Hi spiral3
recognizing a common humanity, while certainly attractive because it enables issues to be framed in Universal Good or Universal Principle creates a Lot of Problems from a Policy point of view
Well, we are all equal human beings, drop that obvious truth, as did Hitler or many other leaders, and you run into even more serious problems sooner or later.
creates a Lot of Problems from a Policy point of view. One easy example of this is, say we all agree that the bombing of Serbia, is justified on the grounds that no government should be allowed to systematically and massively violate the rights of its citizens in the course of a campaign to eradicate a secessionist insurgency, then why not bomb Russia over Chechnya ?
I think most in the West were supportive of the Chechen cause for some time. Bombing Russia was a possibility I suppose but they have lots of bombs too. I think the West's view changed first when the Chechens deliberately bombed civilians after Russia had already made concessions, and when it became obvious that al-Qa'ida were fighting an international war for fundamentalist Islam. Using one war to harden and battle train fighters to start other wars in other countries. War is bad for human beings. The rest of the world saw it's common problem, now see whats happened -g-
Am I my Brothers Keeper or Am I my Keepers Brother.
I'd say it depends where you are. On the ground in Afghanistan I would definitely say "I am my keepers brother". Brothers can be a pain though. -g-
I have to wonder what those 20 000 Taliban chaps think of this right about now, after all they are supposed to be the faithful. Anyway, how about all those different NA chaps, I mean are they with us or not.
Those NA chaps are smart. How much can the West get out of this nasty little war? Smashing al-Qa'ida is the first priority and worth the investment, but what about the heroin trade, does that return to normal after the Allies depart? By itself, the heroin trade could generate enough funds to do a repeat performance, never mind it's blight on the human race as an illegal drug.
There are diplomats in Kabul now. The NA are NOT keen to have foreign peace keepers in their country. I note with one eyebrow raised, that not all N/A attacks are successful these days. Some NA even blame lack of allied support. I'm ashamed -g-
From Afghanistans point of view I believe it would be best for the immense power of the USA plus allies to provide blanket protection but without ground troops. Then Afghanistan could sort her own problems out. This is much desired by her residents.
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news.bbc.co.uk
Newshost:
Andrew R Currie, New Zealand asks: "Do you think it is possible for USA/the West to be able to significantly direct political events in Afghanistan without having a substantial military presence on the ground there?"
Rageh Omaar:
I think that with or without such a military presence it is going to be difficult. One thing that people have to bear in mind is that for the last generation and beyond - for the last 200 years plus - foreign intervention in whatever shape or form has been one of the blighting elements to the development - politically and socially - of Afghanistan. This country and the different elements within it would not welcome that direction of political development - I think that that would be a dangerous thing - certainly, the political parties within Afghanistan wouldn't welcome it.
To give you one example, I was speaking about three four days ago to one of the leading commanders of the Northern Alliance who control Kabul at the moment. I put this question to him about the presence of British troops in whatever capacity, be it in a peacekeeping one or otherwise, and how he felt about. He said - we did not need them even though effectively that the Northern Alliance has been backed militarily by the western coalition, led by the United States. He said that he didn't need any more foreign soldiers in Afghanistan, that the future of Afghanistan had to be shaped by Afghans. I think most people, whatever their political affiliations or their background, would certainly share those sentiments.
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Here is the profiles of the N/A leaders
news.bbc.co.uk
It's up to the diplomats to answer and seek solutions to the following questions
(i) What can we expect to gain from a positive result (defeat of the Taliban and al-Qa'ida) of this war. Example: Can we possibly also expect destruction of the heroin trade too?
(ii) What are our short term and long term expectations for a fair political system in Afghanistan (which include equal representation for women too, of course)
Answer those two questions and it's all downhill from there imho-g- The West has the means to make it happen, even if it has to use the Taliban as a "tool".
Make no mistake though, I think those N/A guys are very smart. A level of mutual trust would be most desirable. Plain open and sincere talk could get us there imho. The less suffering and deaths are the common target for all. |
