Answers from the Taliban's 2nd in comand
Monday, July 27, 2009
Newsweek ran an interesting article this week containing a Q n A from Mullah Baradar: 2nd in charge of Taliban operations in Afghanistan.
What is your reaction to the large increase in U.S. forces this year?
Statements about the increase in troops do not affect the mujahedin at all. In fact, Americans are demoralized in Afghanistan, and they don't know what to do. [The Taliban] want to inflict maximum losses on the Americans, which is possible only when the Americans are present here in large numbers and come out of their fortified places.
How long are you prepared to fight?
The history of Afghanistan shows that Afghans never get tired of struggling until they have freed their country. We shall continue our jihad till the expulsion of our enemy from our land.
Are some Taliban involved in secret talks with the Karzai government?
Not a single member of the Taliban is involved in talks.
What would be your conditions for talks if they were to take place?
The basic condition is the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan.
If breaking ties with Al Qaeda were a condition of a peace accord, would you do that?
Our decisions are made on the basis of our national interests.
Is Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency giving you support or advice?
This is venomous propaganda that has no facts behind it.
Links to full articles:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/208638/page/1
and
http://www.newsweek.com/id/208637/page/1
What is your reaction to the large increase in U.S. forces this year?
Statements about the increase in troops do not affect the mujahedin at all. In fact, Americans are demoralized in Afghanistan, and they don't know what to do. [The Taliban] want to inflict maximum losses on the Americans, which is possible only when the Americans are present here in large numbers and come out of their fortified places.
How long are you prepared to fight?
The history of Afghanistan shows that Afghans never get tired of struggling until they have freed their country. We shall continue our jihad till the expulsion of our enemy from our land.
Are some Taliban involved in secret talks with the Karzai government?
Not a single member of the Taliban is involved in talks.
What would be your conditions for talks if they were to take place?
The basic condition is the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan.
If breaking ties with Al Qaeda were a condition of a peace accord, would you do that?
Our decisions are made on the basis of our national interests.
Is Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency giving you support or advice?
This is venomous propaganda that has no facts behind it.
Links to full articles:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/208638/page/1
and
http://www.newsweek.com/id/208637/page/1
