Afghanistan

The first phase of the US `war on terrorism will likely be the attempted overthrow of the Taliban regime, which currently rules 90% of Afghanistan. Washington is massing powerful strike forces around Afghanistan and has unleashed a fierce propaganda offensive against Taliban.

The 21st Century went to war against the 11th Century in Afghanistan last week. The 11th Century won. US warplanes cluster-bombed the usual natives, but the intensive air attacks failed to dislodge Taliban tribal warriors from positions north of Kabul.

Did the United States go to war with Afghanistan for Central Asian oil and gas? That's what many readers keep asking me. They clearly distrust the White House's jingoistic bombast about defending freedom and western values from evil Islamists. The answer is no, and yes.

While we may disagree with the Taliban and their policies, we must remember that Afghans have been subjected to different armies and civil wars in the last two decades. There are a number of ways you can help the Afghans. Here are some ideas.