> 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.
> Tahir
I appreciate the thoughtful response, Tahir. I read RAWA's statement too, and while I've no doubt that there remain many nightmarish things in Afghanistan (indeed, I'll go RAWA one better -- the return of boy rape in Kandahar), it cannot be as bad as when the Taliban and their "guests" ran the place. I respect RAWA's underground resistance during that miserable time, but they should go easy on the some of the rhetoric, especially if they're not going to provide sources for their claims. And that whole sectarian/interjection ending reminds me of Spart and RCP leaflets -- "Forward to This!!! Onward to That!!!" Come on. Let's deal in facts, not fist-waving slogans.
No, I don't think that US intervention is the end all/be all to Afghanistan's problems. There is much still to be done, and it will take an international effort. But note that al-Q and the Taliban are regrouping and preparing for another assault. They must be repelled and I'm afraid that it will be Western arms that will have to do it. If RAWA truly wants to rid Afghanistan of fundamentalist shit, they can begin by grabbing a rifle and help to wipe these fuckers out.
I've posted two links -- one from the International Red Cross, the other a somber account from The Guardian.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/483990
http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,1284,788014,00.html
DP