A grieving father in Kandahar

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:09:21 GMT

Living in this area must be extremely dangerous each day. This family has suffered too many losses because of the violence. It is very tragic that this father's youngest son Faiz was killed and in the death of anyone especially in this region it is hard to find answers as to why it happened. If it is difficult for these people to understand the signs then maybe the way they are made should be changed. Instead of words maybe pictures would be a better way to communicate the message. Whatever the case one cannot bring back a loved one and that is the terrible consequence of war. Everyone must try to be on the lookout for anything and protect the innocent lives in the balance. Hopefully someday this region will be rid of the Taliban and other groups up to no good and this family and all others can live in peace. Peace to all!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Karla Bryant, Houston Texas USA — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:23:56 GMT

My prayers are with Akhtar and his family. It is extremely unfortunate all the violence in the world. I hope he can pull strentgh from his faith and remember wether you call your higher power God or Allah-he chooses when it is time to go.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Sean, Torrington CT — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:24:11 GMT

Perhaps if the US Military didn't abandon Afghanistan to chase non-existant WMDs in Iraq...perhaps Arghanistan would be in better shape today. It's a shame....the USA is lucky that when we meddle in other nations that those nations are incapable of invading us...because I'm sure they would have liked to. Oh hmmmm...perhaps this tough-guy foreign policy is helping with terrorist recruitment! Haven't the US government seen all those 1980s movies where the big powerful tough-guy pushes people around until all the little guys band together and make him irrelevant? That could never happen to us, right?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Rachel Thornton Bristol georgia — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:26:22 GMT

No one can tell you why your son died.My only idea of death goes back to my Faith in god.Your death is known and decided before you are born that is my veiw.I also dont think you can cheat death.As sad as it is,when someone young dies from a tragic accident you can almost see where every choice they made in life put them in that spot at that time.Its a part of life,death is a part of life.To ask why someone had to die is like asking why they had to live.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ike Tuner, Columbia, Maryland — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:27:59 GMT

Thats messed up. There is a reason why there are so many that side with the taliban over the US army. Its incidents like this that fuel insurgencies that last four years. When will people learn that you can go to war and take out leadership, but war will never win you the support of the public.

A grieving father in Kandahar

`Pam, Newark, DE — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:39:57 GMT

Dear Ahktar: My condolences on the loss of all of your sons. Whether they were killed by Russians, Americans, or Talibans, it matters not. The hurt never goes away. My heart goes out to you, and I am terribly sorry for your pain.

A grieving father in Kandahar

whysman — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:46:44 GMT

Don't worry Akhtar! President Bush has declared that 'nothing' will sway him from sending you 'more and more' help . . . even if it kills you!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Marc , Charlotte, NC — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:50:43 GMT

I have no way of knowing if the young man in this story was innocent or not. For the sake of argument I will assume that he was. Do we not realize that with every person that we kill in the middle east another layer of anger, resentment, and hatred for Americans is piled onto the massive mountain? It is like calling the insurgents terrorists. But ask yourself this: If a foreign military were in the United States, on the ground in your neighborhood, what would you do? If they were occupying your town that you live in and controlling your every movement, what would you do? If they had killed many of your friends and neighbors, what would you do? Would you assume that everything was going to turn out for the best? Or would you arm yourself and do everything in your power to protect yourself, your family, your country? If we stop and take a look at someone else's perspective everything changes. If we remain apathetic then our world remains ignorant.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ali Sharifi, Tehran, Iran. — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:58:40 GMT

Come to think of it; I don't know what is the NATO (North Atlntic Treaty Org)doing in Afghanistan; a country with a completely different etnic nvironment. They are Muslims by faith and cannot fathom what the occupation forces try to impose on their society. Umpteen years ago the Afghans kicked out the British from Afghanistan. Now they will deal out the same to the NATO forces. History is repeating itself.

A grieving father in Kandahar

TW, Billings, MT — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:05:40 GMT

The reporter should have done a bit of research before publishing this. If Ahktar is about 40, that would have him being born in 1966. His eldest son was shot by Soviets in 1980, when Ahktar was 14? How old was his son then? And another son was shot the same year? The numbers aren't adding up. Now, maybe Ahktar is just confused about his age, but suddenly the whole story lacks credibility

A grieving father in Kandahar

Harold Angel, New York, New York — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:06:30 GMT

The war on terror will sooner or later be exposed for what it is- a counterproductive excursion. It has been fashioned by a group of people who believe only in power and money. That it finds support in this country is no surprise; we happily condoned slavery, the native american genocide, the usurpation of most of the mexican empire, nagasaki and hiroshima, korea, vietnam, the systematic destruction of latin america and south america and lastly the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. Apart from a minority of Americans, we are a 300 million strong lynch mob unable to free our minds from the white man's burden to civilise the "savages". These people continue to label opponents of the war "radical liberals", "ostriches", "anti-american" and "bush-bashers". They continue to vilify us,calling us unpatriotic, blind and aiders and abetters of terrorism. They evoke images of our "men and women in uniform", of fearless and selfless warriors losing life and limb in the desert heat so that we may be safe here. The truth is that we gave far too much pain to the rest of the world for far too long. There is only so much the world could bear, even from the glorious United States of America. We must raise our voices, we must elect people without ties to big business, without ties to the paranoid schizophrenic filthy rich so called christians like Pat Robertson, Billy Graham and the utterly despicable Jimmy Swaggart. We must cease killing, pillaging and meddling in the affairs of others. We must pursue an alternative to the United Nations, the creation of a truly democratic global council that can mediate and solve disputes without prejudice and partisanship. Perhaps my beloved President and his cabal of mediocres and crooks can understand understand the words of the lone ranger, since they seem to identify very strongly with him... "That sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken. That all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever". America created globalization. It is now our duty to become global citizens, not citizens of an isolated, abhorred, deluded country.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Mike — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:08:34 GMT

