Taliban Can Keep Weapons

I'm no general, but this seems like an awfully bad idea if the overall strategy is to ensure Afghan National Security forces are the ones ultimately exercising sovereignty over Afghan territory.

Instead of disarming insurgents who agree to stop fighting, the new program would let them keep weapons to provide security for their own communities, said British Maj. Gen. Philip Jones, who directs the reintegration effort for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Posted by Jonathon Narvey on June 22, 2010 - 9:25am

Taliban Can Keep Weapons

Dear Jonathon,
I think you are imposing Canadian values (unarmed populace) on Afghans. Most people in Israel and a large fraction of Americans are armed. I don’t see any reason to disarm law abiding Afghans. This in no way undercuts the Afghan National Security, if former Taliban remain loyal. It also gives them a chance to defend themselves against Taliban and warlords.
Yours, -Dick Gordon gordonr@cc.umanitoba.ca