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Afghanistan
Afghan soldiers mass on border, ready and willing to take on Paks
2007-05-19
In the late-morning lull that followed the thump of shellfire and chatter of machineguns, the preparations for a small war seemed to be unfolding in the orchards and paddy fields beneath the towering Spingar mountain range.

Scores of heavily armed Afghan troops and fighters from special border police units – determined, professional and evidently spoiling for a fight – gathered around their senior officers for orders. Artillery men waited beside their 122mm field guns hidden among the mulberry groves. And in nearby village bazaars tribesmen clustered around their elders, asking for weapons of their own so that they could join the fray.

Yet the enemy was not the Taleban, nor an infiltrating column of al-Qaeda fighters. Instead, in the remote border district of Â’Ali Kheyl in eastern Afghanistan, Afghan security forces have found themselves pitted against an older and bigger enemy: Pakistan.
Posted by:mrp

#7  It is interesting that no Afghan government ever recognized Pak-Afghan border, or, so called, Durand line. Not even the Taliban government, that received a lot of help from Pakistan.

Durand line is no valid since year 1999. Since then, the border between two countries is undefined.
Posted by: trenchsol   2007-05-19 22:27  

#6  air war? the Afghan air force has a lotta assets, as Fred said, with that 5-pointed star in a blue circular backgound
Posted by: Frank G   2007-05-19 21:11  

#5  If there were to be an air war, then the Afghanis would be in trouble. But if we are talking artillery, armor, and infantry incursions, the Pakis are in a world of hurt. The ANA now has a lot of rebuilt Soviet gear, courtesy of the East Europeans and their parts industry. Plus, AKs, mortars, RPGs, smaller caliber AAA, and howitzers are a dime a dozen in the ANA.
Posted by: Shieldwolf   2007-05-19 20:56  

#4  "AfghanistanÂ’s 46,000-strong army is in no position to take on the military might of Pakistan"

But after four years of training with US forces they likely punch above their regional weight class. That, plus their innate 'warriorness' ought to make Pakistani authorities hesitate a long time before deciding to gin up a war to distract their own people from their government. (Too many vague pronouns, but I don't feel like fixing it; you can figure out what I mean.)
Posted by: Glenmore   2007-05-19 19:13  

#3  Shortly after 9/11, I was visiting my favorite Indian restaurant for lunch when the Sikh chef stepped out of the kitchen, sat down at my table, and said, "If your President Bush gives us the word, we will take care of Pakistan!" He then slapped the table hard for emphasis.

If Perv retires, voluntarily or not, Pakiland is a dead nation walking.
Posted by: JDB   2007-05-19 18:23  

#2  I think it's about time to dismember pakiwakiland. There is no further reason to continue the farce of this British-made, peace-destroying, terror-facilitating piece of excrement. The Alliance and India should simply crush paki resistance, destroy all the madrassahs, kill all the "holy" men, and split the former nation of pakiland at the Indus river. If the Indian muslims start acting up, India should whack them equally as hard. Since the only thing muzzies seem to understand is power, the two groups should show them that they are the biggest, meanest, and most determined, and that pakiland pays the price. Just think of how much money we could save by not having to prop up this tinhorn dictatorship. It would also put all of pushtunistan into Afghanistan, where with a little honest negotiation, things could be better for all concerned. The sooner pakiwakiland is dismembered, the sooner that part of the world can enjoy a semblance of peace.
Posted by: Old Patriot   2007-05-19 14:13  

#1  "...an older and bigger enemy: Pakistan"

I always thought that Taleban and Al-Q were extensions of pakistan... looks like the afgans have the right idea. if you want a weed out of your garden you have to go for the root.
Posted by: Abu do you love   2007-05-19 14:09  

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