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US Will Finance Afghan Militias

Local security strategy echoes Iraq counterinsurgency strategy

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2008 11:51 AM CST

(Newser) – The US will begin funding local militias throughout Afghanistan, an effort to re-create the successful counterinsurgency strategy in Iraq, the Wall Street Journal reports. “Afghanistan historically has been known as a country where local communities took care of themselves,” explained the US ambassador. “The way to counter the Taliban today is to make the communities stronger.”

The move is controversial. Canada’s defense minister called it “counterproductive,” and Afghan President Hamid Karzai vetoed a similar earlier proposal, fearing the militias would fall under local warlords’ control. In a shift from backing Karzai’s beleaguered central government, the US will pay, but not arm, established outfits. “The honest truth,” said one official, “is that these guys don't need us to give them guns.”

Afghan militiamen help police to fight against Taliban in the remote village.
Afghan militiamen help police to fight against Taliban in the remote village.   (AP Photo)
Members of the local tribal militia keep position on a check-post at a troubled area in the outskirt of Wana, the main town of Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal region, March 26, 2007.
Members of the local tribal militia keep position on a check-post at a troubled area in the outskirt of Wana, the main town of Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal region, March 26, 2007.   (AP Photo/Ishtiaq Mahsud)
An Afghan man looks on as a British soldier patrols Sangin, in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 23, 2007.
An Afghan man looks on as a British soldier patrols Sangin, in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 23, 2007.   (AP Photo)
An Afghan militia guards the village of Chenar Tu in Afghanista's Oruzgan province. Militias help police to fight against Taliban in the remote village.
An Afghan militia guards the village of Chenar Tu in Afghanista's Oruzgan province. Militias help police to fight against Taliban in the remote village.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Shannonals
Dec 27, 2008 3:50 AM CST
Why is this news? Everyone knows the US has been supporting militias in Afghanistan for years
John
Dec 23, 2008 12:47 AM CST
I thought that Charlie Wilson already did that.

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