After the recent media coverage on Swat Valley I did some research of my own because those faces of innocent children bother me whether they are in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Swat Valley, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Gaza, or elsewhere. It is my understanding that after Alexander the Great was in that area it had been relatively a peaceful place and avoided trouble during the USSR invasion of Afghanistan. It is also one of the most beautiful places in the world. However that all changed after Bush invaded Afghanistan and some Taliban moved into the area. Now it is becoming a killing field. And that beautiful place has turned into a living hell for local residents. What rights does anyone have to do that?
It looks that Zardari of Pakistan (a.k.a "Mr. 10%" - a reference to his being corrupt when his wife Bhutto was in power) is under great pressure from the US to do something in Swat and military action has been taken. It is resulting in the killing of innocent civilians and displacing close to a million people. Since these young kids are being put through hell don't be surprised that they become in future "terrorists."
Where is all this leading to? We can never win there militarily. A former US soldier was interviewed on CNN and he said the only way is to talk to local people and that killing in Swat Valley will further discredit the US. If the US or US sponsored aggression stops, then it is possible to win the heart and minds of local people.
As far as our role in Afghanistan, I believe Harper must stop playing Alexander the Degrade. He should consider pulling out of Afghanistan and only play a role of peacekeeper assisting with socio-economic development to give back our dignity as peacekeepers. If we stay there as a combatant power then we are going deeper into the quicksand and putting our soldiers in harms way. I think it is about time that Steve comes to his senses. He must realize that his idol Bush is long gone and we are really not getting any gratitude from the US.
Now is the time for Iggy to show some guts and leadership instead of personal aggrandizement. Hey Iggy, so far you have been a major disappointment and if you maintain your current narcissistic approach then it will be nothing more than a second coming of Harper if you get elected PM.
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