Chaos in Kabul
Before eyes turned to the investigation of the US murders of civilians in Haditha, Iraq, or the US murders of civilians in Ishaqi, Iraq, and new outrage broke out over the military murder of two women, one of them pregnant, in Mosul, Iraq, there was news pouring out from another outpost of the US empire.
Only last week, Kabul, Afghanistan, was on fire with mass outrage. Today curfews and martial law reign, barely keeping a temporary lid on a situation that cannot last. The 23,000 foreign troops there are outnumbered and under fire.
The riots in Kabul are an ominous sign for the US empire.
Comments (16)
It's a good first step to call killers killers, even if it's "only" human error (and I'm sure it's not all just a huge error) and not murder.
This is no joke over there, there are human lives, and the world is treating them like something surreal that's not part of our world. That's disgusting.
Published: June 2, 2006 9:51 AM
Afghanistan's US-picked puppet president (what's his name again?) would do well to remember what happened to the last Afghan president under the Soviet occupation after the Soviets pulled out. The Kabul mob dragged him from the UN compound he was hiding in, tortured him, killed him, and hung him from a lamp-post — all deserved, no doubt. A similar fate probably awaits America's stooge.
Published: June 2, 2006 10:12 AM
I respect the libertarian postion but something sits uncomfortably with me that Lew et al. only seem to care about people of places like Afghanistan, Iraq and so on AFTER the USA has started meddling. Where were the posts that showed concern over their plight BEFORE the USA etc got involved?? Did it not count or were they supposed to help themselves out regardless of the practical difficulties of doing so in such regimes?
Published: June 2, 2006 11:52 AM
Uh, Jonathan, Lew took the position on September 12th or so that we should NOT have invaded Afghanistan, as did the late, great Harry Browne, and many other principled libertarians. But I don't need to defend Lew.
You, on the other hand apparently believe the US military should have meddled there even sooner. Actually, they have been meddling there more or less continuously since the late 1970's, as even a casual study of the history of that troubled land will tell you.
The US government aided and abetted the "freedom fighters" there who battled against the Soviet occupation. Among those "freedom fighters" were many who later joined the Taliban, and a wealthy Saudi named Osama Bin Laden.
Published: June 2, 2006 12:10 PM
"Where were the posts that showed concern over their plight BEFORE the USA etc got involved??"
Why didn't every militant mouth-headed Bush conformist care about anything related to Iraq BEFORE 9/11? They screamed about the injustice of the US in Kosovo.
Oh, that's cause the bad-looking blue robot did it (Clinton). Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots apparently does apply to politics.
Published: June 2, 2006 1:47 PM
"War is just another government Program"--Joseph Sobran.
Afghanistan is a nasty, embittered, xenophobic bloody mess. After decades of war, outside intervention, and its own despotic and loathsome GOVERNMENTS, could it have been any other way?
How do we get these clear and simple messages through to the Simpleton-in-Chief and his accursed neocon/New World Order owners and handlers in the Presidential Palace?
How do we get a majority of Congressmen, especially from the Stupid Party, to listen, and perhaps even cut off funding for their worthless and horrid misadventures? How do we stop the President of this American empire from expanding these wars into Iran? How do we tell the masters of this altogether alien and oppressive government to let Israel carry its own weight?
How, if possible, do we as Americans, heck, even as decent and civilized human beings, show our fellow humans elsewhere that WE are NOT responsible, WE are NOT at war with the Moslem faith, WE find this government's leadership and its actions as abhorrent as they do, but can do no more about it than they can, either about the atrocities and barbarities of the government that misrules over THEM!
No I don't think that e-mailing these blog postings to the White House is the answer. I certainly don't think that giving copies to STUPID would help, since I doubt very much if he could read (hey, with a daddy like George Herbert Walker, I suppose everyone thought that he shouldn't have to learn, even if he WAS able) Besides, he would probably read all the wrong stuff anyhow!
I apologise for the all-round negative tone of this post, but the nearly 5 years after 9-11 are getting me down. Being confused, as an American with "my" government doesn't help!
I've probably taken up too much space already, so I will thank my readers for their patience, hope that they share my digust and horror of the US government and what that government is (and has been) doing, and will wish everyone...
PEACE AND FREEDOM!!
David K. Meller
Published: June 2, 2006 1:57 PM
Lew,
Why do you say it was a tank? Does someone have a source for me?
All I've been able to find is that is was a truck.
Thanks,
Michael
Published: June 3, 2006 12:34 AM
It was, in fact, a trio of Humvees.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2015648
Outrage is indeed warranted, and things get exagerated when the arrogance of my employer is in it's full display.
I'll admit, on my bad days, I viualize the day the DoD, along with the Exec branch is disolved and all the planes on this base are homesteaded as scrap! and my arrogant fellow GIs are forced to try to find honest work.
I can tell, in reading some of Rothbard's writings on traitors to liberty (sellouts vs. dropouts) that he was deeply embitterd (he didn't think that reaching out to the sellouts was a worthwhile project; but I do)
Only with a calm resolve, and a clear outlook, however, can we hope to one day sway the public away from the state.
