Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

sa'ad A. saidullah — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:13:33 GMT

10:05 AM, 21 May 2008, Toronto, Canada, 21.05.2008

No doubt the Senator from New York supports hard measures and "tough talking" as in the American primaries; but the conduct and behaviour towards prisoners-of-war (POW even in the Vietman War) is not dictated by politics and / or politicians. It is based on law, custom and standards of the American Army even recently as set forth by GENERAL(s) like MaCARTHUR of THE US ARMY and the traditions of the American people - NOT the standards of a nuclear reactor sales(wo)man from Europe and / or 'The Butcher(s) of Strasbourg' and those of their ilk. SALUTE ! VR: CASEAR BORGIA (US) (SAS): sa'ad*

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

saad A. saidullah — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:16:34 GMT

Impement The FIRST AMENDMENT. 10:14 Hours, 21.05.2008.

VR: THE FRANKLIN(s): Sa'ad

I despise censorship as in some so-called "churches" and do not condone such theft, interception and delay in electronic communication - no more than theft of nuclear weapons, warheads from bins and silos in Canada

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Art West Palm Beach Florida — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:19:25 GMT

This is like one of those old movies that take place in old mexico or Turkey, never thought we would see it done by americans. Guilty till you can prove your innocence. You can not use proof, legal council, alibies or witnesses to defend yourself...sad day for democracy.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

K Jerome, Ontario, Canada — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:21:35 GMT

How is it possible to detain people with no charges for 5 years? How is that possible? Is the U.S. not accountable to uphold the same justice system for everyone? How is it possible that as the result of a telephone call or tip that a person can be incarcerated and held with no lawyer or chance to defend themselves? How is it possible that the world just sits idly by while the powers that be abuse and strip individuals of the very human rights they proclaim to defend? How is it possible that we have become so blind not to see the inhuman way these prisoners are being treated?

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

David Adame, San Antonio, Texas — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:30:02 GMT

As Bush's incompetent handling of the Afghan war is unraveling. We see the Red Cross as an example of compassion and dedication to help all those in need. I only hope that al of us can one day have the courage to put a stop to this nonsense and do as the brave people working at the Red Cross and take this opportunity to show the world how we can make this world a better place. PEACE!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

William, Spruce lane, St. Catherine — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:36:47 GMT

It is strange that white people- Americans specifically, will not allow their own soldiers to be tried by foreign tribunals; even stranger that Americansccannot be EXTRADITED to foreign courts, but AMericans can hold other people - 16,000 miles away from America with impunity and without charge.

Never mind- all of us non-white peoples will one day have guns- and the American dogs will know a thing or two.

TYhey had better not come to my country.

William

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Virginia Jones, Bedford, Indiana — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:37:12 GMT

Action to release people who are not Taliban needs to happen. Hope Mirwali's father can go home soon.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

jdhuggard/west vancouver/bc/canada — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:38:34 GMT

herewe go-why is it that we recently recieved a msnbc report that mr. karzai[afghan president]and family membershave ""salted away 10,s of milliond of aid money""?/all thewhile our men are fighting/dying??????????why hasnt mr.manley in canada[appointed special investigator for ourmission]had these people interrigated-located the stolen aid money/confiscated it/placed funds in treasury account for examination purposes?comment-what the hell!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Karen Campione' Liverpool (UK) — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:39:12 GMT

Obama seems to be on the right track. While Afganistan is swallowed up in the enormous shadow that is the " Godzilla" of failure Iraq, Al-queda survives another day on the Afgani Steppes and drinks afternoon tea in Karachi. The BUSH regime throws billions on top of billions down the money pit (Iraq), not to mentioned the 100 of thousands innocent Iraqi men, woman and chidren that were murdered by our well meaning troops (most just following orders and trying to avoid collateral damage). Al-queda is loving our foray into Iraq, while we twiddle our thumps the rest of the world laughs at us (been abroad lately?, you will find out we are hated in the EU), hopefully Obama will sqaure things away and undo all the misery BUSH has created.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Nikka Ziemer, Las Cruces, New Mexico — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:41:27 GMT

How can we as Americans condone such unjust action. When we are treated in anything like this manner we are outraged and consider such state treatment as abuse of the worst kind. Why do we think it is evil if done by Cuba, Russia or North Korea but acceptable if done by ourselves? God have mercy on us.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

James Toney — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:42:03 GMT

Let us hope that the next president will implement more rational policies that balance our legitimate security needs with respect for human rights. Every time a person is imprisoned by U.S. forces without just cause and given no meaningful opportunity to defend himself, America loses a little more of its prestige and moral authority, and Americans are little bit less safe.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

John Seling, Winnipeg, MB, Canada — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:47:22 GMT

You act like these people have done nothing wrong. What about the families or the loved ones of the people that they may have been involved in Killing or brutalizing or some other horrid crimes. And you want the world to have sympathy for them. They are being held for a reason because they were involved at some point in time in something that they should not have been. They are now paying a price for that involvement. There dentention is like a picnic compared to the way they probably treat there prisoners. No sympathy for them here.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Debbie Ann Cooke San Deigo, Ca — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:50:24 GMT

I agree with many, focus in on the Afgan situation, this is security that makes perfect sense (kudos to Barack Obama).

