It’s not everyday we talk about Afghanistan. When we do, it’s often in passing, it’s mentioned as part of a laundry list of occupations we’re fighting against and then we usually move on. At least that’s been my experience.
It’s not everyday we talk about Afghanistan. When we do, it’s often in passing, it’s mentioned as part of a laundry list of occupations we’re fighting against and then we usually move on. At least that’s been my experience.
Today, the BBC and other media are reporting that at least 4 people have been killed during anti-US demonstrations in the city of Jalalabad. The demonstrations throughout Afghanistan were sparked by news that US soldiers had been desecrating the Koran as part of their interogation techniques in Guatanamo Bay, Cuba.
I just spoke to my friend Aisha, who called me today from Kabul – angry and frustrated at the carnage around her. “They’re lying. They’re fucking lying! They say that it’s police, but it’s actually US forces. They brought in reinforcements and they’ve killed way more than four demonstrators. People I talked to, people who are in the know, people with connections to Jalalabad, they’re talking about dozens killed.”
According to Aisha: “There’s a huge demo in Kabul now as well, but the US military, NATO are circling the city in their helicopters. How can you fight this? How can people do this? I just spoke to a Kosovar who told me that it’s impossible to fight them, they’re just too strong. How can this go on?”
For more information on the current situation in Aghanistan, I’d suggest people look at Aisha’s blog (which is tracking her experiences as she researches the disarmament process in the country). Feel free to ask her anything, she’s very open and frank and will be happy to answer your questions.
According to Aisha, people are saying that Friday will be intense, with a national day of action being called by a number of factions to demonstrate against the latest killings. (An AP photo shows demonstrating students in Jalalabad)