Karzai To NATO: “Afghan Life Not Cheap”

After 90 Civilian Deaths In 10 Days, Afghan President Karzai Demands That NATO “Do Better”

(AP)  President Hamid Karzai accused NATO and U.S.-led troops Saturday of carelessly killing scores of Afghan civilians and warned that the fight against resurgent Taliban militants could fail unless foreign forces show more restraint.

“Afghan life is not cheap and it should not be treated as such,” Karzai said in an angry rebuke that drew a contrite acknowledgment from NATO that it must “do better.”

In the past 10 days, more than 90 civilians have been killed by air strikes and artillery fire targeting Taliban insurgents, Karzai said. The mounting toll is sapping the authority of the Western-backed Afghan president, who has pleaded repeatedly with U.S. and NATO commanders to consult Afghan authorities during operations and show more restraint.

“Several times in the last year, the Afghan government tried to prevent civilian casualties, but our innocent people are becoming victims of careless operations of NATO and international forces,” Karzai said at a news conference in his Kabul palace.

The casualties listed by Karzai bring the number of civilians killed in NATO or U.S.-led military operations this year to 211, according to an Associated Press tally of figures provided by Afghan and foreign officials and witnesses.

That tops the 172 civilians killed in militant attacks.

“If NATO forces want to be successful in their fight against terrorism and in bringing security to Afghanistan, they should coordinate with the Afghan government, no matter if the operation is small or big,” Karzai said in a mixture of English and his native Pashto.

NATO's International Security Assistance Force responded contritely.

“President Karzai has a right to be disappointed and angry over the scale of civilian casualties in the last few days,” ISAF spokesman Nick Lunt said. “We need to do better than we have been doing so far.”

Foreign commanders insist they take great care to avoid civilian deaths while trying to beat back the Taliban so that Karzai's frail government can deliver services to the impoverished south and east.

Both U.S. and NATO forces, however, rely heavily on devastating air power. That helps minimize foreign troop casualties while inflicting heavy losses on militants — but also regularly harms innocents.

[prowest210]

GO NATO, USA! Pakistan should allow NATO forces to enter their country and shut down the terrorist training camps once and for all-or they'll keep doing this over years.

[feelfree1]

Re: "NATO and U.S.-led coalition forces killed about 60 insurgents along the border with Pakistan"

Yet another wedding party that we don't have to worry about. Way to go, NATO!

What do you know? An entire article about Afghanistan, and not one single mention of 'al Qaeda'. I guess that they have all slipped into Iraq, if we are to 'believe' the unsupported hype and poopaganda of CBS Newz!!!

[emtak1]

job well done. thanks for the victory. A small one, but any is good.

[j-whitman]

prowest210,,, It would be even nicer if Bush actually put real support behind NATO, But then again he was the go it aloneer "Who needs NATO or The UN ???" --- As it is Bush has only sent what NATO Commmanders have been asking for for over a year now.

[brianbwb-2009]

Poor prowest, emtak1, and other suckers.

You still think this is a real war, while your tax dollars are being embezzled by Bushit in front of your own eyes.

You still think that legitimate resistance to illegal occupation is "terrorism", I hope you still think so when the US neocon fascist army comes to your neighborhood, and kills your loved ones in order to take your home for free.

[barbaraf4]

"AP) On Saturday, Afghan President Hamid Karzai accused NATO and U.S.-led forces of mounting %u201Ccareless operations%u201D that killed more than 90 civilians in the last 10 days."

Glad to see Karzai has finally grown a pair. Too bad he didn't stand up to Sadam as eloquently. Let's bring our troops home and let him fight his own *** war!

[mediabrat60]

Geez, is there anyone with any intelligence in here who knows whats going on?!

[samrensho]

Let these turkeys bail their own country and get our troops home. That patch of dirt is not worth even one US life. Getting out will also remove one opportunity for the Bushies to continue fleecing the taxpayer.

[prowest210]

Funny how CBS changed the title of the story from NATO killing 60 insurgents to yet again decrying 'civilian casualties'. Clearly they have a leftist agenda to try to get us to surrender to our enemies. That is the basic outcome when you create such propaganda.

This is a real war-everyone knows that 9/11 was planned and orchestrated in Afghanistan. Recasting reports like this are not just unpatriotic but paint an image that what we're doing there is worthless, when in fact we freed the country from terrorist rule. The Taliban are as bad as it gets to sub-human lifeforms.