What the hell are we doing in Iraq anyways? Listen when the President had to lie to justify invading Iraq, the writting was on the wall-plus didn't Emperor Bush learn anything at his mothers feet (or Sunday School)-that is anything the begins with a lie is destined to fail.

Its simple BUSH, the bad guys are in Pakistan and Afganistan, by Patreaus's own numbers, only less than 3 percent of all violence in Iraq is caused by Al-Queda (and by his estmates less than 30 hardcore members are in Iraq-right now), so should'nt we be in Afganistan-can't wait till we can implement Baracks plan, and so happy BUSHES days are very numbered.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

nancy w — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:51:57 GMT

what the @#*! has happend to habeas corpus? every time i hear about secreat prisions, ordinary people being detained after the whole family wae abused and terrified by the good old U.S.A im more humiliated as we all should be!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

hoedriller, Boca Raton, Florida — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:52:28 GMT

President Bosh sure has founf a way to make these people love us Americans. Incarceration for yesrs with no charges, no lawyers, just set in prison forever. Way to go Georgie boy. What kind of monsters do a lot of these people think we are. Thank God this administration is coming to an end soon.May they all rot in hell. At 30% , even your own backers Are running away from you, quite sad, but true.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Monica from Washington, DC — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:53:52 GMT

would they be able to hire some attorney from United States to Investigate these cases properly and put the intelegence on a side. Since some inocent people gets in trouble for nothing.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Carla Wains-Smith Memphis, TN — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:55:12 GMT

Why aren't we more focused on the Afganistan situaiton? And combating terrorism there, instead we arein Iraq, which is dragging the country down- thanks Bush-oh, and thank you for the high gas prices.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Carmine Justino NYC — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:57:34 GMT

Great policy Bush, hold people without charging them, this is creating good will all through the Middle East, isn't it?

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

LC — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:57:46 GMT

The comments so far are from people reacting to a very liberal story by very liberal media. I know it's sad that these people are being held, but they are probably being held for a reason. I know our government and its leaders make mistakes, but I don't think we're about tearing apart families. These people are being held for a reason.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Ingrid vance, Manassas, Virginia — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:57:50 GMT

How can we as Americans be respected when we behave in ways that we ourselves do not expect to be treated. Shame on us. What makes us think we are superior? I am astounded how slow and inconsiderate our government works. May God forgive and change those who do not have compassion for every soul.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Mike, Cleveland, Ohio — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:15 GMT

We are at war with these people right? They did set up terrorist camps right? They are the largest producers of opium in the world right? Not we are to care that some guy is upset because he can't see his father? WRONG!!!! We would not even be there if they could take care of things in the first place.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Sandy, philadelphia, pa — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:02:31 GMT

Considering none of you know what actually happened to Mirwali, his family, and what his father was or was not involved in; it's sad that you are so quick to believe his version of the story, as represented by our media, rather than the leaders of our military who are battling on the ground in Afghanistan.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

DAVID, MODESTO CA. — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:03:17 GMT

NOT GOOD-AMERICA NEEDS TO FIX THESE ISSUES FAST
BECAUSE IF THIS HAPPEDED IN AMERICA I WOULD FIGHT TO THE DEATH.(GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH)

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

John Boyer, Rancho Cucamonga, CA — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:05:59 GMT

Lets just hope that our policies don't end up creating more terrorists out of disgruntled innocents and their families due to a lack of understanding of a different culture

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Ghulam H. Popal, Piscataway, NJ, — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:07:24 GMT

That is not Mirwali's cry. It is our's cry that the forefather of this country safed us for the last three hundred years, Bush ruin it in seven years. Now we can not walk stand head among nations.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

veda, sacramento, Ca — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:11:39 GMT

What we have done in Afghanistan and Iraq is going to haunt is in the decades to come. We believe you are innocent until proven guilty, but this is only if you are an American in America not if you are anyone else anywhere else. What hypocrites we are and how can we represent to the world we are people of dignity and pride.......this administration has befaced all of us with their action and continued injustice in the world.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Shawn, Sheboygan Wisconsin — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:12:28 GMT

Typical of America. Make and break whatever rules we wish. I feel ashamed that I'm an American when I hear of unjust actions like these. And some people still wonder why other countries wish to do harm to us?

