Elite Afghan soldier kills US special forces’ mentor

[Abu Zolfiqar]

Your statement is quite bold considering that Afghans are experiencing freedom that was simply unthinkable under the Taliban rule. The Taliban dictators had the nation of Afghanistan suppressed under their rule, and people were tortured on a daily basis.

Pashtuns who faced the backlash by a NATO-backed Northern Alliance wouldn't agree with you on that equally bold statement

Today, the people of Afghanistan are truly hopeful for their future, and continue to take steps towards recovery. Do you really think that the people of Afghanistan would hold a grudge against the U.S. and NATO forces for bringing these changes? Do you really think that the people of Afghanistan are unhappy experiencing life under a democratically elected government?

A series of recent developments have renewed doubts about America's Afghan strategy even though US officials insist their plans are "on track" and the strategy warrants no change. These statements mask the growing disconnect between Afghan realities and NATO's transition deadline of 2014, when all foreign combat troops are to leave the country. There is rising concern across the region that the situation in Afghanistan is in danger of spinning out of everyone's control. Two key planks of US strategy aimed at securing an orderly transition are clouded in uncertainty: partnering with Afghan forces as they assume charge of security and persuading the Taliban to join a peace process.

Last month's violent backlash in Afghanistan has been a telling indicator of growing public resentment against foreign occupation. Rising incidents of Afghan soldiers turning their guns on Nato personnel signalled how deep that resentment is. "The longer we stay", admitted on American official to me, "the greater the risk of such incidents".

US strategy skips Afghan reality

It is sad and tragic to hear about an incident like the one mentioned above. The incidents like these allow doubters to continue doubting, while painting a false picture of our efforts and progress. The fact is that it would not be possible for the ANSF to be where they are if we were not cooperating and coordinating successfully.

you can't claim to be serious about labelling the taleban as your enemy and fighting them, while your state dept. claims that talks/negotiations with the taleban are undergoing

the ANSF is highly undisciplined and most certainly unable (and in some cases unwilling) to take on and assume charge of Afghanistan's security.....some of your comrades attest to that both publicly and privately. Catch-22.

A senior NATO official spoke on the incident, "We are working hard with our Afghan counterparts to develop improvements to the overall vetting and recruitment process. When we analyze the problem, it occurs for a number of reasons, and not as many as you would expect show any evidence of insurgent initiation, or insurgent backing. Quite often people resolve their personal problems by resorting to the use of a weapon.

when innocents are killed, naturally they will join the insurgency...ISAF has been careless about collateral damage (i know the RoEs are tough to work around) and in fact have even showed contempt towards Karzai's calls for an end to the controversial night-raids - which have angered many Afghans

winning hearts and minds doesnt always come through the barrel of the gun.....NATO has failed in its mission to bring stability to Afghanistan and civil society, NGOs and other groups have failed to put pressure (on the government of Kabul) to bring an end to the corruption that is so rife in all public spheres in the country - even its national banks


long story short, it's a hopeless war....more and more people would opine that NATO presence has been counter-productive and in fact, has raised the prospect for more violence and bloodshed on both sides


what is being read in new york times tabloids is worlds away from the ground realities of what is really happening in Afghanistan.....unfortunately the western media may not be as ''free'' as one would assume it is. This was learned in 2003 when the media was instrumental during pre-invasion phase of Iraq war - a war based on a pack of lies and deception

What do the Pakistani Pukhtoon's think about the situation in Afghanistan and what future relations we should have with them ? I've heard everyone from the common Pakhtoon, from Bajaur, working in the market to a couple of friends who study with me to People like Mahmood Khan Achakzai ? And I'm more confused then ever ?

people are mixed, but many agree that the NATO campaign is not justified.....some that may have initially supported it are now against it. Hard to say really, but a research on this topic would be interesting.