Gen. Jones: “We can’t fight with one hand tied behind our back”

Tragically, civilians die in any war. Tragically, scores of Afghan civilians were killed in the NATO/U.S. airstrikes against Taliban. Of course, circumstances must be investigated, but as far as we know, NATO/U.S. forces do not intentionally target civilians. The blame should be put on those who fight from behind women’s skirts and those who deliberately target civilian population. And while “the Mayor of Kabul” Hamid Karzai tries to win favors with wanted warlords and to avert attention from the scourges of corruption, drug trafficking and Islamic radicalism in his own backyard, the U.S. showed estimable determination to keep fighting terrorists. NYT reports:

…
The security adviser, General James L. Jones, spoke six days after Afghans blamed United States airstrikes in western Afghanistan for the deaths of scores of civilians. American officials apologized for the deaths and said that they are investigating the incident. Still they say that reports of a death toll exceeding 100 were exaggerated and that Taliban militants who were being targeted might have forced civilians to serve as “human shields.”

“We’re going to take a look at trying to make sure we correct those things we can correct, but certainly to tie the hands of our commanders and say we’re not going to conduct airstrikes would be imprudent,” General Jones said on ABC’s “This Week.”

“We can’t fight with one hand tied behind our back,” he said, without flatly ruling out the possibility of a change in approach.

The highlight is mine. Let’s remember this phrase, something tells me that one day we may find it handy.

Hamas tactics exposed

Hamas Terrorist Tactics in the Gaza Strip

And in violation of all laws of war, Haniyeh hid in hospital during Gaza op.

But instead of being investigated or condemned, they get a gentle pat on the shoulder

• from the UK: Mashaal to address British parliament
• from the US: Clinton sets conditions on Palestinian government with Hamas (just say the magic words, just like Arafat did, pretty please)
• from the EU: Analysis: The energetic Hamas lobby