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US Backs Afghan Militias Against Taliban

Supporting local resistance, as in Iraq, is a delicate equation

By Jen Paton,  Newser User

Posted Nov 22, 2009 9:38 AM CST
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(Newser) – The US is actively supporting local militia groups against the Taliban as American and Afghan officials move to encourage a demoralized Afghan population to re-engage in the war, reports Dexter Filkins of the New York Times. Tapping into the militias’ resources could fill the manpower gap as a vacillating White House decides how many troops to send in. Some are concerned, however, that these militias may turn against the Afghan government and its US sponsor.

In some cities, militias have defeated the Taliban and installed themselves as the local authority—something Afghan officials call illegal “warlordism.” Officials hope focused support—principally ammunition and food—combined with limiting the militias’ official remit to manning checkpoints and protecting villages, should mitigate the plan’s risk. Filkins notes the plan is similar to a successful initiative launched in Iraq in 2006, in which the US backed Sunni tribes against Islamic militants.

An Afghan armed guard in the center of Kunduz, northern Afghanistan. The city of Kunduz, says Filkins, is the center of several armed groups actively resisting the Taliban.
An Afghan armed guard in the center of Kunduz, northern Afghanistan. The city of Kunduz, says Filkins, is the center of several armed groups actively resisting the Taliban.   (AP Photo)
Pakistani Taliban arrested during a gun fight between Taliban militants and locals in Achin district. The local militia is a prime example of the type US and Afghan officials are aiming to support.
Pakistani Taliban arrested during a gun fight between Taliban militants and locals in Achin district. The local militia is a prime example of the type US and Afghan officials are aiming to support.   (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
bugimus
Nov 22, 2009 4:33 AM CST
deja vu.
cochiserocks
Nov 22, 2009 4:09 AM CST
That's what i thought. I wonder if there is a budding Osama Bin Laden currently being trained, funded by the US tax dollar. Screw the ammunition - how about some EDUCATION!
elderban
Nov 22, 2009 3:41 AM CST
Isn't this what got us into this problem in the first place???
World • US

 
Afghanistan • Taliban • tribal elders • Special Forces • Afghan militias

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