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

steve — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:12:33 GMT

Glad you saps are so quick to declare innocence to someone based on a short article with no facts. I believe in the dececy of the US Governments treatment of detainees.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Ilbert Phillips, Culver City, California — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:14:05 GMT

The issue is given the intelligence that our military has is this the proper way to address these combatants. I think it is. Only people whose lives are not on the line would think to criticize the military or the president for conducting an ongoing war that saves lives.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Beth, Boise, Idaho — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:15:34 GMT

Sounds like my country - the US - is going about this all wrong. I hope someone up top takes a serious look at this BEFORE the next election.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

James Taylor, Annapolis Md. — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:17:37 GMT

After looking at this, I pray to God for 1-20-09, the Bush admistrations last day in office. I hope they bring him to a world court and punish him and everyone connected to this cruel and unjust punnishment, this is truly a sad and disgraceful time for America, I just hope the next president will right this wrong, and send these people home to their familys.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Mano Ratwatte, Colombo Sri Lanka — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:19:27 GMT

Simply racist bigotry. And the US for example in Sri Lanka, preaches about similar violations by Sri Lankan armed forces adn the government. It is heights of hypocrisy for Robert O Blake to preach to Sri Lanka when the US is committing such outrages.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

deedee — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:19:51 GMT

USA has turned to be just like Russia used to be. It has no respect for human rights. Bush being a sociopath, it is no surprised. This government does not care for its own people how could it care for the people of other countries?

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

max baton rouge, la — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:21:56 GMT

<http://vvusafa.com/dg/holl/g.asp>
If as some of bleading harts want and these people are released and later caputure in a gun fight where American or Canadian are killed will they be willing to stand trial as accomplis to murder.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Rehanna, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:22:09 GMT

Reading about Mirwali's father's situation only confirms what most American citizens already know.. it's time for change in our government and I believe that change will come if we elect Obama as our next President. Hillary Clinton will only allow Gitmo and Bargram and similar camps in Iraq to be maintained. This sort of inhumane treatment and neglect for basic human rights has to stop...I'm embarrassed to be an American citizen when this is how our country treats people around the world.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Laura Shupp, Lancaster, Pennsylvania — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:25:31 GMT

I find it a sad situation for the United States, standing on the platform of democracy, to enforce such acts of injustice. How can we ever improve our foreign relations with with Afghanistan and other countries dealing with the same issues if we are partly to blame in this?

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Don Miller — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:27:44 GMT

And where is your story about the family members of American servicemen and women who will NEVER see or speak to their loved one again because Mirwali's father might have planted an IED somewhere - No harm no foul I guess
How about a story about the family of a heroin addict in the U.S. doomed to living death because Milawi's father might grow opium - Same deal.
Your "report" is useless journalism because you rely on only one source - this family, and you take them at their word.
This is WAR, cutie, and bad things happen to good and bad people.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Scott Weldon, Redding, CA — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:27:45 GMT

As horrible as this method of detention may seem, it can be a difficult thing to seperate innocent and guilty in Afghanistan. It is a society hard for Americans to understand, with tribal and ethnic links that are outside our cultural understanding. Often tribal groups with no direct link to the Taliban will accept money to conduct attacks on Americans. Sometimes tribal leaders feel the need to cooperate with both sides in the war. Sometimes a true Taliban sympathizer will simply hide behind lies, as the U.S. authorities have no photographic means to identify them. It is a tough situation all around, but having served on Bagram Airbase when three enemy combatants managed to escape from the detention center, I personally understand the need for security. I wish it could be better, but a guerilla war is not a normal part of society and it is unfair to compare our actions to those of a normal society.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

cellulartraders, miami FL — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:32:30 GMT

I think Nikka Ziemer said it best. May God have mercy on us.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

EXMI Georgia — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:36:03 GMT

Just because the guy says his father wasn't Taliban doesn't mean it's true. And there are many reasons other that being Taliban that can get you locked up. People who are not considered a threat are released. I know, I used to work there.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Tired of US bashers — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:37:41 GMT

Those of you who write in these comments about how bad the US is for its treatment of these detainees should just move to Afghanistan. If it's so bad here why are you staying?. You all have NO concept about what these detainees have done yet you automatically blame the US Govt. for alleged atrocities.

For all of you ignorant people here's a little clue for you. The US legal system isn't in play during war. It only works in the US for criminal activity. It doesn't apply to war criminals or POWs.

