US pours millions into anti-Taliban militias in Afghanistan

[cal04]

• Special forces funding fighters in Afghanistan
• Fears strategy could further destabilise country
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/22/us-anti-taliban-militias-afghanistan

US special forces are supporting anti-Taliban militias in at least 14 areas of Afghanistan as part of a secretive programme that experts warn could fuel long-term instability in the country.

The Community Defence Initiative (CDI) is enthusiastically backed by Stanley McChrystal, the US general commanding Nato forces in Afghanistan, but details about the programme have been held back from non-US alliance members who are likely to strongly protest.

The attempt to create what one official described as "pockets of tribal resistance" to the Taliban involves US special forces embedding themselves with armed groups and even disgruntled insurgents who are then given training and support.

In return for stabilising their local area the militia helps to win development aid for their local communities, although they will not receive arms, a US official said.

[jaxx]

1. I guess they just told the secret.

McChrystal wants to be Petraeus Jr.

[bertman]

2. The field commanders love this kind of stuff because it expands their authority and power

beyond the traditional military types on the ground. Kind of like a company buying up other smaller companies. Except ultimately the U.S. military will not be calling the shots, as it hopes to.

This is the reason we cannot get funding to help Main Street USA. This is the reason we cannot "afford" healthcare for all Americans. This is the reason our infrastructure is decaying.

All the military has to do is ask, and it is given. The taxpayers? Not so much.

Rec.

[msongs]

3. President McChrystal expands his power and sucks $$ out of the taxpayers nt