Published: June 3, 2006 1:08 AM
It was, in fact, a trio of Humvees.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2015648
Outrage is indeed warranted, and things get exagerated when the arrogance of my employer is in it's full display.
I'll admit, on my bad days, I viualize the day the DoD, along with the Exec branch is disolved and all the planes on this base are homesteaded as scrap! and my arrogant fellow GIs are forced to try to find honest work.
I can tell, in reading some of Rothbard's writings on traitors to liberty (sellouts vs. dropouts) that he was deeply embitterd (he didn't think that reaching out to the sellouts was a worthwhile project; but I do)
Only with a calm resolve, and a clear outlook, however, can we hope to one day sway the public away from the state.
Published: June 3, 2006 1:08 AM
A tank, a truck, a humvee, a trio of humvees? How touching of the observers of this post to be so attentive to the precise method of killing and maiming innocent Afghani bystanders. How disrespectful this sounds can be illustrated by an example of the use of the twin towers atrocity,the proximate "cause" of the US government's barbarous and disgraceful invasion of that troubled and impoverished country which gave rise to the above atrocity in the first place:
Gee, How did the victims of 9-11 ACTUALLY DIE? Were the Americans killed in the twin towers atrocity on 9-11 all killed by the Airliners skyjacked by real Al-Q'aida terrorists, were they killed by secret operatives by Mossad (the Isreali Secret Police) disguised as Al-Q'aida terrorists? Were they killed by Americans or British agents operating under White House or renegade CIA or MI-5 direction who secretly placed explosives in the buildings for controlled detonation, and the skyjackings and crashes into the towers were just a cover or were the Americans all victims of an elaborate hoax where both events were staged and the twin towers and the people inside were REALLY destroyed some other way??
These are all indispensible questions and entirely appropriate for historical and political research. No understanding of the atrocity or its aftermath is possible without asking, and, if possible, answering, the above questions.
There are places to show respect for the victims of political (or religious) atrocities, and their families and friends, which do NOT require such attention to specific particulars. This is just not the occasion to be obsessed over such minutiae! It didn't sound very nice when done to us, as in the above example, did it?
There ARE indeed many occasions for a detailed investigation of the truth or falsehood of minutiae regarding a truly shameful atrocity. Who is responsible and to what degree? As mentioned above, Such inquiries are absolutely necessary and indispensible. The more devoted to detail as to who, what, where, when, and how, the better. Somehow I think that this post here, discussing Mr.Rockwell's article regarding this horrid business,is best served by expressing outrage at the sheer brutality and savagery of ANY military occupation which could give rise to this tragedy,if possible, and to the extent that we Americans can, show sympathy for the victims, and hopefully appeal to decent people, in this country, and around the world,who can help us bring the American government's evil interventions in these (and other) wars to an end, and just as importantly, eventually bring the criminals concerned, to justice, either here or over there!
I can't pretend to speak for the victims of one more sorry, despicable, and vicious atrocity made almost inevitable by the execution of White House orders, but I think that right now they are thinking of something other than whether their loved ones were killed or maimed by a truck, a tank, or a humvee!
PEACE AND FREEDOM!!
David K. Meller
Published: June 3, 2006 12:35 PM
I don't know if anyone on this blog has been or worked in afghanistan! I do and have been for 2.5 years. I work all over the country and see first hand the delicate balancing act that keeps the masses from doing what they did in Kabul last week. It was truly close to anarchy.
Having said that I think that it is fair to remember that media reports, nonwithstanding, Afghanistan is closer than most think to stabilizing. There are two destabilizing factors here Iran and Pakistan ( under the guise of the taliban). There are many soldiers, Humanitarians and businessmen like myself who continue to make those small differences every day that we all hope will accumulate to a new afghanistan that everyone in country agrees needs to happen.
It is not easy doing business in Afghanistan, I personally have been held for week as captive for extortion, been ambushed, and been the target of RPG fire, none of which has deterred me from trying to develop afghan businesses. We have been lucky to have built 5 businesses employing over 800 afghans giving them skills and hope. I am not a fortune 500 company just a person who feels that changing the root causes in the root areas of extremism can solve problems
and protect our country and its populace from further danger.
So please please don't denigrate the hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the those who make up teh " afghan effort" whether they be soldiers, or civilians. The comments forged from the comfort of your easy chairs based on idiotic anti government views do no justice to those who are here trying to make a difference and succeeding. Flip comments about those who spend their days sucking in Afghan dust, getting parasites and living with the fear that they will be a target daily are beyond contemptous. Walk a mile in my shoes here in afghanistan and then you are qualified to comment of the " situation" in afghanistan. Until you have done that then please keep your blowhard comments to yourself.
Sincerely,
Sargon Heinrich
Kabul, Afghanistan
Published: June 4, 2006 5:16 AM
"Walk a mile in my shoes here in afghanistan and then you are qualified to comment"
Since 1/3 to 1/2 of all our incomes go to this military-industrial empire, I think well are all very qualified to comment on where "our" property goes. You are part of an imoral, occupying force. If I were an Afghan, I would resist and fight you too!