Shame on you CBS for pushing a defeatist agenda when we're fighting a war for the survival of freedom and democracy everywhere, including our own (while our enemies are carrying out a global jihad). Muslims attacked us and we retaliated. Don't imagine for a second that by leaving we're 'ending the war against Islam.' Quite the opposite, the Taliban will take over again undo all the hard work and and re-emboldened cause more 9/11's.

[prowest210]

[You still think that legitimate resistance to illegal occupation is "terrorism"]Posted by brianbwb

If you were actually living in a fascist state (like Islamic countries), you'd be arrested, tortured, killed for speaking out against it. Be thankful you're in America where you can speak your mind freely without such worry.


[It would be even nicer if Bush actually put real support behind NATO,]Posted by j-whitman

What do you mean? Most of the soldiers in Afghanistan are American. NATO and the West need to get its act together no doubt. People are still learning about our enemy-it'll be the '2 steps forward, 1 step back' scenario, but I do get the sense that people (at least at the higher levels) are starting to understand the true nature of our enemy.

It'll probably take a few more large-scale terror attacks till people are left with no doubts about muslim intentions, but I know we'll get there. In the meantime, it'd be good if the muslim keep reminding us that they wish death to: the Queen, the Pope, Israel, UK, Denmark, USA, etc.

[ioweign]

Glad to see Karzai has finally grown a pair. Too bad he didn't stand up to Sadam as eloquently. Let's bring our troops home and let him fight his own *** war!
Posted by barbaraf4 at 08:38 AM : Jun 23, 2007

Karzai is President of Afghanistan - Saddam was dictator of Iraq.

[smirk5]

In all reality, Karzai is essentially the mayor of Kabul. He has no influence in Afghanistan as a whole. Afghanistan is still a tribal country.

[charlesdjohn]

The locals ignore the presence of the insurgents.

They are mixed in with insurgents during a battle.

They get killed.

Karzai complains about the US and NATO killing non-combatants.

Wonder if he counted how many locals were killed by friendly fire from the insurgents.

Wonder if he ever complained to the insurgents about killing the locals.

Wonder if he even cares.

Muslims won't be happy till everyone else is dead and they are all that's left!

Maybe we should just give em what they want and then they will leave us alone.....

[j-whitman]

prowest210,,, NATO in Afaganistan is a real coalition of foreign militaries, there are several represented in Afaganistan,,,

Where as, in Iraq more countries are represented by private security (mercinaries) than actual military troops.

[charlesdjohn]

Karzai dosen't have any real authority! The media gives him his authority!

[j-whitman]

prowest210,,, A defeatist agenda is what Bush has had in Iraq for the last 4 going on 5 years,,,

Ignored vital intellegence from the beginning
Lack of support from Iraq people
No plan for any victory,
No inforcement or goals for the Iraq leadership,
Poor & ineficient training for the Iraq military or police...
Not enough American troops, & lack of proper equipment.

[hungry1968]

singinrick

What is "Blackwater Security"?

Hint: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwater_Security

[j-whitman]

Singinrick,,, How soon you forgot all the times Karzai had photo ops with Bush in the White House & Bush's praise of the power & control he had in Afaganistan.. ----- Trying to rewrite history before it is written singinrick ?????

[charlesdjohn]

Islam grows undetected like cancer. It slowly spreads to all parts of the world. Eventually it is detected and then it has to be dealt with. If it is not dealt with, it will kill you. The only effective way to kill cancer is with radiation!

Fix for Islam! Bring all the boys and girls home, every last one. Give those malignant islamic scum time to return home and start to organize. Deport as many as possible. Once you have it all localized, then nuke em! Distroy them all. Distroy all traces of their religion and existence. Don't leave a single trace because if you do like all cancers they will start to grow and multiply

[j-whitman]

CharlesDJohn,,,, Istn't that a bit anti-sematic ?? That's what Hitler said of the Jews.

[hungry1968]

j is one of the biggest defeatest and whining liberals on these boards.
He is proving it with his posts.
Posted by singinrick at 11:12 AM : Jun 23, 2007

So anyone that is opposed to the needless death and destruction of American soldiers is a "defeatist liberal"? Count me in.