IF YOU LOSERS GIVE UP BIN LADEN WE WOULDNT BEEN DROPPING BOMBS...DO WHAT WE WAY SAY WERE IN POWER...YOUR PEOPLE ATTACKED US ON 9/11 AND TOBY KEITH SAID WERE BRINGINH HELL WITH US...YOU GUYS SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS TO CLINTON! HE WOULD HAVE DONE A AIRSTRIKE AND WENT TO BED...NOT GW AND CHENEY THEY TOOK THYE FOGHT TO YOIU GUYS...NOW YOUR KIDS AND FAMILIES ARE IN DANGER...WELL 3000 PLUS DEAD DIED IN ONE DAY HERE AND IM PISSED OFF AND YOU NED TO FIND BIN LADEN OR WE WILL TAKE MORE LIVES!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Jimmy thompson, Forest, Va — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:16:12 GMT

I wonder why NBC always post articles like this that show NATO and especially our US soldiers in the worst light possible. I have not read anything or heard anything from NBC news that tells of all the great things our people are doing abroad. I hear that from the people who are there. Because of us, people now have running water and electricity for the first. Schools and roads are being built. Women are no longer sold, beaten, forced to marry in larger areas. No, NBC would much rather tell the stories of the great Evil American Empire who is cruel and unjust. They certainly do not want the truth to seep into their agenda. When they are caught in a lie, "it was a clerical error". No surprise that the NBC ratings continue to free fall. Anti-American agenda is not the best course when a company claims to report the truth. I sometime wonder whose side NBC is on and I do not think it is America's.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Not so silent majority USA — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:23:21 GMT

Too bad his kid is dead. Too bad his kid had to die because his peers have resorted to tactics that make it necessary to shoot at approaching vehicles that do not obey the rules of war. Too bad his son who grew up in this situation was not aware of his surroundings.

A grieving father in Kandahar

David D — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:23:24 GMT

The blatant lack of concern for civilian casualties by our government leaders is frightening. This hard line approach of "if you don't get out of the way, it is not our fault" is exactly why the US is hated more and more throughout the world. The same inexplicable sentiment is now being expressed about Iraq by both parties: "It is time for Iraqi's to take control of their destiny." But it is the US that created an almost certain future of despair with an illegal war of aggression by an arrogant administration of inhumane oil-mongers.

A grieving father in Kandahar

awabnavi, Yangon — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:26:34 GMT

Stories like these only go to show the nature of the US army - they are truly nazis.

A grieving father in Kandahar

eady wilson, charlotte, nc — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:26:55 GMT

...and this is how the U.S. goes in to "help" peoples of the world. Is there any wonder why most of the world feels we are domineering, arrogant, and without morals!

A grieving father in Kandahar

ken ryan des moines,IA — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:30:04 GMT

For starters I'm sorry for your loss.If your looking for someone at fault I would say both the Taliban and your local goverment. Why? the Troops most likely thought they were in danger. And thought the son was a suicide bomber. Thats why they fired I'm sure....The Taliban are the one's who use the suicide bombers NATO troops are reacting to them....Your local Government is at fault for not getting the word out to the locals how to avoid this fate.

A grieving father in Kandahar

James, Naples, FL — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:30:16 GMT

One trend I have noticed about many of the tragic situations that occur in Afghanistan is that the people claim that they are confused and don't know what to do. Any time someone is injured or killed in that country, Afghans say that they didn't know they weren't supposed to drive around traffic at a high rate of speed directly towards a US or NATO convoy. Even if someone is illiterate, we have been in this country for almost six years now. No one can use the excuse, "We didn't know." I think in a situation like this there is only one person to blame, the driver of that vehicle. It is a terrible thing that happened, but it is not the fault of NATO troops. I believe that the citizens of Afghanistan are becoming complacent and have forgotten that they have neighbors that want to kill the very people who are there to help them. The main point I am trying to make here is that the people of Afghanistan know exactly what could happen if you make the wrong move around US and NATO soldiers, and they know not to make that mistake. Unfortunately, it seems as if they don't really care.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Anthony Wrifford, Columbia, SC — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:37:26 GMT

If this man had 30 plus bullet holes in him, does this not tell you that whoever killed was doing alot more than his/her job? They enjoyed it, relished in it, much as in a crime of passion. If it was NATO troops that did this, they are guilty of war crimes and need to be jailed. Yes, and I mean even if they are Americans.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Henry May, Okeechobee, FL — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:37:39 GMT

This is certainly a sad situation especially accepting the circumstance as stated. It would appear that the suicide bombers are having an adverse affect on all afgans. It is natural that all the Nato Troops would be very nervous in those situations and in time of a war such as this tragedies occur, but makes them no less painful to the famlies involved. I would think though that the response by authories to those famlies should be swift and consolatory to damp the sort fall out that occurred in this unfortunate situation. I feel very sad for Akhtar and his family. It makes ones heart ache to know such things happen jn our world every day while we all seek to live in peace with each other.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Nancy, Casper, WY — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:38:09 GMT

I am so sorry. Please, someone, anyone, speak with this man and his family. Apparently, the rules of engagement are not so clear to those caught in the crossfire. IT IS NEVER OK TO HIDE BEHIND THE RULES of ENGAGEMENT, they have become "the last refuge of scoundrels". To ignore this man's pain, his families loss, is intolerable, just as this "War on Terror" has become. SHAME ON US! We have lost our humanity.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Henry May, Okeechobee, FL — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:38:28 GMT

A grieving father in Kandahar

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:42:52 GMT

It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine. REM Semper Fi

A grieving father in Kandahar

Boris Kuperman — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:43:12 GMT

Though people won’t admit it and will go to the end to deny the Truth, we - in America - no longer feel compassion for the people on the other side of the world. We no longer feel responsible for abandoning our commitments and have the countries, which we invade - with a promise to create a model of freedom and democracy – actually rebuilt. We blame the locals for the terrorism and the tidal wave of crime, after leaving the job of rebuilding and making the country safe - unfinished, thus creating the realm of despair and confusion that feeds this anarchy. We blame the parasites in Washington for the failures and the deaths of the scores of local population, as well as of our soldiers, and go on blameless with our lives. When few voices raised an alarm that we are abandoning Afghanistan too early and later were told that we do not have enough soldiers to maintain the safety in Iraq, we did not care and allowed those voices to be squashed; we’ve got our tax cuts and went shopping. We are simply not accountable.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Chandra, VIlla Rica, GA — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:48:44 GMT

This article greatly saddens me. What a tradegy to have to endure for any parent. I cannot imagine the heartache seeing your family go through so much. You are in my prayers and we love you very much. I pray that the most High gives you the strenght to get through such a tradegy.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Bob Clark, Jasper, FL — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:50:26 GMT

Folks, we're in a WAR. There will be civilian injuries and deaths. If the citizens want it to stop then stop the taliban. They attacked the U.S., we didn't start it. We WILL finish it, regardless of the cost. The quicker the people realize that cooperating with NATO and getting rid of the taliban is accomplished, the quicker we'll leave, the better it will be. Until then innocents will die along with the guilty. As I recall, we had over 3,000 innocents, including women and children, die on 9/11. We WILL NOT allow that to happen again.

