The Lethal Blow
During the electoral process people will go to the strangest lengths to impress the voting public, to convince them that they represent the right choice for the country, to demonstrate their dedication to the task at hand, their fearless contribution to the well-being of the state and the world at large. The executive administration of President Barack Obama was responsible for ridding the world of the menace of a living Osama bin Laden.That same administration has enlisted the aid of advanced technology to utilize unmanned drones to target al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, permitting ISAF and NATO troops to breathe just a little easier, in Afghanistan. On the other hand, there is this intriguing little tidbit; 20% of NATO soldiers that have met their death so far this year were killed by their Afghan allies.
The Taliban must sit back and chuckle every time they contemplate that bit of statistical trivia.
Right now, they're furious that American President Obama slipped into Kabul to sign a deal with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. On the anniversary of their Abbottabad raid, no less. America has committed, as demanded by the irascible Mr. Karzai, to ten years of
So furious, they claim, that they instantly put together a team of suicide bombers and gunmen. Both of whom are readily at their disposal, at any time or place of their choice. And the place of their choice, once again, was yet another heavily guarded 'safe' area set aside for foreigners. Mind, the bombers were clad in burqas. And, just like the suicide bombers earlier who secreted their explosives in their turbans, who is about to inspect the sacred turban or the burqa?
The heavily guarded residential compound was suddenly brought to attention at the first sound of the heavy explosives. None of the targeted foreign western contractors were killed, but seven Afghans were, including passersby, a carload of people in a vehicle, and a student going to school. Windows were smashed and blood stained the corridors of the nearby Qabolbaye High School, where 17 injuries took place.
The foreign occupants of the Green Village which was targeted responded with alacrity to the attack, taking shelter in fortified bunkers. They are well acquainted with Afghan/Taliban hospitality rituals. This little event, in revenge for President Obama's surprise drop-by also marks the introduction to the Taliban spring offensive.
And they can be very offensive. Planning to continue their targeting of foreign troops, western contractors and members of the government of President Hamid Karzai. And he too, of course. They should be so lucky. It's an insurgent's dream.
ISAF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Carsten Jacobson had high praise for the reactive response of the Afghan security forces, and their outstanding defensive performance. They more than adequately quelled the attack. All four of the attackers were killed. It did take several hours to achieve that goal, however. And members of the Norwegian special forces did come to the aid of the Afghan forces. Details.
The Taliban, however, are crowing about the success of this latest attack. Which did prove, as have others before it, that they appear to have easy access to the most secure areas within the capital city. "The lethal blow ... was a message to Obama that the real Afghans are not those who sign such a pact of slavery and selling out their land. The true Afghans are those who deal the deadliest blow to the invading enemy."
Except that, as it happens, the 'invading enemy' was not touched by the 'blow' that was delivered by the suicidists. Rather it was Afghan citizens who suffered that 'blow'. And that about sums up the foreplay the main playing field and the after-play.
Labels: Afghanistan, Chaos, Communication, Conflict, Corruption, Economy, Islamism, NATO, Political Realities, Societal Failures, Terrorism, Traditions, United Nations, United States
posted by Pieface @ Friday, May 04, 2012
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