Published: June 4, 2006 7:18 PM
Dear Mr. Heinrich,
With the attitude and outlook displayed in your post, you simply shouldn't be in Afghanistan, or neighboring countries, AT ALL! Live and work in a friendlier part of the world, among people you are familiar with, and who are more to your liking, such as in the USA, where you and your good works would be appreciated.
It is a well-known truism that gifts offered with contempt inspire hatred in the recipients, no matter how beneficial the effect of the gifts.
PEACE AND FREEDOM!!
David K. Meller
Published: June 5, 2006 1:18 PM
Dear Mr. Rockwell:
Your excellent piece about the sorrows of US empire and blowback ended with a wimper and a non-sequitur that I think you did not intend: "war has proven to be good for absolutely nothing".
You neglected to mention an important key, which I am sure you fully understand: war DOES benefit certain rent-seekers and rent-sellers, viz., the military, "defense" industries and in the case of Afghanistan and Iraq the Cheney/Bush Administration and Republicans, who deliberately embarked upon these wars (under false pretenses) for the political benefits that were expected to accrue. 9/11 helped to put this Administration and Republicans firmly in control of the machines of government that suck funds from taxpayers and lucre from the US economy, and the Administration has continually tried to maintain control and to cudgel opponents by mongering-fear, waving the flag of patriotism and sliming opponents.
As I noted on anither website,
"the real purpose of all of the fear being mongered is to help the Republicans secure a lock on political control, not merely for partisan gain but for the lucre that it puts them in the position of controlling for the benefit of special interests.
Republicans have found that people who are frightened are more likely to follow government "leadership", so the Administration and its supporters have been flogging fear and war like there's no tomorrow. We have fear of terrorists, Muslims, Iranians, Mexicans, China, Russia, Chavez/Castro, "the UN", back-stabbing traitors and gays at home and, not least, fear of "enviros" and other envious countries that want to destroy the American economy and capitalism, and to bring on global government (which is also to be feared because means not merely godless communism but also signals the apocalyse). All of these fears require wars, to which the Republicans are uniquely suited to wage (Dems of course being either back-stabbers or spineless).
And while all of this fear is being peddled, taxes to the wealthy are being cut, "death taxes" eliminated, national assets and pork are being handed off cheap to favored corporate interests, debt limits are blown, civil rights/liberties are being trampled, Congressional checks on Presidential power are being whittled away, the power of the military is being expanded, gerrymandering continues to lock up seats from real politcal competition, Republicans work hard to tweak elections through poll taxes, voting machine placement and numerous and sundry other methods, ...
Even though there is some political pushback on Iraq and gas prices, the Republican assessment of how easily Americans and the MSM are manipulated has proven largely correct. It remains to be seen whether the Administration and Republicans will be able to continue to spin their way through the next series of elections, but the rigidities resulting from gerrymandering mean that changes in control of Congress will not come easily."
(http://www.apostropher.com/blog/archives/003255.html#15277)
Regards,
Tom
Published: June 6, 2006 1:56 AM
Gentleman,
I feel a civil debate is not possible when minds cannot be open to a civil discussion of opinions and facts. If our tax dollars are your only concern then surely you must agree that one of the primary uses should be for national defense. The reality on the ground in afghnaistan is purely focused on that. I cannot speak for Iraq; but, in afghanistan we are nowhere near an occupying force contrary to reports from " fellow travellers"!
In afghanistan we are standing up a fledgling democracy and institutions that will allow afghanistan to evolve into a representative democracy on their terms. The abscense of opportunity condemns the majority of afghans to a destitute life of poverty and hence opens theirminds to brands of extremist islam. This factually is what brought us to 9-11.
If we attack the roots of extremism in the root areas then countries like afghanistan and thier people can join the family of nations and find at least opportunity and hence hope.
Many misread my comment as hating afghans; nothing could be farther from the truth. I risk my life daily to enhance the opportunities here and build the base workforce and the job roles.
I have come back when I surely could have found an easier job , surrounded by familiar faces in the US ( which is my home). Instead it comes down to commitment. We as a country are in a war on an extremist idealogy of an otherwise peaceful religion. Let to fester, it will again come not only to enslave its people and impoverish them; but alsocome and manifest itself in violence against our home.
So I will stay here and not out of profit motive. Out of respect for the people of Afghanistan and a hope that their lives can get better as part and parcel of the work that I and so many others are continuing to do on a daily basis.
The concerns voiced on taxpayer dollars should also be focused on pork belly spending and support of other frivolous tax sucking endeavors.
One can expound on the virtues or vices of anything. being in a free country gives you that right. Just remember how your country became free and how it stays free. In science ongoing discoveries are quantified based on prior work and discoveries. This is called standing on the shoulders of giants. I would propose that you should sleep well tonight because of sacrifices made by thousand s of people who have gone before and made your society free enough so that you can write, speak and live free. Cherish it, I do.
Published: June 21, 2006 7:42 AM
Sargon, Please email me asap. I would like to meet in Kabul. I am writing an assessment of the private sector and may be allowed to be "truthful". Would like your input.
chase1389@yahoo.com
Published: October 21, 2006 12:32 AM