Supply Cut Leaves NATO Trucks Stranded in Pakistan
Southern Supply Route Severed After NATO Attacks Along Border
Responding to the overnight attack by NATO warplanes on Friday, Pakistan has cut off all NATO supply routes through its country, effectively blocking about half of the supplies brought into Afghanistan for the massive occupation force.
The move has left NATO supply trucks stranded, and fearing attacks from the assorted militant factions in the nation. Though some are downplaying the seriousness of the matter, the northern supply route through Russia is far more expensive, and Russia has restricted the types of supplies that can be brought through it.
And indeed, the northern supply route isn’t operating without a hitch either, as an explosion earlier this month closed the Uzbekistan border crossing. The efforts to make the northern routes more accessible in case Pakistan was cut off may have made some progress, but they are by no means a replacement for a sea route through Karachi.
The US is loudly pressing Pakistan to end the border closure, but the Pakistani government doesn’t seem to be in a position to do that, with anger over the Friday attack still boiling over and NATO shrugging off the killings.
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cey
November 28th, 2011 at 2:10 am
I find it amazing that some Republications want to put the squeeze on Russia over their dispute with Georgia and still expect Russia to help the US with a northern supply route throught Russia to help supply the NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Ike Hall
November 28th, 2011 at 9:23 am
Oh, sure. The Empire has always wanted it both ways. Other nations are finally starting to figure out they don't have to cooperate.
duglarri
November 28th, 2011 at 9:28 am
Jason, you should put up a headline the MSM wouldn't dare to touch- but that is true: "100,000 American troops surrounded and cut off in Afghanistan". That's what's really happening here. The question is not any longer whether or not to leave: the question is whether the Pentagon can get them out.
Or, how long can 100,000 troops hold out without ammunition, fuel… or water?
Stalingrad, anyone?
Andron
November 28th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
If only the Pakistani's can stick to their guns and refuse to let supplies through – The mighty US will be forced to bow cap in hand and BEG to save their troops in Afghanistan.
C'mon World it is time to stop the murderous Empire.
Burn the trucks waiting to cross
Roger Lafontaine
November 28th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
They better not let those convoys through if they (Pakistani politicians) know what's good for them. The people are very, very angry and they won't put up with anymore of this. The Obama 'diplomacy' has worn out its welcome in Asia.