The Militant - March 30, 2009 -- U.S. gov't escalates Afghan war

Vol. 73/No. 12 March 30, 2009

U.S. gov't escalates Afghan war

BY DOUG NELSON
The U.S. government is escalating the war it leads in Afghanistan, which the U.S. rulers say they plan to wage for years to come.

There are about 38,000 U.S. troops and roughly 30,000 troops from Washington’s NATO allies in Afghanistan. Last month President Barack Obama approved sending an additional 17,000 by the end of the summer.

More than 2,000 civilians were reported killed in Afghanistan last year, according to the United Nations, a 40 percent increase over the previous year.

A new strategy review, scheduled for release in late March, is said to set Washington’s goals for the next three to five years and lay out plans to strengthen the Afghan and Pakistani militaries.

Washington is reaching out for more commitments from NATO allies and support from new forces in the region, including Iran. It is also looking for openings to cut deals with “reconcilable” Taliban forces.

UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon has recommended that the UN mandate for the war, which expires March 23, be extended for 12 months.

Related articles:
Imperialist troops out of Afghanistan, Iraq!
Marchers demand end to wars, deportations
U.S. gov't expands air strikes in Pakistan

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