This is good news.

a pox on head choppers.

He said that “the enemy of Afghanistan” tried to disrupt the ceremony but were thwarted by security forces.

President Karzai- these people are indeed your enemy, as well as the enemy of your people. Please quit trying to play nice with them. It is certain doom.

Perhaps this dose of reality will help cure the Karzai government of want Taliban participation. Being a government though, I doubt it.

Unh.

re: #5 Ma Sands

Unh.

Have you fallen? Can you get up?

Along with lawmaker Fazel Rahman Samkanai, a local Shiite leader and a 10-year-old boy also died in the attack, officials said.

[deleted]

re: #3 Sharmuta

President Karzai- these people are indeed your enemy, as well as the enemy of your people. Please quit trying to play nice with them. It is certain doom.

Why? I mean every time the Israeli's played nice with the Palestinians it always worked out. Well maybe not?

re: #2 nyc redneck

Now that would get them, hopefully, scratching so much they couldn't think of much else! Good thought. :)

Maybe he can use this as a reason not to play nice?

No, probably not. That doesn't seem to be how he thinks.

They're just sticking with what works.

There are those who plunge the world into chaos and darkness.

Then there are those who would let them because it "is not our problem."

Chaos and darkness will engulf us all when it is left to spread unchecked.

More good news - the Marines are back in Afgh.

re: #6 coquimbojoe

Hard to think of articulate words to express a thought, when one hasn't used one's voice to anyone yet this day..... :)

re: #9 Ma Sands

Now that would get them, hopefully, scratching so much they couldn't think of much else! Good thought. :)

LOL, precisely.

re: #12 JCM

There are those who plunge the world into chaos and darkness.

Then there are those who would let them because it "is not our problem."

Chaos and darkness will engulf us all when it is left to spread unchecked.

Chaos and darkness will engulf us all when the LEFT spreads unchecked.

re: #16 Nevergiveup

Chaos and darkness will engulf us all when the LEFT spreads unchecked.

I'd say Afghanistan could use a big step to the left, actually.

re: #17 Cognito

I'd say Afghanistan could use a big step to the left, actually.

Ha?

Thank you Charles for this.

Democrats will jump on this as proof the Taliban is on the march, as Obama insisted during his FOX interview this morning.

Obama said as President he would tell General Petraeus our goals were changed, from Iraq to elsewhere.

Obama also said Admiral Fallon who was fired & replaced by General Petraeus as head of Centcom, was right about Iraq not being where the terrorist action is.

re: #14 Ma Sands

Hard to think of articulate words to express a thought, when one hasn't used one's voice to anyone yet this day..... :)

Agreed. See my #1 for proof.

re: #17 Cognito

I'd say Afghanistan could use a big step to the left, actually.

In what way, Cognito?

re: #17 Cognito

I'd say Afghanistan could use a big step to the left, actually.

Small steps, small steps. You don't take a feudal society, racked by years of invasions and war and turn it into a liberal democracy with the wave of a wand.

re: #12 JCM

Chaos and darkness will would engulf us all when it is if it were left to spread unchecked.

There. Fixed it. It won't be, JCM --we're here, aren't we? :)

re: #17 Cognito

Why?

re: #12 JCM

There are those who plunge the world into chaos and darkness.

Then there are those who would let them because it "is not our problem."

Chaos and darkness will engulf us all when it is left to spread unchecked.

A happy Sunday morning to you!

re: #23 Ma Sands

There. Fixed it. It won't be, JCM --we're here, aren't we? :)

I stand corrected! ;-)

re: #17 Cognito

I'd say Afghanistan could use a big step to the left, actually.

It begins....

Zayman al Zawahiri, Al Qaeda's number two Egyptian pediatrician pervert, was part of the similar frontal attack on the Presidential Reviewing stand that suceeded in killing Egypt's Anwar Sadat in 1981.

They're going for decapitation of our new allies' leadership, while our Marines are going door to door looking for street thugs.

Guess there will always be some balance to be struck between top-down regime change, and bottom up regime change.

We cannot stop either approach I guess.

re: #25 coquimbojoe

A happy Sunday morning to you!

This is the day that Jehovah hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Ps:118:24

When will they lean? These terrorists have been doing the old 'make peace with one hand, war with the other' strategy for as long as I can remember. Sadly, amnesty often just means 'temporary lull in fighting while terrorists rearm'.

re: #17 Cognito

I'd say Afghanistan could use a big step to the left, actually.

Oh, bring back the Soviets?

re: #29 JCM

This is the day that Jehovah hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Ps:118:24

Amen.

re: #30 Eri

Well, yes. It is a classic tactic. I don't expect it to disappear.

I'm a little mystified, here.

Are you guys saying Afghani society needs to move to the... right?

And Iran as well, perhaps?

"Liberal" isn't a dirty word all around the world, guys. In many places it's desperately needed.

re: #27 coquimbojoe

It begins....

* * *
Cognito apparently missed the Carter years, and LEFTward Communist invasion by the USSR of Afghanistan that reduced the place further into rubbledom.

re: #31 wanumba

Ugh! Don't even say that!

One rocket hit inside the Eid Gah mosque opposite where Karzai was sitting.

Stupid taliban- hitting a mosque. allah is displeased. No virgins for you!

re: #37 Sharmuta

I noticed that and wondered when the worldwide rioting would begin.

re: #34 Cognito

I'm a little mystified, here.

Are you guys saying Afghani society needs to move to the... right?

And Iran as well, perhaps?

"Liberal" isn't a dirty word all around the world, guys. In many places it's desperately needed.

It looks to me like Karzai has been trying his level best to coax Afghanistan into at least the 19th century. He's been trying to create a rule of law, representative government.

Society is pretty much the business of the people living in it. It seems that you are mixing your terms and not explaining your thinking at all well.

re: #34 Cognito

I'm a little mystified, here.

Are you guys saying Afghani society needs to move to the... right?

And Iran as well, perhaps?

"Liberal" isn't a dirty word all around the world, guys. In many places it's desperately needed.

* * *
How about Afghani society just moving UP from the 7th century into literacy & crop growing, neither of which are accomplished by communists indoctrination & collectivization.

In addition to missing the leftists' invasion of Afghanistan in 1980, you must also have missed the 1978-79 Carter era iranian communists who helped bring the Ayatollah to power, then were summarily executed by the religious totalitarians who were more powerful than the leftist totalitarians.

re: #34 Cognito

I think the spectrum of right and left doesn't work anymore. You said Afghanistan could stand to move left, when what I think you meant was Afghanistan could use more liberty. If you really think the left and modern day liberals are about liberty, I have a bridge in Brooklyn you might be interested in.

I surely do hope that most of the Afghan folks NOW fucking understand that there's no difference between the Taliban and Al-Q - all they want to do is kill someone, preferably - apparently for the Taliban anyway - fellow Muslims.

re: #34 Cognito

I'm a little mystified, here.

Are you guys saying Afghani society needs to move to the... right?

And Iran as well, perhaps?

"Liberal" isn't a dirty word all around the world, guys. In many places it's desperately needed.

What I am saying is, you can't have a liberal democracy out of chaos with the wave of a hand. It takes time. Meanwhile you've got others who prefer the dark ages and will do anything to tear down civilization.

Progress is slow. We've been at it for over 200 years and still argue about it.

re: #37 Sharmuta

Stupid taliban- hitting a mosque. allah is displeased. No virgins for you!

* * *
Maybe they were just trying to ignite the ammo dump/mosque to get a bigger bang.

re: #36 Dianna

Ugh! Don't even say that!

Tell that to Cognito up there.

re: #35 alegrias

Afghanistan prior to the Soviet invasion was actually moving along, becoming more prosperous and educated.

re: #34 Cognito

"Liberal" isn't a dirty word all around the world, guys. In many places it's desperately needed.

