Italy has Demanded the Withdrawal of its Foreign Forces from Afghanistan

Etemaad (Tehran, Iran)

http://www.etemaad.ir/Released/88-06-28/144.htm

19 September, 2009

Translated by Mark Jenkins

The Italian Prime Minister has announced the withdrawal of Italian forces from Afghanistan’s territory following the outburst of explosions today in the city of Kabul that killed six Italian soldiers.

According to Al Jazeera, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Burlesconi commented on the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan during a European Union meeting in Belgium, stating, “We are taking our boys back as soon as possible.”  He added, “We are convinced that our military forces need to leave Afghan soil.”  The Italian prime minister stated, however, that the decision is ultimately up to NATO, as Italy is afraid of betraying its allies and does not wish to act alone. 

A car bombing last Thursday killed 16 people in Kabul, 10 of which were civilians.  This incidence alone also injured 55 people, destroyed 21 shops, and seven vehicles.

As the security situation in Afghanistan deteriorates, its government officials have released the final results of last month’s presidential election.  These results showed that Hamid Karzai received 54% of the vote, while Doctor Abdullah Abdullah received 27%.  If the results are due to election fraud, however, the vote will likely be cancelled.  European Union observers have stated that at least a quarter million votes could be thrown out.  The prospect of canceling these votes would mean that Karzai would not have received 50% of the vote, and would have to face his most serious opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, in a second round.  According to the official results, Karzai received [approximately] 3 million votes, while Abdullah received a million. 

Despite this tumultuous election, Hamid Karzai recently announced that he is not willing to have a second running of the election based on criticism alone.  He expressed during an interview with CNN, “We cannot make a mistake upon another mistake, I think this is the correct thing to do, and you can be assured the elections in Afghanistan were fair and just.” 

Given continued insecurity in Afghanistan, however, the European countries are concerned that they cannot defeat the Taliban.  In the face Italy expressing its inclination towards withdrawing its forces from the country, Moscow has stated that it does not wish to participate in this battle.  Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, has stated that he wishes to eliminate the possibility of his country joining in Afghanistan.

Lavrov remarked with a journalist that he felt that the west, and especially the United States, wishes that Russia quickly aid with the difficult military situation in Afghanistan, stating “Those currently involved in the deadlock in Afghanistan do wish for Russia to advance the situation.  Everyday, however, Russia thinks less of joining militarily in Afghanistan.” 

This situation is being avoided completely, the American commander in Afghanistan believes that International Forces’ goals are achievable.  General David Patraeus has stated that Afghanistan will require a robust and constant mission for the joint forces.  His English counterpart, however, has stated that negotiating with the Taliban may be an alternative to the game of bleeding them.  The Commander of US Forces in the Middle East has stated that violence in Afghanistan has increased 60% since January. 

According to the French News Service, it has been proven that the Coalition Forces’ mission, the destruction of the Taliban, is achievable.  In his opinion, there are serious problems and obstacles in Afghanistan, and although the situation is grave, the mission is still possible to achieve.  Part of the increase in violence, he said, is due to the greater amount of Afghan and International Forces attempting to establish security against the Taliban. 

On the other hand, an English commander responsible for a program seeking reconciliation, has stated that talks with the Taliban and low-end involvement with them is necessary.  In an interview with the Independent, General Graham said, “We must consider reviewing the enemy that we are fighting.  Many of the young people we are fighting do not even know it’s a crime.  They are expecting a better life, and will be happy if we negotiate with them, we should speak with these individuals.”  General David Richards, the new head of the British Army, warned coalition forces of a defeat, stating, “Extremists could be convinced that they can achieve anything.”

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