History repeats itself as some Afghans push back against Taliban, US encourages new militias
American and Afghan officials are beginning to support anti-Taliban militias that have taken up arms against Taliban insurgents independently in parts of Afghanistan, giving hope to those who look for evidence of tribal rebellion against the Taliban. This phenomenon is sufficiently encouraging that both Americans and Afghans are considering helping the growth of similar groups across the Taliban heartland. Through these militias, officials hope to increase the number of Afghans fighting the Taliban, supplementing the American and Afghan forces already here, and whatever additional American troops US President Barack Obama may send. Americans say they will tie these groups directly to the Afghan government to avoid repeating old mistakes that created more Afghan warlords or armed Islamic militants, some of whom came back to haunt the US. For more, read the New York Times
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