I believe that the military knows more then you or I do about what these people have been up to. Until this war is over the detainees can stay in prison. They should be thankful that they're alive and allowed to visit their families by phone.

War is hell, always has been and always will be. That being said, I have no sympathy for the islamists that think the US should be detroyed. Or for any of you who blame the US Military or Govt.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Mitch — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:38:39 GMT

Why can't we find out who in the bureaucracy is setting these kinds of situations where people are being incarcerated (and worse) without due process? Is it our military that is creating these immoral jails? I agree with James Toney; imprisonment under these circumstances undermines our cause. We become the Taliban.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

John Castagna — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:39:53 GMT

It apalling to me that our "war on terrorism" means spitting in the face of compassion and adopting the moral lowroad as business-as-usual. Thank God that at least the Red Cross is there to prove to a few of these people that not all Americans should be hated for what we're capable of.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Phil Vecc — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:18:08 GMT

"Then they unleashed their dogs on two of my sisters"
When I read this quote he lost all credibility, and so did the article.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Claire Richmond San Deigo, CA — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:19:03 GMT

We must return to focusing our energy on being a moral lighthouse to the world. I have spent the last year living in London, the EU economy is on fire, along with the Middle East, China and India, folks the world does not need us anymore-we need them-face the facts.

There is such a dour attiude concerning the United States worldwide, we are vey much hated and can you honestly, really blame other people, when we are guilty of human rights violations-locking people up, without charging them, makes me want to throw up. I agree, so very glad BUSH/CHENNEY/RICE's days are numbered.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Michael Putnam Salem, OR — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:23:38 GMT

My thoughts-

I agree that many of these prisoners may indeed be terrorists who have committed tremendous crimes, and that they deserve no sympathy. Never the less, they deserve DUE PROCESS. Nazi leaders, KKK terrorists, organized crime bosses, and serial killers (all people who don't deserve sympathy) still were afforded the right to independent counsel, the right to haebeus corpus, the right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to be judged by a jury of their peers, and the right to deciline to testify against yourself (this is where torture comes in). America is supposed to be the last, best, and greatest hope for humanity. Our treatment of these detainees tarnishes that image. How can we spread the joys of liberty and democracy if we ignore some of its most basic principles?

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

concerned patriot — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:27:25 GMT

Why do so many of the people who oppose this treatment quote "due process" or habius corpus or the rights violations commited by nations against their own citizens??? This is a war. These are prisoners of war. Their treatment is dictated by articles of war... not the U.S. Constitution. Not U.S. civil law, and not by the rights and privileges granted to American citizens and potected by her men and women in uniform! American citizens due have rights other countries don't, and other countries do treat their own citizens worse than the U.S. And the U.S. does treat the vast majority of detainees with far more dignity and restraint than is granted U.S. citizes and soldiers captured by our enemies in this war. This isn't a civil rights issue, stop treating it like one!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Herb — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:39:11 GMT

Those of you outraged by the treatment of the known Taliban or Taliban suspects in US custody, I invite you to watch the recent film "Osama", written by an Afghani and filmed in Afghanistan.

Mercy, justice, humanity--and evil--are relevant qualities.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Fed up in Alaska — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:47:00 GMT

The only problem I have, and it is a BIG one, is that the prisoners have NO recourse to prove weather they should be held. I have NO faith in Bush, his incompetence in making the right decision on almost any subject is in question.......... and I voted for him TWICE (i humbly say i am sorry). His thinking that even American citizens can be jailed, without court redress, is NAZI at the core. I can not see myself voting Republican ever again. He has turned me into a disenchanted voter. He is not bright enough to understand the consequences of his actions. The proof IS the consequences of his actions.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

GOD LOVING AMERICAN — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:51:42 GMT

How long will we let this Assh**e "President" represent us around the world. I understand Impeaching him would paralize the government. - But it is common knowledge this drug addict alcoholic has no business running the country. Republicans need to grow a set and dethrone this DICKtator we call our president and save this country God knows these whimpy Democrats won't do it.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Tired of people thinking were winning the war — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:54:14 GMT

Bush should have never been able to goto war, The Congress should never have allowed it. People that believe we are winning the war, your being mislead. Sure we out gun and possibly out number the enemy, hell we could just drop a nuke and end it all couldn't we? with all the uneducated Americans here, thats probably what they think is the solution.

Though we have inflicted more casualties than we have taken, our economy isnt fixing itself. The war is putting us into more debt and more of our youth are being sent to a growing hell hole where they will never be the same.