You war creating, death loving, sado-***, neo-cons might like to see American soldiers getting killed everyday, but real Americans don't and stand opposed to Bush. That's why his disapproval rating is at 78% - more and more American people are seeing the light. Take your blinders off...

[j-whitman]

singinrick,,, Sign up for active duty, you're still young enough. Our military could use another 1.6 million more volunteers.... Iraq could easily use another 300,000 & and additional 50,000 to secure Baghdad on top of what they have. ---
-- But since you only marginally support our troops, you probably never noticed.

[charlesdjohn]

J that last post was about as deep as a mud puddle!

Let's compare:
Muslim religion clearly dictates that all non-muslims be either put to death or converted!

I don't think the Jews believe this in any sense of the word.

So, J, which will it be for you? Conversion or death? Death might be painful so I will be betting on your conversion. Best get you a good rug and start facing Mecca.....

[hungry1968]

Fix for Islam! Bring all the boys and girls home, every last one. Give those malignant islamic scum time to return home and start to organize. Deport as many as possible. Once you have it all localized, then nuke em! Distroy them all. Distroy all traces of their religion and existence. Don't leave a single trace because if you do like all cancers they will start to grow and multiply
Posted by CharlesDJohn at 11:09 AM : Jun 23, 2007

Typical Christian conservative post. Unfortunately, the popes have been sending people on crusades to kill the Islamic people since the 8th century, and they're still around. Way to keep up the hatred and bigotry towards entire group(s) of people, because they're different than you. What's next - ***? African Americans?

[j-whitman]

singinrick,,,,, I whine because we have a President who is more corrupt than Saddam Hussain.
From his 1st day as Governor of Texas he screwed ssmall famers & ranchers for his corporate & developer buddies, caused the biggest drop out rate in Texas history for high school students. --- Rick, you should know this since you live in Texas.... But you only marginally support your state.

[charlesdjohn]

J,

I forgot one very important point! Anti-Semitism is defined by Webster to mean - hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group. Therefore, I can state with a great deal of confidence that your remarks describing me as being possibly anti-semitic are way off the mark.

I am really not anti-anybody! But when anybody's religion dictates that I, my family, my religion, my country and every thing I believe in must die because I do not see things they way they do, well, then their religion only leaves me with one choice! They must die!

[j-whitman]

CharlesDJohn,,, No thanks, all religions are based on myth & all use God's name to cause atrosities...... Look at the history of Christianity, They couldn't live under Jewish laws (Jesus was a Jew), or the laws from the church in Rome,,, No Profit or bling ----

Middle age Christianity brought people like Christian defenders such as Draucula, public torture of citizens & burning alive of those who refused the English Church,, It get's real bad dude.

[charlesdjohn]

Hungry,

Did you see anything in my post about "African Americans"? The last A**hole that accused me of being racist toward blacks got his but chewed by one of my many many black friends! I say what I mean! And if you ain't (note the use of contractions) included then don't include yourself!

[j-whitman]

CharlesDJohn -- Let's not argue dictionary, ok...
Anti-sematism common usage was with associating the term with the nazi's ----- It is actally ridiculing & discrimination of one religion, race or culture over another.

[charlesdjohn]

J,

Sounds like you got your head buried in the sand and are trying to argue a point, which it is quite obvious, that you clearly do not understand!

Get yourself a copy of the Quran and read it! Then come back and explain to me how you fell.....

You say that you choose not to participate in a religious war! Well they ain't gonna give you a choice! The way they see it: you convert or you die!

[charlesdjohn]

J,

I am not arguing dictionary. I was merely using the dictionary to point out that your personal attack was simply the recourse of a weak and uneducated mind!

[j-whitman]

Charles,,, Come on man, you don't seriously believe that do you ???
, Out of curiosity I did read the Koran as well as the Tora, my early years was Bible school etc..... Quite frankly Charles, God wrote none of them. They where written by the politicians & priests for the conditions at that time. ----- Not For Me, Thanks Anyway

[j-whitman]

Charles,,,, Come on now, Convert or die ????? LOL --- Just like Christians, "Convert or burn in Hell" ----------- It don't scare me

[charlesdjohn]

So then, why are you disputing my interpertation of that which the Quran clearly says about all non-muslim religions! Do you really believe that the muslims want to live in peace with the rest of the world? Do you believe they want to live in the sands of the middle east once the oil runs out in 25 or 30 years and there is nothing left to support their way of life? Do you think their women enjoy living in virtual slavery where their father is told he has the right to murder his daughter because she embarrassed the family name? Where men believe they have the right and the duty to rape women of other religions!

