening regarding sending an additional thirty thousand troops to Afghanistan to put down the Taliban and al Qaeda while giving the Afghan people a chance for something better.
A nice speech but vague. I wrote and sent the following letter to the President and then a similar one to my senators. They follow below.
If you have similar concerns, feel free to use all or part in your own correspondence with the President and your representatives. It's out fortune and future they appear to be using frivolously and they need to be called to task.
Its Common Sense!
Dear President Obama,
I watched your speech this evening regarding the actions you are planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
You spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why are you and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why have you not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. Your administration is pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt you are creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
I watched the President's speech this evening regarding the actions he is planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
The President spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why is the United States and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why has the United States not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. The Obama Administration, along with the majority of Democrats in Congress are pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt our government is creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
A nice speech but vague. I wrote and sent the following letter to the President and then a similar one to my senators. They follow below.
If you have similar concerns, feel free to use all or part in your own correspondence with the President and your representatives. It's out fortune and future they appear to be using frivolously and they need to be called to task.
Its Common Sense!
Dear President Obama,
I watched your speech this evening regarding the actions you are planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
You spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why are you and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why have you not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. Your administration is pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt you are creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
I watched the President's speech this evening regarding the actions he is planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
The President spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why is the United States and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why has the United States not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. The Obama Administration, along with the majority of Democrats in Congress are pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt our government is creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Monday, November 30, 2009
Obama and India's Prime Minister (Forget the Salahis)
All weekend we have been seeing and reading how Michaele Salahi and her husband crashed the the Obama Administration's first State Dinner for the Prime Minister of India. We all know about the couple and their desire for stardom and to be famous.
Unfortunately, what we do not know is what agreements, if any, the USA and India made during the Prime Minister's visit.
Was Obama able to convince the Prime Minister to go easy on Pakistan, so that Pakistan can concentrate on attacking Taliban and al Qaeda strongholds, rather than stationing troops on their border with India?
Will India provide money to help the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan? I know Indian troops would not be welcomed, but gold is welcomed everywhere.
And what about trade agreements? Were deals made that will be favorable to American consumers and more importantly, the American worker?
This is the information I am looking for, not how some blond bombshell smiled her way past the Secret Service.
Our country is in major trouble and we should be focusing on bringing down debt and creating jobs, rather than the next reality star.
Its Common Sense!!
Unfortunately, what we do not know is what agreements, if any, the USA and India made during the Prime Minister's visit.
Was Obama able to convince the Prime Minister to go easy on Pakistan, so that Pakistan can concentrate on attacking Taliban and al Qaeda strongholds, rather than stationing troops on their border with India?
Will India provide money to help the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan? I know Indian troops would not be welcomed, but gold is welcomed everywhere.
And what about trade agreements? Were deals made that will be favorable to American consumers and more importantly, the American worker?
This is the information I am looking for, not how some blond bombshell smiled her way past the Secret Service.
Our country is in major trouble and we should be focusing on bringing down debt and creating jobs, rather than the next reality star.
Its Common Sense!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Iran and Nuclear Power
Iran announced its building at least ten more uranium processing plants. It appears that Ahmadinejad just gave the United Nations the finger. Okay, we know he is not the real power in Iran and that the old mullahs are calling the shots, but regardless of who is in charge, what is the United Nations and the rest of the world going to do?
Let's be honest, the government of Iran cannot be trusted. No one can believe that they are going to show UN inspectors anymore than they want to show. No one knows where they are as far as creating a nuclear weapon.
Sanctions and embargoes are talked about, yet Iran continues to get the materials they need to create these plants. Where are the materials coming from? Who is making a profit? Which nations and/or companies are ignoring the embargo/sanctions and using what ever means necessary to take millions from Iran?
Personally, I do not believe the United Nations can be trusted to serve as a vigilant watch dog. There is too much corruption in that organization and in many ways I believe it has out lasted its purpose. For the United Nations to be effective, it has to be reorganized, given some teeth, and the member nations have follow the rules.
Easier said than done I know.
Now the USA and the European Nations (not to mention Israel) will have to keep a careful watch on things by whatever means are available. The last thing the world needs is for Iran to build a dirty bomb and give it to al Quaeda or one of the other extremist terrorist groups.
Iran needs to be put down. The questions is how?
Let's be honest, the government of Iran cannot be trusted. No one can believe that they are going to show UN inspectors anymore than they want to show. No one knows where they are as far as creating a nuclear weapon.
Sanctions and embargoes are talked about, yet Iran continues to get the materials they need to create these plants. Where are the materials coming from? Who is making a profit? Which nations and/or companies are ignoring the embargo/sanctions and using what ever means necessary to take millions from Iran?
Personally, I do not believe the United Nations can be trusted to serve as a vigilant watch dog. There is too much corruption in that organization and in many ways I believe it has out lasted its purpose. For the United Nations to be effective, it has to be reorganized, given some teeth, and the member nations have follow the rules.
Easier said than done I know.
Now the USA and the European Nations (not to mention Israel) will have to keep a careful watch on things by whatever means are available. The last thing the world needs is for Iran to build a dirty bomb and give it to al Quaeda or one of the other extremist terrorist groups.
Iran needs to be put down. The questions is how?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Karzai - Second Term
Abdullah Abdullah evidently decided that even with UN inspectors monitoring the polling stations, that he would not get a fair vote count, and bowed out of Afghanistan's presidential race. His departure allowed the Election Committee to give President Karzai his second term.
USA President Obama congratulated Karzai but said that Karzai's actions would speak louder than words and would be very influential in what actions the USA takes over the next several months.
Why did Abdullah bow out? Okay, we know the first election was corrupt and rigged, but this time the hope was UN inspectors would make some kind of difference. If nothing else, a close contest would have put pressure on Karzai to focus on the Afghan people and his country, rather than himself and immediate family.
My fear is that Karzai will now consider himself invincible, becoming arrogant, aloof and a dangerous ally.
Hopefully I am wrong. Time will tell. In the meantime tens of thousands of American military service personnel are putting their lives on line to free Afghanistan of the Taliban and al Qaeda. If they do not receive the support they need - foremost from the Afghan people and government - then their mission will fail and the deaths of thousands (American and Afghan) will have been for nothing.
President Obama needs to watch President Karzai closely and insure the security of our military personnel. If Karzai betrays us, the the USA and NATO need to withdraw from Afghanistan and join with hunting down the Taliban and al Qaeda in Pakistan. Karzai will be left to his own devices, and maybe that desperate act will allow the Afghan people to have a true chance for freedom.
Its Common Sense!
USA President Obama congratulated Karzai but said that Karzai's actions would speak louder than words and would be very influential in what actions the USA takes over the next several months.
Why did Abdullah bow out? Okay, we know the first election was corrupt and rigged, but this time the hope was UN inspectors would make some kind of difference. If nothing else, a close contest would have put pressure on Karzai to focus on the Afghan people and his country, rather than himself and immediate family.
My fear is that Karzai will now consider himself invincible, becoming arrogant, aloof and a dangerous ally.
Hopefully I am wrong. Time will tell. In the meantime tens of thousands of American military service personnel are putting their lives on line to free Afghanistan of the Taliban and al Qaeda. If they do not receive the support they need - foremost from the Afghan people and government - then their mission will fail and the deaths of thousands (American and Afghan) will have been for nothing.
President Obama needs to watch President Karzai closely and insure the security of our military personnel. If Karzai betrays us, the the USA and NATO need to withdraw from Afghanistan and join with hunting down the Taliban and al Qaeda in Pakistan. Karzai will be left to his own devices, and maybe that desperate act will allow the Afghan people to have a true chance for freedom.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Hillary - No Holds Barred
Our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, let the Pakistani press, and the people and government of Pakistan, know that she does not believe they are putting forth an all out effort to capture al Qaeda operatives in their country. Mrs Clinton made it clear that she finds it impossible to believe that the Pakistan government does not know where the al Qaeda terrorists are hiding.
Mrs Clinton also stated that she does not understand why the people of Pakistan are willing to give up land and let their country grow smaller as they cede parts of it to the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Tomorrow she will be meeting with top Pakistani military leaders to discuss their current war on the Taliban and al Qaeda. One thing I bet she will hear is that Pakistan wants the Afghanistan military, as well as the USA soldiers and their NATO allies to begin taking charge of their side of the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. After all, Pakistan would not have all their current Taliban and al Qaeda problems if the troops in Afghanistan had secured their border.
It will be interesting to see if Mrs Clinton's tough talk will have any positive outcome. The Negatives are already out, we'll see after her talks with the Pakistan military bring anything positive.
Yesterday she spoke of possibly cutting off aide to Pakistan. A pretty big stick, but I do not know what carrot she dangled along with it.
Richard Holbrook will probably find himself confronted with a barrel of new issues - especially hurt feelings - once Hillary leaves. Hopefully he'll be able to get the Pakistan government to work with all of the allies and bring about a meaningful peace in that mountainous region of the world.
Time will tell.
Its Common Sense!
Mrs Clinton also stated that she does not understand why the people of Pakistan are willing to give up land and let their country grow smaller as they cede parts of it to the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Tomorrow she will be meeting with top Pakistani military leaders to discuss their current war on the Taliban and al Qaeda. One thing I bet she will hear is that Pakistan wants the Afghanistan military, as well as the USA soldiers and their NATO allies to begin taking charge of their side of the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. After all, Pakistan would not have all their current Taliban and al Qaeda problems if the troops in Afghanistan had secured their border.
It will be interesting to see if Mrs Clinton's tough talk will have any positive outcome. The Negatives are already out, we'll see after her talks with the Pakistan military bring anything positive.
Yesterday she spoke of possibly cutting off aide to Pakistan. A pretty big stick, but I do not know what carrot she dangled along with it.
Richard Holbrook will probably find himself confronted with a barrel of new issues - especially hurt feelings - once Hillary leaves. Hopefully he'll be able to get the Pakistan government to work with all of the allies and bring about a meaningful peace in that mountainous region of the world.
Time will tell.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Afghanistan Election - Try Number 2
Even though it is evident Karzai and his cronies tried to win Afghanistan's presidental election with a little (ok, a lot of help) Karzai has agreed to run off foot in early November. The fact that he has given in without a lot of kicking and crying means, 1. that he still thinks he can win (if he cheats this time his people will hopefully be much more clever), 2. he knows he cannot survive without US and NATO support (daah!!) 3. if the USA leaves he's a dead man anyway you look at it.
So, kudos to Afghanistan. They are really trying. Even if democracy is not for them, no one can say they did not try it out.
It will be interesting to see if the Taliban gets any representation in their parliament or not. That would make things interesting.
The next month should prove to an interesting time in Afghanistan. They need the opportunity to hold their election the right way this time.
Let's hope that the fighting stays in Pakistan. If the US & NATO troops can move to the border with Pakistan, maybe a combined effort can do some serious damage to the Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters. Hopefully it will lessen tensions in Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan to allow the people to vote.
We will watch and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
So, kudos to Afghanistan. They are really trying. Even if democracy is not for them, no one can say they did not try it out.
It will be interesting to see if the Taliban gets any representation in their parliament or not. That would make things interesting.
The next month should prove to an interesting time in Afghanistan. They need the opportunity to hold their election the right way this time.
Let's hope that the fighting stays in Pakistan. If the US & NATO troops can move to the border with Pakistan, maybe a combined effort can do some serious damage to the Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters. Hopefully it will lessen tensions in Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan to allow the people to vote.
We will watch and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Obama- Nobel Peace Prize - What's Next?
As we all now know, the Nobel Commission selected President Obama to be this year's recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. From all indications it was as much a shock to Obama as it was to the rest of the world. After all, other than some speeches, President Obama has done very little to take any measurable actions towards world peace.
It could be that the selection committee was impressed with his rhetoric and the idea that the USA was attempting to embark on a role as working with other nations for peace, rather than striking out independently as it had for the previous eight years.
Regardless of the reasons, the committee has now put Obama in a position where everyone will be watching his every move, ready to criticize regardless of what he decides.
We know that the next year will have many decisions effecting world peace. What will happen when the USA & her allies withdrawal from Iraq? Will there be peace or will things get worse? (I think a three way civil war, Sunni, Shiite and Kurd.)
In Afghanistan will the concentration be on Al Qaeda or due to the recent invasion of the Pakistan Pentagon by Taliban militants, will the USA also need to concentrate on destroying the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan to prove we are Pakistan's ally?
And finally of course there is Israel and Palestine. What will the USA do there?
And let's not forget Iran, the real joker in the deck.
Action in some of the most violent places in the world. How will the Obama Administration bring peace, or at the very least stability? Is it something that his Administration should even attempt?
During the next few years it will be interesting to see if the Nobel Peace Prize will prove to be a burden too heavy for Obama to wear.
We will need to watch and see if his actions are guided by living up to the Prize, or putting the USA's interest's first. Let's hope the latter has the priority.
Its Common Sense!
It could be that the selection committee was impressed with his rhetoric and the idea that the USA was attempting to embark on a role as working with other nations for peace, rather than striking out independently as it had for the previous eight years.
Regardless of the reasons, the committee has now put Obama in a position where everyone will be watching his every move, ready to criticize regardless of what he decides.
We know that the next year will have many decisions effecting world peace. What will happen when the USA & her allies withdrawal from Iraq? Will there be peace or will things get worse? (I think a three way civil war, Sunni, Shiite and Kurd.)
In Afghanistan will the concentration be on Al Qaeda or due to the recent invasion of the Pakistan Pentagon by Taliban militants, will the USA also need to concentrate on destroying the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan to prove we are Pakistan's ally?
And finally of course there is Israel and Palestine. What will the USA do there?
And let's not forget Iran, the real joker in the deck.
Action in some of the most violent places in the world. How will the Obama Administration bring peace, or at the very least stability? Is it something that his Administration should even attempt?
During the next few years it will be interesting to see if the Nobel Peace Prize will prove to be a burden too heavy for Obama to wear.
We will need to watch and see if his actions are guided by living up to the Prize, or putting the USA's interest's first. Let's hope the latter has the priority.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Afghanistan Eight Years Later
Eight years ago yesterday the USA attack Al Qaeda locations in Afghanistan after the ruling Taliban party refused to turn over Osama bin Laden and his henchmen after the 9/11 attack.
For eight years the USA and allies have been involved in trying to hunt down and wipe out Al Qaeda, in Afghanistan and where ever else they are hiding.
Unfortunately this war got side tracked when the Bush Administration decided to focus their attention on Iraq.
Now focus is returning to Afghanistan, but big talk and promises are fading and the Obama Administration is face with dealing with the realities.
The Afghan people are not happy with Karzai. I cannot blame them because there seems to be a lot of corruption. At the same time, the majority do not appear to want a return of Taliban control. I sympathize with that because I would not want to be ruled by archaic Middle Age laws applied by fanatics armed with AK47s.
What I believe the USA needs to do is refocus on the original mission. Get bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Our original objective was not to bring democracy to Afghanistan. That is something the Afghans will have to handle for themselves. I believe we can offer financial aide to rebuild infrastructure and help with education and modernization but political change needs to come from the people.
These tribes have been sparring with each other for centuries, they need to resolve their issues without outside interference.
The USA and its allies need to concentrate their military and intelligence operation on hunting down and capturing/killing bin Laden and all his Al Qaeda network. They need to concentrate in Afghanistan and Pakistan and once they have finished there they will need to move to Somalia, Sudan and any other country that is offering Al Qaeda a haven.
The UN needs to issue a proclamation that any nation harboring Al Qaeda criminals need to surrender them or face the consequences.
Obama needs to let Afghanistan and Iraq take care of themselves, offer aide for building, but the military needs to concentrate on Al Qaeda.
Its Common Sense!
For eight years the USA and allies have been involved in trying to hunt down and wipe out Al Qaeda, in Afghanistan and where ever else they are hiding.
Unfortunately this war got side tracked when the Bush Administration decided to focus their attention on Iraq.
Now focus is returning to Afghanistan, but big talk and promises are fading and the Obama Administration is face with dealing with the realities.
The Afghan people are not happy with Karzai. I cannot blame them because there seems to be a lot of corruption. At the same time, the majority do not appear to want a return of Taliban control. I sympathize with that because I would not want to be ruled by archaic Middle Age laws applied by fanatics armed with AK47s.
What I believe the USA needs to do is refocus on the original mission. Get bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Our original objective was not to bring democracy to Afghanistan. That is something the Afghans will have to handle for themselves. I believe we can offer financial aide to rebuild infrastructure and help with education and modernization but political change needs to come from the people.
These tribes have been sparring with each other for centuries, they need to resolve their issues without outside interference.
The USA and its allies need to concentrate their military and intelligence operation on hunting down and capturing/killing bin Laden and all his Al Qaeda network. They need to concentrate in Afghanistan and Pakistan and once they have finished there they will need to move to Somalia, Sudan and any other country that is offering Al Qaeda a haven.
The UN needs to issue a proclamation that any nation harboring Al Qaeda criminals need to surrender them or face the consequences.
Obama needs to let Afghanistan and Iraq take care of themselves, offer aide for building, but the military needs to concentrate on Al Qaeda.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Obama faces change
President Obama seems to be doing some shuffling and changing of opinion on two big topics. Health Care Reform is one. He hit five talk shows this morning, trying to explain his plan. He still appears to feel that he knows what is best and even appears to think he is in the category with FDR with the Social Security Bill and LBJ with the introduction of Medicare.
I think Obama should be careful in his comparisons. His health care reform plans still have too many questions and gaps that need filling. How is there not going to be any tax increase on the middle class to pay for the coverage? Whether it is a federal tax increase or a health insurance premium increase, the middle class is going to pick up the bill one way or another.
He seems to be trying to play both ends of the Democratic party, telling some he really wants the public option and others that it is not that important. Rather than tell the plain simple truth, he playing politics, so much for an open, honest administration.
One thing the President definitely should not do is try and force his plan through Congress with no Republican support. I think that action could lead to a public outcry and repercussions that have not be seen in this country for decades. The President needs to learn meaningful compromise if he is going to lead.
The other area is the war in Afghanistan. After initially being gun ho to send in twenty-five thousand fresh troops, now he wants to reconsider sending any more. In truth, it looks like he is now going to consider an entirely new plan for fighting in Afghanistan and deciding what the priorities should be.
Already members of the Democratic are asking for a time table for troop withdrawal, stating that there is little hope for a democratic state in Afghanistan and that it will always be a place of tribal warfare.
Like George W Bush, President Obama promised to put an end to Al-Quaeda and bring in bin Laden. The prospects of him having any success are few.
President Obama came in to the White House with big plans. Reality is finally setting and he's finding that he is no longer the golden boy he thought he was. People are questioning his actions and motives. People are demanding straight answers and challenging vague responses.
America wants answers that aren't going to cost them a fortune. The President needs to start paying attention to what the people are saying, rather than those around him.
Its Common Sense!
I think Obama should be careful in his comparisons. His health care reform plans still have too many questions and gaps that need filling. How is there not going to be any tax increase on the middle class to pay for the coverage? Whether it is a federal tax increase or a health insurance premium increase, the middle class is going to pick up the bill one way or another.
He seems to be trying to play both ends of the Democratic party, telling some he really wants the public option and others that it is not that important. Rather than tell the plain simple truth, he playing politics, so much for an open, honest administration.
One thing the President definitely should not do is try and force his plan through Congress with no Republican support. I think that action could lead to a public outcry and repercussions that have not be seen in this country for decades. The President needs to learn meaningful compromise if he is going to lead.
The other area is the war in Afghanistan. After initially being gun ho to send in twenty-five thousand fresh troops, now he wants to reconsider sending any more. In truth, it looks like he is now going to consider an entirely new plan for fighting in Afghanistan and deciding what the priorities should be.
