Out of Vangroovy =)

StopWar Coalition condemns latest deadly air strikes in Afghanistan
On a day when Presidents Obama and Karzai were meeting in Washington, D.C., news out of Afghanistan highlighted the deadly nature of the NATO occupation in which Canada is playing a key role.

In the May 5th incident, air strikes reportedly called in by US special forces killed a large number of civilians in Farah province, Afghanistan. Estimates of the number of victims range from dozens to over 150, according to a provincial council member cited by the Associated Press. An official with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan confirmed large numbers of dead including women and children.

The incident comes at a critical time, when the Obama administration has begun expanding its forces in Afghanistan. This move, which is widely opposed among Afghans, is expected to bring an increase of violence and civilian casualties. The resulting popular anger will undoubtedly drive more Afghans into the insurgency.

According to Malalai Joya, the courageous Afghan member of parliament who has received death threats for her outspoken views: "Obama’s 'new' strategy for Afghanistan and the surge in troop levels will only bring more suffering and loss of innocent civilians' lives."

It is no wonder that an increasing number of Afghans have come to oppose the presence of foreign troops in their country. A recent opinion poll conducted in Afghanistan for the BBC found that 66% of the people of Kandahar province oppose the presence of NATO troops in their country.

Stopwar.ca thus joins the majority of Kandaharis in calling for the end of the war and occupation of Afghanistan.

Bring the troops home now.