Afghan Taliban ask Obama to withdraw troops

Say US tired of war; Obama must give up the mentality of a warmonger.

ISLAMABAD:

As congratulatory messages poured in for US President Barack Obama on his re-election, the Afghan Taliban had a different message to convey – “immediately withdraw troops from Afghanistan to avoid more deaths of American forces and economic losses”.

“The Americans are now tired of war and unnecessary military spending and Obama must give up the mentality of a warmonger,” the Taliban said in a statement. A copy of the Pashto-language statement was also emailed to The Express Tribune.

The statement, issued by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, advised President Obama to “address the demands and hopes of the people and to put an end to worthless war”.

“Obama should not allow the American forces to commit more war crimes in order to ward off their bad name in the world,” the Taliban said.

The statement went on to add that President Obama understands that people in the US are fed up with human losses in the Afghan war and the economic crisis due to huge expenditures in Afghanistan.

“He (President Obama) should immediately withdraw troops from our homeland to avoid deaths of more American troops,” the statement said.

“After his re-election, Obama must now focus on the solution to the problems and difficulties of his own people. The Americans should no more be a symbol of worldwide hate,” the Taliban statement maintained.

The Afghan militant group also warned the US of its strategy in Afghanistan to back certain Afghan leaders for the post-withdrawal period, saying it will result in more bloodshed.

“The US is backing those faces in Afghanistan who have no respect and support in the country, and this strategy will push the US to face more problems. They (Americans) will suffer more human and financial losses,” the militant group warned.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2012.