Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of the village of Malwand today, protesting against NATO night raids in a neighboring village. The protest ended in tragedy when Afghan police opened fire on them, killing ten and wounding at least 14 others.
Provincial officials defended the attack, with the chief of police claiming that the protesters were actually “Taliban infiltrators.” They also claimed the protests weren’t against the night raid, but rather against Pakistan. Both claims were rejected by participants.
Bizarrely, some local officials also claimed that several of the demonstrators were wearing “suicide vests,” though there was no indication that any explosions were reported and everyone killed appears to have died of police gunfire.
“There were no Taliban among the protesters,” Abdul Qayyum, one of the protesters told the AP, adding that the night raids are happening with no apparent reason, with troops forcing their way into homes to search them.
NATO officials shrugged off the news, saying they are “aware” of the complains about night raids and that they will “fully investigate.” The killing of the protesters does not appear to have even warranted an investigation from NATO or the NATO-trained police.
We can see how the Afgan people might protest night raids by U.S troops in their country . The Afgan government is not gaining popularity shooting protesters . Foreign soldiers are always guilty of missconduct , for one thing they are afraid of losing their life if they don't shoot first . Carrying guns is always dangerious sometimes almost as dangerious as not carrying guns in a conflict zone . The big difference is often only who is it the most dangerious too ? them or me . If a soldier is doing his job most of the danger should be on the other side . War just is not a very pleasant buisness for either side becuase force is used .
Our Empire does not find "very pleasant business" the business the conducting brutal imperialism by wars of plunder? Surely the great historian Howard Zinn spoke of you when he wrote,
"If you don't know history,
its as if you were born yesterday."
At home or abroad, by our law enforcement and military, to enforce an unending class war is our only goal. For in all Western nations and in all their colonies the upper half of society hoards and the wealth and power, the 51% most wealthy being the demagogue dictators of society.
Great to know that after ten years plus of US involvement everything is working out just fine.