When we ramp up in Afghanistan, will the Taliban profit most?
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 6:05 pm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5327683.eceThe controversial payments were confirmed by several fuel importers, trucking and security company owners. None wanted to be identified because of the risk to their business and their lives. “We estimate that approximately 25 per cent of the money we pay for security to get the fuel in goes into the pockets of the Taleban,” said one fuel importer.
Another boss, whose company is subcontracted to supply to Western military bases, said that as much as a quarter of the value of a lorry's cargo went in paying Taleban commanders.
The scale of the supplies needed to keep the Nato military operation going is vast. The main British base at Camp Bastion in Helmand province alone requires more than a million litres of diesel and aviation fuel a week. There are more than 70,000 foreign soldiers in the country for whom food and equipment must be imported, mostly by road. The US is planning to send at least 20,000 more troops into Afghanistan next year.
So, is it REALLY a good idea to expand our war there? I think not, especially if we can't wage it without aiding and abetting the enemy.