Already members of the Democratic are asking for a time table for troop withdrawal, stating that there is little hope for a democratic state in Afghanistan and that it will always be a place of tribal warfare.
Like George W Bush, President Obama promised to put an end to Al-Quaeda and bring in bin Laden. The prospects of him having any success are few.
President Obama came in to the White House with big plans. Reality is finally setting and he's finding that he is no longer the golden boy he thought he was. People are questioning his actions and motives. People are demanding straight answers and challenging vague responses.
America wants answers that aren't going to cost them a fortune. The President needs to start paying attention to what the people are saying, rather than those around him.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
9/11 Nine Years later
For the past couple of days I have been watching some of the documentaries and news clips, etc, about the 09/11 attack on the USA. You see and remember the weak and the strong, the heroes, and those who ignored all the warning signs and believed until the last moment it could not happen here in American - even though it already had happened and at one of the same places.
So here we are, a new administration in command and what do we have to show for our war on terrorism?
To my knowledge we know less about the where abouts of Osama bin Laden today than we did on 9/11. At least then we knew he was in Afghanistan. Where he is, or if he is even alive today, is any one's guess.
The USA's initial action to go after the terrorists responsible for the attacks on our homeland lead to the destruction of the Taliban control of Afghanistan and initiated what was hoped to be a democratic reform.
However, rather than stay focused on the hunt for terrorist and rebuilding Afghanistan, our national policy got side tracked and suddenly the emphasis moved from bin Laden and Afghanistan to Saddam Hussein and Iraq.
Eight years and two wars later the report is not good. True Saddam Hussein is dead, so maybe that's some kind of victory. However, Iraq is in turmoil, and as allied forces continue their withdrawal, internal violence grows daily and the prospect of an all out civil war looms in the near future. It does not appear that Iraq is going to be a success story.
As I said in the beginning, bin Laden remains a mystery, as does the where abouts of the majority of the Al Quaeda leadership.
Afghanistan is in the midst of a civil war, whether official sources want to admit that or not. The Taliban, in strong numbers, is fighting to regain control. The recent election shows the divisions and corruption taking place within Kabul.
Although many actions taken during the election are being questioned, I still think the one positive thing is that the questions are being raised, a government has not yet been forced on the Afghan people and there is still a small hope that some true form of parliamentary government can come out of all of this.
Of course it still leaves the question of how long the USA and NATO can stay.
After all is said and done, I feel that our government's actions after 9/11, although initially justified, have failed on all levels. What is needed now is to step back, and start all over again.
Our military's principal focus needs to be bin Laden and Al Quaeda. With NATO we should provide instructors for the Afghan military, but they need to be responsible for themselves.
We need to apologise to the Iraq people for the damage we caused and for the chaos and deaths that will come when we pull out. Visions of Saigon with helicopters leaving the roof of the USA embassy may become a scene in Iraq by the time the last of our troops pull out.
What began as an honest effort to right a wrong and bring criminals to justice, turned into a political and power nightmare. Our leadership lost focus of what the true mission was and got side tracked by their personal agendas.
We the people are responsible for oversight of our leaders. We can not sit passively on the side lines and say nothing. We must be vocal and we must use the power of the ballot box.
This is our country first, not the Capital Hill gang.
Speak often, speak loudly, and make your vote count every time.
Its Common Sense!
So here we are, a new administration in command and what do we have to show for our war on terrorism?
To my knowledge we know less about the where abouts of Osama bin Laden today than we did on 9/11. At least then we knew he was in Afghanistan. Where he is, or if he is even alive today, is any one's guess.
The USA's initial action to go after the terrorists responsible for the attacks on our homeland lead to the destruction of the Taliban control of Afghanistan and initiated what was hoped to be a democratic reform.
However, rather than stay focused on the hunt for terrorist and rebuilding Afghanistan, our national policy got side tracked and suddenly the emphasis moved from bin Laden and Afghanistan to Saddam Hussein and Iraq.
Eight years and two wars later the report is not good. True Saddam Hussein is dead, so maybe that's some kind of victory. However, Iraq is in turmoil, and as allied forces continue their withdrawal, internal violence grows daily and the prospect of an all out civil war looms in the near future. It does not appear that Iraq is going to be a success story.
As I said in the beginning, bin Laden remains a mystery, as does the where abouts of the majority of the Al Quaeda leadership.
Afghanistan is in the midst of a civil war, whether official sources want to admit that or not. The Taliban, in strong numbers, is fighting to regain control. The recent election shows the divisions and corruption taking place within Kabul.
Although many actions taken during the election are being questioned, I still think the one positive thing is that the questions are being raised, a government has not yet been forced on the Afghan people and there is still a small hope that some true form of parliamentary government can come out of all of this.
Of course it still leaves the question of how long the USA and NATO can stay.
After all is said and done, I feel that our government's actions after 9/11, although initially justified, have failed on all levels. What is needed now is to step back, and start all over again.
Our military's principal focus needs to be bin Laden and Al Quaeda. With NATO we should provide instructors for the Afghan military, but they need to be responsible for themselves.
We need to apologise to the Iraq people for the damage we caused and for the chaos and deaths that will come when we pull out. Visions of Saigon with helicopters leaving the roof of the USA embassy may become a scene in Iraq by the time the last of our troops pull out.
What began as an honest effort to right a wrong and bring criminals to justice, turned into a political and power nightmare. Our leadership lost focus of what the true mission was and got side tracked by their personal agendas.
We the people are responsible for oversight of our leaders. We can not sit passively on the side lines and say nothing. We must be vocal and we must use the power of the ballot box.
This is our country first, not the Capital Hill gang.
Speak often, speak loudly, and make your vote count every time.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Afghanistan Election Voter Fraud
We may not know the results of the election in Afghanistan for months to come due to the fact that over 500 counts of voter fraud of one form or another have been reported. All of these reports are going to be investigated and only after that will the results be aired.
On the one hand it is sad that there are that many reports of fraud, but maybe that is just one of the prices a new growing democracy has to face. After all, here in the USA we all know the stories of Boss Tweed in New York and the Daily Machine in Chicago. We also know from our own history how some voters were kept away from the polls, and that in parts of our country there were laws to insure that only the "right" people were able to vote.
What I like about the situation in Afghanistan is that with all of the yelling of corruption and fraud, an investigation is taking place. How intense and thorough the investigation is we will have to wait and see, but at least an effort is being different.
That's a lot different than the recent "democratic" election in Iran where millions of ballots were counted in hours, and protests and shouts of fraud were met with violence.
Afghanistan has a long way to go. What we in the west need to remember is that they need to develop the democracy that is best for them, which is not necessarily what was best for us.
My hope is that our government will increase the amount of educational and reconstruction aide, so that our military commitment decreases as the Afghan people take charge of their lives and future.
Its Common Sense!!
