Re: US Senator suggests a couple of permanent USAF bases in Afghanistan
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The ideology of the Taliban and al Qaida is even worse than that of the Nazis and Fascists of WW II, if that is humanly possible.
Here is an e-mail received a while back by me from inside Pakistan, in country, that "should" be of interest and concern to those who wish to have long lasting democracy and freedom in Pakistan:
"Sir...I saw your letter in the FRONTIER POST, regarding the sectarian issues in Kohat and the adjoining area. In the letter you have mentioned that if the people of this part of Pakistan want the US Marines, ...
Sir, you should know that we the Shia community (minority one) have become the target of the extremist Taliban in this part of our country. The whole area especially from Kohat to Parachinar is dominated by the fanatic Taliban. In other words this area has turned into a small Taliban country where only their rules would be followed. For example they are not allowing the Shia community to hold their religious ceremonies such Muharram etc. In 2006 during the Muharram processing in Hangu district, a suicide attacker blew himself up as a result of which more than fifty Shias were killed. This incident led to the start of war between the two sects in which a number of people were killed. And the curfew which followed lasted for about seven months. This was followed by another attack the next year in which a mortar was thrown on Shia procession in which four Shiates were killed. Again this was followed by another attack on Shiates in Parachinar in which 73 people were killed. And then the recent war which is going on between athe Taliban and the Shites of Kurram Agency has so far resulted in the loss of about 355 people. Then started the process of kidnapping of the Shiites by the Taliban and the custodial killing. The custodial killing of a Shia namely Layeq Hussain by the Taliban who was serving in the Frontier Corp in the most horrible incident. Taliban have made a video of this incident when they were slaughtering this gentleman. Besides, a number of Shites have been kidnapped by the Taliban-some of them were tortured to death. Recently two shites were kidnapped by the Taliban in Dara Adam Khel - a tribal area located between Kohat and Peshawar - and later on both of them were killed. The area of Dara Adam Khel has become a strong hold of the Taliban. No Shia can go to Peshawar via Dar Adam because the Taliban are stopping the vehicles of the passengers and checking even their ID Cards. If they see that a Shia is there in a car then they kill him on the spot. So consequently the Shites are adopting a very long route to reach Peshawar via Rawalpindi. Though the distance between Kohat and Peshawar is about 80 km but and one can reach there in one hour but a Shia is bound to adopt hundred of km long route which is about seven hours from Kohat to Rawapindi three hour and then from Rawalpindi to Peshawar three and half hour. For "left blank on purpose" Shites have been using this long route which means wastage of time, money and what not.
Recently four people were killed by Taliban when their van drove past the Taliban area. Several witnesses saw Taliban coming out of the Nasrat Khail Madrasah ambushing the van. This incident further deteriorated the already tense situation in the area. Since they have established their headquarters in the foot hills of Tanda Dam near Kohat, so the sectearian tension is bound to rise.
We have informed the concerned authorities of our country but so far they have done nothing in this respect. Frankly speaking our government has been absolutely failed to do anything.
The only solution to this problem in the opinion of the Shia community is the deployment of US forces in this part of our country. I think there would be hardly any member of the Shia community who does not want the US forces in this area. The Shites have been long waiting for the arrival of US forces against these unhuman fanatics. The deployment of US forces would not only relieve the Shites of this problem but it would also serve US purpose of eliminating the Terrorists from this part of the Globe...."
This is but one example from inside Pakistan as to how bad things are there. My point to those outside of Pakistan having opinions does not say you don't have a right to any or all opinions, pro or con. I am simply saying some who are outside of Pakistan just don't know how bad things are, Muslims murdering innocent Muslims, inside Pakistan, where NATO and the Pak military are not involved whatsoever, as explained here.
It is long past time to face the criminal actions of the Taliban and Al Qaida, both inside Pakistan and inside Afghanistan, and have all people who want law, order, security, and democracy to stand up for their country and support both their police, their native military, and the allies in the form of NATO, who are there by UN Mandate, which some writers in this form are oblivious to.
I again remind all readers of this posting that Pakistan IS an AFFILIATE of NATO which gives Paksitan a seat at the table and both military and economic benefits which flow to Pakistan BECAUSE this nation is an affiliate of NATO.