gorilla
2007-08-27, 11:55 AM
US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has resigned. Not big suprise here, in that he's been under attack for months, and had a horrible showing in both houses hearings, being attacked by senior members of both parties.
What is a bit suprising is the timing. Middle of August, in the middle of both the congress and the president's holidays, and only two weeks after Karl Rove announced his resignation.
I am of a suspicious mind, and I'm thinking, what does Karl Rove want to drive off the front pages and news channels.
Today the UN published a report saying that Afganistan has increased it's production of opium poppies by 17%, to the highest ever levels. Afganistan is now 92% of the world's opium production, up from 70% in 2000.
Most of the production is in the province of Helmand, a southern province with very little control either by the Kabul government, or the NATO forces.
Where do the profits from these poppies go? Insurgents, the Taliban, and probably Al Quaeda.
No matter what the reasons for invading Afganistan, there is little doubt that the results have been bad. Over the past six years the civil war has re-errupted, the Taliban and Al Quaeda have recovered much of their strength, and just like the Iraqi 'democracy', the Afgani one will fall as soon as the forces leave.
I think it's obvious that the Bush Whitehouse wanted this to fade from the headlines, thus Gonzo's resignment.
http://www.unodc.org/pdf/research/wdr07/WDR_2007.pdf
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2157094,00.html
What is a bit suprising is the timing. Middle of August, in the middle of both the congress and the president's holidays, and only two weeks after Karl Rove announced his resignation.
I am of a suspicious mind, and I'm thinking, what does Karl Rove want to drive off the front pages and news channels.
Today the UN published a report saying that Afganistan has increased it's production of opium poppies by 17%, to the highest ever levels. Afganistan is now 92% of the world's opium production, up from 70% in 2000.
Most of the production is in the province of Helmand, a southern province with very little control either by the Kabul government, or the NATO forces.
Where do the profits from these poppies go? Insurgents, the Taliban, and probably Al Quaeda.
No matter what the reasons for invading Afganistan, there is little doubt that the results have been bad. Over the past six years the civil war has re-errupted, the Taliban and Al Quaeda have recovered much of their strength, and just like the Iraqi 'democracy', the Afgani one will fall as soon as the forces leave.
I think it's obvious that the Bush Whitehouse wanted this to fade from the headlines, thus Gonzo's resignment.
http://www.unodc.org/pdf/research/wdr07/WDR_2007.pdf
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2157094,00.html