Article

2003-05-12 Afghanistan

Kabul moves to gain provincial control-officials

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Posted by Steve 2003-05-12 12:02 pm|| || Front Page|| [2 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 "Memo to Karzai: Pick the strongest regional leader (warlord) who is opposing you and take him out. The others will notice and get back in line"

That would certainly be Ismail Khan, but I dont think Karzai has strenght yet to do that.

On the one hand im getting nervous about Afghan. 6 months ago I was patient - but now things really are moving too slowly - evidence that hardly any reconstruction being done outside Kabul and surrounding provinces. Mainly due to security situation, so more money (US or other) wouldnt help. I see argument for not adding more US troops - keep footprint light, avoid colonial situation. Use US troops only against Taliban. That leaves taking on warlords to Afghan National Army - growth of that entity frustratingly slow. What are constraints on more rapid expansion of ANA?

Posted by liberalhawk 2003-05-12 12:38:33|| 2003-05-12 12:38:33|| Front Page Top

#2 Seems simple enough to me,a batallion of loyal Karzi troops.Backed-up with U.S.Air and SoF.
Take-out Ismail,disarm or kill the rest.

"I said your fired get out!"

Posted by w_r_manues@yahoo.com 2003-05-12 13:16:13|| 2003-05-12 13:16:13|| Front Page Top

#3 not gonna use US air power and SOF against a warlord like Ismail - not just for the sake of customs revenues. Thats getting us too deep into local rivalries, "US is colonial murderer" "Karzai is US puppet"

We studied history of Soviet and UK interventions carefully before going in. We're not going to make those mistakes.

Posted by liberalhawk 2003-05-12 13:25:02|| 2003-05-12 13:25:02|| Front Page Top

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