I've always wondered how I would react if the US itself were attacked and thousands (or more) were killed. When the day came, I immediately went into a standard lefty mode that wouldn't raise a brow in ZNet/Pacifica circles. But inside I knew this was different...
Dennis, as someone who argued vehemently against this "standard lefty mode" at the time it is somewhat moving for me to witness people on the 'left' now changing their mind about that. I am also moved by the RAWA statement that was posted - I think these women are incredibly courageous and principled - and that is why I worry when you say that things are better in Afghanistan now (presumably as a result of the US action?). RAWA make it clear that this is not so in any substantive sense, that Afghanistan and similar countries cannot make any progress until the scourge of hateful and obscurantist Islamic fundamentalism is wiped out altogether. And believe me it will not be any US intervention that does that. They are right; only they can do it and they need all our support. Hatred of the Taliban and their ilk - and with me that hatred is deep, deep, deep - should not translate into support for US imperialist actions, which cannot by their nature liberate anyone from anything. ! Bu! t you are right on one thing, those who kneejerkingly adopted pro-Taliban positions and slandered RAWA a year ago in the most shameful way must not be allowed to forget their error. Binary thinking in politics sucks. Your contribution here is a very good one in that sense. Tahir