Taliban -- Eddie Pedantic Gasbag Discussion Group

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Date Posted: 17:10:23 09/20/01 Thu
Author: Lady Luck
Subject:

Taliban

I've been reading up on the Taliban in effort to understand what we are up against and why they are refusing to cooperate. I understand that bin Laden was a key figure that led to the Afghan victory over USSR, but American helped them too. So, why do they have so much hatred for America? The only complaint I've been able to find is that we left after the war. I don't understand what they expected us to do. Or do they hold the same beliefs as bin Laden regarding America's position in Kuwait and Israel, and therefore it overshadows the fact that we assisted them?

The other question I have is how much support does the Taliban have from the people, and why do they support them? I've read countless reports of the atrocities they've committed against the people of Afghanistan. Are these abuses directed only at the Hindus, Shiites and other minority groups, and therefore the majority of the people support the Taliban? Many reports I've heard indicated that they have abused and oppressed all the Afghan citizens. So I'm getting some conflicting information about how much backing they have.

Spoot? Gumtree? Can someone help clarify any of this for me?

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Replies:

How to answer this in nine million words or less? They dont like us much because 1) we blindly support Israel, in spite of the injustice visited on the Palestinians 2) we represent freedom, rights and self-determination, and thus are an obstacle to those who think that they have the only Truth 3) we represent Change from rather medieval thinking 4) finally, we are the largest target around. The Taliban do not enjoy "support" in the sense of the "love" of the people - its enforced support. 30% of the population can read in Afghanistan - and falling; the folk who can read are being gradually eliminated, as they represent a possibility of free thought. Suffice it to say that they get backing through fear. (NT) -- gumtree, 00:24:04 09/22/01 Sat
- I heard on NPR (I think) that Afghanistan's society was utterly destroyed by the war with Russia, the country fell into chaos, there was no government, only fighting factions. When the Taliban came in, they were welcomed by the desperate people because they promised order and authority. Much like the Nazis did in the thirties. Osama Bin Laden seems to be like so many terrorists, born with wealth, educated, and then converted to some extreme cause. In Osama's case it was fundamentalist religion. As for why we are hated, well, Eddie said it best, we are the Romans. I think the Taliban won't last, as long as we don't help their cause by making them seem like victims. And I feel better about Osama going down, today I heard that all over the world, other countries' police are arresting members of his network! (NT) -- spoot, 01:47:00 09/22/01 Sat