With growing numbers of civilians being killed and maimed, it is certain that the war against the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan has taken a dangerous turn. Last weekend alone, 12 civilians lost their lives when two Nato rockets aimed at insurgents missed their target during an offensive in Helmand province.
Although Nato commander General Stanley McChrystal publicly stated the organisation’s regret over the incident, he did not discuss in detail any plans to minimise, if not stop completely, the number of civilian casualties which have been mounting since the Taliban fell from power in 2001.
Following last Sunday’s tragic deaths, Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai called for an immediate investigation. While we welcome his intervention, we believe that much more needs to be done to secure both lives and livelihoods in the conflict zones.
Giving warnings by way of leafleting areas in advance of launching attacks is not the way to do it. After all, the growing number of casualties suggests that it doesn’t work. We believe that Nato can and must do more than that.
If this war is to be successful, Nato and its allies must fight house by house, compound by compound. We do not rule out air attacks, but they must be employed with utmost care.
And most importantly, the Afghan people must be at the forefront against the Taliban and al-Qaeda. Working in direct consultation with locals – and with their full support – would help turn the tide against the insurgents and prevent the needless loss of life.
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