As more Afghan civilians die, so does trust of U.S. forces

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-afghan-civilians_barkerfeb18,0,3871580.story

Backlash brews, threatening to undermine U.S. mission in Afghanistan

By Kim Barker | Tribune correspondent

February 18, 2009

OUTSIDE MEHTARLAM, Afghanistan — Ghazi Gul keeps the pictures of the dead in a pocket near his heart— his father, two brothers, a cousin, a nephew.

Gul works for the Afghan intelligence service, fighting militants on behalf of the U.S.-backed government. But now he blames the U.S. for the deaths of eight of his relatives, including his mother and two nieces—and he wants revenge.

"I will continue to serve my government," said Gul, 25, who moved to a refugee camp near the provincial capital of Mehtarlam after an American raid on his village at the end of January. "But if we talk about the Americans, they are my enemies. And if I can, I will hurt them."

[KG]

1. nothing good will come from escalating in afghanistan

[pleah]

2. More troops for Afghnistan means even more civilian deaths,

equals more hatred for Americans. Way to win those hearts and minds.:sarcasm:

[datasuspect]

3. war didn't work then

it doesn't work now.

well, it keeps cash flow going for our owners and helps to decimate a generation of the underclass. i guess it works for our owners.