Then maybe Russian aid was a secret until recently, because James Dobbins says in his new book that the only way they (Russia) managed to bring around the Northern Alliance to the Bonn Agreement was the threat that Russia wouldn’t give them stuff anymore. It may be that in early 2001 they had been giving less than back when the NA looked more like a winner, which would explain Massoud’s outreach to Europe. In any case, selling guns to the NA, even at retail, and not to Taliban buyers implies support.

As for the unicorns vs. occidarchs debate–nothing wrong at all with establishing positions. I apologize for my crankiness. And it may have to do with the fact that I believe both withdrawal and escalation could have catastrophic consequences.

By the way, reading back through this this morning, I want to clarify that I don’t subscribe to the “Russia’s Muslim underbelly” rhetoric; but I do think you can’t deny that Russia has a horse in this race.

Ian, I’ve never heard of Russia funding the Northern Alliance, either. In fact, one of the centerpieces of “Ghost Wars” is that Massoud reached out to Europe and the U.S. because Russia wouldn’t fund Jamiat (for example) and Iran was too busy with HiW.

Lastly, I think Helena and I have had a productive discussion, if nothing else then about the differing philosophies about international institutions (even if she does accuse me of having a blindspot). She has a lot of faith in the UN’s ability to “work” and change, while I have practically none. There shouldn’t be anything wrong with establishing both views—more importantly since she does a good job of arguing her case.

Massoud’s helicopter was a massive piece of crap that I assume was left over from the 1980s. The others had even less to do with the Russians.

Though Russia did facilitate the delivery of some free Iranian weaponry and materiel through its presence in Tajikistan.

And as far as “Caravans” and “Flashman” go, they should be looked at as entertainment and not much more. The Michener School of History passes all its students, who then go on to fail at life.

Well, Afghanistan has been there for a long time, and will still be there long after the latest bunch of ‘civilisers’ leaves.

I recommend, to anyone who wants the slightest knowledge of Afghanistan:

Flashman: A Novel (Flashman) by George MacDonald Fraser (Paperback – Aug 1, 1984)

CARAVANS by MICHENER A. JAMES (Hardcover – 1963)

- look up the refs on Amazon

Both are fiction, but both tell more about the reality in Afghanistan than any current reporter, anywhere.

Helena’s right. We should get the hell out – now.

But replace the money we’re spending on ‘holding’ Afghanistan using troops’ bodies and large bombs with well-organised aid programmes.

Then they can build Freedom and Democracy, American-style, as they should, by themselves.

If they want to.

I promise to buy a $5 share in Kabul (or Kandahar, or Ghazni, or Herat)’s first suburban shopping mall.

best regards

Richard Parker
Siargao Island, Philippines

http://smallislandnotes.blogspot.com/
http://www.coconutstudio.com
http://austronesiancounting.wordpress.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28722516@N02/

“The cause of war is preparation for war” – “If you are a hammer, everything begins to look like a nail”.

Militarism is evil. If you havent got that point, you havent even started.

Racism is evil too. What in god’s name is the white man doing invading the country of the brown man, killing him, and controlling his country? The conceit and arrogance is extraordinary.

It may be fitting that Afghanistan could bookend White, European racism, colonialism and militarism. From Alexander the Great to Bush the Dumya, 2500 years of crime and folly, finally brought to an end.