Even I condemn many American actions in Afghanistan. Although their presence is a unwelcome, it is necessary.
I dont condemn those who have an issue with American foreign policy, indeed, I count myself among them.
why label those who consider american policies in the region as taliban supporters?
Where I draw the line is where self righteous pseudo Islamic scholars oppose them not for the sake of any policy reason, but simply because they are non Muslim.
Did I oppose them because they are non-Muslim? I think many western governments are more “Islamic” in the sense of providing social justice and security to their people. It is only when it comes to their ruthless policies against ‘not-so-fortunate’ that I have issues.
Now we could argue endlessly about the pros and cons of the US being here. However, my bottom line is simple. The extremism existed and was festering for quite a while, long before the US entered. The US entered the region specifically because of this extremism. Take the Swat situation. This problem had been festering since the early 90’s, well before the US invasion of Afghanistan. Did the US create the extremism which saw the destruction of god knows how many schools, murdered police men and forced promulgation of all sorts of repressive laws?
American foreign policy is partly responsible for the extremism that existed since early 90s. I do not have a right to criticize that? The other party was Pakistani security establishment which I criticize in relevant forums.
When extremists kill Christian in their churches, Shias during their matams, Ahmadis and even Barelvis, what does that have to do with the US?
Nothing. Again you are confusing these two things. US presence here has not mitigated these evils we have in our society.
Those who claim that extremism only started after the US came to Afghanistan are fooling themselves. This problem has been around for a very long time, and if anything the US presence only brought this monster to light.
I didn’t say extremism started after US came here. It was there before and again, it has not reduced but INCREASED after US intervention.
And lets be honest with ourselves. The US lost 3000 people on 9/11. Do you honestly think there would be no retribution?
Yes, there should be retribution. How many of the people who hijacked planes on 9/11 were Afghans,Iraqis or Pakistanis? Why doesn’t USA intervene in Saudi Arabia or Egypt?
Even the Quran teaches us that we have a right to defend ourselves, so of course the US had a right to take out their perceived enemy in Afghanistan.
“Perceived Enemy”, yes. A couple of days after 9/11, USA had all the evidence after a thorough inquiry they were able to determine that Afghans are responsible? Very efficient!
Unlike in Pakistan, where a few dozen Pak citizens killed here or there is ignored by the govt, the US is among those who fight when their citizens are threatened…
or when they need stimulus for their economy and defense industry.