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Letter from our Afghanistan correspondent

Paul Greening | 11.09.2004 09:36 | Analysis | Anti-militarism | Repression | Oxford | World

I write this from Kabul where I can hear rockets exploding in the background.

Bush tries to blur 9/11, attacking Iraq and the war on terrorism. Iraq of
course had nothing to do with 9/11 and was not threat. Just a nasty dictator put
in place by America who was not being obedient.

In Afghanistan Hekmateyer was a killer, extortionist and drug smuggler but he was
a good guy supplied with a large amount of money to fight the Russians. Now he is
not obedient and has been demoted to a fanatical terrorist. Obedience seems to be
the key to the definition of a terrorist.

Has there been a reduction in terrorists attacks since the war on terrorism began?
Of course not. It is amazing that one does not hear the question, why?. Why are
there terrorists? Why do people willingly blow themselves up? Why does most of the
world hate America? Is it because they are all crazy people, less than human and
jealous of the American way of life or are there other reasons perhaps to do with
state terrorism, gross inequality and a sense of hopelessness?

Paul Greening

Comments

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Possible evacuation of Internationals from Herat

12.09.2004 13:23

Below is the latest security update I have. Elections are certainly looking smooth in Herat which used to be considered one of the safest places in the country.


12 September 2004

Herat City

1400Hrs - Further to attacks on UN premises, we can confirm that a violent mob has attacked a number of NGO locations inside Herat City. This took place in the absence of security forces from the city, when a mob of some 250 - 300 persons looted shops and other premises. We are also investigating reports of injuries to INGO staff.

1650Hrs - ANSO West reports that looting is continuing inside the city. The continued absence of security forces. Evacuation of INGO staff is in planning process.

1700Hrs - ANA and ANP are noted a patrolling the city.

INGO staff have, in most cases, moved to hibernation points, this action is advised for all INGO staff at this time. Further instruction will be passed directly to those organisation on the ground.

Further information will be provided, when possible.


Nick Downie
Project Manager
Afghanistan NGO Security Office

Paul