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July 26, 2005

Trouble in Afghanistan?

Amir Shah, Associated Press writer reports: Hundreds of protesters chanting "Die America!" and throwing stones tried to batter down a gate at the U.S. military's main Afghan base Tuesday, adding to anxieties in a country worried that fighting with insurgents could disrupt elections.

This at the Bagram Air Base north of Kabul.

The clash in Bagram was unusual. The area an hour's drive north of the capital has been largely peaceful since a U.S.-led military campaign toppled the Taliban regime in late 2001 for harboring Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida terrorist camps.

Why were the Bagram residents rioting?

"We have supported the Americans for years. We should be treated with dignity," said Shah Aghar, 35. "They are arresting our people without the permission of the government. They are breaking into our houses and offending the people. We are very angry."

Silly Afghanis. Your "sovereignty" is an illusion. President Bush wields ultimate power and authority in Afghanistan... or at least the portions of it controlled by coalition forces. "President" Karzai is an emasculated puppet.

Now think about this for a minute. These are NORTHERN Afghani's who are pissed at Americans. They were never, ever part of the Taliban or of al Queda. Bagram was held by the Northern Alliance prior to the fall of the Taliban.

If we lose the hearts and minds of Northern Afghani's... aren't we left holding an empty bag? Won't Afghanistan be a sure killing field for future American soldiers sent to pacify the population as surely as it was for the Soviet military sent to pacify the Afghan population in the early 80's? That conflict spawned Osama bin Laden. What might Bush's arrogance spawn?

Posted by Kevin at July 26, 2005 08:56 PM