Word: talibans
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...coincidence that the most honest police district in the region is also the most targeted by Taliban insurgents. Most of the other district police chiefs try to stay out of the Taliban's way, or actively support them by donating weapons meant for cops on the beat. Khodaydad estimates that he gets into at least two engagements with militants a week, while surrounding districts are tranquil. "The government in Farah is working hand in hand with the Taliban," he says. "Khalil [Rahmani] asks me, 'Why do you fight? You are the only one. Why don't you relax like...
...Mohammad's sentiments echo those of a handful of diplomats and military commanders in Afghanistan who have warned that the country is in a "downward spiral." Afghans are disillusioned by the lack of security and the failures of their government; Westerners focus on the resurgence of the Taliban. But the two are inextricably linked. Until basic security and the deep flaws of the government are addressed, the Taliban will continue to chalk up successes. And that's something that neither Afghans nor Westerners can afford...
...violence doesn't only target foreigners and wealthy locals. On Sunday, I was drinking tea with half a dozen truck drivers who ply the road between Kabul and Kandahar, another route I used to drive several times a year. A week ago, Taliban insurgents stopped a bus convoy and abducted 27 men. Six were beheaded and all but one of the rest were killed, according to another Taliban spokesman. He said they were all soldiers for the Afghan National Army. The government, however, says they were migrants, heading to Iran for work...
...Still, the truck drivers weren't concerned about the Taliban as much as they were worried about the predations of police officials who charged exorbitant bribes at checkpoints. And the kidnappers they feared were the criminals who charge ransom, and who often work in cahoots with police - who refuse to track them down...
...truck drivers, Jan Mohammad, 45, was ready to quit, even though his family desperately needed his $100 monthly salary. "I am so fed up," he said. "[Taliban leader] Mullah Omar says if you transport goods for the Americans, I will kill you. But the government security agencies take off their uniforms at sunset and rob me. There is no salvation...