Is Afghanistan Really a Liberated and Free Country?

July 7, 2004 | Comtedemaistre

[ComtedeMaistre]

What the hell is going on in Afghanistan? Media reports suggest that they are breaking world records for the most heroin ever produced by a country, and drug lords rule large parts of the countryside.

The only area under civilized rule is the capital, Kabul, where President Karzai travels with the protection of the US military. Apparently, he cannot get any of his own people, whom he can trust with his own protection. But the countryside is ruled by criminals, cut-throats, and drug lords.

We can all be glad that the Taliban is out of power, despite the fact that the Taliban did make some effort to reduce the drugs. Something needs to be done about law and order in the countryside, and there should be an effort to destroy the poppy plantations.

[ComtedeMaistre]

This "liberated" Afganistan, reminds me of Europe in the dark ages, when people could not move from one village to another, for fear of being attacked by bandits.

I hope the "liberation" is not similar to that which existed between 1989 to 2001, when the US government declared the country to have been "liberated" from atheistic communism, and was now under the rule of Koran-thumping religious conservatives.

[FredWolfe]

We went to Afghanistan to fight the war on terror, not the war on drugs.

[JeepInMazar]

Welcome to Afghanistan, 101.

I hope the "liberation" is not similar to that which existed between 1989 to 2001, when the US government declared the country to have been "liberated" from atheistic communism, and was now under the rule of Koran-thumping religious conservatives.

Slight correction: The Soviets pulled out in 1989, but the govenrment remained communist until 1992.

[Sue Bob]

I have to admit that I am getting to the point that I don't care about nation building in these countries. The people over there don't seem to be willing to step to the plate to build their own country--so why should we put in the effort? (Iraq may be different)

At what point do we give up on Afghanistan building itself as a free nation and merely swoop in when needed to destroy terrorist camps that harbor those who threaten us?

[Libertarianize the GOP]

President Karzai could have his own body guards but doing so would involve playing favorites which could undermine his support. As for rebuilding the country the easiest cheapest and likely successful model will be to first build a successful city in Kabul. As the country slowly grows and the government gains strength the contrast in possible lifestyles between Kabul and the rest of the Country will aid in further development.

[pepsionice]

I don't think any of this really matters...Democacy is kinda like going to a ice-cream store....there are many different flavors...and they pretty much taste good but lay low in the stomach after you finsh the taste.