First anti-US protest in Kabul

Issue 

More than 400 Afghans protested outside the United Nations compound in Kabul on July 4, according to the BBC. The demonstration was against the July 1 US bombing raid in the country's south-west that slaughtered at least 40 people, possibly more than 100. It was the first anti-US protest in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime.

Half the demonstrators were women wearing traditional burqas. “We support coalition measures against the Taliban and al Qaeda”, one told the BBC, “but we cannot tolerate more innocent victims”.

Another said, “Afghans, who have had enough of war and bloodshed in the past 23 years, will react seriously if it is repeated”. “We consider the Americans our liberators, but after this, they may soon become occupiers”, a grocer told Associated Press.

From Green Left Weekly, July 10, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page. 

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.