On the one hand it is sad that there are that many reports of fraud, but maybe that is just one of the prices a new growing democracy has to face. After all, here in the USA we all know the stories of Boss Tweed in New York and the Daily Machine in Chicago. We also know from our own history how some voters were kept away from the polls, and that in parts of our country there were laws to insure that only the "right" people were able to vote.
What I like about the situation in Afghanistan is that with all of the yelling of corruption and fraud, an investigation is taking place. How intense and thorough the investigation is we will have to wait and see, but at least an effort is being different.
That's a lot different than the recent "democratic" election in Iran where millions of ballots were counted in hours, and protests and shouts of fraud were met with violence.
Afghanistan has a long way to go. What we in the west need to remember is that they need to develop the democracy that is best for them, which is not necessarily what was best for us.
My hope is that our government will increase the amount of educational and reconstruction aide, so that our military commitment decreases as the Afghan people take charge of their lives and future.
Its Common Sense!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Change in Afghanistan
Two new generals are being sent to lead the USA's efforts in Afghanistan. President Obama has stated that this is a war that can not be lost. We have all heard that line in the past. Now we will have to see what happens.
History tells us that no foreign nation has ever been a long term conquerer in Afghanistan. I know the plan is to work with the Afghan government and NATO allies, but the question is, can this coalition defeat Al Qaeda and the Taliban?
In one way things are looking hopeful. The Pakistan government, out of fear and necessity has been forced to move against the Taliban invaders who took over the Swat Valley and were beginning to march towards Islamabad. Regardless of what you think of what is happening in that part of the world, none of us want the Taliban to have access to nuclear weapons.
Now we will have to watch and see if the new strategy will prove to be effective.
At the same time we need to help the Afghan economy, education and drive towards democracy. We need to bring the feuding warlords to a peace table and work out an effective and profitable deal for everyone. We have to make the country stable, then we can work on making it secure.
Its Common Sense!
History tells us that no foreign nation has ever been a long term conquerer in Afghanistan. I know the plan is to work with the Afghan government and NATO allies, but the question is, can this coalition defeat Al Qaeda and the Taliban?
In one way things are looking hopeful. The Pakistan government, out of fear and necessity has been forced to move against the Taliban invaders who took over the Swat Valley and were beginning to march towards Islamabad. Regardless of what you think of what is happening in that part of the world, none of us want the Taliban to have access to nuclear weapons.
Now we will have to watch and see if the new strategy will prove to be effective.
At the same time we need to help the Afghan economy, education and drive towards democracy. We need to bring the feuding warlords to a peace table and work out an effective and profitable deal for everyone. We have to make the country stable, then we can work on making it secure.
Its Common Sense!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
New Afghanistan Policy
Yesterday the Obama Administration stated its new policy regarding the "war" in Afghanistan. No longer is there talk of the creation of a democracy, fighting the Taliban or bringing any kind of peace among the warring factions in the country.
Rather, or at least my interpretation of what President Obama stated, is that the US objective now is solely to eradicate Al-Qaeda where ever they are. The war is focused solely on this terrorist organization and perhaps - although I do not want to make assumptions - any groups who support Al-Qaeda.
I thought this was the original plan back when Bush asked the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan to turn over bin Laden and they did not cooperate. I always thought that the war against terrorism should be focused on the terrorist, not the countries where the terrorist dwell.
We all know the invasion of Iraq had nothing to do with terrorism. That was Bush getting even with Saddam Hussein for putting out a hit order on his father. (And of course oil control).
Afghanistan was always different. Unfortunately the US policy operated under the misconceived notion that if the government was controlled everything else would fall into place.
As many experts have pointed out multi-tribal societies such as Afghanistan function totally different than the USA. Different history, different traditions, different mentalities. Unfortunately the USA leadership usually fails to study the enemy, rather putting them in the same bucket as the USA, which generally leads to tragedy. (Viet Nam, Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan just to name a few.)
If the Obama Administration is serious on focusing solely on taking out bin Laden and Al-Qaeda I wish them good hunting. I think they need to make the necessary diplomatic actions with Afghanistan and Pakistan to receive permission for their hunt, but at the same time stating the USA will stay out of the internal workings of these countries.
I know the reality is that US & NATO forces operating in any country are seen as invaders. However, hopefully if they show their sole objective is the eradication of Al-Qaeda, the Afghans and Pakistanis will allow them to operate and even assist, so they can get the foreigners out of their countries and things can go back to how it was before the USA showed up.
There is no ideal solution. At the same time, I believe that the USA and other nations should provide funds to Afghanistan to rebuild and educate the country so that future decisions in development will be made on learning rather than who has the better armament.
Maybe with cooperation among all parties working to eliminate terror and bringing peace and prosperity to the people things will take a positive turn.
I know its Common Sense, but will anyone actually see it that way?
Rather, or at least my interpretation of what President Obama stated, is that the US objective now is solely to eradicate Al-Qaeda where ever they are. The war is focused solely on this terrorist organization and perhaps - although I do not want to make assumptions - any groups who support Al-Qaeda.
I thought this was the original plan back when Bush asked the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan to turn over bin Laden and they did not cooperate. I always thought that the war against terrorism should be focused on the terrorist, not the countries where the terrorist dwell.
We all know the invasion of Iraq had nothing to do with terrorism. That was Bush getting even with Saddam Hussein for putting out a hit order on his father. (And of course oil control).
Afghanistan was always different. Unfortunately the US policy operated under the misconceived notion that if the government was controlled everything else would fall into place.
As many experts have pointed out multi-tribal societies such as Afghanistan function totally different than the USA. Different history, different traditions, different mentalities. Unfortunately the USA leadership usually fails to study the enemy, rather putting them in the same bucket as the USA, which generally leads to tragedy. (Viet Nam, Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan just to name a few.)
If the Obama Administration is serious on focusing solely on taking out bin Laden and Al-Qaeda I wish them good hunting. I think they need to make the necessary diplomatic actions with Afghanistan and Pakistan to receive permission for their hunt, but at the same time stating the USA will stay out of the internal workings of these countries.
I know the reality is that US & NATO forces operating in any country are seen as invaders. However, hopefully if they show their sole objective is the eradication of Al-Qaeda, the Afghans and Pakistanis will allow them to operate and even assist, so they can get the foreigners out of their countries and things can go back to how it was before the USA showed up.
There is no ideal solution. At the same time, I believe that the USA and other nations should provide funds to Afghanistan to rebuild and educate the country so that future decisions in development will be made on learning rather than who has the better armament.
Maybe with cooperation among all parties working to eliminate terror and bringing peace and prosperity to the people things will take a positive turn.
