Gordon Brown in new Afghan plan: talk to the Taliban

[LeighAnn]

Source: Guardian (UK)

Gordon Brown unveiled a fresh strategy for the war in Afghanistan yesterday, including a controversial "reconciliation" process for Taliban elements and speedier training of an Afghan army to replace Nato troops.

Amid waning public support for the conflict, the prime minister used a visit to a British military base in Helmand province to give the first insight into changes aimed at curbing the death toll among UK soldiers.

A source close to Brown suggested negotiations with insurgents sympathetic to the Taliban, persuading them to switch sides, now formed a key component of Britain's war effort. He added: "The more reconciliation, the better."

Diplomatic sources in Helmand suggested such efforts could be on a large scale: "A large part of the Taliban are not really committed to their agenda. They are fighting for tactical reasons and can be brought back into mainstream life."


Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/30/brown-afghanistan-troops-taliban-talks

[ShortnFiery]

1. I'm sure the women of Afghanistan will appreciate THAT.

Will it include giving Viagra to tribal elders? :puke: :eyes:

Does anyone else remember all the AVID calls to stay in Afghanistan in order to promote EQUAL RIGHTS for Women? Guess that wasn't all that important, aye? :thumbsdown: