The Taliban has decided to release two sick Korean hostages, and while I am happy for those two people and their families, the news filled me with a sense of dread as opposed to relief, and it should for everyone else. Tony Carson suggests that these people are suffering from some sort of dementia, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This action suggest to me that the Taliban is once again confident enough to use diplomacy and compromise to further its own goals. From an enfranchised government this is a positive step. From an authoritative militia that seeks to impose itself on a society that doesn’t want them, it is alarming in the extreme.
This means two things. One, they are interested in victory not violence. Two, that they think they can get it.
Loading ...
This is very interesting. Thank you for bringing this article to my attention. I can think of a few other times in recent memory where opportunities for dialog have presented themselves, mainly before Fatah was splintered from Hamas. The point being and I agree with you that we can move the mission in a new direction, is the coarse of events are not ours to decide. Conversely, with the rolling embarrassment known as Peter MacKay now in Gordon O’Conner’s position, this rare instance you have so graciously highlighted will not only be ingored it will be suppressed. In effect, this is one for the archives because the idea of dialog is a moot point.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/08/14/cabinet-shuffle.html
Comment by Trouble — August 14, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
I think you’ve missed my point. Dialogue with the Taliban accomplishes nothing except legitimizing their cruelty and encouraging their ambitions.
Comment by Joseph — August 14, 2007 @ 6:51 pm
I don’t see this approach as particularly constructive. Time to redefine the mission, the goals, and realistic expectations is for invading armies. To do otherwise is to enforce a holding pattern of perpetual violence on the entire region, with greater casualties than if we simply were not there.
Comment by Trouble — August 15, 2007 @ 12:00 am
Again, you have failed to read what I am suggesting. I was not writing to suggest that the status quo is acceptable.
What I was trying to say is that this situation demonstrates that the Taliban is not the gang of illiterate thugs that we frequently make them out to be…
Comment by Joseph — August 15, 2007 @ 6:12 am
Sweet message.
I am sure you’ll comment my website..
See ya
Comment by Be a Good Daughter — October 29, 2007 @ 6:21 pm