I know its Common Sense, but will anyone actually see it that way?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Strength of the USA
President Obama let it be known that 12,000 American troops will be leaving Iraq this coming September, as well as 4,000 British troops and the insurgents responded by sending a suicide bomber to a police recruitment center and killing more than thirty people and wounding numerous more.
Now that the insurgents have the USA departure time table, it appears they are letting their fellow country men know that the best thing to do is stay out of sight because once the western powers depart the Sunni, Shiite, and Kurds are going to get down to the business of a serious civil war. We know that Iran will be supporting the Shiites, it will be interesting to see who supports the Sunni and Kurds.
Of course the regrettable thing of all of this is the similarity to what happened in Viet Nam. Once again US troops will be retreating without resolving anything. President Obama has said he will leave a force of 30 to 50 thousand behind for security purposes, but the reality is that other than protecting the embassy and maybe the airport, these troops will have little effect on anything.
Since I do not personally think the Iraq government is stable or strong enough to exist on its own, I see a massive civil war beginning in 2011 and there is no telling what the final result will be. Iraq could be divided into three separate countries, or we could see the beginning of a civil war running for decades.
One thing that will be obvious is that the USA failed in its mission and only created more chaos in the Middle East.
Along with this, I was shocked to hear that President Obama believes that there are moderates in the Taliban and that he wants to initiate dialogue with these men (we know the Taliban has no women with any power) to see about stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan. From what we have seen of the Taliban over the past several months it is evident their view is that they should have the power as they recently showed in Pakistan by taking over part of that country.
Thus far the new Administration is not projecting an image of strength to world, but rather one of weakness, compromise and in the case of the gift to the Russian Foreign Minister, stupidity in not getting the right word working together.
Our foreign image has gone from war monger to foolish, which is worse?
I realize that President Obama and the Congress are facing serious domestic as well as foreign issues and crisis. I just wish they could appear to be competent in dealing with them.
If they are out of their depth they need to admit it, forget about their egos and hire people who can get the job done.
Its Common Sense!
Now that the insurgents have the USA departure time table, it appears they are letting their fellow country men know that the best thing to do is stay out of sight because once the western powers depart the Sunni, Shiite, and Kurds are going to get down to the business of a serious civil war. We know that Iran will be supporting the Shiites, it will be interesting to see who supports the Sunni and Kurds.
Of course the regrettable thing of all of this is the similarity to what happened in Viet Nam. Once again US troops will be retreating without resolving anything. President Obama has said he will leave a force of 30 to 50 thousand behind for security purposes, but the reality is that other than protecting the embassy and maybe the airport, these troops will have little effect on anything.
Since I do not personally think the Iraq government is stable or strong enough to exist on its own, I see a massive civil war beginning in 2011 and there is no telling what the final result will be. Iraq could be divided into three separate countries, or we could see the beginning of a civil war running for decades.
One thing that will be obvious is that the USA failed in its mission and only created more chaos in the Middle East.
Along with this, I was shocked to hear that President Obama believes that there are moderates in the Taliban and that he wants to initiate dialogue with these men (we know the Taliban has no women with any power) to see about stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan. From what we have seen of the Taliban over the past several months it is evident their view is that they should have the power as they recently showed in Pakistan by taking over part of that country.
Thus far the new Administration is not projecting an image of strength to world, but rather one of weakness, compromise and in the case of the gift to the Russian Foreign Minister, stupidity in not getting the right word working together.
Our foreign image has gone from war monger to foolish, which is worse?
I realize that President Obama and the Congress are facing serious domestic as well as foreign issues and crisis. I just wish they could appear to be competent in dealing with them.
If they are out of their depth they need to admit it, forget about their egos and hire people who can get the job done.
Its Common Sense!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Taliban - What is the Appeal?
I was reading where the Taliban has made great inroads in the Swat Valley of north-western Pakistan to the extent that the local officials are going to give into their demands for using a much stricter interpretation of Islamic law. The Taliban got their point across by destroying girls schools, beheading those not in agreement and basically terrorizing the valley. They evidently won.
What I fail to understand is why the people would agree to this? I admit that I am not an Islamic scholar but I do know a little history. I know that there was a time when Islamic scholars lead the world in science and medicine and that the great Islamic learning centers in Spain, North Africa and parts of the Middle East were the envy of the world.
Then something happened. It appears that Islamic thinking fell into some kind of dark age and they have never recovered. How could any modern thinker agree with the Taliban? Women with no rights, treated worse than animals? No culture, no music, no free thought. Its very reminiscent of Pol Pot in Cambodia during the '70s, when he believed everyone should be on the farm guarded by an AK47.
Where are the modern Islamic thinkers? Why are there no voices protesting the Taliban's negative interpretation of the Koran? Surely there are those in the Islamic world who want to stand up and say the Taliban does not represent how the prophet wants them to live and treat others.
I will appreciate any insight into Islamic law that someone can share. I know their are different sects within Islam, based on history and religious interpretation of the Koran, I just do not understand why anyone would support the Taliban's interpretation of the Koran and their desire to take the people back into the Dark Ages.
If we in America are going to be able to help the citizens of Afghanistan and Pakistan who want to live their lives and religions as they see fit, then we have to understand the mentality of the Taliban so that we will be able to defeat them not on the battlefield with rifles, but in the intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual inner being that truly define who we are.
Its Common Sense!
What I fail to understand is why the people would agree to this? I admit that I am not an Islamic scholar but I do know a little history. I know that there was a time when Islamic scholars lead the world in science and medicine and that the great Islamic learning centers in Spain, North Africa and parts of the Middle East were the envy of the world.
Then something happened. It appears that Islamic thinking fell into some kind of dark age and they have never recovered. How could any modern thinker agree with the Taliban? Women with no rights, treated worse than animals? No culture, no music, no free thought. Its very reminiscent of Pol Pot in Cambodia during the '70s, when he believed everyone should be on the farm guarded by an AK47.
Where are the modern Islamic thinkers? Why are there no voices protesting the Taliban's negative interpretation of the Koran? Surely there are those in the Islamic world who want to stand up and say the Taliban does not represent how the prophet wants them to live and treat others.
I will appreciate any insight into Islamic law that someone can share. I know their are different sects within Islam, based on history and religious interpretation of the Koran, I just do not understand why anyone would support the Taliban's interpretation of the Koran and their desire to take the people back into the Dark Ages.
If we in America are going to be able to help the citizens of Afghanistan and Pakistan who want to live their lives and religions as they see fit, then we have to understand the mentality of the Taliban so that we will be able to defeat them not on the battlefield with rifles, but in the intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual inner being that truly define who we are.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Collateral Damage
Once again the US military is being criticized by President Karzai and the citizens of Afghanistan for the murder of innocent civilians. The official US report is that the fifteen killed were all militants, including a girl armed with an RPG. The Afghans are reporting at least two women and three children were among the dead. These deaths of innocents are referred to as collateral damage in reports, rather than we screwed up and killed the wrong people.
