Bush Aides Defend Handling of Afghanistan

[papau]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-3272444,00.html

Bush Aides Defend Handling of Afghanistan

Thursday October 16, 2003 8:46 PM


By KEN GUGGENHEIM Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Bush administration officials assured lawmakers they were on the right track toward rebuilding Afghanistan despite continued violence, rising drug trafficking and President Hamid Karzai's failure to consolidate power. An increase in attacks linked to Taliban fighters and the refusal of warlords to disarm and relinquish territory won't stop plans to complete a constitution soon and hold elections next year, Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Rodman told the House International Relations Committee.<snip>

Before the House panel and later at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Rodman and Taylor heard criticism that the administration, focused on Iraq, has not given enough attention to Afghanistan, once the main battleground in the fight against terrorism. <snip>

...the administration is trying to step up assistance to Afghanistan...seeking $800 million as part of the $87 billion spending request for Congress that is mostly for Iraq. In addition, it is shifting $390 million in State Department and Pentagon funds to help Afghanistan. This is in addition to the $900 million spent annually in 2002 and 2003 ...money will be used for strengthening security, helping develop the political system and speeding up reconstruction....

[Media_Lies_Daily]

1. I see they're blaming everyone but themselves...

...that's par for the Bushie course.

[tlcandie]

3. They aren't and won't get anywhere with Afghanistan ..

It has been left to the rubble and chaos of the US bombings and invasion.

How they can defend what they have or are doing...well, its just more empty words and broken promises. Meanwhile, Afghanis are starving, have no schools, no homes, nothing except hopelessness much like the Palestinians. :cry:

[progressiverealist]

5. and it will be very cold, very soon.

these poor people... when you're counting on the Bush* administration for food and shelter... well, you're going to be hungry and cold, let's put it that way.

[realFedUp]

2. Articles like this...

with titles like this...
file them under Standard Operating Procedure:
"well, of course they do"

[DinahMoeHum]

4. Beirut 1983, anyone?

Something big is gonna happen. I can feel it.

:evilfrown: