Speaking today on CNN’s State of the Union, US Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker warned against making any policy changes regarding the occupation of Afghanistan, saying that the massive unrest and anti-US protests meant this is “not the time to decide” on policy.
Instead, Crocker insisted, the US should simply wait the Afghans out. “I think we need to let things calm down, return to a more normal atmosphere, and then get on with business,” Crocker added.
The protests have grown in intensity since Monday, when the US military was caught burning copies of the Quran at the Bagram Air Base. Many of the protests have turned violent, and a number of Afghans, as well as two US soldiers, have been killed.
So far indications are that the Obama Administration is following this policy of waiting for the occupation to get back to normal. Other than an offering of an extremely tepid apology, which administration officials insist was made only after intense debate, no real change has been made. Crocker insisted that the Quran burnings are “under investigation,” though exactly why is unclear, since military officials have already conceded that it took place.
What part of "YANKEE GO HOME" does Ryan Crocker and the rest of the U.S. administration not understand?
Robert, very well said. The problem is US administration will not leave on its own, they want to be kicked out by Afghans, just like Vienamese kick them out.
"…let things calm down, return to a more normal atmosphere, and then get on with business,”…
OK, I'm game…WTF is "normal" and just what is the "business" because looking back over the past 10 years of reports, the only "normal" I see is American (NATO) forces allowing the Taliban to re-establish a foothold in the country thus basically repealing all the "gains" that had been made in the first 24 months or so. And…killing non-combatants, especially children, at will and from 10,000 miles away – like that protects them from blood on the hands… So, what's normal for you Crocker?
As for "business", just what is it we're supposed to be doing there because there really doesn't seem to be a consistent and reachable goal that has been clearly stated by anyone in the government or the military.
Despite Crocker's protestations, it has been reported that HE has pulled all his high-ranking offcial implants from Afghan ministries. Wouldn't want any "normal" to require sending them home in a box. Stupid people. They don't want us there – no matter how much some people want to stay. It's a losing proposition.
The NYT had an interesting article today which all but explained the reason for this incident. When in doubt, manufacture an incident, provoke a reaction and, then, sneak in your agenda item in response. Mission accomplished!
"Afghan Uproar Casts Shadows on U.S Pullout"
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/27/world/asia/burn…
Or in less complicated terms: the US has no intention of pulling out but are under pressure to do so. They manufacture an incident (the burning of the Quran) knowing that there will be a backlash which they immediately seize and use as the excuse not to pull out. Gotta admit, it's a brilliant strategy and the sheep eat it as if it were candy.
The US – EU militarism regime is having a good time in Afghanistan, so why they need to go anywhere. In the other hand there is no Syria, nor Iran or Pakistan that they can move the army to. I think he is right they should stay there until they are totally defeated, I mean like in Iraq and then with their tails between their legs and then move out.