I pose a question. With a war on terrorism, why is it that we do nothing about the terrorists here? America has the most terrorists in the world with all the gangs, radicals and most evident the KKK thrive. Why do we choose to go over to another country to eliminate terrorists when we have plenty of them still at home here.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

K. Jerome, Ontario, Canada — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:56:47 GMT

Perhaps we don't know whether an individual is innocent or guilty. Perhaps we are only reading one article. I do know that if it was my family member and they were innocent I would fight like hell to be heard and have them released. All I read today is it is us and them. The U.S., Iraq, Afghanistan, makes no difference to me. We are talking about people's lives and difficult situations where not all things are cut and dry and innocent people are being held without trial or defense. Makes no difference where they live or what religion they are. They are people! You cannot trust the powers that be when all they do is try to divide opinion and get re-elected. If only we could see ourselves in every person and see that holding a person without defense is wrong no matter how you slice it.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Sue, Seattle — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:57:51 GMT

Great example of how Bush's foreign policy is winning the hearts and minds of the Middle East. Their hearts are full of hate and their minds are full of revenge. Way to go Bushie, you're doing a heck of a job!!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

susan, high point, NC — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:59:37 GMT

Please, remember that every story has TWO sides....Many of these comments are blasting the US when you have no idea if the facts are accurate. We are STILL the most honorable nation on the face of the earth even with our faults. NO we are not perfect but I don't see anyone moving out!!!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Michael Sheridan, Sacramento, CA — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:00:33 GMT

Some posters have defended current US policy, saying they trust that our forces would not arbitrarily detain innocents. The question is not whether the US is deliberately holding people innocent of any crime. The real question is how they can KNOW the truth, given that "The authorities do not permit any information to leak out about who is incarcerated there – some have been high value targets in the war on terror. There are cases of detainees held WITHOUT CHARGES [my caps] for as long as five years, according to human rights lawyers and the Red Cross...The problem for U.S. and NATO forces is how can they tell what’s real from what is someone’s chance to finally settle an old score with a neighbor...The prisoners cannot introduce outside testimony for their defense and have no access to independent lawyers." This is a failure of policy on both a practical and moral level. Were these same procedures used in domestic law enforcement in the US, can you even imagine how many innocents would be locked up, with no means to defend themselves against charges that HAVEN'T EVEN BEEN FILED? Surely SOME, maybe most, of these prisoners are guilty, but since when is it an American value to ignore the rights of the innocent? Surely any possible gain to the terrorists of being more open in our proceedings is far outweighed by the alienation we must be causing by acting in such a way. If any friend or relation of MINE was locked up by a foreign power without charges being filed and denied a chance to defend himself, I would NOT feel warm and fuzzy toward his jailors.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

bobf — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:05:29 GMT

It is sad to see the losers on this board justifing unlimited rendition. Did we do this in Vietnam? Why are we worse that the terrorists? To those of you that drink the kool-aid, just keep saying they had to do something. Well unless they are brought to court to find out, we will never ever know. Is this what you want your government to do. Just grab people off the streets and incarcerate them forever without a trial?. Anyone that beleives this is not a true ameircan. You are cowards that give strength to the terrorists. Every person that justifies unlimited incaceration is a terrorist themselves. Why, to act like a terrorist is to be one. Do not hide behind any made up excuse. We would never ever pick up the wrong person and hold them forever. Wait, let me see the guy from Seattle was rendidition because of his name. The guy from Italy is suind 23 americans for grabbing people in the middle of the night. The sad part is they grabbed the wrong people. But the cowards on this board that blindly justify this are terrorist. If you do not want to be called a terrorist, then quit acting like one. We are better than this. By the way during the cold war with Russia,who could have annihalated the planet, we did not do this crap. But have a muslim nation attack us due to W not doing his job and you cowards can not leave your house for fear of terrorists. Well guess what you cowards, terrorists do not own me like they own you. The only reason terrorists have power is because you freackin cowards give them power. TO ALL YOU COWARDS, the terrorists can never ever defeat us. So why do you give them the power they crave?

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Realistic, visiting San Antonio, TX. — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:05:55 GMT

After reading the many anti-American comments I realized the majority are written from a misinformed American's understnding of "idealistic, humaninistic compassion". I am an university educated American and have lived in the Mid-east for 15 years assisting orphans generated by the Islamic system.
If Carol Grisanti, NBC News Producer, thinks what's happening in the POW area is cruel she should move and live there. The person she writes about, Mirwali, as a Muslim man, would not hesitate to murder his sister for wearing lipstick the same day he cries for his father. Americans who haven't been intimately involved in the Mid-east culture will never understand. God help us.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

bobf — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:06:48 GMT

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

jack sorrento,fl — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:11:53 GMT

the people who judge the usa and how we handle prisoners should remember ron pearlman.he was a prisoner.my only regret is that you people are afforded protection by the very people and govt that you are ranting about.YOUhave made judgements without hearing both sides so that makes you either a sympathizer or a complete idiot and maybe even worse,a traitor to your own country.hear both sides before you judge.you remind me of barack obama.he has no wisdom in foreign policies,the military or what to do when the enemy wants to shove the bat up your backside.yet,he will change everything by wishing it done.he is an idealist and a danger to the freedom of this country.hopefully the liberals of this country will lose or the terrorist will have be laughing at us.
stand up for america,hear both sides and have the facts before you judge and most of all stop whinning and stand tall for human rights when you know the facts.
ugh

