Photo: A Taliban fighter's camouflage vest bulges with a bayonet and banana clips of ammunition for his AK-47. Paul Watson / Los Angeles TimesFrom The L.A. Times:
A Times writer joins Taliban fighters in an especially dangerous part of Afghanistan. The men appear to have no fear of troops, and prove to be gracious hosts.
Reporting from Ghazni, Afghanistan -- The main highway is "enemy territory" for the Taliban, a busy two-lane road where U.S. troops race down the middle, trying to steer clear of suicide bombers. The guerrillas drive it like they own it.
Grinning with contempt at a convoy of Polish troops trying to plow its way through traffic the other day, three Taliban fighters with guns and long knives concealed under their heavy woolen cloaks calmly eased into the other lane and beat the jam.
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My Comment: Reading this piece reminds me of the many news articles that I read about Iraq 2 years ago. War is fluid. The enemy may think they have the advantage now, but this can quickly change.
The Taliban support in Afghanistan is weak. Their anti-education agenda, coupled with their strict rule for everyone to follow Islamic code is not popular. They control the situation because they have the guns, and are not afraid to intimidate the local population. Their fighters are mainly paid from the proceeds of drugs, or from outsiders. This is not a dedicated fighting force.
Take their drug money away, and cut off their support structures from Pakistan .... this can change everything very quickly.
Their the Taliban) advantage lies in the Afghan Government, and the corruption that it sows. If this can be limited just a bit .... anything will then be possible.