 |
 A sign of the times?
There are some that find the act of protesting the war somewhat romantic. Perhaps they feel that it gives them a cause, or it harkens them back to the 60's and the counter-culture movement. There are others who protest because they feel that the government has a hidden agenda and is using terrorism as an excuse. That may or may not be the case. I will not argue that the American government always operates in an honest and open manner. There are many reasons to use military force around the world, and not all of the motives are readily apparent. What has become apparent though is that most of the people and tribes of Afghanistan support America's presence in their country.
While it is true that the Taliban has supporters, it is also true that they were an oppressive regime that violated human rights, invited foreign terrorists to train in their country, and sheltered known criminals. The Nazis had supporters as well. A government may gain power with the support and the mandate of the people and then change to favor their own needs and agenda. In a place like Afghanistan, it is often the case that might-makes-right.
When the Taliban were driven out of Kabul, there were celebrations in the streets. Men lined up at barbershops to shaved off their Taliban mandated beards, women removed their burkas without fear of reprisal, and music was heard in the streets for the first time in five years. In my mind, the image of an Anti-Taliban fighter wearing an "I  NY" button sums things up quite nicely. I am sure that Osama bin Laden never thought he would see this day.
|
| - Lars |
|
|
|
|
