Opinions | Editorials
Killing of civilians should stop
More than 75, mostly women and children, died in latest US airstrikes in Afghanistan.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:47 August 23, 2008
The increase in the number of killed or injured Afghan civilians following military operations carried out by US-led coalition forces is a dangerous escalation that needs to be addressed. The nature and end-goal of carrying out such strikes come into question as civilian deaths have been far too frequent.
The most recent operation took place in the western part of Afghanistan and led to the killing of more than 75 civilians, according to the government. The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission said that most of those killed were women and children. But the repercussions of having so many incidents in which civilians become the victims of these raids are grave as the role of international forces in keeping the peace in the country comes under scrutiny and questioning.
It is without question, therefore, that at this point and after the increase in the number of civilian casualties, a critical examination of how military operations are carried out in Afghanistan is revisited and evaluated. Undoubtedly, such a perspective is understandable given that the end-goal of having international forces there in the first place is to bring about stability and maintain an environment that is protective of civilian lives.
Share this article
Popular in Opinions
-
Opinions
Speak Your Mind: Tough love
What ways do you use to discipline your child?
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Dissenting neighbours
The cultural and political divide between Indonesia and Malaysia widens
-
Striving for peace
Hasib J. Sabbagh has worked for the betterment of the society
-
Mr Consul General, you're out of line sir
Is Mr Otsuka representing Japan in the UAE?