A grieving father in Kandahar

MC, Somerville, NJ — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:52:31 GMT

Misplaced pride,on both sides,in conflicts of great magnitude, end up in great tragedies like this. May peace be something more than a dream for the Afghan people. Radicals are wrong.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Liana Smith, Tampa — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:52:40 GMT

The father should not forgive. I would not. Unfortunately our armed forces are manned by many whose mental state and competence levels are disputable.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Mike O'Mara, Elkhart, In. — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:56:55 GMT

Hi, I sense that the author is leading us in a direction that may not exist at all. The mere absence of, or denial by those charged with the knowledge of such events should not allow the author to lean in one direction or the other. I guess the first thing that should be done is to question the credibility of the eyewitnesses. The author does not mention any personal contact with anyone that was there. We are clearly dealing with hearsay evidence, which may be twice or three times removed. The living conditions were well defined, but what was the purpose. Is the auhtor looking to create sympathy beyond the facts. I have a compassionate heart, but I hope I can read this article recognizing the bias that is being presented as the author explains how poor this family is. The fact that the family struggles to be "somebody" in their country should not be used as a way to get into the hearts of the readers, instead, I would like to hear more facts of the incident. In my opinion, the living conditions detract from the real issue of a man being killed by someone, somehow, somewhere. Would the author have us believe believe that there are many deaths such as these. I hate this war, and how we (Americans) are represented in so many facets of it. I can feel the author's frustration with such inhumane reports. However, without substance and facts to support what is being done, I would suggest that seniment is not proof of anything. Do your homework first. Two things that strike me almost immediately are, one, why would a reasonable person do anything other than stop if lights are blinding his vision (remember this is part of Akhtar's speculation as to what his son was faced with). I consider myself a reasonable man. Let's assume I live in a region that such things are a common occurance. Let us say for some reason,Faiz has never experienced or spoken to someone that has experienced what he saw that night. Did the author ask the "Eyewitnesses" what led Faiz to do anything other than to pull over, step out of the car, hands up, face on the ground, whatever it took to show compliance. As a reasonable person, I am not going to make any kind of hostile or suspicious movements that would lead to my death. Second, did the author verify that Faiz was shot as described by Akhtar. I could go on and on with questions that have not been verified with solid, indisputable answers. Fiaz deserves the truth no matter where it leads. He is in a war zone, and it is very possible that this was simply an error in judgement, or something more on his part. If Akhtar's eyewitnesses are correct, then we owe it to Fiaz to go even further to seek the truth, and not simply use him for a news article. Thank you, Mike O'Mara

A grieving father in Kandahar

Tracy, Jax, FL — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:58:37 GMT

Putting signs on a vehicle for Afgans to read is like putting "Picture Menus Available" on the drive through menu at Burger King. If folks can't read, it's a waste. NATO isn't going to apologize. I feel for this man and hopes in time he can over come his anger. I'm all for finding Bin Laden and ridding of Muslim Extremists. It seems lately though all anyone in NATO or our Military is doing is killing off the good, not the evil. It's clear NATO doesn't care who they are by the comments made from Lt Col Stephan Grenier. It's sad what's happening today. Bin Laden got what he wanted out of 9/11: Unrest.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Norm Matthew, New Westminster, British Columbia — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:59:24 GMT

NATO soldiers are kiiled by Afgan suicide bombers who drive beside the NATO convoy and detonate the bomb. Did this man's 25 year old son think it would be OK to just drive up beside a NATO convoy? If this father had any parts, he would have fought the Taliban. Our troops would not have to be there to prevent another 9/11 staging area. That is what our forefathers did in the English Civil War and the American Revelotionary War; they took control of their destinies just as we are taking control of our destiny by preventing an unchallenged Taliban-Al Quida alliance

A grieving father in Kandahar

Karen E. Kennedy, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:03:10 GMT

What has always been a critical and key factor in setting America apart from other nations in the world has been our keen sense of compassion and high degree of accountability. Yet, increasingly, we are turning away and allowing events to desensitize us to world events. We cannot allow this to persist. Does anyone know of an agency or group that is working in the region that can and will come to the aid of this family. Clearly NATO should, but the time it will take is clearly unacceptable. We must act, and now!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Tracy, Jax, FL — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:03:20 GMT

In response by Linda Smith from Tampa: I find your comment "mental state and competence levels" uncalled for. Your comment ranks up there with Mr. John Kerry himself. I have family serving this country so people like you can say stupid stuff like that. My brother in law is far from incompetant. You're a disgrace. War is a hard time. I don't like things taking place that are taking place either, but WAR is WAR. Sadly things happen that shouldn't, but that happens in every day life. To compare the men and women being injured and dying for our country as a mental case or imcompetant is spitting in their face. How dare you!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Alberta, Canada — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:03:50 GMT

In general, I like Americans, but they have one BIG problem. They are TRIGGER HAPPY. 30 holes in one person... that's sick. Talk about misplaced agression!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Norm Matthew, New Westminster, British Columbia — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:06:02 GMT

A grieving father in Kandahar

TESTRUN#1 — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:06:49 GMT

There is no good reason for America to be in Afghanistan. NO REASON. The Pentagon just wants to play war games.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Go_Figure — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:10:06 GMT

And we wonder why they don't want us in their backyard... How would you like it if an Afghani came here and "accidentally" shot your son?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Factoid — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:11:10 GMT

the big picture is that afghanistan's problems are related to the poppy/opium trade and that's controlled by the cia.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Harry Angel, New York, New York — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:12:12 GMT

RE: Mike posted at 10:08 A.M.-Yeah Mike,wimps and losers are'nt they? They should have the decency to shut up while we massacre them. Nothing and no one matters but the white man eh. I'm ashamed of belonging to the same country as you do Mike.How can we ever claim a moral high ground? As for Mike posted at 10:56, does only the American right have the right to evoke emotional images of "our brave men and women" and 9-11 ad nauseum?

