Speaking today in London, Defense Secretary James Mattis said the US has “concern” about Russian activity “vis-a-vis the Taliban,” saying that he isn’t sure “what they’re up to,” but that’s of concern because the US has objected to other Russian activities elsewhere.
This is something other Pentagon officials have also played up in recent days, though Mattis’ allegations are well short of Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti’s claims of Russia providing supplies to the Taliban, and Mattis conceded that he wasn’t sure at this point if it involved “that sort of thing.”
Russia has confirmed making come contact with the Taliban and other factions in Afghanistan in recent months, in an effort to broker peace talks, and to try to put together a broad anti-ISIS coalition as ISIS presence in the country increases. They have denied sending them any provisions, however.
It would be unlikely for Russia to provide equipment to the Taliban too, as they’ve backed the US and NATO occupation since 2001, and fought against materially the same insurgency during the failed Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1970s and 1980s. Still, the fact that it’s Russia has Pentagon officials expecting the worst, likely in part because hinting at the worst is a good way to sell increased military involvement.
Well it would seem however unfortunate, that the Taliban is the legitimate government of Afghanistan. The present regime is utterly corrupt and incapable, kept alive by American blood and treasure. It would be sensible for the Russians to be preparing for the end-game where we finally get tired and leave, the regime hops on their jets to be with their money, and the Taliban is once again in charge. The Taliban had its faults but it wasn’t corrupt, and didn’t have ambitions outside the country, a far better choice than ISIS.
Doesn’t know what Russia’s up to? Gee wiz where is the US intelligence on this? I wouldn’t worry much since the USA is unaware of what IT’S UP TO in the world it seems! At least Russia isn’t bombing funerals and weddings and corrupting an already corrupt government! And if there is a heroin problem in Russia then Afghanistan is a good place to start looking where that smack came from!
Someone should ask Mattis whether he has heard any Russian concern about the CIA’s massive drug farming/production laboratory being run out of Afghanistan.
http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/09/11/post-911-afghanistan-opium-cultivation-production-increases-nearly-20-fold/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-469983/Britain-protecting-biggest-heroin-crop-time.html
http://www.newsbud.com/2017/03/06/drug-boss-escobar-worked-for-the-cia/
http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/11/07/the-cia-and-drugs-inc-a-covert-history/
http://www.cvltnation.com/how-c-i-a-brought-tons-of-heroin-to-usa-the-french-connection-documentary/
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/03/opinion/03iht-edlarry.html
These are your typical neocon empire building reflexes. They feel that nobody is
allowed to talk to anybody without their permission. Nothing is allowed to be done unless they say what to do AND how to do it. And while global empire building neocons will never say that we are interested in taking anybody’s lands, this is exactly what it amounts to. Being present militarily, having control of governments, and objecting to the occupied country establishing any unauthorized relationship with others — is a sign of wanting to plant US flag in the conquered land.
But the announced intention of never leaving, is starting to have consequences. No matter what is wrong and whether it is occupier’s fault — population is angry at occuping forces. And they want their own land back, warts and all. Since government cannot do much without being penalized instantly — it is clear that the Afghan tribes are looking for avenues to establish peace amongst themselves. The occupiers’ game of playing one against another has become stale. Every time a deal is cut using American mediators — it would fall apart due to the occupier’s agenda.
The initiative by the tribes (they are not Taliban, which literally means “students” that invaded Afghanistan from Pakistan. They long ago blended into the tribes, with more presence on Pakistan borders).
This is the REAL reason for nervousness. India and Pakistan joined Shanghai Cooperation organization as full voting members last year. In Afghanistan, China, Iran, Tadjikistan all made progress with both the Government and various northern tribes. Pakistan has full control over its tribal areas on the border, and former Taliban. India has a large influence among millions of refugees. The region is coming together to propose a peace settlement — sweatened by the development money from Silk Road funds and already in progress Pakistan-China economic corridor. For landlocked Afghanistan — there is an offer if access to Chinese built port Gwadhar in Pakistan.
With a coordinated regional position — it will be easier to talk withdrawal of foreign troups. With Afghanistan being now for over five years an observer in SOC, there was a platform for the coordination away from the public circus, and a way to privately and securely exchange views and positions. The gathering announced recently is not a beggining of the process but a sign of a more mature stage.
A stage at which a conversation with US is a must.
Funny, they say the same thing about us!