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

jack sorrento,fl — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:16:07 GMT

it's possible that all the anti us letters are written by one person because i find it hard to believe that there are that many stupid people writing on this page.
i love our country and our govt.that includes the liberals and anti us fools.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Greg Bradley, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:17:00 GMT

All of these torrist claim to be innocent.... Go visit your local prison and 90 % of the inmates will tell you that they are innocent also!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Greg Bradley, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:17:16 GMT

All of these torrist claim to be innocent.... Go visit your local prison and 90 % of the inmates will tell you that they are innocent also!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Gail Bloom — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:18:14 GMT

How is it fair that these prisoners are allowed to do this and they are fed and sheltered unlike our American soldiers who are brutally tortured and murdered and most times videos are released to torture their families and attempt to scare other soldiers. We must live in a fantasy world if we think these prisoners we have are there for no reason. Someday we may be forced to wake up. I hope not,

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

jack sorrento,fl — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:19:10 GMT

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

J, MPLS — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:23:59 GMT

Let me understand this. You are in a war zone. You are a leader in your area. You are taken because you are sustpected of going against me. What gives me the right to take you? Because you are in a war zone. Thousands of our people were just murdered and you were known to have supported the vary people that paid for what was done. It is called war. What do you do with the people that you were just fighting and they were taken prisoner? Let them loose so you have to fight them again? Where are your brains. They should be released when things are over. Just like they did in Vietnam. War over so they let people go. Same in WWII and every war. War over soldiers are let go. The problem is if things were declared over between both sides the extrimists will keep going anyway. They are nuts. So, these people that are being held without "reason" Think about it. You are in a war zone. You are not in the US. You did not commit a crime in the US so therefore why do you thinkk you are afforded anything at all? Do you think those extrimists would not torture their prisoners? I can gurantee you that they will. Will they let their captured go at anytime? I doubt it. Ask a soldier what their duty is. They are to try to escape and rejoin their unit and fight again.
Please people. Quit trying to give these people rights that they don't have. They have a right to decent food and medicine. That is all. No, they should not be tortured but come one folks. It's WAR. Have you forgotten why we went into Afganistan? To get a murderer and his gang. Bring him to trial and maybe to death if found guilty.
But the main thing is that we need to remember that there are many people that are being held because of what is going on. A trial? Why? Are they holding people and giving them a trial? I doubt they are. If they do hold one we all know it will be bogus and that person on trial will have their head lopped off. Wake up people.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

K. Jerome, Ontario, Canada — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:26:21 GMT

It's safe to say that bad things happen to both good and bad people ... as long as you are not one of those people...never trivialize someone else's suffering because eventually it will come back to bite you in the bottom..one way or another

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

RedWhiteandBlue — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:27:06 GMT

No mercies to those Talibans and jihadists = terrorists! I would rather have one imprisoned wrongly than missing a suspect. In good enough time, the innocence will be freed and the guilty will rot. Let's face it, it's no pleasures to the US,and certainly not mine, holding and feeding anyone at the expense of its tax payers. There's no perfect solution in any situation in this world. There is not even a perfect world to speak of. For my safety and yours our military people put their life on the line so the least we can do is offer them our gratitude. Stop whining and give them unified supports so that they won't have to fight on our behalves with hands tied behind the back then come home with a half-ass job done. Can't believe you cry babies!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Mike, Germantown, MD — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:31:22 GMT

"They came with their dogs and forced their way into our home firing their weapons," Mirwali said in an interview at the Red Cross office in Kabul. "Then they unleashed their dogs on two of my sisters."

So, in addition to holding innocent men for up to five years without representation, we are attacking women and children with dogs?

