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2008-02-20 Afghanistan

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Posted by Fred 2008-02-20 00:00|| || Front Page|| [6 views ] Top

#1 I have a grudging respect for Dostum. He resisted the Taliban to an extent only equalled by Massoud in the Panjshir Valley.

And note he is accussed of beating someone. No shooting, bombing or really nasty stuff. By the standards of the region, this was a polite warning.

Posted by phil_b 2008-02-20 02:27|| 2008-02-20 02:27|| Front Page Top

#2 This is not good, not good at all. Nothing Dostum does (or has done) should be characterized as "largely symbolic." Dostum has the personality, military skills, western contacts, and leadership abilities needed in that region. It the General delivered it, I suspect Akbar Bai might have needed a good thrashing. President Karzai may have just made a fatal wrong turn.

Posted by Besoeker 2008-02-20 06:53|| 2008-02-20 06:53|| Front Page Top

#3 He also drinks alcohol, womanizes and AFAIK is a complete unbeliever (of course his party has the word islamic in its name but it is for the show).

Posted by JFM">JFM 2008-02-20 09:29|| 2008-02-20 09:29|| Front Page Top

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