A grieving father in Kandahar

9/11 Grudge Holder — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:12:48 GMT

Personally I could care less about this guy and his family. The only people I care about on that side of the world are our US Troops. Our guys should just reduce everything and everyone over there to sand. With any luck they will finally get bin Laden and everyone else that gets killed, oh well it really wont be any loss...

A grieving father in Kandahar

Tommy — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:12:53 GMT

For most everyone that has posted thus far: US is not NATO. Nowhere in this 'slightly' bias article does it say it was US forces that shot his son, whom refused to stop. Yes, you can continue to throw pot shots at our armed forces from the safety of the internet (you have that right), however, make sure that you place blame evently (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO#Current_members) and bash all the other countries involved as well.

A grieving father in Kandahar

David Vickery — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:15:42 GMT

Liana Smith, That comment of yours shows your mental state quite clearly. How dare you make such a statement from the friendly and safe confines of your home. You are neither intelligent nor competent enough to make any sort of judgement call as to the type of people that are in our armed forces. All that was stated in this story was one side of what happened....I am sure the truth is quite different from what this was portrayed as. Howard Angel I will not even attempt to point out how screwed up your little tirade is.....you just need to move to Canada or Mexico and revoke your citizenship.

A grieving father in Kandahar

What's the Truth? — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:15:53 GMT

Instead of sending soldiers to Afghanistan, the U.S. should be sending teachers and doctors and construction crews. We decimated that country and those people during the cold war. Americans like to think that we are such good world citizens, but what we did to those people has been largely unreported and ignored. The fact of the matter is, it takes a long, long time to rebuild after you've been decimated. Why didn't we rebuild them like we helped to rebuild Japan? Think about it.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Josh, TX — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:17:03 GMT

Tommy, for all practical purposes, NATO = U.S.

A grieving father in Kandahar

scott harding, pflugerville, TX — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:17:11 GMT

Let us tyr to be balanced here... What happened is awful, and we can grieve for the loss. However, how does this stack up to the beheading of Richard Pearl and it being televised around the world and hailed as a call for martyrdom. Think people, you are not sheep! As for blaming Bush, if some soldier kicked a dog he who be villified by those that hate him. Did he kick the dog? Of course not! Did he tell someone to kick the dog? NO! He is not responsible for the unjustified murder of an innocent civilian either, and I bet he would be one of the first to put him up on charges if he knew who it was. Balance folks! Balance!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Kill muslim scum — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:20:07 GMT

How come no one complains about the innocent people that die from the suicide bombers every day. I doubt NATO soldiers are killing people on purpose. Unlike the terrorists that kill their own kind on purpose.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Mike in Maine — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:25:27 GMT

"These Are The Ones Who Die" .... an attempt to honor this Father and address this tragedy in song. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=170140

A grieving father in Kandahar

Dave, Hamlin, WV — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:25:53 GMT

Who knows what really happened? I just know that our troops are getting killed there too. The story seems one sided and anti U.S. How did this guy fare when the Taliban were in charge? As I read these blog comments, it seems pretty clear why most of the commentors aren't serving in the military.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Walter Ruff — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:26:18 GMT

It all comes down to this: The war on terror is a farce. People in other countries want to live teir lives as they see fit. If another country tried to dictate what kind of government we could have by invading the US we would try to blow up their convoys as well. It is not terrorism to defend your country against an invading force. We need to put orselves in the place of other countries and stop trying to tell them they must adapt to out view of government or else. We are not "the boss of them".

A grieving father in Kandahar

JD Olivo — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:27:08 GMT

We are honoting a US ARMY Master Sergeant today at Ft Wood ,Missouri.Had a wife,several children and was in Afghanistan helping fight Al Qaeda and the Taliban.Oh,I forgot,he was shot by an Afghan Army soldier who was then killed by his fellow Afghan soldiers.Tragedy happens in war,it's the nature of the BEAST!!!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Walter Ruff — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:28:39 GMT

Tommy: US and NATO are one in the same. Whom do you think funds the majority of NATO's budget?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Josh, TX — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:29:27 GMT

From today's Al Jazeera: "On Tuesday, a US military commander apologised for the deaths of 19 civilians, killed by US troops in eastern Afghanistan in March." http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/5895D618-8BA7-484E-A6A2-D2801EE6CAD7.htm

A grieving father in Kandahar

Sean — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:31:24 GMT

From Al Jazeera, today: "The US-led coalition has admitted there were civilian casualties this week, but said they occurred during fighting with the Taliban in southern Afghanistan. Witnesses to Tuesday night's deaths in Helmand province said they were caused by an air raid and that no Taliban fighters were present. Villagers put the toll at about 40." Point #1: NATO = the U.S. when it comes to Afghanistan Point #2: The killing of innocents is "routine" nowadays

A grieving father in Kandahar

R. Anderson, Wilmington, DE — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:31:54 GMT

What a bunch of CRAP! NBC is treasonous for even posting this hogwash.

