Sliding on ice 090809

Afghanistan, arguably a slippery slope, is rapidly becoming an ice-covered precipice for American foreign policy. This summer a new U.S. general arrived to straighten out the mess. August was supposed to prove the American success through a democratic Afghan presidential election.

Eight years ago the Bush administration installed Karzai as interim leader of Afghanistan. Propped up by American military Karzai was returned to office through two Jirgas and a less than pristine election. With this history Karzai had expectations that the Americans would again insure his return to office in August elections.

To Afghans however Karzai is perceived as a corrupt American puppet. Government corruption is wide spread and for the most part home grown. For most of Karzai’s administration he followed American dictates but in the last couple of years Karzai appears to have read Afghan history. Foreign puppet rulers have not faired well, with the probability of prejudicial termination the norm. Possibly fearful Afghan justice Karzai publicly began to distance himself from American actions.

Possible because the Bush administration’s continued support of Karzai, he decided to run again for president. With eight years to build his election machine and expecting continued U.S. support he turned on his machine. He failed to understand that the new administration in Washington was not tied to past policies. His machine may have modeled its tactics on 19th century American machine politics but Karzai’s were less than skilful in election fraud. Afghans not only see the corruption of the regime but also links America’s sponsorship of Karzai to the nation’s growing difficulties.

The new American general decreed an end to indiscriminate bombing but bombs continue to fall. Independent reports vary from 70 to 90 civilians killed in the latest incident with the America reluctantly admitting that some civilians might have been injured. The Afghans are use to American denials and cover-ups, which adds recruits to the growing insurgency. Not satisfied with bombs the Americans stormed a Swedish run hospital abusing the staff while reportedly searching for “militants”. Three major mis-steps in an election month underline policy failures for the Americans.

The military blames all insurgent activity on the Taliban to keep the American public focused on one demon while hiding the insurgency’s spread. Taliban activity was used to justify the latest bombing but the location was in American allied Northern Alliance territory, it is possible that other local insurgents captured the targeted tankers. The American military is becoming a victim of its activities and own propaganda as once friendly Afghans join the resistance to corrupt government and foreign occupation. Given the degree of corruption and election fraud Karzai’s ability to govern is questionable. America is faced with two bad choices, continue to prop up a corrupt regime, becoming the focus of growing Afghan resistance or let the government fall and face the ensuing chaos. Eight wasted years down the slippery slope with no hope.