You said "move to the Left", Cog. You didn't say "Liberal".

Nowadays, the "Left" is synonymous with repression and totalitarianism...i.e., Cuba and Venezuela.
In the USA, the word Liberal has been hijacked by Lefties and is now the antithesis of what a Classical Liberal actually is. Choose your words carefully.

re: #39 Dianna

It looks to me like Karzai has been trying his level best to coax Afghanistan into at least the 19th century. He's been trying to create a rule of law, representative government.

Society is pretty much the business of the people living in it. It seems that you are mixing your terms and not explaining your thinking at all well.

I'd say I'm being pretty darned clear, actually, and not mixing any terms at all. Afghanistan is a hardcore conservative society -- not as in 'Republican,' but the original sense of the word -- that could use a shift to the left in my opinion.

Which is the opposite opinion of the Taliban's, for what it's worth.

Again: mystified, guys. This ain't rocket science. (Just rockets.)

re: #34 Cognito

I'm a little mystified, here.

Are you guys saying Afghani society needs to move to the... right?

And Iran as well, perhaps?

"Liberal" isn't a dirty word all around the world, guys. In many places it's desperately needed.

Perhaps you are taking advantage of the difference between "left and right" in America vs. left and right in the rest of the world. I suppose that you are aware of the distinction, and just like stirring up the muck.

Classical Liberalism is what is represented for the most part by the American Right. Totalitarianism is what is represented by the American Left. Hope you Choke.

Karzai later appeared on television saying several suspects in the attack had been arrested.

Quick! Get Amnesty International on the phone to make sure the prisoners are being treated nice!

re: #34 Cognito

I'm a little mystified, here.

Are you guys saying Afghani society needs to move to the... right?

And Iran as well, perhaps?

"Liberal" isn't a dirty word all around the world, guys. In many places it's desperately needed.

Leftism = more government involvement in people's day-to-day affairs.
Talibanism = more government involvement in people's day-to-day affairs.

What Aghanistan really needs IS a move to the right: a representative democracy and a free-market economy. Which may be classical Liberalism, but it sure as Hell ain't a step to the left.

re: #45 wanumba

I'm already discussing his somewhat confused post. With Putin clamping down on the Russian media, the latest "land reform" disaster, and so on, it seems to me that we're already watching the resurrection of that damnable Soviet corpse.

bah

re: #46 Dianna

Yes- the one-two punch of communism and religious fundamentalism really set them back. I think it's still going to be awhile before they're even back to their pre-soviet level of advancement.

re: #44 alegrias A bigger bang and killing more Muslims - yep, that's the Taliban - or Al-Q except that the Taliban is claiming "credit" for it.
I think it may be time for the US to bring back Shock and Awe to the Taliban and then send DVD's to Ahmedinnerjacket.
Seriously.

re: #40 alegrias

Actually, the Afghan people seem to have mastered growing crops. Certain crops.

re: #34 Cognito

I'm a little mystified, here.

Are you guys saying Afghani society needs to move to the... right?

And Iran as well, perhaps?

"Liberal" isn't a dirty word all around the world, guys. In many places it's desperately needed.

Perhaps just semantics here. "Left" generally means moving towards collectivism, more central control and less private freedom in exchange for the good of all, whatever that is (usually whoever is in charge). Perhaps "liberal" is a much better word for what you're trying to convey, although that's a minefield in the US.

re: #46 Dianna

Afghanistan prior to the Soviet invasion was actually moving along, becoming more prosperous and educated.

* * *
Yes, like Iran, prior to the fall of the Shah, both Iran & Afghanistan had women in school, in professions, in government & in parliament.

So for that matter did Iraq.

Then JDhimmi Carter gave the greenlight to 7th century maniacs to assasinate, plunder their nations' oil wealth for weapons & jihad & take their nations down from the cusp of literacy, food-selfsufficiency, modernity to belligerence & international terror.

re: #50 mich-again

Quick! Get Amnesty International on the phone to make sure the prisoners are being treated nice!

LOL! No doubt.

re: #42 realwest I talk with somebody over there pretty regularly and it does sound if progress is being made. I was actually surprised about some of the changes. They send me things from time to time, like reports and I was impressed and surprised.

The words liberal and conservative don't mean anything anymore.

re: #48 Cognito

You are definitely mixing terms and concepts!

Good heavens, Cognito, you're so muddled that you're inviting attack and getting us off the actual subject!

What you mean is that Afghan society could use some fresh ideas, tolerance and liberty. That's not "left", that classic liberalism.

re: #54 Sharmuta

Yes- the one-two punch of communism and religious fundamentalism really set them back. I think it's still going to be awhile before they're even back to their pre-soviet level of advancement.

When you look at the last 25 years for Afghanistan, I would say the progress is pretty remarkable.

re: #48 Cognito

The reason your not getting it is because you are failing to accurately read the context where the term left was used. You see the "left" would solve all the world's problems by sitting around in a circle with it's enemies and sing combayee. Most of us recognize that is simply a slow trip to national suicide.

re: #56 haakondahl

Actually, the Afghan people seem to have mastered growing crops. Certain crops.

* * *
Yes, they used to grow WHEAT & fruit--mmmm pomegranates--

Too bad the market for poppies & opium is higher than that for food. It's STAN the devil & addiction to blame.

re: #58 alegrias
We will be paying for Jimmahs' mistakes and outright stupidity for years. Plus, the damn fool is still at it. That fool is dangerous.

re: #54 Sharmuta

So do I. So many of their educated either died or emigrated that they're looking at a serious experience deficit.

However, it does look like they're trying. I don't expect smooth progress, but I do hope that the next ten years will be better than the last.

re: #62 Dianna

You are definitely mixing terms and concepts!

Good heavens, Cognito, you're so muddled that you're inviting attack and getting us off the actual subject!

Heavens. You might say that that is the intention. You might very well say that. I, of course, couldn't possibly say such a thing.

A tough neighborhood

re: #61 mich-again

A dingo ate my post!

re: #64 Nevergiveup

The reason your not getting it is because you are failing to accurately read the context where the term left was used. You see the "left" would solve all the world's problems by sitting around in a circle with it's enemies and sing combayee. Most of us recognize that is simply a slow trip to national suicide.

Huh. Thanks for telling me how I "see" things.

I'll let you know when you get something right, there.

re: #63 JCM

That's quite true, but to think they're back to their pre-soviet society is just not true. They have a ways to go, and that will take time. I think we're often impatient, thinking "change" can happen overnight. We are an instant gratification society now, failing to realize that things of this nature take time. As stated above- we Americans have been at this for over 200 years, and we're still working on it.

re: #71 BabbaZee

A dingo ate my post!

Blurdy Dingurs!

re: #72 Cognito

Huh. Thanks for telling me how I "see" things.

I'll let you know when you get something right, there.

* * *
gaze zzzzzzz

re: #75 alegrias

* * *
gaze zzzzzzz

Oh, nooooo....

re: #48 Cognito

I'd say I'm being pretty darned clear, actually, and not mixing any terms at all. Afghanistan is a hardcore conservative society -- not as in 'Republican,' but the original sense of the word -- that could use a shift to the left in my opinion.

Which is the opposite opinion of the Taliban's, for what it's worth.

Again: mystified, guys. This ain't rocket science. (Just rockets.)

Let's clear that up right now, Afghanistan needs to continue along to a more Western Civilization-based rule, with representative government, rule of law, individual rights, freedom of religion. Correct?
SO, Cognito, what do you think PRESIDENT Karzi is DOING? WHat have been the last THREE governments of Afghanistan? Monarchy, Soviet conquest, civil war and radical Islamic totalitarian fascist coup?
A nationally ELECTED president presiding over a nationally elected parliment is almost assassinated by fascist totalitarian terrorists, but the attack fails, and the Afghan government remains intact.

