Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Attacks Surge in Afghanistan; General Has High Hopes
The Afghanistan government states that Al Qaeda and Taliban rebels launched a violent campaign last week to subvert legislative elections in September with a deadly suicide bombing and a failed attempt to down a US military aircraft with a shoulder-launched missile. Suspected Taliban rebels also attacked a fuel tanker yesterday that had delivered petrol to a US base, killing a Pakistani driver and his assistant.
During the past three months a major upsurge in violence has spread across Afghanistan. Over 200 suspected rebels have been killed according to US and Afghan officials.
During the past three months a major upsurge in violence has spread across Afghanistan. Over 200 suspected rebels have been killed according to US and Afghan officials.
“The remnants of the Taliban, al-Qaida elements ... have chosen this time to obviously set a plot in motion,” said a government official. “They may have gathered all their resources.” He called for cooperation from his country’s neighbours, a comment apparently aimed at encouraging Pakistan to secure its side of the border.
The US general briefed the interior minister on the situation in Afghanistan and hoped that it would soon become conducive for the Afghan refugees to return to their country.The disconnect from reality continues. Violence in Afghanistan has been on the rise for three months, yet the government calls the latest attacks a new campaign directed at the election three months away. An American General hopes refugees can return soon, despite increased attacks countrywide. Blind optimism drives American foreign policy.
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