Afghan Leader Rejects Apology for Boys’ Deaths

[steve2470]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/07/world/asia/07afghanistan.html?_r=1&hp

By ALISSA J. RUBIN
Published: March 6, 2011

KABUL, Afghanistan — The American commander in Afghanistan apologized in person to the leadership of the Afghan government on Sunday for the mistaken killing of nine Afghan children in Kunar Province on Tuesday, but the Afghan president rejected the apology, according to a statement from the president’s spokesman.

Gen. David H. Petraeus attended the Afghan National Security Council meeting held Sunday. He explained that the shooting of the boys, who were 9 to 15 years old, was a mistake and apologized to the Afghan people.

In response, President Hamid Karzai said that the apology was insufficient. Civilian casualties worsen the relationship between Afghanistan and the United States, he said, according to the statement.

“The people of Afghanistan are tired of these incidents and excuses, and condemnations cannot relieve their pain,” Mr. Karzai said. “I am asking you on behalf of the people of Afghanistan that there be no repetition of this incident.”

[Journeyman]

1. Rather difficult for us to boast how accurate our weaponry is, then apologize when it goes awry. . .

[NillaWafers]

2. A terrible action. And yet another turn in the poisonous relationship between the U.S. and

the country we continue to occupy.

GET OUT NOW!

[Wilms]

3. Sad. n/t