JUST MAYBE they're making a lot more progress than you are giving them credit for.

re: #72 Cognito

Huh. Thanks for telling me how I "see" things.

I'll let you know when you get something right, there.

Well I think you misread the context of the original statements.

re: #60 conservgirl I'd sure like to hear more about that - preferably by e-mail; seems as if the Taliban are having no problems with recruiting, training and arming again.
I still think they need some Shock and Awe, particularly along the border and into parts of Pakistan.
Oh and btw, my two Muslim friends down here, from Pakistan, both suggested that to me - that the US literally pound the crap out of the Taliban NOW!

re: #69 opnion

A tough neighborhood

Tough indeed for muddle-headed hive-knockers.

re: #52 Dianna
Go for it!

re: #77 wanumba

Let's clear that up right now, Afghanistan needs to continue along to a more Western Civilization-based rule, with representative government, rule of law, individual rights, freedom of religion. Correct?
SO, Cognito, what do you think PRESIDENT Karzi is DOING? WHat have been the last THREE governments of Afghanistan? Monarchy, Soviet conquest, civil war and radical Islamic totalitarian fascist coup?
A nationally ELECTED president presiding over a nationally elected parliment is almost assassinated by fascist totalitarian terrorists, but the attack fails, and the Afghan government remains intact.

JUST MAYBE they're making a lot more progress than you are giving them credit for.

I think Karzi is doing EXACTLY those things, or trying to. Which is why I support the guy and hope his enemies fall down a hole...

re: #53 BabbaZee

bah

I second your 'bah'.

re: #56 haakondahl

Opium makes money, and doesn't take much land. What do you expect?

If they find something better, they'll grow it. But it's flat-out ridiculous to expect people who've come to expect the very worst to not grow the most profitable crop they can.

re: #74 haakondahl

LOL

Trying this again

#61 mich-again 4/27/08 8:42:35 am reply quote report 2

The words liberal and conservative don't mean anything anymore.

See: Gramscian Whorebabble of Deception
in the Scroll of the Outraged Spleen

lol

The techniques of submission

re: #80 haakondahl

Tough indeed for muddle-headed hive-knockers.

Well, when you live in a hive, you might get knocked.

Okay that took

re: #73 Sharmuta

That's quite true, but to think they're back to their pre-soviet society is just not true. They have a ways to go, and that will take time. I think we're often impatient, thinking "change" can happen overnight. We are an instant gratification society now, failing to realize that things of this nature take time. As stated above- we Americans have been at this for over 200 years, and we're still working on it.

I agree their not even back to pre-Sov era. My point is that since our intervention the progress has been remarkable.

re: #83 coquimbojoe

I second your 'bah'.

Can we get a third?

re: #79 realwest

My understanding is we actually are sending more troops back to Afghanistan- a surge of their own, if you will.

re: #79 realwest
I got them and will email you the reports. The last one is a pp presentation, it's quite interesting.

re: #70 BabbaZee

Good morning and watch out for the post eating dingo.

re: #68 haakondahl Hey Hawk! Of course you should say such things! Hell I do, why not you?!

re: #89 BabbaZee

Can we get a third?

I raise you a 'Feh'

Opium makes money

and Hopium makes zombies

re: #88 JCM

And I agree completely. Heck- they're educating girls! That's a far cry from 10 years ago.

re: #94 coquimbojoe

I raise you a 'Feh'

I see your FEH and raise you a PTTTTTTTTHhhhhh

re: #87 BabbaZee
Are you posting challenged this morning? Some knot head cut through a fiber optic line 40 miles from here the other day and knocked out all internet and the 911 call center.

re: #73 Sharmuta

That's quite true, but to think they're back to their pre-soviet society is just not true. They have a ways to go, and that will take time. I think we're often impatient, thinking "change" can happen overnight. We are an instant gratification society now, failing to realize that things of this nature take time. As stated above- we Americans have been at this for over 200 years, and we're still working on it.

* * *
Some things do happen overnight. Witness Cubans overnight wanting cell phones & computers after 60 years without. Most folks don't WANT to stay poor & downtrodden whether by leftists or mullahs, given a CHOICE.

Witness call centers opening in India to assist Americans and English speakers all over the world with technical issues. Witness India becoming the world's largest democracy, with a growing middle class and an ability to fight it's crazy islamic jihadist 7th century stuck on stupid neighbor, Pakistan.

Miracles do happen practically overnight, and we can expect young people in Afghanistan to glom onto a vision of improved lives for themselves and their families, free from terrorists taking their cell phones & Bollywood videos.

re: #68 haakondahl

Why not?

I tend to prefer a softer approach, but that's no reason for you to restrain yourself.

re: #82 Cognito

THen why did you comment the way you did? You come off as trying to play a little game. This is serious business, people are dead, a real attack was made, and there may be more - civilization can be torn down by agents of chaos at any time so no one is the mood right now for little rhetorical frivolities.

re: #49 haakondahl

Classical Liberalism is what is represented for the most part by the American Right. Totalitarianism is what is represented by the American Left.

And the Left here would say just the opposite of what you said.

re: #98 pingjockey

Are you posting challenged this morning? Some knot head cut through a fiber optic line 40 miles from here the other day and knocked out all internet and the 911 call center.

Some feral weirdness is afoot but I don't know what it is

re: #84 Dianna Have we tried to pay off those Afghan (and - regrettably - Pakistan) farmers so as to not grow poppys and they salted their fields?!

re: #73 Sharmuta

That's quite true, but to think they're back to their pre-soviet society is just not true. They have a ways to go, and that will take time. I think we're often impatient, thinking "change" can happen overnight. We are an instant gratification society now, failing to realize that things of this nature take time. As stated above- we Americans have been at this for over 200 years, and we're still working on it.

If this is not too far-fetched, I think the expectation that thigns can and will change reasonably quickly after a war and occupation is based on the experience the Allies had after 1945 in occupied Germany - where democracy, civil liberties, and a start to a proper economy were well-nigh on its way about three years after the total defeat of Hitler.

This was not solely due to the Marshall Plan (from which other European countries also got enormous help). I mean - the subsidies going into Afghanistan and Iraq, to buold a civil society, must be absolutely enormous by now.
Its to do with the totally different mind-set of all peoples living in Afghanistan and Iraq - which has, of course, the same root. I'm sure you all know what that is ...

You come off as trying to play a little game.

NO!

re: #77 wanumba

Just a quick note - the monarchy was actually pretty good; particularly when you think of most other monarchs left in the world.

re: #89 BabbaZee
Third!

re: #86 Cognito

Perhaps it would be helpful if you explained what 'left" or "liberal" moves you would propose for the Afghan gov't. The official gov't has instituted open elections, more freedon for women in both the workplace and school (not to mention in the gov't itself) and is attempting to be world trading partners with more open business connections. All while a good portion of the country is (as it always has been) under small individual tribal rule.
So, what MORE would you think they should do?

I really do want to understand your position

re: #108 realwest

Motion passed!

The problem with President Bush Karzai is that he is a good Christian Muslim gentleman in an era that is dominated by those who seek to live and rule by the sword. This is not going to end well.

re: #101 wanumba
Civilization is a very thin veneer in many places. Imagine this country if all the truckers go on strike tomorrow. Your local safeway has maybe 3 to 5 days of food in it. Plus no fuel. Those folks in Afghanistan also have lunatic killers to deal with. They are trying and that is something.

re: #84 Dianna

Opium makes money, and doesn't take much land. What do you expect?

If they find something better, they'll grow it. But it's flat-out ridiculous to expect people who've come to expect the very worst to not grow the most profitable crop they can.

Yeah, I don't know what the right answer is there. Well, yes I do. But it's hard to tell these people that they are only allowed to take the generational road to re-building, and that their children will very likely have to scrape along. It's not like they're even making, much less dealing drugs. They're just growing some amazingly profitable flowers. Good-looking to boot.

It sucks, but I know what the right answer is. Burn the crops and stamp out the resistance to it. Hafta do that in concert with very expensive aid projects, and all somehow without creating an economy of dependency, with its attendant social ills.

It just sucks.

re: #79 realwest

Yeah right - something the Pakistani dictatorships - ahem, governments ... - have been unwilling to do for the last generation!
Pakistan is perfectly capable of doing that themselves - but they do not want to grasp that nettle.

re: #82 Cognito

Then why didn't you say that?

re: #103 BabbaZee
Feral weirdness? That is good. No silliness here today. Well later me and the youngest are going to see the performing pigs! No jihadis there! They do a steeple chase, high dive, etc...

re: #101 wanumba

THen why did you comment the way you did? You come off as trying to play a little game. This is serious business, people are dead, a real attack was made, and there may be more - civilization can be torn down by agents of chaos at any time so no one is the mood right now for little rhetorical frivolities.

Oh, my. Rhetorical frivolities, here in the comments section?

I didn't do anything but respond. Someone made a comment about Afghanistan tumbling into darkness as 'the left' spreads unchecked. And I say leftiness ain't what's ailing Afghanistan. By miles.

re: #101 wanumba

THen why did you comment the way you did? You come off as trying to play a little game. This is serious business, people are dead, a real attack was made, and there may be more - civilization can be torn down by agents of chaos at any time so no one is the mood right now for little rhetorical frivolities.

* * *
Cognito and his leftists did wring their hands a little when the Taliban blew up Afghanistan's several thousand year old Buddhas in Bamiyan.

That leftist handwringing didn't help a single little girl go to schools for 10 years while the Taliban forced girls into marriages & locked them up at home, but hey, it was the handwringing that counted, not the Taliban death squads, torture, repression of real human beings.

re: #106 BabbaZee

Haha!
As for anything to do with communications cables, we have a choice of the two most sinister impediments to human technological progress ever to consider:
squirrels
Islamofascists

Squirrels are worse. THey look cute, but are evil.

re: #99 alegrias

Most folks don't WANT to stay poor & downtrodden whether by leftists or mullahs, given a CHOICE.

True- Freedom is a universal human desire.

But in the case of Afghanistan, it won't happen overnight. As Dianna said above- most of their educated population fled or was killed. It's going to take time to replace that segment of their society. One of the reasons I feel Iraq is doing as well as it is is that despite his brutal regime, saddam promoted education for Iraqis. They didn't have that in Afghanistan under the mullahs. If they're really going to come out of the dark ages, education is going to be of the utmost importance. I know they're working on it, so I have hope for their future.

re: #90 Sharmuta Yes, I've heard that we are sending more troops - since NATO has been such a frickin' disaster over there (except for our Brit, Canadian and Dutch friends).
But I'm suggesting something entirely different than sending more troops. The Soviets tried to conquer Afghanistan with increasing numbers of Soviet Soldiers and lost, BIG TIME.
I'm talking about the bunker buster and big time daisy cutter bombs in the true wilderness areas - like in the area of Tora Bora - to shake the Taliban up, slow down their recruiting and deny meaningful arms and trainging bases.
And to show the Afghan people that the Taliban ARE NEVER GONNA COME BACK INTO POWER.
And I think that's an incredibly important mission.

re: #84 Dianna

Opium makes money, and doesn't take much land. What do you expect?

If they find something better, they'll grow it. But it's flat-out ridiculous to expect people who've come to expect the very worst to not grow the most profitable crop they can.

Like the coca crops.

re: #108 realwest
Sent you something Real.

re: #100 Dianna

Why not?

Look Closely.

re: #104 realwest

If we pay for the poppies, we're just keeping the incentive there. As for salting the fields, well, then what? What do the Afghans grow on that soil?

I suggest a poppy-specific disease, myself, knowing perfectly well no such thing would every be approved (nor should it be, given that I don't believe such a disease would be safe or fail to mutate).

re: #118 alegrias

* * *
Cognito and his leftists did wring their hands a little when the Taliban blew up Afghanistan's several thousand year old Buddhas in Bamiyan.

That leftist handwringing didn't help a single little girl go to schools for 10 years while the Taliban forced girls into marriages & locked them up at home, but hey, it was the handwringing that counted, not the Taliban death squads, torture, repression of real human beings.

I've reached the conclusion that Lefties are driven by the desire to obtain a warm fuzzy feeling about themselves. Never mind the cost that is imposed on others.

i think the afghan people remember the taliban. especially the women who were forced to dress head to toe in polyester burqas and paint their windows black in case a fcking moslem jihadi walked by and tainted his soul w/ a glimpse of a woman's face or hair. it is terrible how people suffered under these scum. who would love to get back in there to torture and rape the people and the land. they are already counting the money they will make from the opium. and how it can be used to cause more death and destruction elsewhere.

re: #119 wanumba

Stan's Squirrels!

re: #121 realwest
I was surprised but the Germans are over there too helping out. I guess they are pretty quiet about it, but they are helping out with security and the ANP.

re: #117 Cognito

Oh, my. Rhetorical frivolities, here in the comments section?

I didn't do anything but respond. Someone made a comment about Afghanistan tumbling into darkness as 'the left' spreads unchecked. And I say leftiness ain't what's ailing Afghanistan. By miles.

or maybe it is ,,,, maybe the majority has been under rigid rule so long that a "too fats to the left" culture shock has them paralized and fearful. Look at what happened to East Berlin in the immediate aftermath of the wall coming down. The new "freedoms" they had made them confused as to what to and how to do it.

re: #91 conservgirl Um, if these are reports by American's (military and contractors) then I probably already have them. What I'd like to see is a LOT more of that optimism among the Afghan people (please see my #121).

re: #95 BabbaZee

Nah, it makes easy pickings for zombies!

re: #132 Dianna

Also true!

re: #102 mjazzguitar

And the Left here would say just the opposite of what you said.

They can holler it in their toilets for all I care.

re: #109 sattv4u2

Perhaps it would be helpful if you explained what 'left" or "liberal" moves you would propose for the Afghan gov't. The official gov't has instituted open elections, more freedon for women in both the workplace and school (not to mention in the gov't itself) and is attempting to be world trading partners with more open business connections. All while a good portion of the country is (as it always has been) under small individual tribal rule.
So, what MORE would you think they should do?

I really do want to understand your position

I'm saying those are exactly the needed moves -- away from hardline conservatism* -- I think educating women in the Middle East is probably the single most crucial endeavor we can undertake now.

*Calm down, whomever you might be. I'm not talking Reagan. I'm talking education vs. Mullah Haqqani.

re: #102 mjazzguitar Yes but then the Left here would try to deny you you're right to say it at all.

ROTFLMAO...........Lizards trying to reason with Cognito, silly Lizards have you learned nothing?

Good morning, Lizards.
"The Kite Runner" is a very good movie, and relevant to this topic.

re: #118 alegrias

* * *
Cognito and his leftists did wring their hands a little when the Taliban blew up Afghanistan's several thousand year old Buddhas in Bamiyan.

That leftist handwringing didn't help a single little girl go to schools for 10 years while the Taliban forced girls into marriages & locked them up at home, but hey, it was the handwringing that counted, not the Taliban death squads, torture, repression of real human beings.

All right.

Listen. Let's go through this step by step.

Have you ever visited a Muslim country?

re: #131 realwest
um,I don't think you have these.

re: #112 pingjockey

Civilization is a very thin veneer in many places. Imagine this country if all the truckers go on strike tomorrow. Your local safeway has maybe 3 to 5 days of food in it. Plus no fuel. Those folks in Afghanistan also have lunatic killers to deal with. They are trying and that is something.

