“The Taliban is no more, and the people of Afghanistan are free, thanks to America and our friends and allies.” (Applause.)
- George W. Bush, “President Discusses Tax Relief in Minnesota,” Fridley, Minnesota, 19 June 2003 (LINK)
***
From The New York Times, 17 February 2009:
“The number of civilians killed in Afghanistan leaped by about 40 percent last year over the previous one, according to a survey released Tuesday by the United Nations, the latest measure of how the intensifying violence between the Taliban and American-led forces is ravaging that country.”
According to the UN report, “2,118 civilians were killed in war-related violence in 2008, the most since the Taliban were ousted in November 2001. That is up from 1,523 civilians killed in 2007.”
While most civilian casualties are inflicted by Taliban and other insurgent forces, the Times report continues, “Violence caused by Afghan government forces and those of the American-led coalition killed 828 people last year, up sharply from the previous year. The majority of those civilians were killed in airstrikes and raids on villages.”
This is but one of a myriad of problems handed down to and weighing heavily on our new president. I recommend you read the complete Times article HERE.
***
As of 18 February 2009:
AFGHANISTAN (LINK):
U.S. & COALITION DEATHS: 1,118
IRAQ (LINK):
U.S. troops killed: 4,245
Coalition troops killed: 318
U.S. deaths self-inflicted: 175
U.S. wounded: 147.792
U.S. missing or captured: Ahmed Qusai al-Tael, 23 October 2006
There is no definite total of civilian fatalities/casualties in either country.
***
Two friends, bloggers Frodo and Papamoka have attended funeral services for young soldiers from their area. As Frodo points out, that’s two more such funeral services than attended by George W. Bush.
God bless America.
UPDATE: From USA Today/Gallup poll of 19 February 2009: Before President Barack Obama’s decision this week to send additional U.S. forces to Afghanistan, a majority of Americans (52%) perceived the situation there to be going very or moderately badly; 70% thought the Taliban would retake control if U.S. forces withdrew.
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THIS JUST IN:
From the USA Today/Gallup Poll, 2/18/09:
"As Barack Obama embarks on his first international trip, Gallup’s annual World Affairs poll finds little improvement from last year in the percentage of Americans who are satisfied with the United States’ position in the world (32%) or who think the nation rates favorably in the eyes of the world (45%)."
". . .Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you. . ."
Twenty four hours after William Jefferson Clinton says that the Obama Stimulus Bill is ". . .like a bridge over troubled waters. . ."
Tiny heard former Pres. Clinton say the same thing about the bridge over troubled water.
She also heard the loud and frequent applause as Pres. Obama unveiled how the foreclosure money will be used to help people stay in their homes or regain homes.
From what has been reported in the news, Dick Cheney is mad as hell at GW Bush. Sounds like he wants to take Dubya hunting!
Perhaps Scooter Libby, a felon, might sing like a bird now that he didn't get a full pardon from Georgie boy. That thought makes Tricky-Dick real nervous. Wonder which one of them will play Al Qaeda and/or Taliban in their Bush-Cheney War In Texas?
Thank God and Greyhound both are gone from DC!
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