Panjwai
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Deadly Panjwai in Kandahar Province
27 February 2011
Filed from Tarin Kot, Urozgan Province
Panjwai has been one of the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan. Much Canadian, American, and Afghan blood has soaked into this ground.
According to the New York Times:
The districts of Panjwai and Zhare, rich agricultural areas along the Argandab River, are the original home base of many of the Taliban leaders, including Mullah Muhammad Omar.
The districts have been largely under Taliban control for the past four years, and clearing and securing them is expected to change the entire balance of security in Kandahar Province.
Equally interesting is that Panjwai and Zhare are not tucked away deep inside the Hindu Kush, shielded by mega-terrain and distance, but are just a short drive from Kandahar Airfield, one of the largest Coalition bases in the country. The people in Panjwai/Zhare are fighters. True Taliban.
Nevertheless, after countless military operations over the years, the Coalition does have a foothold in Panjwai/Zhare and is trying to expand its influence in part by investing in local projects. I accompanied several members of Central Asia Development Group to visit a project they are implementing through USAID funding.
We entered Panjwai without support of Coalition forces to visit a water project. Tension among the locals was thick. I felt no hint of welcome other than we were not attacked. Kids are a good barometer. Normally, in other parts of Afghanistan, they are happy to have their photos made. When this boy saw me lift the camera, he turned away.
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Comments
Remember that the very nature of the things you dont know is that you dont know them.
That sounds for me not as "progress", how other Medias and the military sources tells me. Kids are an indicator for the state of war zone. Mostly they are happy against all rules or they are very sad with tears in their eyes. This little boy is little Taliban. Strong and pride.
Thank you and the team of CADG for the work and effort in this land full of contrasts. Respectfully ..
We need to bring our people home to protect our country from more imminent, more sinister evils closer to our homeland. Afghanistan has swallowed up enough of our treasure and blood. It is time to leave.
THANK YOU Michael for what you do. Be safe, and may GOD bless you and be with you.
The hostility to outsiders is centuries deep. Ask Ghengis Khan and Alexander the Great why they gave up on the place. USA, UK and NATO are being arrogant and niaive to believe that they can make a long-lasting difference. While we pour in dollars they'll take it...but for what gain? Why not the same involvement in Yemen or Somalia where AQ are stronger?
Best we look nearer to home and take care of our own kids first.
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