[iltos]

U.S. Planning Big New Prison in Afghanistan

up until now, america has been interring its prisoners in a revamped facility....because the thinking was that it was all temporary

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/wo.../17detain.html

The Pentagon is moving forward with plans to build a new, 40-acre detention complex on the main American military base in Afghanistan, officials said, in a stark acknowledgment that the United States is likely to continue to hold prisoners overseas for years to come.

The new detention center at Bagram will incorporate some of the lessons learned by the United States in Iraq.

Classrooms will be built for vocational training and religious discussion, and there will be more space for recreation and family visits, officials said. After years of entreaties by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United States recently began to allow relatives to speak with prisoners at Bagram through video hookups.

so...from a humanitarian standpoint, it ain't all bad news
still........

[pyritechips]

I believe that this is an indication that America will never really leave that country. You don't invest that much time and effort just to leave in a few years.

[wacor]

Originally Posted by pyritechips

I believe that this is an indication that America will never really leave that country. You don't invest that much time and effort just to leave in a few years.

Yup I would not celebrate this.

[Wino]

Originally Posted by pyritechips

I believe that this is an indication that America will never really leave that country. You don't invest that much time and effort just to leave in a few years.

Afghanistan is one country that really could benefit from the US presence. They have no infrastucture, infertile and harsh environment (save for poppy's), not much in natural resources, need the income, help and the hand up. I would rather see US military bases there than in Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, So. Korea, Japan, etc. all relatively rich countries. The US along with other nations could change Afghanistan for the good of all, if only we go in to help, not become the Jesuit Priest of the New World, forcing our way of life and governing upon them.

[wacor]

Originally Posted by Wino

Afghanistan is one country that really could benefit from the US presence. They have no infrastucture, infertile and harsh environment (save for poppy's), not much in natural resources, need the income, help and the hand up. I would rather see US military bases there than in Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, So. Korea, Japan, etc. all relatively rich countries. The US along with other nations could change Afghanistan for the good of all, if only we go in to help, not become the Jesuit Priest of the New World, forcing our way of life and governing upon them.

Afghanistan is probably the worst place to get involved in. Their history seems to show a more fractured country than Iraq ever was. I would pull out of there if we are going to pull out of any of the countries in the region. Let Israel take care of the chaos as it arises.

[Wino]

Originally Posted by wacor

Afghanistan is probably the worst place to get involved in. Their history seems to show a more fractured country than Iraq ever was. I would pull out of there if we are going to pull out of any of the countries in the region. Let Israel take care of the chaos as it arises.

GWB has a job opening for you. Israel has about as much interest in Afghanistan as you and George Bush do to reality.

You obviously missed my point. BTW, in case you haven't noticed.............we are very involved there and have been for about six years. This is the only legitimate action your buddy Bush has endeavored to undertake that is worthwhile.

[wacor]

Originally Posted by Wino

GWB has a job opening for you. Israel has about as much interest in Afghanistan as you and George Bush do to reality.

You obviously missed my point. BTW, in case you haven't noticed.............we are very involved there and have been for about six years. This is the only legitimate action your buddy Bush has endeavored to undertake that is worthwhile.

I did not miss your point. we had a legitimate reason to go there but time to go. not gonna gain any more and MY point with regard to Israel had to do with the region in general.

I don't think you are a pothead. You get too irritated to be one. Although the lack of coherent comments and a limited vocabulary is one sign but heck that could be due to any controlled substance.

[Wino]

Originally Posted by wacor

I did not miss your point. we had a legitimate reason to go there but time to go. not gonna gain any more and MY point with regard to Israel had to do with the region in general.

I don't think you are a pothead. You get too irritated to be one. Although the lack of coherent comments and a limited vocabulary is one sign but heck that could be due to any controlled substance.

We had a legit reason to war there; we have a legit reason to remain there; much more so than in Iraq. Even IF we finally nail the SOB bin Laden, we need to stay and rehabilitate Afghanistan. If nothing else, to have the ability to snuff Pakistan when it arises (and it will). Iraq has oil..........they will do well without us...........Afghanistan has nothing.

[wacor]

Originally Posted by Wino

We had a legit reason to war there; we have a legit reason to remain there; much more so than in Iraq. Even IF we finally nail the SOB bin Laden, we need to stay and rehabilitate Afghanistan. If nothing else, to have the ability to snuff Pakistan when it arises (and it will). Iraq has oil..........they will do well without us...........Afghanistan has nothing.

Sounds like nation building. If it won't work in Iraq it sure won't work in a more backwards country like Afghanistan. As to Pakistan I think India will keep an eye on that problem.

[Wino]

Originally Posted by wacor

Sounds like nation building. If it won't work in Iraq it sure won't work in a more backwards country like Afghanistan. As to Pakistan I think India will keep an eye on that problem.

Lord of mercy, I think my 7 month old great grandson has a better grip on the English language and comprehension of global politics than you do. You need to get your drinking water analyzed cause it's got to be contaminated with some horrid hormone or steroid.

[wacor]

Originally Posted by Wino

Lord of mercy, I think my 7 month old great grandson has a better grip on the English language and comprehension of global politics than you do. You need to get your drinking water analyzed cause it's got to be contaminated with some horrid hormone or steroid.

Admit it ....... You been hitting the bong tonite

[Wino]

Originally Posted by wacor

Admit it ....... You been hitting the bong tonite

Hate to disappoint you, but started with Bloody Mary's this morning about 10 AM, graduated to Margarita's about 2 PM, then a nice bottle of Merlot 2005 with a rare 12 oz. T-Bone and baked potato with a homemade Ceasar Salad for an early dinner. Saving the bong for last, or not.

[wacor]

Originally Posted by Wino

Hate to disappoint you, but started with Bloody Mary's this morning about 10 AM, graduated to Margarita's about 2 PM, then a nice bottle of Merlot 2005 with a rare 12 oz. T-Bone and baked potato with a homemade Ceasar Salad for an early dinner. Saving the bong for last, or not.

Same end result.................

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by wacor

Sounds like nation building. If it won't work in Iraq it sure won't work in a more backwards country like Afghanistan. As to Pakistan I think India will keep an eye on that problem.

One big difference to consider , and that is the population --where their heart lies .
The vast majority of the people of Afghanistan, oppose Taliban , and support killing them.
The vast majority of Iraqi is in favor of us leaving --or killing us .
This has to enter the question. An example would be South Korea vs South Vietnam .
Pakistan and Afghanistan is where the action is --IF we are talking about threat of terrorism and not oil --or the other sales pitches . I presume that is heart , where things are hatched , and then it could come from anywhere , including Europe.
India will keep eye on India's interests , but I seriously doubt that Pak Govt can control what goes on within their borders .
I have always believed that training and support of the Afghan army should have been the focus after the arse kicking --it was not . Sometimes even friends can overstay welcome , esp with military .
In truth , I don't know best course in Afghanistan now , but Iraq is a LOSS, always was,and had little to do with terrorist threat .
I do believe that Pakistan has got a "pass" from the U.S. --that should not stand .
I do not believe that the Paks control their territory , and thus , open season on AQ. until we leave . I am speaking of limited action , not occupation .
Somewhere we lost sight of what the game was about -IMO . >f

[wacor]

Somewhere we lost sight of what the game was about -IMO . >f

I agree. NOBODY had clear eyesight. I will condemn Bush for getting us in there. But the Dems hands are bloody also. Just that many on the left won't admit it because it does not fit into their agenda.