A grieving father in Kandahar

John, Georgia — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:34:11 GMT

lianna smith, if you think for one minute that is the case, then you should be the damn crowned princess running this over here, because i think your incompentent. Can you do 1 year deployments??No idont think so, go to starbucks and drink your coffee you flower child. But as for the story, that did not happen, because there would be news reports all over it. And, this father, says hes around 40?His sons were killed in the 80s, that means he would of been 14 a father, look, if it happened or not, the Taliban uses these stories, DO THESE ACTS OF TERROR TO INNOCENT PEOPLE, AND BLAME IT ON THE AMERICANS AND COALITION FORCES, AND OUR IDIOT NEWS MEDIA BITE ON IT!they been doing it for a while, after all, too many of you have forgot what happened 9/11, because it was the taliban who harbored Bin Laden and his moronswho hijacked them planes and flew them into our buildings. But if you dont believe me, come over here, put on a 50 pound ruck, 40 pound armor, and see what its really like, because our media doesnt show that, the little kids laughing, hugging you kicking a soccer ball at you. No they dont.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Rush Sullivan, Lexington, Kentucky — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:35:01 GMT

It's a shame to see many people pass this off as an unfortunate biproduct of war, or to say that God has a plan for everyone and when it is time to go, it is just your time. I have a hard time keeping faith in a God that would allow and innocent man to be shot 30 times by a group of "peacekeepers" because he could not or did not read the signs. I also have a problem with the idea that any innocent deaths are excusable by the fact that we are at war. This man was not at war, he did not bomb our buildings, and now his family is left without a father. Who do you think his kids will look fondly upon, the men who swear to avenge their father's death, or the groups of men who shot their father. This war is absolutely insance, and to think that we are reducing the number of terrorists is as ridiculous as thinking we have a right to invade entire countries for the acts of groups of people within that country. It is time that we, as "leaders" in the world's eyes, set examples by not avenging violence and death with more violence and death. Only through taking the moral high ground can we possibly begin to extinguish the "reasons" given by terrorists to attack this country. If we lead by example and compassion, their claims of the evil empire will be nullified. Peace to all and keep hope alive.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Mark G., Ft Worth, TX — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:36:20 GMT

If we want to be angered or saddened it needs to be towards articles such as this one. Facts do not add up in this article and NBC should be ashamed of allowing it to be published. It is doing just what it is intended to do and that is to incite emotions and anger and to cause division in America and the world. We need to return to one Nation, take care of the business at hand and stop this dividing mentality. I have two sons in the military and would be deeply saddened if one or both should be injured or killed. When will we realize that this is truely a struggle such as the one we tried to stay out of in the 1940's. Does anyone ever think of how many civilians were killed in that war? War is hell! We will all be better off in America and the world when the media stops publishing garbage such as this article.

A grieving father in Kandahar

whoknows? — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:39:43 GMT

Who knows? Maybe this guy's son WAS actually a suicide bomber? Who knows? Maybe the NATO soldiers just wanted some target practice? Who knows? Maybe we'll all someday learn to promote kindness instead of killing. Who knows.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Eric Colman, New York NY — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:41:27 GMT

I see many different opinions here and some I disagree with due to their somewhat self-hating American tone. We are not careless agressors, or war mongers and our goverment is not after money and power. However, I understand that this is an opinion that is held by many particularly those in other countries. However, NO ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND SHOULD EVER COMPARE US OR OUR SOLDIERS TO THE NAZIS. This is nonsense. American values and the core values upheld by our armed forces represent the absolute opposite of what the Nazis believed and sought to do to the world. These comparisons exhibit a ridiculous moral relativism and lack of historical perspective. If you are in opposition to our government's actions, then put forth an intelligent and reasonable statement or argument. Stop with the Nazi comparison sound bites!! It's just absurd!

A grieving father in Kandahar

ordinary citizen — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:46:34 GMT

IT WAS NOT THE AMERICANS, HENCE THEY SAID NATO!!BEFORE YOU PASS JUDGEMENT ON OUR TROOPS, GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT, CANADIANS HAVE RESPONSIBLITY IN THE KANDAHAR PROVINCES, AS THE BRITISH HAVE HELMAND PROVINCE. AMERICAN FORCES RARELY DO PATROLS IN KANDAHAR CITY, OHH BY THE WAY,"In general, I like Americans, but they have one BIG problem. They are TRIGGER HAPPY. 30 holes in one person... that's sick. Talk about misplaced agression! Alberta, Canada (Sent Friday, May 11, 2007 11:03 AM) THOSE WERE YOU CANDAIAN TROOPS WHO COMMITTED THAT...OHH DARN HUH...AND AS FOR THE OTHER TWO, TEST RUN 1 AND GO FIGURE"There is no good reason for America to be in Afghanistan. NO REASON. The Pentagon just wants to play war games. TESTRUN#1 (Sent Friday, May 11, 2007 11:06 AM) And we wonder why they don't want us in their backyard... How would you like it if an Afghani came here and "accidentally" shot your son? Go_Figure (Sent Friday, May 11, 2007 11:10 AM) THEY DID, IT WAS ON SEP 11, THATS WHY WE ARE HERE, TEST RUN 1, AND THEY DID SHOOT US, OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS, AND THEY ALSO SHOT CHILDREN, WOMEN, MEN..DAMN..SUCKS HUH...EVEN THOUGH WE DIDNT SHOOT THIS GUYS KID, IT WAS THE CANADIAN, BUT WE ARE ALLIES SO IF THEY DID IT, WE DID IT, JUST LIKE THEY BLED WITH US WHEN THOSE TOWERS FELL

A grieving father in Kandahar

Pat, Boise, ID — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:48:50 GMT

Very strange - the US goes and invades a country to "liberate" it from the Taliban. Liberation involves "driving at breakneck speed". What sort of Success Criteria are we all talking about?

A grieving father in Kandahar

mike — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:50:20 GMT

I spent a year in Afghanistan. Those people know exactly what to do when a NATO convoy comes by. Don't let these people fool you. They were trying to blame the US when I was there a year ago. By the way, why don't the news networks show the good stuff that happens over there? While I was serving in the Afghanistan combat zone, I saw bridges, schools and clinics being built by the US and NATO forces. The Provincial Reconstruction Teams are helping locals learn new trades and skills. Quit trying to sensationalize the war and tell the real story.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Pat, Boise, ID — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:50:43 GMT

To Eric Colman of New York, NY: The US Army is no different from other armies. If labelling the US Army as "Nazis" hurts, then it is time you and others who feel "hurt", feel the hurt caused by the US army which is more physical than emotional.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Pat, Boise, ID — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:52:48 GMT

ordinary citizen: Khalid Sheikh Mahmood was a Pakistani NOT an Afghan. Most of the 9/11 criminals were Saudis. But then both the Saudis and the Pakis are counted amongst those are "with us", the poor Afghans like Akhtar do not have a voice!

