The Militant - October 24, 2011 -- Afghanistan: Ten years of imperialist war

Vol. 75/No. 38 October 24, 2011

Afghanistan: Ten years
of imperialist war

BY BRIAN WILLIAMS
On the eve of the 10th anniversary of Washington’s invasion of Afghanistan, hundreds of people marched through the streets of Kabul, the capital, demanding the immediate withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops from the country.

At the October 6 action demonstrators chanted “No to occupation” and “Americans out,” and denounced a proposed strategic cooperation agreement permanently establishing U.S. military bases in the country.

The Pentagon currently has 92,000 troops stationed in Afghanistan. Nearly 39,000 additional soldiers from 48 other countries are also part of the NATO force there, commanded by U.S. Gen. John Allen.

“The United States said it came to help the Afghan people,” Farzana, a 22-year-old woman, told Associated Press. “All it has left behind is the blood of the Afghan people. We want the U.S. to leave.”

Meanwhile in Iraq, the U.S. and Iraqi governments have yet to sign an agreement on a long-term U.S. military presence there as the end of the year deadline approaches and 43,500 U.S. troops remain. The Iraqi government agreed they want U.S. troops to stay but without their previous immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law, an unacceptable caveat for Washington.

“Any kind of U.S. presence demands that we protect and provide the appropriate immunity for our soldiers,” said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

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