MEETING ON THE MOVE - U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, third from left, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, meets with members of the Afghan National Army in the Bala Murghab valley of western Afghanistan, Aug 2, 2010. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bradley LailAfghanistan: In Marjah, A Cautionary Tale -- Global Post
For Afgans living in Marjah, the only fight is the one to stay alive.
MARJAH, Helmand — The American soldier standing guard at the main intersection in Marjah looked hot and tired. Sweat and dust covered his face and uniform as he sought shelter from the burning sun under a tree. Even his nametag was obscured by the dirt.
As an Afghan reporter approached, the soldier stiffened visibly. But when shown the journalist’s identification, he relaxed and even smiled a bit.
“We have lost our credibility here,” he said, explaining his initial hostility. “Even small children to whom I offer candy are Taliban spies. We have to be suspicious.”
The soldier would not say any more, or even give his name.
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My Comment: Another in a long line of observations and reports that foreigners (i.e. us) are not welcomed in the Taliban strongholds of Afghanistan, and that any hope of bringing stability and authority should be quickly discounted.