Posted on 11/12/2009 6:40:38 PM PST by Cardhu
On 29 October 2001, while the Taliban's rule over Afghanistan was under assault, the regime's ambassador in Islamabad in neighbouring Pakistan gave a chaotic press conference in front of several dozen reporters sitting on the grass. On the Taliban diplomat's right sat his interpreter, Ahmad Rateb Popal, a man with an imposing presence. Like the ambassador, Popal wore a black turban, and he had a huge bushy beard. He had a black patch over his right eye socket, a prosthetic left arm and a deformed right hand, the result of injuries from an explosives mishap during an old operation against the Soviets in Kabul.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
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As this extortion is 10% of their GDP I am certain they would offer a deep discount if you threatened to leave.
I agree with Ann Coulter. Kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity, that’s the only way to deal with these barbarians.
"...Colonel Wayne Shanks, says international forces are "aware of allegations that procurement funds may find their way into the hands of insurgent groups, but we do not directly support or condone this activity, if it is occurring". He adds that, in spite of oversight, "the relationships between contractors and their subcontractors, as well as between subcontractors and others in their operational communities, are not entirely transparent".
Some contractors may be paying protection money... but the headline reads "How the US army protects its trucks – by paying the Taliban"
Another left wing media hit piece that twists the trutch to attack our military.
Paying the enemy not to attack you is the tactics of a loser and is never a permanent solution.
“He had a black patch over his right eye socket, a prosthetic left arm and a deformed right hand, the result of injuries from an explosives mishap during an old operation against the Soviets in Kabul.”
His nickname is “Lucky”.
The larger the force in Afganistan, the larger the supply train...the most vulnerable part of any force, yes?
Paying bribes or protection money goes into the cost of the contract. You remember a few day ago it was reported that to ship $1.98 of fuel to a destination in Afghanistan the Army paid average of $400.
I am sure fuel protection money is factored into that figure and as the article explains they always extort more for fuel trucks.
LOL
You, Ann and I agree. Unfortunately, the rest of the United States, including the government, the armed forces, the news and entertainment media, and your neighbors don’t.
See you in the camps!
Hopefully I'll be on the run outside the camps but I've heard that condoms and cigarettes will be hot trade items on the inside. Good to think ahead, donchano.
What did President Jefferson do about extortion by Islamic pirates — he quit paying and instead sent in the Navy and Marines to kick ass.
The problem is that you have had the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines in there for eight years and merely supplying them costs billions can you imagine how much more it would cost if you were not paying for protection money.
"The Pentagon pays an average of $400 to put a gallon of fuel into a
combat vehicle or aircraft in Afghanistan....
The Pentagon comptroller’s office provided the fuel statistic to the committee staff when it was asked for a breakdown of why every 1,000 troops deployed to Afghanistan costs $1 billion....
According to a Government Accountability Office report published earlier this year, 44 trucks and 220,000 gallons of fuel were lost due to attacks or other events while delivering fuel to Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan in June 2008 alone....
The Marines in Afghanistan, for example, reportedly run through some 800,000 gallons of fuel a day."
All those trucks and fuel in one month not counting the loss of other trucks and supplies of food, arms, and ammunition it does makes sense to pay protection and have them take a percentage of the supplies too. The warlords have to take out insurance to pay for their protection too.
You don't really believe that a few thousand Taliban are fighting NATO to a standstill with poppy seeds. The sad truth is that NATO is supplying both sides with the wherewithal to continue the war. No one in power in Afghanistan, including the Taliban wants this to stop. Poor people fighting poor people as the tribes have done for generations is a losers game - fight America and make your fortune.
McCrystal's request for 40,000 more troops will have not have the slightest practical effect except to make the bad guys richer as another 40 billion is poured down the rat hole.
Another left wing media hit piece that twists the trutch to attack our military.
Oh Please.. stop that “Left Wing Media Hit Piece” nonsense.
Save you opprobrium for those who merit it in this case.
Like our Pretty Boy, Special Forces, GQ Magazine PC Generals who are not willing to fight and do nothing of substance.. talk about “ winning hearts and minds” “building Democracy” both now completly disproven doctrines incapable of supporting the actual mission of the US Military to defend America against enemy Aggression.
It is those “Pretty Boy Generals” who would rather pay Tribute than unleash the men, back them and let them go after the enemy.
Just stop blaming Clintoon, Bush or the Hemroid N Chief..
Blame the incompetent 900 US Flag Officers for their failure to defeat a bunch of Turd Worlders living in Caves and Mud Huts in twice the time it took 300 Generals and Admirals to defeat two major Nation States (Germany and Japan) and a half dozen lessor Nations including Italy and a few Muslim Regiemes in WWII.
Our Soldiers and Marines never outfought..
Our Generals and State Department Officials Out Thought at every turn.
That is the truth..
W
40% of all US Casualties (deaths and injuries) on roads and trails but the Jackass GQ, SF, Lightfighter, Pretty Boy Generals still are in love with their road and trail bound Wheeled CrapMobiles. There love for the men restricted to .. “Brave Soldier, Brave Marine.. so sorry you are dead or wounded needlessly because we are incompetent, weak willed boobs looking for our Next Star or Goldern Parachutes in the Defense Industry..
I do blame Bush I, Clinton, Bush II, and 0bama AND CONGRESSES during the last twenty years for not committing the troops, logistic and strategic support, and overall political backing to conquer Al Qaeda and the Taliban and Muslim enemies wherever. Either that or not get involved in another half assed war in the first place -- though against Islam we don't have a choice -- it is either now or later.
I agree with Ann Coulter. Kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity, that’s the only way to deal with these barbarians.
Instead our President Bush said, Islam is a Religion of Peace, keep spending your money and go to Disney
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