A grieving father in Kandahar

1Friend — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:53:56 GMT

As the world situation continues to deteriorate, there are innumerable untold stories just as sad as this one, whether due to war, weather, environmental destruction, the grab-savvy, or plain lies, ignorance and hate. Refugee camps with numbers in the millions, mislead violent groups of the angry, growing disparity between the haves and have nots, even immature, intolerant and unhelpful attitudes on the part of leaders/society voices which set the tone for their audiences to emulate as they think upon perplexing issues - these things reveal that man dominates man to his injury. It is apparent that human leaders don't have the ability to solve the world's problems. Our only hope is in a creator who will.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Pat, Boise, ID — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:55:22 GMT

To add to Walter Ruff's point: Are not all NATO Forces under US Command in Afghanistan? The stops at the US Commanders' table in this case. What is the commander doing in any case about this incident?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Kurt Schmitt, Bremen, Deutschland — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:56:44 GMT

Re: For most everyone that has posted thus far: US is not NATO Sure, Tommy, definitely it is not US that is NATO, maybe Germany invaded Afghanistan, right ? Those crimes are on the level of the cowardice of hiding behind "coalitions" and acronyms. As the current government is not represenative of the American people, so is NATO NOT at fault for the mess it has been dragged into by the US government. The key actions will be impeachment and trials at the Hague for crimes against humanity. Yes, I am looking at you Bush. Very hard.

A grieving father in Kandahar

TESTRUN#1 — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:02:54 GMT

to ordinary citizen: There is NO true/honest link (I repeat NO link) between Afghanistan and 9-11. I can understand that you're upset and your patriotism, but the CIA lied when they said that bin Laden was responsible. Those tapes were made up. Just look at the big picture. 9-11 was an inside job or done by the Israel.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Josh, TX — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:04:09 GMT

NATO should give $100K to the families of each of the 40 innocent civilians they kill each week.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Brian, Minneapolis, MN — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:04:36 GMT

Mike--- try Spell-Check; and you are what's wrong with this country. If ignorance is bliss, why aren't you more happy?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Chrissy, CliftonPark NY — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:05:29 GMT

Thank You to Tommy! You are correct,NATO does not only consist of Americans! For 9/11 Grudge Holder; get a life! it is people like you that should really just keep you opinion to your self! Not everyone who is in the Middle East is bad! They are people with families and feelings just like you, YES there are some very bad people there, and they should be punished and pay for what they have done. We as Americans are very lucky that we have never had live our lives the way that this man has! May I suggest that you read the book MEENA, it will give you a better understanding of what life is like for these people! To Akhtar, I am very sorry for your loss, I can not imagine your family's pain.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Jim, Leavenworth, KS — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:06:08 GMT

RE: Alberta, Canada. Who says it was Americans that were trigger happy. The article says it was a NATO convoy. Maybe, it was a Canadian convoy. Or, have you failed to notice that Canada is a part of NATO and has troops in Afghanistan?

A grieving father in Kandahar

OIF VET. Dedham, Mass — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:06:39 GMT

To all of you DOPES out there that don't know the all the facts and want to blame the U.S. for this death and are writing to the poor father who wouldn't know a computer if it hit him in the head, why don't you show the same concern and sympathy for American citizens that are killed by the Hajji Terrorists? It's not that you so much, it's just that you know so much that isn't true.

A grieving father in Kandahar

John Caper, Long Island — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:07:48 GMT

I agree with Smith's comment If the 30 bullets in one's body do not demonstrate mental instability, if killing the wrong person does not show incompetence, then allow me to remind you what happened to Tillman. Or how our defense department dealt with the war. A kid could have planned it better. It's high time we came to grips with the problem that militaries face all over the world. True, that was a NATO unit, but the root cause is common. Many volunteers for the Armed Forces are social rejects.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Paul M. Kolosso Slinger, Wisconsin USA — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:11:41 GMT

To change the cultural norms and religious belief systems in these two to three thousand old societies living in a marginal part of the planet making it difficult to live much less earn a living is impossible unless western societies will are willing to commit city planners, sanitary engineers, electrical engineers, civil engineers, linguists, linguists with degrees in civil law, property rights and corporate structures etc, teachers at all levels that can converse in languages of the areas we want alter or cause change to the extend that the radical belief system of the Taliban will not be tolerated. The cost and time commitment would enormous and requires the EU, Russia, former eastern block countries, and the United States. If you believe that is coming to happen you also believe that earth was created in 6500 years.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Tony Borrelli Springfield Pa. — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:14:56 GMT

Lt. Col. Stephen Grenier's calvalier attitude is condescending and typical of the arrogance that the rest of the world assigns to Americans. Putin is correct when he claims that we are beginning to remind him of the Third Reich. Grenier's comment about those who can't read begs the response "Why don't you get the hell out that man's country as you are as much a pain in his ass as the Taliban (which incidently we supported when it was Russia who was stupid enough to be there!"

A grieving father in Kandahar

Anna — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:15:31 GMT

Please tell Akhtar we pray for him and his family. Too many innocents are dead over this war against terrorism. Had we sent troops to Afghanistan rather than Iraq, things may have been properly solved.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Martha Diane Fuller - Orange, Texas — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:17:08 GMT

I enjoy reading the current news clips from our website server and when I read the story of the grieving father in Kandahar my heart ached along with his aching heart. There are no boundaries, whether in language, countries, cultures or beliefs, when sharing feelings concerning a grief stricken parent. I cannot comprehend the full parental pain of losing many sons, but I do understand his sorrow and will daily offer prayers in his behalf for this family across the world to receive some comfort in knowing that others in the world empathize for him and his wife and grandchildren. I do have some understanding of his grief over the loss of his children. My own mother in the U.S. lost a 4 year old son , a few years before my own birth, to a fire , and I witnessed years of her heartache, pain and sorrow that she carried in her heart until she died. She never was able to recover from that pain. I have always felt that throughout the entire world, whether it be in war torn, impoverished, or other existing situations that, within the core of every varying culture in the world , exists loving families much like our own, with loving parents and grandparents who's greatest deeply rooted desire is to raise their children in peace , instill their religion, language, and family values to their family members. I feel also that most nurturing worldwide family units have a strong desire to be a part of helping their children learn, play, laugh, make correct choices and eventually grow to be happy adults who have an opportunity to have happy families of their own (this is a desire of American families). As in Kandahar and similar war stricken countries unfortunately, so many of these families are surrounded with constant unrest, violence, and painful happenings that take away opportunities for family happiness , joy and peace within the family is difficult to obtain. The religion and culture of the Akhtar family is different from my own, but human feelings of love for family, and the grief that is felt over losing a family member, especially a child, is the same worldwide. I do feel heartache for this family, and I sincerely wish to offer my prayers in their behalf.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Laura U.S.A. — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:18:00 GMT

