Afghan police say more (US) troops not the answer

[sabra]

Source: AP

KABUL — Police officials from some of Afghanistan's most violent regions questioned the need for more U.S. troops, saying Monday it would increase the perception they are an occupying power and that the money was better spent on local forces.

The police officials were responding to a confidential report in which Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, warned the war was getting worse and could be lost without more troops. Details of McChrystal's assessment was first reported late Sunday by The Washington Post.

President Barack Obama earlier this year approved sending 21,000 more troops to Afghanistan, bringing the total number of U.S. forces there to 68,000 by the end of 2009. Increasing that number risks alienating Afghans, police officials said.

"It is very hard for local people to accept any foreigners who come to our country and say they are fighting for our freedom," said Gen. Azizudin Wardak, the police chief in Paktia province. "To give the idea that they are not invaders, that they are not occupiers, is very difficult."

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hvWEqwq3CrRvaQCmt21MfoYhjZJQD9ARLD001

[Psephos]

1. Yeah, might interfere with their protection rackets

and all the other perks of a police badge in a country where no one's being held to account.

[bertman]

2. True. But I would prefer that our troops not do the corruption cleanup of the Afganistani

police.

[saigon68]

4. Hire Saddam's old army like Betrayus did

[Bragi]

3. More $ for them is the answer /nt

[Algorem]

5. start draft and send all the dirty neo-hippies and gang types to Afghaninam

teach them some character

[KakistocracyHater]

6. Berlin Food Drop, Afghan V1.0

only foodstuffs, medicines, etc.