I'm afraid of the non-americans coming here, outnumbering us, and pulling that crap.

re: #133 BabbaZee
Babba, did you ever see "Daylight Robbery" on Discover? They put out bird feeders and then increased the difficulty for the squirrels to get to the feeders to steal the bird food.

re: #83 coquimbojoe

re: #53 BabbaZee

bah

I second your 'bah'.

'Cept.......I am appreciating so much the education on Afghanistan's history, that I am getting here.....thanks, guys....

re: #125 Dianna

If we pay for the poppies, we're just keeping the incentive there. As for salting the fields, well, then what? What do the Afghans grow on that soil?

I suggest a poppy-specific disease, myself, knowing perfectly well no such thing would every be approved (nor should it be, given that I don't believe such a disease would be safe or fail to mutate).

* * *
Cut the food subsidies like the wheat & rice we give to Phakestinians, so they turn around & burn down greenhouses where they could grow food!

If Afghan farmers want to eat, they can grow WHEAT again like they used to before we gave them WHEAT and an incentive to crow only poppy.

Wheat is hardly a subsistence crop right now, given global shortages and high cost of wheat & corn.

re: #113 haakondahl

Yeah, I don't know what the right answer is there. Well, yes I do. But it's hard to tell these people that they are only allowed to take the generational road to re-building, and that their children will very likely have to scrape along. It's not like they're even making, much less dealing drugs. They're just growing some amazingly profitable flowers. Good-looking to boot.

It sucks, but I know what the right answer is. Burn the crops and stamp out the resistance to it. Hafta do that in concert with very expensive aid projects, and all somehow without creating an economy of dependency, with its attendant social ills.

It just sucks.

We've been trying that for decades in So. America and it isn't working.

re: #130 sattv4u2

or maybe it is ,,,, maybe the majority has been under rigid rule so long that a "too fats to the left" culture shock has them paralized and fearful. Look at what happened to East Berlin in the immediate aftermath of the wall coming down. The new "freedoms" they had made them confused as to what to and how to do it.

What on earth are you talking about?

I'm not sure what "too fats to the left" means, but are you suggesting they got too much freedom, too fast?

Come on.

re: #113 haakondahl
Hawk - I think we'd get a lot further down the road here if we PAID OFF the poppy growers, then burned down the crops and salted the damn ground.

re: #127 nyc redneck

i think the afghan people remember the taliban. especially the women who were forced to dress head to toe in polyester burqas and paint their windows black in case a fcking moslem jihadi walked by and tainted his soul w/ a glimpse of a woman's face or hair. it is terrible how people suffered under these scum. who would love to get back in there to torture and rape the people and the land. they are already counting the money they will make from the opium. and how it can be used to cause more death and destruction elsewhere.

* * *
It is the TALIBAN that promotes drug crops over food crops.

Sick bastards. They sure know how to bury the West, by letting us poison ourselves. Who buys this shit? I don't know anyone who does.

re: #122 mjazzguitar

Exactly the same problem.

re: #141 mjazzguitar
I am surprised we haven't had a homicide bomber at a mall yet. We have had a couple of incidents quickly shut up by the feebs. That kid who went on that shooting spree at a mall, the jeep driver at the college. Those were quickly sent down the memory hole.

re: #121 realwest

Who is funding the taliban?

re: #135 Cognito

but in your #17 you stated "I'd say Afghanistan could use a big step to the left, actually." In your #135 you state that they are already doing those things needed,,, then why state that they need could use a BIG step? Is there anything else that they should be doing, in your opinion? And if not, if they are doing those things already, why state that they NEED TO TAKE A BIG STEP?

re: #142 pingjockey

No I didn't but I see squirrels do amazing shit to my feeders here

re: #139 Cognito

All right.

Listen. Let's go through this step by step.

Have you ever visited a Muslim country?

I have ,,,,,,, three, actually

re: #145 mjazzguitar

We've been trying that for decades in So. America and it isn't working.

* * *
Amen, instead poor south americans run from the drug trade by crawling into the US to work for a living harvesting our crops & cleaning houses.

I hate that drug lords & gangs use these poor people's misery to bring drugs into the US.

re: #117 Cognito

Oh, my. Rhetorical frivolities, here in the comments section?
I didn't do anything but respond. Someone made a comment about Afghanistan tumbling into darkness as 'the left' spreads unchecked. And I say leftiness ain't what's ailing Afghanistan. By miles.

Oh. It's the audience's fault they didn't catch your drift. Yeh, you did respond and now you still deliver that snarky tone when no one wants it. "Oh my. Rhetorical frivolities, here in the comments section."

A lot of people do not write well, sometimes they miss conveying the point they are trying to make, but after some back and forth, it comes out. Fair enough. Some people make a point, they try hard to promote it, but fail to convince - it's fair enough. People agree to disagree. The common feature that makes it all work is treating the other person with a basic dignity.
But snark? What purpose does that serve apart from broadcasting you don't think much of others?

re: #135 Cognito

Since they're doing it, to the best of their ability, why did you say something so annoying and provocative?

re: #146 Cognito

You have no knowledge about what transpired in East Germany in general, and East Berlin in particular post wall coming down ?

re: #154 sattv4u2

I have ,,,,,,, three, actually

Excellent.

And would you describe life in those countries as conservative?*

*Again, in the global sense. Not talking Reagan.

re: #157 Dianna

Since they're doing it, to the best of their ability, why did you say something so annoying and provocative?

bingo

re: #150 pingjockey

I am surprised we haven't had a homicide bomber at a mall yet. We have had a couple of incidents quickly shut up by the feebs. That kid who went on that shooting spree at a mall, the jeep driver at the college. Those were quickly sent down the memory hole.

Remember the kid who seemed set to blow up a sports event at a college? Kansas maybe?

re: #134 haakondahl

Sure.

re: #153 BabbaZee
They set up increasingly hard obstacle courses and the little shits remembered how to go through the previous part then figured out the new part. Amazing little frackers.

re: #151 mjazzguitar

Who is funding the taliban?

* * *
Poppy/opium drug sales.

Hashish grown in Morocco. (Yesterday a small plane crashed into a rich banking family's land in Spain, piloted by a Moroccan, with a member of the rich banking family, and was full of hashish. There were vans standing by to distribute the hashish throughout Spain and into Europe).

re: #157 Dianna

Since they're doing it, to the best of their ability, why did you say something so annoying and provocative?

I think they're doing their darnedest.

You're apparently forgetting I didn't just throw the comment out there. I was responding to someone else's statement.

I'm not so sure that Afghanistan is even part of the classical "Left vs. Right" paradigm.

I know the Taliban and al-Q are not. In spite of the Western Left cuddling up with them.

In that sense, Cogster may very well be correct, if a bit muddled in his early morning thinking.

After all, Afghanistan went about as far left as it's possible to get once already (as a Soviet client/puppet state) and we can all see how well that worked out.

===

Noting that the Western Left would have a very valid complaint if they pointed out that the majority of the worlds heroin currently comes from Afghanistan. But they can't point that out because their spooning buddies, the Taliban, are "fighting" only to keep control of the poppy growing regions (Helmand Province) and little else....

CASH
CROPS,
R

re: #159 Cognito

Excellent.

And would you describe life in those countries as conservative?*

*Again, in the global sense. Not talking Reagan.

on the surface, yes,,, but what surprised me was how "liberal" things were conducted in quiet,,,

re: #147 realwest

Hawk - I think we'd get a lot further down the road here if we PAID OFF the poppy growers, then burned down the crops and salted the damn ground.