Well as usual the men and women fighting to protect us and our liberties and freedoms -are AGAIN being scrutinized for something noone knew anything about - until now. ANd while you sit back and open your yaps about what you think is wrong - why don't you have your sons and daughters put their lives on the line so you can continue to bash the USA and what it stands for - hey remember - if YOU don't like it YOU can move TOO!!! We didn't get to be the GREAT nation we ARE that you reside in - by taking crap from anyone. Read your history......we don't back down - we fight. God Bless America and every service member we have - God knows we need more!!! Bring back the draft, Ellis Island and war bonds - this isn't over people.......it will never be. So pick sides and put up or shut up!!! Your families future depends on it!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Liana Smith, Tampa — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:19:08 GMT

Dear Kurt Although I agree that Hague would be the right place, we all know it will never get to this. His popularity has dropped to 28% and as more bodies are coming in, it will continue to drop. The Republican candidates do not even dare mention his name because every time they do, they lose votes. America has been shamed. Shamed, shamed, shamed. I hope in time the world will forgive us for what we have done.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Geoff, Arizona — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:20:35 GMT

Folks, stop making a big deal out of "shot 30 times." It may have happened. If a significant portion of a fire-team, much less a full squad, opened fire--most likely with crew-served weapons, it would take less than a second to put that many rounds into a target. The amount of shots fired on target were not excessive, no matter how misleading the author tries to be. Secondly--at no time is it stated that American soldiers did this. NATO is the word, time and time again. Thirdly, to the moron who said that the mental states and competence of US servicepersons is "disputable," provide evidence. I serve with a good group of men and women, none of whom would I classify as mentally deficient or incompetent. Shame on you for taking the cowardly route of an oblique textual attack against men and women who are far better human beings than you could ever hope to be. Fourthly, yeah, it sucks. This guy's children are dead (if they really are dead; the story sounds fishy to me). Nothing can bring back his family (most of whom were apparently killed by Soviets, but it seems implied that the US is somehow at fault for that, too ...). But the rules of engagement regarding potential VBIEDs are serious as a heart attack, folks. If the vehicle did not divert to a safe course, then the convoy soldiers were completely justified in defending themselves against what they perceived as imminent mortal danger.

A grieving father in Kandahar

L.B. — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:23:52 GMT

To Pat: Actually control of NATO forces was handed over to the British several months ago - this is this first time in quite a long time that American forces are being commanded by someone other than an American....they are working together.

A grieving father in Kandahar

J. H. (Formerly of Coronado CA.) — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:24:11 GMT

You know what saddens me? The fact that people rant and rave about the U.S. government, and cry and moan about the civilian casualties of war, and then wave their civil liberties, and constitutional rights in everybodys face. Ladies and Gentlemen we are a country at war. Did we go to war for the right reasons? Is it being handled correctly? Hell, I don't know. But we have young men and women over there that read things like this and it is very disheartening. I support my fellow troops wholeheartedly. Folks, I've been over there. I've been there, and in Asia, and South America, and countless other warzones in my 15 plus years in the Military. And, contrary to some of the posters beliefs, my mental state is fine, as are my competence levels. I don't know if this Faiz guy is for real, for that matter neither do you or the author of the article. In my opinion this is just another well written article aimed at tugging the heartstrings of the American people. I wonder how many of you have been in a combat situation... Or how many of you would feel differently if this was 1942, and it was a German Father saying the same things about his son. I am not without compassion. I am very sorry for this mans loss, but after growing up in a warzone, this young man should know the drill, whether he can read or not. Cold, yes, but whether you agree with the war or not, that is the hard reality.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Geoff, Arizona — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:24:13 GMT

To Pat in Boise, ID and Kurt Schmitt in Bremen: NATO forces in Afghanistan are under US control, true. US forces are responsible for the actions of their subordinates. But as I have earlier stated, these soldiers did no wrong.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Hilarious — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:27:16 GMT

from a financial perspective, the cost of keeping a few troops there is very little in comparison to the amount of money the cia is making off the opium sales. how else are we going to pay for our military spending?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Sean — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:29:38 GMT

"MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" ! ?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ted, Decatur, AL — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:30:46 GMT

Kurt said "maybe Germany invade Afqhanistan, right?" Do you really want to go there, Kurt? I'm a former German citizen, Kurt...my citizenship thanks to many German invasions in recent memory. Oh, and I'm the son of a Holocaust survivor, so save your implications of a peace-loving and innocent citizenry. Everyone should take two deep clearing breaths and check out "Why Don't We Learn from History," a great book by Sir B.H. Liddell-Hart. Kurt's ironic post brought that famous work to mind...will we learn from history? Those brave NATO soldiers that serve at the risk of their lives in that dusty corner of the world are the the grandsons and grandaughters of the same troops that liberated much of the world from German aggression after the warning signs went ignored by the "intelligentsia" and "peace seekers" of the day. They learned that you can't stop bullies and thugs without a fight. Unfortunately, the lesson came with the slaughter of 40 million people. Shouldn't we all thank God that we have world leaders (Bush is one example) who are willing to confront our own version of bullies BEFORE their own tally exceeds that of Hitler? If the incident described weren't so possibly tragic (I don't know whether the guy was innocent or not) it would be laughable. Does any sane person actually believe that a man who was raised in an area that's been in an almost constant state of strife (tribal to international) for the last several centuries NOT understand official or even unofficial rules of engagement? Does anybody remember 9/11? Did the "invasion" of Afghanistan happen before or after that? Did Afghanistan have a government that participated in the community of nations? Did they respect life, women, personal freedoms? Is Osama bin-Laden a terrorist? The the Afphani government allow him to influence policy? Did he kill about 3,000 American and foreign citizen men, women, and children? Those who call American soldiers anything other than courageous and honorable young men and women obviously know nothing about our military. It's naive to think young Americans would rather be far from home, risking their lives performing a duty that the people they are defending share but don't have the courage, honor, or willpower to perform.

