Uke, I’ve heard the same thing on BBC, namely, that Taliban supporters are burning the packages to show their contempt for U.S. efforts to “buy” the gratitude of the Afghan people and lure them away from the Taliban.
(Choking back a capitalistic tear)
Makes ya proud to be an American, don’t it?
Actually, Dropzone, it does. What other nation has tried to wage a war and feed the civilians at the same time? What other nation has been so concerned with the welfare of innocents during wartime?
Well, before we get into a pointless argument, it makes me proud, too. But I get a special kick out of the folks endangering themselves and their families to collect the packs so they can make a little money so they can make their lives a little better AND provide a needed service, too. I truly do love grassroots capitalism.
L_C, I certainly agree. I wasn’t particularly mocking the effort. It is being reported that most Afghanies (?) don’t support the Taliban, but have no recourse. It’s not like they can vote them out or anything. Most civilians are just doing the “go along to get along” thing. Sending food is wonderful.
Broadcasting messages is, at best, marginal, IMHO. It is based on the assumption that many civilians have radios and can listen to the broadcast at the date, time and frequency listed on leaflets. I’m not sure just how effective this part of the information campaign can be, i.e., how many civvies have portable radios.
? i]Originally posted by Ukulele Ike *
**The packets cited in the Daily News article include peanut butter, strawberry jam, crackers, beans, and rice.
Okay, so the PBJ doesn’t conform to Afghan culinary tradition, but what’s the prob with rice and beans? EVERYONE in the Global Village eats rice and beans.
Oh, also, in the same piece, Taliban leaders announced that the rations were being burned publicly because they were an “insult to the dignity” of Afghanistan.
(There was an article in yesterday’s NY Times that said the same thing pulykamell says…refugees are snapping these babies up in great glee, easily interpreting the pictograms as “Hey, There’s Food Inside Me!”) **
[/QUOTE]
With all dues respect towards the critics of the food drops, apparently the people who are the recipients of the drops ARE grateful…
Just read beagledave’s link…
Is there a “secret” hope that civilians, well fed and grateful, will offer up information as to the whereabouts of one ObL? I’m not sure who they would tell, but, as stated in the article, there are many civilians who want the Taliban gone and do not want ObL or any terrorists in Afghanistan. If an entire “town” gets fat and happy on MREs, might they go so far as to seek out ObL and sell him out for dessert?
Jess Wunrin.
Ike – Thanks for fixing my code. I’d like to bestow upon you an Honourable Knighthood but we’re fresh out of them this week.
dropzone – I have to say I’m not quite sure what to make of the market stall thing. If the idea is to feed the middle-class and entrepreneurs then it’s doing a fine job. However, if some of the relief is intended to reach those without means then it’s failed. Fore example, there are still thousands of bereaved women, orphaned kids and mutilated men from the 79-89 war who haven’t made it to the Pakistan refugee camps and rely heavily on begging and charity to get by. Those people aren’t served by these drops and they rely need the World Food Programme to get it’s aid through the passes – and sometime in the next month before the snows come.
Spritle - I believe the radio broadcasting is intended for those Taliban troops (and Commanders) who might waver from the cause with a little more nudging. Interestingly, now the transmitters are down, (I understand) it’s even possible to have George’s Presidential ‘addresses’ broadcast directly onto any teevee screen in Afghanistan – if they had any. The wonders of modern war…well, modern war on one side.
I wonder why those leaflets don’t mention the $5 million reward that was on offer for OBL…now that would have been interesting…
Well, there IS that. 
Is the reward for ObL “only” $5 million? Maybe there could be a lottery for his head, or bidding on eBay, we could raise more money.
Blow sheep.
So…just to clarify: if I recognize an attempt to manipulate me as such, then I’m being manipulated.
You seem to have overlooked that mention of ‘spin’ in my last paragraph. Yes, I’m aware that the media in this country engages in propaganda, thanks.
Fortunately, I’ve no need of an excuse.
Anyway, thanks for the link. 
its the strangest thing! i’m readin’ along with this thread and i swear i get the impression its like some wierd comedy routine. i think it’s dropzones fault! (it helps to put a mel blanc voice to his posts)
please feel free to disregard anything i said, and carry on with your discussion.
(ps MRE’s fit nicely in your Jeep as emergency food when you drink too much while off-roading and roll down hills)
FINALLY! Some appreciation from my public!
Uh, WHICH Mel Blanc voice? Hint: My slight speech impediment is more Daffy Duck, as is my temper.
Are you trying to imply this didn’t happen?