Afghan article backs New York Times view of Afghan situation

Text of editorial, "The war on terror does not require occupying countries", by independent Afghan newspaper Cheragh on 23 August

The New York Times American daily in its latest edition cast doubt on views expressed by the White House and its attempts to increase the number of its soldiers in Afghanistan, which is apparently being done for the four reasons listed bellow.

1- Removal of terrorist sanctuaries.

2- Expanding America influence and power in this sensitive region.

3- Winning the hearts, minds and support of Muslims

4- Eradication of narcotics.

The above-mentioned newspaper gave rational and proven replies to these vain and unjustified interpretations and rejected them as follows:

5- those who organized 9/11 were trained professionally in the state of Florida, which is under the governance of Bush's son and not in Afghanistan. Therefore, for the continuous struggle against terrorists who are being strengthened and reorganized along the borders of Afghanistan, intelligence and an efficient limited military capacity are required, not the occupying of this country .

6- Afghanistan is located in the neighbourhood of two enemies and rivals of America (China and Iran) and this country is so poor and needy that it cannot be used by western countries as a strategic position. The newspaper doubts that having airbases in Afghanistan is required only for supporting ground troops, because America has already had cheap military airbases in Uzbekistan, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan.

7- regarding eradication of narcotics, it partially confirmed the permanent view of the Cheragh journal, which has said several times that for a decrease in the production, trafficking and supply of narcotics, the demand of the international consumers must fall, because in this dirty business the Afghan farmers are not guilty.

The confession by this famous American daily about the policy and attempts of the Bush government to occupy countries under the pretext of war against terrorism is not something confined to the mind of the enlightened analyst. It can no longer acquire international support. Because Bush, during his period in office, has been spilling the blood of, and killing, innocent people, this has left a big headache for the great nation of America and for his successor when they try to rehabilitate the American personality.

The solutions offered by this daily are very important for the successors of Bush and for the security and stability of the world, and can have positive consequences for universal peace, which has been extremely fragile since the incidents in the Caucasus.

The best strategy and policy is to equip, reinforce and train the Afghan security forces. Not only Afghan officials have requested this several times, the British prime minister also agreed with it during his recent visit to Afghanistan. Otherwise, every kind of exported and imposed view from foreign countries under the pretext of war against terrorism will change the country into the battlefield of numerous countries' interests and there will be no winners, but many countries will stand accused.

Source: Cheragh, Kabul, in Dari 23 Aug 08