I find it hard to believe our troops are doing such things. We should be careful not to buy into this propaganda without proof. Keep in mind that everyone in prison says they are innocent and war detainees are rarely released until the fighting is over.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Lynn Texas — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:35:59 GMT

DO YOU ALL REMBER WHAT THAY DID TO THE US AND YOU FEEL SORRY FOR THEM WHAT KIND OF AMERICANS ARE YOU? SO WE CANT DEFEND OUR COUNTRY? IF YOU THINK IT'S O.K. FOR THEM TO COME OVER HERE AND DO WHAT THAY WANT TOO THEN GO OVER THERE AND LIVE THAT WAY. I AM AMERICAN AND I THINK WE NEED TO DO EVERY THING TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY SAFE.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Rob, Virginia — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:39:33 GMT

I'd rather have 10 innocent men locked up than lose one of our soldiers by letting a Taliban/al Qaeda terrorist out because he said that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

natasha, canton, ms — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:45:20 GMT

Oh please!.. You people have no idea whether this man was telling the truth. "Unleashed the dogs on his sisters"? I doubt it.
"In the tribal culture of Afghanistan, there are strict rules – no one but immediate family members dare enter a home without first knocking and asking for permission." So now our soldiers are supposed to knock and ask for permission during a war? Give me a freaking break. I am sick to death of the ingrateful, whining, no goods that will jump to condemn our soldiers at the drop of a hat. You people do not deserve to clean their boots. Get a life.

Natasha

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Jeff Faris, 6864 Carters Grove Drive, Noblesville, IN 46062 — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:50:18 GMT

All of the strengths that made our country seem to be rapidly disappearing. People came to this country because of what it was, not because of what they wanted it to be. Somewhere along the way politics became a profession (not a service to your country) and these politicians figured out if they catered to various "special interest" groups it would greatly improve their "job security" and vice-versa. From this the agendas of all these special interests groups began to rapidly grow in importance to the point that collectively our country is no longer what it once was. Politicians have been posturing their selves for so long we are now reaping what was sowed by catering to the wishes of the few in difference to the many on so many self interest issues it would make anyones head swim! We have become so removed from reality as a whole that the only reality we know is what is going on today with no regard as to why we are now where we are being the result of previously expedient and poltically beneficial (at the time) decisions or in many cases postponement/no decision because of the popularity or lack thereof at the time. This permiates throughout everything in our society and we are now paying the price. We should not be having the energy crisis but do because we choose over many years not to allow exploration, not to build new refineries, not to build nuclear energy plants and much more and now the same groups who oppossed doing those things say it would take too long to do them now (go figure). We have global geo-political, social, and economic problems because for too long it was politically expedient to defure difficult decisions to someone else for job security reasons (of the politicians), particularly if the other political party could somehow benefit instead of our self/selves. As an example, an energy bill is being sat on in Congress that is very needed and should have been voted on a long time ago. However, regardless of the importance of the need it is being sat on because of purely political reasoning and benefit. Would you be interested to know that if this bill is not passed soon that our country will loose 19 billion dollars in investment and 120,000 jobs all in the "renewable energy" energy industry (solar & wind)? Pretty crazy but true and the probability is that we will have this loss, all because of politics. Who cares who gets the "political credit" let's take care of our country (of all things). As a society we have little patience for anything and therefore if something doesn't go to our liking we are quick to criticise and blame anyone but ourselves which simultaneously compounds matters by further and further dividing our country into these agenda groups.
What does this have to do with Afganistan ... everything! In case you haven't noticed, we are fighting a "single war" on many fronts ... Afganistan, Iraq, and much of the rest of the world and not involved in abandoning one for another. We have also tried our best to "sanitize" war beyond anything remotely attempted before in history. Of course this attmempt will never satisfy the agendas of everyone. Because of our collective: "no patience" mentality; our "if something goes wrong let's blame it on someone else" to try and gain political benefit for our self/selves mentality; our "rush to judgement" mentality (without full consideration), particularly if it might be in our own interest by doing so; and I can go on and on as every devisive agendas you can think of will pick and pick apart every little remark, event, situation, and sneeze they can. Further, it is extraordinary how smart someone can seem to be when looking backward with 20/20 vision already knowing the outcome. Of course, they can pontificate on this but don't really know the foggiest of what the outcome may or may not have been if something had been done differently as their "perfect opinion" is based only on the action and resultant re-action that did occur and "assumes" what the re-action result might be from a different action taken. There are so many 2nd guessers and agendas standing in the wings it is actually quite amazing that under all the circumstances as have been and are now in place that, as a country, we are able to do anything versus being frozen in place because we are afraid of the potential backlash or take someone might have on what has been said or done. There is vitually nothing that anyone can say or do without being personally attacked and pounced on by any and everyone who oppose them however small the potential reason might be. It used to be that politics was a difference of opinion on issues. It has now become a vendetta to viciously attack an individual(s)for one-upsmanship political purposes with minimal, if any, integrity displayed. The only way we may ever get out of this descending rut we are in is if "Term Limits" are established on Congressman and Senators so that politics can return to being a "service to your country" not a "profession". A response to this is often ... "well they can be voted out of Office". Do you realize mathematical probability of this happening? Just check out the stagering percentage of incumbants who are re-elected as a result of their job security agenda versus an agenda for the best interest of the "whole" country. It's amzing how many congressman and senators who enter office without a personal fortune end up with one (check it out)! Of course, the probable chances of professional politicians voting their selves out of a job is likely nill and none. It's much easier to invision them voting for greater benefits for their selves (generally camouflaged by occuring the next year versus immediate).
In actuality, Professional Politicians and those special interest group they embolden in many cases have no idea what the real world is about because they have always been taken care of by the government and/or their interest group and wouldn't have the foggiest on how to make a living otherwise.
Signed,
MIDDLETOWN, USA

