Pakistan and Afghan Taliban Close Ranks
By CARLOTTA GALL
Published: March 26, 2009
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — After agreeing to bury their differences and unite forces, Taliban leaders based in Pakistan have closed ranks with their Afghan comrades to ready a new offensive in Afghanistan as the United States prepares to send 17,000 more troops there this year.
In interviews, several Taliban fighters based in the border region said preparations for the anticipated influx of American troops were already being made. A number of new, younger commanders have been preparing to step up a campaign of roadside bombings and suicide attacks to greet the Americans, the fighters said.
The refortified alliance was forged after the reclusive Afghan Taliban leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar, sent emissaries to persuade Pakistani Taliban leaders to join forces and turn their attention to Afghanistan, Pakistani officials and Taliban members said.
The overture by Mullah Omar is an indication that with the prospect of an American buildup, the Taliban feel the need to strengthen their own forces in Afghanistan and to redirect their Pakistani allies toward blunting the new American push.
Rest here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/world/asia/27taliban.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
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Thanx to the prior Administration who turned the "eye of Mordor" away from Afganistan toward Iraq; allowing the Taliban to regroup and become stronger. Now our troops will be walking into a hornet's nest. Sigh!
To borrow a line from the movie "Aliens"
"I say we take off and nuke the whole site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure"
Too bad innocent civilians would be blown away in such a blast.
By CARLOTTA GALL
Published: March 26, 2009
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — After agreeing to bury their differences and unite forces, Taliban leaders based in Pakistan have closed ranks with their Afghan comrades to ready a new offensive in Afghanistan as the United States prepares to send 17,000 more troops there this year.
In interviews, several Taliban fighters based in the border region said preparations for the anticipated influx of American troops were already being made. A number of new, younger commanders have been preparing to step up a campaign of roadside bombings and suicide attacks to greet the Americans, the fighters said.
The refortified alliance was forged after the reclusive Afghan Taliban leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar, sent emissaries to persuade Pakistani Taliban leaders to join forces and turn their attention to Afghanistan, Pakistani officials and Taliban members said.
The overture by Mullah Omar is an indication that with the prospect of an American buildup, the Taliban feel the need to strengthen their own forces in Afghanistan and to redirect their Pakistani allies toward blunting the new American push.
Rest here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/world/asia/27taliban.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
----------------
Thanx to the prior Administration who turned the "eye of Mordor" away from Afganistan toward Iraq; allowing the Taliban to regroup and become stronger. Now our troops will be walking into a hornet's nest. Sigh!
To borrow a line from the movie "Aliens"
"I say we take off and nuke the whole site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure"
Too bad innocent civilians would be blown away in such a blast.