* * *
No salting the Earth, that's horrible to suggest!

re: #161 haakondahl
Right. Univ. of Oklahoma. He had an 'industrial' accident. Little bastard.

re: #152 sattv4u2

but in your #17 you stated "I'd say Afghanistan could use a big step to the left, actually." In your #135 you state that they are already doing those things needed,,, then why state that they need could use a BIG step? Is there anything else that they should be doing, in your opinion? And if not, if they are doing those things already, why state that they NEED TO TAKE A BIG STEP?

Oh, man... A light dawns.

You think the Karzi government is in control of the country?

Wanumba

I see Cogs is back, playing his little games again. No matter how long you debate with him, he'll never say anything of substance. Deep down, he really is just a rhetorical whimsicality---when he's not shilling for unpleasant people. I suspect now he's going to tell us all about how much he knows about the Middle East, how he actually talked to terrorists there, and how he really knows just what Afghanistan needs, etc., etc., etc.

re: #107 Dianna
It was very touching to see the king return to give his blessing to the new government. A very very moving experience even for the casual outside observer, can't truly fathom what it meant to the Afghanis.

re: #144 alegrias

Time and labor are keys here, and also, a sense that it's safe.

re: #166 Render

I'm not so sure that Afghanistan is even part of the classical "Left vs. Right" paradigm.

I know the Taliban and al-Q are not. In spite of the Western Left cuddling up with them.

In that sense, Cogster may very well be correct, if a bit muddled in his early morning thinking.

After all, Afghanistan went about as far left as it's possible to get once already (as a Soviet client/puppet state) and we can all see how well that worked out.

===

Noting that the Western Left would have a very valid complaint if they pointed out that the majority of the worlds heroin currently comes from Afghanistan. But they can't point that out because their spooning buddies, the Taliban, are "fighting" only to keep control of the poppy growing regions (Helmand Province) and little else....

CASH
CROPS,
R

Thanks, Render.

Although it's the end of a long day, here. So I don't have the excuse of early morning fog.

re: #159 Cognito

Excellent.

And would you describe life in those countries as conservative?*

*Again, in the global sense. Not talking Reagan.

Speak English. If you mean "regressive", then say so. If you mean "Medieval", then say so. If you mean "barbaric", then say so.

And so forth.

re: #142 pingjockey

I put regular bird seed out yesterday and am surprised to see that the tree rats haven't discovered it yet.

re: #157 Dianna

Since they're doing it, to the best of their ability, why did you say something so annoying and provocative?

If Cog didn't do it, who would? ;)

2) I am -- maybe unfortunately, I guess -- a professing impartial professional witness to events, as you put it, and I've been in the company of terrorists myself. That's the only way to bear 'witness.' If this cameraman was colluding with the terrorists, that's an entirely different story. And in this case it may be the correct story -- I'm just waiting for actual facts to emerge.
~ Cognito

I've been in the company of terrorists myself

I've been in the company of terrorists myself

I've been in the company of terrorists myself

I've been in the company of terrorists myself

I've been in the company of terrorists myself

re: #170 Cognito

Oh, man... A light dawns.

You think the Karzi government is in control of the country?

please answer my question in the form of a declarative sentence, not an open ended question. If you cannot nor will not offer me that consideration, I must end our discussion, because that tactic is annoying and disingenuous

re: #167 sattv4u2

on the surface, yes,,, but what surprised me was how "liberal" things were conducted in quiet,,,

All right.

They're hardline conservative* countries almost every one.

So do they really need a step to the right?

*you know the drill.

re: #114 yma o hyd Actually NO, Pakistan is NOT capable of doing that themselves. There are far, far too many different "tribes" in Pakistan now and ANY elected government is going to hell in a handbasket if they tried that (look at poor Mushareef - all he did was make a "show" of getting tough and now, after dodging over 31 attempts on his life, he's probably going to have to flee his country just to stay alive).
Same with Bhutto (the young son).
The Tribes in Pakistan are all over the damn place and members of tribal areas also live in the urbanized parts of Pakistan - again, no Pakistani government will last for long if they try the Shock and Awe bit in those tribal regions. And frankly, while I think the Paki Army is capable of taking the tribal areas, it will be at a tremendous loss of life - the Paki's lack the ability to effect Shock and Awe.
And frankly, if Bush hadn' screwed up, he'd have listened to the signals Mushareef was sending and bombed the hell out of the NorthWestern frontier provinces, allowing Mushareef to feign "incredulity" that the US would violate soverign Pakistan territory.

re: #171 TalkinKamel

Wanumba
I see Cogs is back, playing his little games again. No matter how long you debate with him, he'll never say anything of substance. Deep down, he really is just a rhetorical whimsicality---when he's not shilling for unpleasant people. I suspect now he's going to tell us all about how much he knows about the Middle East, how he actually talked to terrorists there, and how he really knows just what Afghanistan needs, etc., etc., etc.

Of course!

re: #148 alegrias

* * *
It is the TALIBAN that promotes drug crops over food crops.

Sick bastards. They sure know how to bury the West, by letting us poison ourselves. Who buys this shit? I don't know anyone who does.

if the taliban gets in there again w/ free and unfettered reign it will nothing but poppies and murder.

(and a lot of people buy that shit, sadly)

re: #178 BabbaZee

Huh.

Your point?

I spent a month in Afghanistan....meaning 'unruly land'.....back in '74 when it was under a Marxist government that had just booted out the king. I saw a fist-fight nearly everyday...to say these guys communicate through violence is an understatement. All disagreements were resolved through fighting and hair pulling. There was also a lot of drunkenness and cops extorting money from hippies for possession of hashish..which seemed to be the staple diet anyway. An air of irrationality, corruption, mild hysteria and possible explosive violence predominated. But the Bamiyan Buddhas were cool. Tragic place.

#156 Wanumba

With Cogs, it's always the audience's fault when nobody understands his (snarky) pearls of wit, wisdom and Middle-Eastern knowledge.

/Sarc. off now

Ignore him; the guy's here to play games, stir things up and derail threads.

re: #148 alegrias

Then think about breaking the demand. Though given the popularity of heroin in a lot of places, I don't see how.

re: #179 sattv4u2

please answer my question in the form of a declarative sentence, not an open ended question. If you cannot nor will not offer me that consideration, I must end our discussion, because that tactic is annoying and disingenuous

The question is the answer, Satt.

If you can't answer it, then we know what's up.

I've been in the company of terrorists myself

re: #125 Dianna IF we pay 'em enough they won't have to grow anything on that soil. The only alternative to salting is to use napalm if those farmers take the money and grow poppy's anyway.
And we all know how popular the US would be if it used napalm on those paid for poppy fields.

re: #189 BabbaZee

I've been in the company of terrorists myself

Bravo. I'm sure you bore witness with integrity.

#184 cognito

If you don't get it, we couldn't possibly explain it to you.

(But, BabbaZee, I am kinda curious as to what terrorists cognito hung around with.)

re: #180 Cognito

All right.

They're hardline conservative* countries almost every one.

So do they really need a step to the right?

*you know the drill.

WHO stated they need a STEP TO THE RIGHT? ,,, YOU stated they need a "BIG STEP TO THE LEFT".
Again, please answer WITHOUT the QUESTION mark at the end of a sentence, (and without the condescending * tag at the end, if possible)

re: #141 mjazzguitar

I'm afraid of the non-americans coming here, outnumbering us, and pulling that crap.

MOBY? Your comment makes no sense, especially in light of the comment it was a response to.

re: #150 pingjockey

Look at the LA riots. I agree with the thin veneer assessment. A lot of the asians and hispanic youth here think that gangs are the way of life in America, and it wasn't always like that.

#191 cognito

What terrorists did you company with? Hamas? Hizbollah? Some other group?

re: #129 conservgirl Well actually no - the Germans over there are in the "safest" areas and still refuse to patrol at night.
The Germans have been a major disappointment to NATO commanders since they got there.
Not blaming the German soldiers, but the German government.

re: #165 Cognito

You were sneering at someone's gloom-and-doom generality?

That was just...unwise, condescending, and combative.

why don't we have the poppie growers grow corn for ehtanol?

re: #177 Sharmuta

One of us on a bad day?

re: #171 TalkinKamel

Wanumba

I see Cogs is back, playing his little games again. No matter how long you debate with him, he'll never say anything of substance. Deep down, he really is just a rhetorical whimsicality---when he's not shilling for unpleasant people. I suspect now he's going to tell us all about how much he knows about the Middle East, how he actually talked to terrorists there, and how he really knows just what Afghanistan needs, etc., etc., etc.

ROTFLMAO..........seems you have read some of Cognito's postings......The road to hell is paved with good intentions and Cognito's good intentions are a 16 lane superhighway straight to hell no speed limits and no stoplights...

re: #191 Cognito

Bravo. I'm sure you bore witness with integrity.

I am quoting YOU, Sir Impartiality

BTW

My POINT was made when you made that statement

re: #178 BabbaZee

2) I am -- maybe unfortunately, I guess -- a professing impartial professional witness to events, as you put it, and I've been in the company of terrorists myself. That's the only way to bear 'witness.' If this cameraman was colluding with the terrorists, that's an entirely different story. And in this case it may be the correct story -- I'm just waiting for actual facts to emerge.
~ Cognito

I've been in the company of terrorists myself
I've been in the company of terrorists myself
I've been in the company of terrorists myself
I've been in the company of terrorists myself
I've been in the company of terrorists myself

Uh, oh.

"Stranger in A Strange Land" The "Witnesses" - observers - a professional cadre of people who's job was to testify only exactly what they had seen with their own eyes.

re: #193 sattv4u2

WHO stated they need a STEP TO THE RIGHT? ,,, YOU stated they need a "BIG STEP TO THE LEFT".
Again, please answer WITHOUT the QUESTION mark at the end of a sentence, (and without the condescending * tag at the end, if possible)

I'm saying more liberal ideas...

"Liberal" isn't a dirty word all around the world, guys. In many places it's desperately needed.

... are a prescription for what ails many Muslim countries, in my opinion. If you disagree, so be it.

and I repost your own words here as a public service

Hamid switched security forces a couple of years ago to an all Afghan force. I think it's time he asked for the Seal operators to come back and train them

re: #180 Cognito

*you know the drill.

Get drilled, troll.

re: #198 Dianna

You were sneering at someone's gloom-and-doom generality?

That was just...unwise, condescending, and combative.

Not sneering at all.

Just not agreeing.

re: #151 mjazzguitar Those who make Opium from Poppies, the Saud's and Iran, among others.

For the Click Lazy

996 BabbaZee 4/18/2008 3:47:35 pm PDT

re: #832 Cognito

2) I am -- maybe unfortunately, I guess -- a professing impartial professional witness to events, as you put it, and I've been in the company of terrorists myself.

Maybe unfortunately?
You GUESS?

A Professing IMPARTIAL Professional?
In the COMPANY of terrorists?
Does that make you some sort of secular priest of thughuggery?

Exactly what are you professionally professing here with that statement, Oh Witness to Events and
Impartial Terrorist Companion?

Where is this phantom Maginot LINE OF COLLUSION located within the professionally professing confines of those you impartially "keep company" and "witness events" with ?

Unreal.

here's my point -
He ain't worth arguing with

Mock and scroll

re: #163 pingjockey

They set up increasingly hard obstacle courses and the little shits remembered how to go through the previous part then figured out the new part. Amazing little frackers.

They've been known to go through a whole Rube Goldberg type of stunts to get at the prize.

re: #207 haakondahl

Get drilled, troll.

Troll? Fine.

My favorite from Stephen Crane:

---

"Think as I think," said a man,
"Or you are abominably wicked;
You are a toad."
And after I had thought of it,
I said, "I will then, be a toad."

re: #178 BabbaZee
Well, according to left I was a terrorist for 20 years! And the font of all evil in the world!

re: #189 BabbaZee

I've been in the company of terrorists myself

yawn

re: #196 TalkinKamel

#191 cognito

What terrorists did you company with? Hamas? Hizbollah? Some other group?

Others. That's about it, for that.

re: #201 doriangrey

You get this time slot

LOL
Spin away I gotta go

re: #118 alegrias

* * *
Cognito and his leftists did wring their hands a little when the Taliban blew up Afghanistan's several thousand year old Buddhas in Bamiyan.
.

About 300 people from the surrounding villages were murdered by the Taliban for they were associated with those statutes.
Not a peep about them, just the rocks, which can't be hurt.

re: #212 Cognito

Troll? Fine.

My favorite from Stephen Crane:

---

"Think as I think," said a man,
"Or you are abominably wicked;
You are a toad."
And after I had thought of it,
I said, "I will then, be a toad."

A troll is as Cognito does.......

re: #214 kuffarharbi

yawn

I was quoting someone else

have a lovely nap

re: #214 kuffarharbi

yawn

Yawn indeed.

None of it has any meaning, plucked from its context. And maybe it had none to begin with.

C'est la bloggy vie.

re: #181 realwest

Good points all, realwest.
I was too imprecise in what I said above, meaning that they have the means, but cannot use them without severe damage to the goverment who does use them against the tribes.

Its possible that we in the West have been too influenced by devious constructs of human rights, so forth, by the left, that we simply don't dare to use proper force, once, to get rid of Taliban etc, but let ourselves be dragged into endless 'minimal use' of force, which doesn't achieve anthing in the end, except for more loss of live than one 'shock and awe' would have done.

#201 doriangrey

Heh, heh, heh. . . I'm not sure Cogs has any good intentions.

Instapundit had a link to a very interesting article on what happened when the Taliban tried to take over the Khyber Pass in Pakistan:

Taliban leader sells out

Very encouraging, but you have to look at Asian sources for the story.

re: #204 Cognito

I'm saying more liberal ideas...

... are a prescription for what ails many Muslim countries, in my opinion. If you disagree, so be it.

and my original question was, and still is as it was never answered, beyond what the Afghanis are now doing, what MORE liberla ideas have you in mind?

re: #168 alegrias "No salting the Earth, that's horrible to suggest!"
Why? Seriously, if we can't convince them with money or threats of force, to stop growing poppies, then what's wrong with salting earth that will ONLY be used for growing Poppies?

re: #211 mjazzguitar
Yep. We don't have any here, but about 2 blocks away there is a tree full.

#214 Kuffarharbi

Those aren't Babba's words---those are cognito's from another thread. She's quoting cognito.

re: #224 sattv4u2

I'm saying more liberal ideas...

and my original question was, and still is as it was never answered, beyond what the Afghanis are now doing, what MORE liberla ideas have you in mind?

AND I'M saying that it's got nothing to do with what the Afghanistan government is attempting now. I never said it did. Set that aside. My comment was about Afghani society as it is -- and if you think the government's in control, you're way, way off.

re: #217 wanumba

About 300 people from the surrounding villages were murdered by the Taliban for they were associated with those statutes.
Not a peep about them, just the rocks, which can't be hurt.

iirc, the taliban asshole who orchestrated the destruction of the buddhas was killed a wk later. not sure if he was murdered or accidentally blown up. but it is good to know he is gone.

re: #220 Cognito

Yawn indeed.

None of it has any meaning, plucked from its context. And maybe it had none to begin with.

C'est la bloggy vie.