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Jay Kaye — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:50:34 GMT

Charles Manson says he didn't kill anybody - I guess we should let him go too. We live in the greatest country ever and some people are just idiots. Believe the liberal media and not the facts, which by the way we don't know. God Bless America and all it stands for.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Chris C., Kabul, Afghanistan — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:55:10 GMT

I'm sitting in Kabul as I type this. I worked previously in Baghdad. I'm in it. I can smell it. I can taste it. And I deal with it every day. Most of you, sadly, are complete idiots. You know only what you read, yet you fail to realize that you only read what they want you to know. You consider yourself to be "educated" and "enlightened." If you want to know the truth, come on over.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

James Wade, Austin, Texas — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:59:21 GMT

How easy we forget 9/11. These folks were detained for a reason; they were either Taliban or collaborating with them. Any other country would have just shot them. It's easy to sit in an arm chair and judge from such a liberal report as this. Yes, it's horrible for their families, but just as horrible for the families who lost their loved ones on 9/11.

However, I do believe that the U.S. should hold some type of public trial or military tribunal and let these folks crimes be known or let them be proven innocent.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Tired of Liberal Whiners, Lompoc, CA — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:07:26 GMT

Hello, these people are prisoners of war - there must be a reason they were arrested. They are getting the chance to see their families. Ask Senator McCain how he was treated, you liberal American haters. If you are ashamed of your country, go live in Afganistan.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Peter, College Station, TX — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:09:34 GMT

This is the first administration that breaks or evades the law whenever it can. They have no respect or regard for laws or people. They have created an endless war on an abstraction so they can attack whoever the want for no reason at all and suspend the rule of law. They debase everything this country has ever stood for.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Sandy Johnson, Sebastopol, California — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:48:22 GMT

To guys like Don and Steve- Please consider that we all want the same thing- justice for all. These people being held for 5 years without a trial are not being treated humanly. Let's allow them a lawyer and a trial and find out how guilty or not guilty they truly are. You wouldn't want to be held for 5 years in some foreign country not knowing when you would be heard? Please stop labeling the cry for justice as some liberal idea. It's what makes America the land of the free.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Tired of the Liberal Whiners — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:00:43 GMT

All those who feel ashamed of America, please do us a favor and move to another country.

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Brian, Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:08:55 GMT

I don't necessarily have a problem with the war - it was (and is) justified by the fact that Al-Queda has stated the goal of bringing us down. Taliban perhaps didn't, but they gave shelter to our enemies. Good plan to go in and take them out. The problem I have is the incompetence our 'leaders' have demonstrated in prosecuting the war, in disregarding the rule of law, and then allowing themselves to be distracted by Iraq. I mean - WTF? Every idiot knows you don't open up multiple fronts in in a war! You finish what you start, and then you move on to other business. And the quickest way to lose public support is to trample on the very people you are there to help. I am not a 'bleeding heart liberal', but this war has been completely and utterly mismanaged. It is criminal not because it wasn't justified, but because the Bushman decided to become the enemy in order to fight the enemy. Idiots!

Red Cross offers hope for Afghan families

Sameer, livermore, ca — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:31:00 GMT

i am an afghan-american and i am sad to read this. For those who dont know should understand that afghanistan is a poor country they barley have enough to eat, unless they are in the corrupt government that is backed by the US. Ask yourself if someone came to the US and treated us like this what would u do. the tribes who oppose eachother there lie to the US army so that they can get rid of there enemy. Bush has run the world into the ground. Republicans say they are strong in security issues well 9/11 happend on there watch and now we have more enemyes then when bush frist got into office. so thanks to him and the republicans the world is less safe, our economy sucks, and people be it americans or iraqis or afghans die everyday all over the world cuz of bushs policies. what amazes me are the idoits who still support the republicans and would vote for Mccain. Obama is our only hope.