No doubt during the week ahead the numbers will change from both sides. The sad truth of the matter is that in this war in Afghanistan, as it was during much of the war in Viet Nam, the enemy does not wear a uniform and is often part of the local populace. Civilians are going to pay the price and the question is at what cost?
President Karzai is up for recollection later this year. The Obama Administration will need to decide if the USA will continue to support Karzai, or if it is time to support someone stronger and more dynamic. Of course, the truth is the Afghan people are the ones who need to make the decision. The US goal is to get bin Laden and destroy Al Queda, we should not be controlling elections or making national decisions for other countries.
After doing some reading on the Taliban, I for one do not understand why any country would want to be ruled by a group of ignorant militants who have such a narrow and misconceived religious view. However, all reports are that the Taliban is on the rise. Now it could be because of the religious schools that only males attend that spew out fanatical garbage, but unless main stream Afghans can get their act together, it is a real possibility that the Taliban will be back in power.
For the time being all we can do is watch what the Obama Administration does. How soon will more troops be made available to the Afghanistan effort? What is the overall vision for Afghanistan? If we get bin Laden will we abandon Afghanistan like we did when they drove the Soviets out?
A lot of questions with no answers. Let's hope that action is taken in the near future before we are in an even bigger mess.
Its Common Sense!
No doubt during the week ahead the numbers will change from both sides. The sad truth of the matter is that in this war in Afghanistan, as it was during much of the war in Viet Nam, the enemy does not wear a uniform and is often part of the local populace. Civilians are going to pay the price and the question is at what cost?
President Karzai is up for recollection later this year. The Obama Administration will need to decide if the USA will continue to support Karzai, or if it is time to support someone stronger and more dynamic. Of course, the truth is the Afghan people are the ones who need to make the decision. The US goal is to get bin Laden and destroy Al Queda, we should not be controlling elections or making national decisions for other countries.
After doing some reading on the Taliban, I for one do not understand why any country would want to be ruled by a group of ignorant militants who have such a narrow and misconceived religious view. However, all reports are that the Taliban is on the rise. Now it could be because of the religious schools that only males attend that spew out fanatical garbage, but unless main stream Afghans can get their act together, it is a real possibility that the Taliban will be back in power.
For the time being all we can do is watch what the Obama Administration does. How soon will more troops be made available to the Afghanistan effort? What is the overall vision for Afghanistan? If we get bin Laden will we abandon Afghanistan like we did when they drove the Soviets out?
A lot of questions with no answers. Let's hope that action is taken in the near future before we are in an even bigger mess.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Taxi to the Dark Side
Last night I watch the documentary - Taxi to the Dark Side - at the recommendation of my daughter. Specially the film dealt with the fate of an Afghan taxi driver who was captured by American forces in 2002, placed in prison in Bagram Air Force Base, and died with in a couple of days. The Army reported that the death was accidental, the death certificate filled out by the Army medical examiner and given to the family (who showed it to a New York Times reporter because they did not read English) listed the cause of death as a homicide.
The captain in charge of the military intelligence unit was transferred to Iraq to work in Abu Ghraib and we all know what happened there.
The sad thing about the story is that the United States has become the bad guy. Growing up I saw the movies about World War II where the Nazis in the form of the Gestapo or SS tortured prisoners or innocent civilians. Americans were always above that kind of action. We believed in the law and democracy and everyone having their day in court. That does not appear to be the case any longer.
When George W signed off on renewing the "Patriot" Bill in 2006 he reserved the right for the executive branch to tell what they wanted to tell, do what they wanted to do, and not be held accountable while the war on terrorism is going on. Therefore, anyone who commits a crime against US law against a suspected terrorist or insurgent receives a get out of jail card.
Our Congress gave the Bush Administration the votes to do this.
Most heart breaking is the fact that John McCain, one of the most outspoken critics of the US torture policy since 911, signed off on the bill, supposedly to get the endorsement of conservative Republicans. I hope that is wrong. I plan to write Senator McCain and maybe get his side of the story.
Torture does not work. Trust me, show me a pair of pliers and I will tell you whatever you want to know. That evidently happened shortly before Colin Powell went before the United Nations with his "proof" that Saddam Hussein had train Al Queda fighters and had chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction.
The CIA captured a high ranking member of Al Queda, flew him to Egypt - evidently we are out sourcing our torture - and after a bit of water boarding he told the CIA exactly what they wanted to hear. It was only after the invasion of Iraq that the CIA came forward and admitted that maybe their information was not 100%.
I have complained about GITMO from the beginning. Prisoners must be treat by the standards of the Geneva Convention. When we treat the enemy like they treat us, then we become the enemy and they are the true victors of the fight.
I believe the bad guys need to be put down, either in gun battles or when proven guilty by a court of law, put away in jail for life. But nothing excuses torture.
I think we need to go to George W and have him tell us when the information obtained from tortured saved the United States from an imminent attack of any kind. I doubt if there is an answer.
As you can tell I am upset with this, which means I will be writing my representatives in Washington and getting their views. I am curious how they voted on the renewal of the "Patriot" Act. I will be sharing my letters as I always do. In addition I will probably write to President Elect Obama and see where he stands on the issue.
Torture is something none of us in this country can ever condone - regardless of what Jack Bauer says on "24".
Say no to torture! Tell your representatives you are against torture and that you believe all parties, at all levels who are involved in torture should be punished. It is a sad commentary that the only ones court martial for the deaths in Bagram and Abu Ghraib were enlisted men and women. One of the charges against them was dereliction of duty. What about the dereliction of duty on the part of their commanders, and the commanders of those commanders?
Dick Cheney came out publicly and said the US would have to do things never done before and we have allowed him to get away with it.
Shame on all of us!!
The captain in charge of the military intelligence unit was transferred to Iraq to work in Abu Ghraib and we all know what happened there.
The sad thing about the story is that the United States has become the bad guy. Growing up I saw the movies about World War II where the Nazis in the form of the Gestapo or SS tortured prisoners or innocent civilians. Americans were always above that kind of action. We believed in the law and democracy and everyone having their day in court. That does not appear to be the case any longer.
When George W signed off on renewing the "Patriot" Bill in 2006 he reserved the right for the executive branch to tell what they wanted to tell, do what they wanted to do, and not be held accountable while the war on terrorism is going on. Therefore, anyone who commits a crime against US law against a suspected terrorist or insurgent receives a get out of jail card.
Our Congress gave the Bush Administration the votes to do this.
Most heart breaking is the fact that John McCain, one of the most outspoken critics of the US torture policy since 911, signed off on the bill, supposedly to get the endorsement of conservative Republicans. I hope that is wrong. I plan to write Senator McCain and maybe get his side of the story.
