7, December 2014                  Afghanistan

We now learn to our dismay that American jets, bombers and drones will be deployed .to bolster Afghan troops on combat missions. U.S. air-strikes would be used to support Afghan military operations throughout the country. Ghani has reportedly lifted limits on U.S. airstrikes and joint raids that his predecessor Hamid Karzai had banned. This is certain to intensify resentment of US presence and serve as a recruitment aid for the Taliban. With the impending departure of Defense Secretary Hagel, the US generals are once again in charge exerting undue influence in foreign policy decisions. Contrary to Obama’s earlier declaration of no combat troops in the Middle East, General. Dempsey has upended his boss declaring a possible combat role to fight ISIS. Since President Ashraf Ghani’s inauguration there have been about 41 street-side bombing attacks across the country and 24 of those in Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani is caught in the same military madness as the U.S.-NATO coalition. Meanwhile the suffering of Afghans continues. Local labor organizations put the unemployment figure as high as 80%. A vast majority of the people are suffering from severe malnutrion and a feeling of utter despair. More and more Afghans are ending their lives through self-immolation and administering poison - so bleak and hopeless is their future. Let’s replace bullets with acts of kindness and a massive infusion of resources to improve the lives of ordinary Afghans. This would be a winning strategy – far more effective then more bombs and night raids.