Perhaps I have it all wrong!

Therefore, I implore you to educate me!

[j-whitman]

Charles,,, My personal attack ???? You narrow mindly limit the term of anti-sematism to your own specific ideaology.... It has a much broader usage, to include the discrimination of any religion, race or culture.

[charlesdjohn]

Burning in hell implies a choice during life and for non-believers this should have no impact on your freedom or how you live your life since it happens after death.

Islam's mandated death for non-conformity cuts short ones life! It has a definite impact on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

[j-whitman]

Charles,,, You really nee to go outside & meet people... Try hanging out at your local 7/11 or Toweer Mart, or a restruant,,
, You will find out they probably are Muslem & don't necessarily want to kill you or rape your wife or eat your children.

[charlesdjohn]

I live near and work with people of the Muslim religion! They wear T-shirts that compel me to visit their web-site and learn about "Good Islam". I have discussed their religious beliefs with them many times. They all fess up to what the Quran actually says and all of the moderates say that they simply ignore parts of their religion in order to get along in the world. Which in the eyes of Islam makes them far worse than the non-believers because they are traitors to their religion and the penalty for their treason must be death.....

[j-whitman]

Charles,, You are a bit Looney Tunes over this issue aren't you ???? It closes off your brain & leaves no room for reality or accuracy..... Solve the problem instead of being part of it.

[charlesdjohn]

J,

I have greatly enjoyed the active dialog between us and therefore I am sad to say that I must now leave and do some work. I will bring up our conversation with my Muslim co-workers next week and see what their opinion is on your comments....

Thanks and have a wonderful day!

[j-whitman]

Charles,,, Muslim anger towards the west isn't because of your Christianity or even Judism -- It's against the totally unequal & unchecked support for Isreal from 1947 on.... It's over the politics & not religions so much.

[charlesdjohn]

Passionate is a better word!

Good day!

[j-whitman]

Charles, you have a good day also.

[middleman8]

samrensho "that patch of dirt is not worth even one US life"

The other side of the "patch of dirt" is all the invadeing US troops are not worth one Iraqie child.

[prowest210]

j-whitman is a muslim, what's the tell?

The part of the brain that normal, healthy humans have which make them critical of crazy cults has been lobotimized in muslim brains.

Muslims are absolutely incapable of self-criticism or seeing the horrendous fault in their own belief system. If you look through the entire thread here, j-whitman not once criticized Islam but couldn't shut up about Jews and Americans.

CharlesDJohn, you're quite right-I've read the history on the spread of Islam-the only times countries were able to defeat them was when they wiped them out completely, such as in Spain, France in the past-same with places in India.

I'd be nice if 'we could all just get along', but as you very well described, Islam cannot tolerate any other religion, culture or ideology and this makes it grave danger to all non-muslims.

[prowest210]

And good points singrick

[feelfree1]

The Bush regime is responsible for the pointless slaughter of more than 400 U.S. soldiers in Afghanistn.

Who knows how many Afghans that the regime has managed to slaughter and torture by now?

Poppy/opium production has been returned from negligable, under Taliban rule, back to a bumper crop, constituting the majortiy of the world's supply.

Warlords and druglords have been placed into power, along with former Unocal executive Hamis Karzai, ensuring pipeline construction and profitable resource extraction for the multinational oil pirates.

Mission Accomplished!!!

Time for our troops to come home!

[feelfree1]

The only question that remains about the Bush regime's 'Operation Enduring Freedom' is: How much more Bush-style freedom can the people of Afghanistan endure?

[j-whitman]

prowest210,,, I'm back now so talk to my face brave one.... No I'm not Muslem, I'm not the least bit religious...... You people always use religion & God to cause catastrophe's.

[j-whitman]

prowest210,,,, Let's see now, During the trips & photo ops Karzai made to the White House & how much Bush boasted what a great leader of Afaganistan he was --- You where praising Bush & Karzai

We said he was nothing but an ineffective mayor of Kabul & an Opium dealer & you called us Un-American & Un-Patriotic. ---- So who are you praising this week ?????