Aww look Cogs has a little friend

and
Fuck you , Gramscian Hooplebabbler

I posted the link to your entire statement
and mine

You may resume your lying, I am gone now

re: #186 TalkinKamel

#156 Wanumba
With Cogs, it's always the audience's fault when nobody understands his (snarky) pearls of wit, wisdom and Middle-Eastern knowledge.
/Sarc. off now
Ignore him; the guy's here to play games, stir things up and derail threads.

Ah, but in the process of debating, the greater audience reading all this gets a chance to see what he is, plus gets a chance to learn a lot more about what's going on in the world - gaining useful info that isn't being presented in the news or in the schools.

That's not what Cognito wants of course.

re: #195 mjazzguitar

Look at the LA riots. I agree with the thin veneer assessment. A lot of the asians and hispanic youth here think that gangs are the way of life in America, and it wasn't always like that.

That doesn't have much to do with it. Heinlein noted about fifty years ago that no country is more than three days of hunger from bread riots. Your "non-Americans coming here and outnumbering us" notwithstanding.

re: #230 BabbaZee

Aww look Cogs has a little friend

and
Fuck you , Gramscian Hooplebabbler

I posted the link to your entire statement
and mine

You may resume your lying, I am gone now

Ah.

Little something in the corners of your mouth, there, Babba.

Best of luck.

#220 cognito

Uh, if it didn't mean anything, you shouldn't have brought it up in the first place.

Who were the terrorists, and what were the events you impartially witnessed?

re: #187 Dianna

Then think about breaking the demand. Though given the popularity of heroin in a lot of places, I don't see how.

Maybe legalize opium so registered addicts could use it.
The trouble is you don't want to create more addicts, either. They say Washington had an opium pouch. And if you went into a pharmacy and put your money on the counter they automatically gave you opium.

re: #232 haakondahl

That doesn't have much to do with it. Heinlein noted about fifty years ago that no country is more than three days of hunger from bread riots. Your "non-Americans coming here and outnumbering us" notwithstanding.

this is why everyone needs to get their gardens in this spring. the food riots have already started in some counties.

re: #212 Cognito

re: #207 haakondahl

Get drilled, troll.

re: #207 haakondahl

Get drilled, troll.

Troll? Fine.

My favorite from Stephen Crane:

---

"Think as I think," said a man,
"Or you are abominably wicked;
You are a toad."
And after I had thought of it,
I said, "I will then, be a toad."

Get Craned, troll.

#231 wanumba

Me, I'm still wanting to hear about those terrorists he companied with!

(He certainly does---inadvertantly---give out useful info, however!)

re: #234 TalkinKamel

#220 cognito

Uh, if it didn't mean anything, you shouldn't have brought it up in the first place.

Who were the terrorists, and what were the events you impartially witnessed?

Is that paycheck on the way?

When it arrives, I'll start to feel like I owe you something.

Otherwise I think you may have confused things.

re: #227 TalkinKamel

#214 Kuffarharbi

Those aren't Babba's words---those are cognito's from another thread. She's quoting cognito.

got you

re: #222 TalkinKamel

#201 doriangrey

Heh, heh, heh. . . I'm not sure Cogs has any good intentions.

Oh I'm sure that in a typical leftist fashion he does. He just cant see his own hypocrisy, he mocks

re: #212 Cognito

Troll? Fine.

My favorite from Stephen Crane:

---

"Think as I think," said a man,
"Or you are abominably wicked;
You are a toad."
And after I had thought of it,
I said, "I will then, be a toad."

the notion of group think while condemning those who fail to think exactly as he himself does. It's a typical leftist intolerance whilst proclaiming their own superior tolerance.

#230 BabbaZee

Next, cognito's going to say it was just a joke.

Or, maybe he'll try to claim it was a piece of performance art.

Latest news is that the poppy crop production in Afghanistan has been noticeably reduced in output.
Peace dividends.

re: #241 doriangrey

the notion of group think while condemning those who fail to think exactly as he himself does. It's a typical leftist intolerance whilst proclaiming their own superior tolerance.

What?

You have -- apparently -- managed to read that Crane bit in exactly the opposite spirit it intends.

re: #194 haakondahl

MOBY? Your comment makes no sense, especially in light of the comment it was a response to.

I wasn't clear. I meant disrupting the food chain. I'm definitely a moby/

re: #242 TalkinKamel

#230 BabbaZee

Next, cognito's going to say it was just a joke.

Or, maybe he'll try to claim it was a piece of performance art.

It was just a joke.

It was a piece of performance art.

re: #244 Cognito

What?

You have -- apparently -- managed to read that Crane bit in exactly the opposite spirit it intends.

ROTFLMAO..............Sure cog, what ever you say dude......

re: #239 Cognito
If you saw terrorists and saw them committing terrorist acts you are as guilty as them if you didn't get the hell out and notify the proper authorities. I don't give a good goddamn for the indepence of the press where lives are concerned. Right is right and wrong is wrong. No fucking grey area there!

re: #235 mjazzguitar

Maybe legalize opium so registered addicts could use it.
The trouble is you don't want to create more addicts, either. They say Washington had an opium pouch. And if you went into a pharmacy and put your money on the counter they automatically gave you opium.

I see the economic side of this argument, but would you be comfortable, morally, with supporting something like this? I would not.

re: #219 BabbaZee

I was quoting someone else

have a lovely nap

Apologies. Thanks and I will.

re: #248 pingjockey

If you saw terrorists and saw them committing terrorist acts you are as guilty as them if you didn't get the hell out and notify the proper authorities. I don't give a good goddamn for the indepence of the press where lives are concerned. Right is right and wrong is wrong. No fucking grey area there!

You're assuming a WHOLE lot.

re: #28 alegrias

Zayman al Zawahiri, Al Qaeda's number two Egyptian pediatrician pervert, was part of the similar frontal attack on the Presidential Reviewing stand that suceeded in killing Egypt's Anwar Sadat in 1981.

They're going for decapitation of our new allies' leadership, while our Marines are going door to door looking for street thugs.

Guess there will always be some balance to be struck between top-down regime change, and bottom up regime change.

We cannot stop either approach I guess.

I hope Mr. Karzai has some good men and women in his cabinet who could step up to the plate and continue the transformation of Afghanistan from feudal state to democracy, should anything ever happen to him.
Now regarding that BFEgyptian pediatrician...when will we ever get that son of a bitch!

re: #239 Cognito
Would you clarify as to which terrorists of which specific group you were in the company of? And what particular deeds you witnessed?

Your use of "conservative" to describe traditional tribal Afghan society is rather interesting, so it'd be also interesting to find out what groups are on your list of "terrorists."

re: #251 Cognito
Fine, you said you knew some inside info. One shouldn't assume.

re: #233 Cognito

Ah.

Little something in the corners of your mouth, there, Babba.

Best of luck.

I ran this through my super secret Zionist Gramscian Hooplebabble translator and it says:

Translation:

Shit! I got nothing. thinking.... thinking - Quick, do the best defense is a good offense thing, stat! She's pissed and crazy, yea, yea that's the ticket!

We can all read, asshole.

Thank you for playing our game.
Come again soon!

re: #250 kuffarharbi
Good deal.

re: #221 yma o hyd And just to make sure I'm clear on this, I do NOT mean using nuclear weapons, just the same conventional bombs and weapons used when we first kicked out the Taliban and the "defiant" Shiek Omar (anybody hear from him lately?).
And as for the " we simply don't dare to use proper force" construct which you so admirably put down, the fact is, IIRC, that we spent DAYS before we brought hell down on 'em dropping leaflets telling the "civilians" to get the hell out of Tora Bora. If they chose not to do so, then too damn bad.
Taliban and Al-Q have demonstrated, OVER AND OVER AGAIN, that all they respect and fear are Military Power, appropriately applied.

re: #245 mjazzguitar

I wasn't clear. I meant disrupting the food chain. I'm definitely a moby/

Ah. I see.