Those Optimistic Afghan People!
A new poll of 1100 Afghan people recently came out. Here is a brief summary:
1. 75% say that living conditions have improved today versus under Taliban
2. 87% say the overthrow of the Taliban was a good thing
3. 75% say the country is moving in the right direction (only 30% of US says this)
4. 60% say that attacks against US troops cannot be justified.
Right after 9/11 we all remember the doom and gloomsayers: that Afghans were incapable of democracy, that they didn't want it, that no one could win a war in Afghanistan - look at the Russians or the British or Alexander the Great even. The US will look like occupiers. Europeans were against it - then they went along reluctantly, then they were against it (remind you of anyone?), then they said we need to wait until after Ramadan to respect their faith. Remember all that?
Anyway, I'm not saying it's over because is isn't. Democracy is a looooooong process. But hey - Germany wasn't made whole again until 50 years after WWII. Be patient.
1. 75% say that living conditions have improved today versus under Taliban
2. 87% say the overthrow of the Taliban was a good thing
3. 75% say the country is moving in the right direction (only 30% of US says this)
4. 60% say that attacks against US troops cannot be justified.
Right after 9/11 we all remember the doom and gloomsayers: that Afghans were incapable of democracy, that they didn't want it, that no one could win a war in Afghanistan - look at the Russians or the British or Alexander the Great even. The US will look like occupiers. Europeans were against it - then they went along reluctantly, then they were against it (remind you of anyone?), then they said we need to wait until after Ramadan to respect their faith. Remember all that?
Anyway, I'm not saying it's over because is isn't. Democracy is a looooooong process. But hey - Germany wasn't made whole again until 50 years after WWII. Be patient.
posted by pistolpete | 4:53 AM
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