Torture does not work. Trust me, show me a pair of pliers and I will tell you whatever you want to know. That evidently happened shortly before Colin Powell went before the United Nations with his "proof" that Saddam Hussein had train Al Queda fighters and had chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction.
The CIA captured a high ranking member of Al Queda, flew him to Egypt - evidently we are out sourcing our torture - and after a bit of water boarding he told the CIA exactly what they wanted to hear. It was only after the invasion of Iraq that the CIA came forward and admitted that maybe their information was not 100%.
I have complained about GITMO from the beginning. Prisoners must be treat by the standards of the Geneva Convention. When we treat the enemy like they treat us, then we become the enemy and they are the true victors of the fight.
I believe the bad guys need to be put down, either in gun battles or when proven guilty by a court of law, put away in jail for life. But nothing excuses torture.
I think we need to go to George W and have him tell us when the information obtained from tortured saved the United States from an imminent attack of any kind. I doubt if there is an answer.
As you can tell I am upset with this, which means I will be writing my representatives in Washington and getting their views. I am curious how they voted on the renewal of the "Patriot" Act. I will be sharing my letters as I always do. In addition I will probably write to President Elect Obama and see where he stands on the issue.
Torture is something none of us in this country can ever condone - regardless of what Jack Bauer says on "24".
Say no to torture! Tell your representatives you are against torture and that you believe all parties, at all levels who are involved in torture should be punished. It is a sad commentary that the only ones court martial for the deaths in Bagram and Abu Ghraib were enlisted men and women. One of the charges against them was dereliction of duty. What about the dereliction of duty on the part of their commanders, and the commanders of those commanders?
Dick Cheney came out publicly and said the US would have to do things never done before and we have allowed him to get away with it.
Shame on all of us!!
We have all grown too complacent in our lives and have passed on our moral responsibilities to others. If it does not touch us directly, we do not care.
Take the time to find out what our country is doing. Write, protest, and tell your representatives that we want the America of our fore fathers, not the America of terrorist hunting crazy men.
It's Common Sense!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Return of the Taliban
Evidently the United States cannot continue to pay for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Secretary of Defense Gates is now telling the members of NATO, as well as Japan, who do not have troops in Afghanistan, that they either have to provide troops or money to train Afghan troops. What a way to win friends and influence people. What is it about the leaders of our country that makes them think they can tell other nations what to do? We committed ourselves to these wars, we need to take care of our people. If we can find allies, great, but to badger other nations and mandate what they should do just doesn't cut it.
Of course we all know that Afghanistan is the war we should have fought all along. We could be making the poppy growers pay for the war and keeping heroin off of our streets. Of course that is not going to happen. I get the feeling that many of President Karzai's biggest supports are in the drug trade and he is going to do nothing to disrupt their income. Since the USA does not have adequate troops in Afghanistan, there is nothing we can do about the situation either.
Now I have learned that several top members of the Taliban were in Saudi Arabia last month dining with the king. Could it be that the Saudis are trying to broker a peace between the Karzai government and the Taliban? The Taliban are dangerous fundamentalist and I fear the King of Saudi Arabia is trying to find a place to send his nut jobs so they do not become a threat to his throne. Afghanistan is suppose to have a presidential election within a year.
If the king brokers a peace agreement between Karzai and the Taliban, then with the arrival of "peace" there is no longer a need for American or NATO troops. (I have to believe that the only thing the Japanese may contribute is money after what happened to their people in Iraq.)
Bin Laden can come out of the cave in Pakistan where he has been hiding and take up residence, legally, in Kabul.
Why did George W get side tracked with Iraq? Why did he give up on hunting the perpetrator of 9/11?
The scenario I envision - a deal between Karzai and the Talban, Afghanistan turning into an Islamic Fundamentalist State, with maybe a lessening of the rules the Taliban loves, (until Karzai disappears) - leaving us right back where we started six years ago. What the hell?
Our leaders have once again put our country in a no win situation. Regardless of who becomes president, if Karzai and the Taliban make a deal, we lose. I have no idea what deals are being made, to what extent the King of Saudi Arabia will use his money and influence to make the deal, but I believe the deal is coming.
Of course maybe I'll be wrong. Maybe Karzai will stand strong against the Taliban and the USA and her allies will take out Bin Laden, Al Queda and the Taliban. I do not see that happening, but I pray it happens.
Listen to what the candidates are saying about Afghanistan. Our economic crisis is giving our enemies an opportunity to run wild because the media is not paying attention and unfortunately I think they know more sometimes than our so called intelligence services.
Stay alert, let your voices be heard.
Its Common Sense.
Of course we all know that Afghanistan is the war we should have fought all along. We could be making the poppy growers pay for the war and keeping heroin off of our streets. Of course that is not going to happen. I get the feeling that many of President Karzai's biggest supports are in the drug trade and he is going to do nothing to disrupt their income. Since the USA does not have adequate troops in Afghanistan, there is nothing we can do about the situation either.
Now I have learned that several top members of the Taliban were in Saudi Arabia last month dining with the king. Could it be that the Saudis are trying to broker a peace between the Karzai government and the Taliban? The Taliban are dangerous fundamentalist and I fear the King of Saudi Arabia is trying to find a place to send his nut jobs so they do not become a threat to his throne. Afghanistan is suppose to have a presidential election within a year.
If the king brokers a peace agreement between Karzai and the Taliban, then with the arrival of "peace" there is no longer a need for American or NATO troops. (I have to believe that the only thing the Japanese may contribute is money after what happened to their people in Iraq.)
Bin Laden can come out of the cave in Pakistan where he has been hiding and take up residence, legally, in Kabul.
Why did George W get side tracked with Iraq? Why did he give up on hunting the perpetrator of 9/11?
The scenario I envision - a deal between Karzai and the Talban, Afghanistan turning into an Islamic Fundamentalist State, with maybe a lessening of the rules the Taliban loves, (until Karzai disappears) - leaving us right back where we started six years ago. What the hell?
Our leaders have once again put our country in a no win situation. Regardless of who becomes president, if Karzai and the Taliban make a deal, we lose. I have no idea what deals are being made, to what extent the King of Saudi Arabia will use his money and influence to make the deal, but I believe the deal is coming.
Of course maybe I'll be wrong. Maybe Karzai will stand strong against the Taliban and the USA and her allies will take out Bin Laden, Al Queda and the Taliban. I do not see that happening, but I pray it happens.
Listen to what the candidates are saying about Afghanistan. Our economic crisis is giving our enemies an opportunity to run wild because the media is not paying attention and unfortunately I think they know more sometimes than our so called intelligence services.
Stay alert, let your voices be heard.
Its Common Sense.
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