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| Afghanistan |
| Hamid Karzai "Very Serious" On Ending Air Raids: Anonymous Poobah |
| 2009-05-11 |
| Afghan President Hamid Karzai is "very serious" about a demand for foreign forces in Afghanistan to halt air raids, even though it was rebuffed by a top U.S. security official, his spokesman said on Monday. Afghans are furious about the bombing of two villages in Western Farah province during a drawn-out battle last week, when homes full of civilians were hit. Karzai, who went on U.S. television to demand an end to all air attacks, has put the death toll at up to 130 people. If his figure is confirmed, it would be the biggest such case of Western forces killing civilians since they invaded in 2001. His plea was rejected by White House National Security Advisor James Jones, who said the United States could not be expected to fight "with one hand tied behind our back." But an issue that is already poisoning ties between Washington and Kabul may become even more toxic, as Karzai's team showed no signs of backing away from their demand to end attacks which they say undermine the government's legitimacy. "We demand a complete end to the bombardment of our villages ... and we are very serious about it," said presidential spokesman Siymak Herawi, when asked about Jones's comments. "They are like a double-edged weapon with which the international community is hurting itself and also the Afghan people," he added. |
| Posted by:GolfBravoUSMC |
| #3 We are also serious about ending the air raids, Hamid. Will send email when we are done. |
| Posted by: SteveS 2009-05-11 17:36 |
| #2 Except, of course, if the Taliban is attacking his house... |
| Posted by: tu3031 2009-05-11 12:17 |
| #1 he doesn't seem too mind when the Taliban kills civilians. Or how bout he meet face too face with them too talk about using them as human shields |
| Posted by: rabid whitetail 2009-05-11 11:42 |