A grieving father in Kandahar

glen — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:33:13 GMT

if 60% of afgans cant read their should be a warning shot something like shotting out the tires thats so sad he gets shot in the head as a warning to other afgans now his children are fatherless

A grieving father in Kandahar

Farrar — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:34:24 GMT

This is exactly why the U.N. should be there and not U.S.-dominated NATO.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Forest Gump — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:35:17 GMT

Many people care little of the suffering of non christian non American people of the world. The U.S. has chosen Afganastan and Iraq to fight "terrorism". As Bush said, so we don't have to fight them here. Sad and totally unnecessary. These countries did not have to be invaded and occupied to punish the few responsible for the attacks on the U.S. When the U.S. kills innocent civilians it is "collateral damage",when others do it it is terrorism.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Randy Reid — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:36:42 GMT

We can't even control the high crime and murder rates in this country, so why are we trying to police the world. First things first. We are over-extended on foreign policy and have not tended to our problems at home.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Andygwild — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:38:52 GMT

get bush out of office bring our troops home and this will all go away think about it no U.S presents the deaths and horrible tradigies like this mans... will be avoided... God Bless our troops, support our troops who risk their lives and leave their familes, and lets fix the white house!!!!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ray, Tempe, AZ — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:40:56 GMT

in response to Mike who commented with: IF YOU LOSERS GIVE UP BIN LADEN WE WOULDNT BEEN DROPPING BOMBS... here's one illiterate who wouldn't have been able to read the signs as well. Why don't you sit back in your dusty old recliner Mike, chew your tobacco, and make sure you trailer doesn't wash away in the floods. It's this kind of intolerance that earns the U.S a bad name. Grow up Mike, and thank the good lord that you're not there to witness the horror.

A grieving father in Kandahar

CJ, Southeast Alaska — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:41:06 GMT

So maybe all the facts are not fully presented in this article, maybe the point is that these are families that love one another just like in America and all over the world. I think it makes a good point of remembering our humanity, no matter what side the loss is on the children are orphaned and the parents are devestated!! How can we citizens of the U.S. expect this family to take such a loss for what the taliban did to us? I am not ready or willing to take that kind of loss for what the Bush adminitration has done in this world!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Forest Gump — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:43:17 GMT

To 9/11 Grudge Holder; Your attitude is much like the "terrorists!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Jack Webb, Boston — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:44:01 GMT

There are over 3200 stories of American family tragedies for NBC to convey. NBC could pervert many of them to satisfy their leftist leanings. Why publish a story about an Afghan that lacks any supporting facts of credibility? A body hit by 30 rounds of amor piercing projectiles would not be in intact enough to count the entry wounds. I don't believe this is a factual story at all.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Don Mey - PHX — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:47:41 GMT

You have to read between the lines on this one. The reason this boy was shot it because his car was approaching a military convoy. Everyone claims the lights are confusing, but if enough people are complaining about the convoys, then they are frequent enough that people should know how to react when they see one. These soldiers have the choice of killing someone who is making a mistake in a hostile area, or assuming the person ahead of them is making a mistake, do nothing, and hope them and 10 of their buddies don't die.

A grieving father in Kandahar

PennyBee, not in America — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:52:47 GMT

I am appalled, not at the account of the son's death, but at the comments of some posters. America's greatest threat seems not to come from without, but from within - from people like Linda Smith and Walter Ruff and Tracy from Jaksonville and Harold Angel .... who rush headlong to take sides against their own country! If indeed the incident happened as reported (which I doubt), what should the convoy have done? Wait for the bomb to detonate before taking action??? I'm not American; I don't live in America, but it troubles me that so many "Americans" are so anti-American! With such vitriole, you're likely to implode; and that will affect me because I live just next door to you!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Lynn, Trinity North Carolina — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:53:47 GMT

911 was not a choice made by America. If we allow them this (THEM) do you really think they will not do worse next time?? Noone in his/her RIGHT mind wants war. When it is inflicted the natural response is to protect your own. Our troops die everyday to keep us FREE. The United States is the greatest country in the world and if you have trouble remembering that GO to a third world country and live for 30 days and think --- Oh thats right you will be too busy just trying to SURVIVE. All of the bleeding hearts here LIVE in the United States..SUPPORT IT! OR LEAVE IT! Be glad that we have men and women ready to go and DIE for us - don't shame them with retterick..changes need to be made but NOT at the risk of the morale of our troops..

A grieving father in Kandahar

Mike — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:54:00 GMT

Walter Ruff: You have to be an anti-war, anti-Bush type person to actually believe terrorism does not exist. The world is ripe with numerous terrorist organizations - they even exist inside the United States. The war on terror will last forever and there needs to be a better way of fighting it.

A grieving father in Kandahar

carol, ma — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:55:46 GMT

if you had to watch you're buddies get blown up right next to you, you might get a little trigger happy too....30 bulletts isnt unreasonable when you are fearing for your life...it's kill or be killed, there's no time to wait and see if this is a good guy- or a bad guy...if you wait too long, you get blown up too...for those of you who have never served, stop making the rest of us look like cold heartless fools...it's not that simple when you're the one getting shot at every day.

A grieving father in Kandahar

elisabeth schneider — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:56:29 GMT

Harold Angel NY NY.. I agree with you. You said it all!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Someone who values life. — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:56:30 GMT

I am so sorry that you and your wife have lost your sons in that way. People are so heartless to write such mean comments on here as some have. It is in my worst of dreams that I loose my son and yours has become a reality over and over. I am sure they are at peace now in heaven. I pray that you and your family don't loose anyone else. I wish our troops had never been sent there. It was not the answer, and looks like it is doing more harm than good.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Rebekka, Israel — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:58:29 GMT

americans ARE gun and trigger happy.

A grieving father in Kandahar

R. Scalzo — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:58:57 GMT

While Europe has a history of standing by when they are attacked, the US will not. Sad when innocents are injured of killed but I never seem to see that the population demand an apology from those that kill them with car bombs and suicide bombers. While hundreds are killed in that manner, everyone jumps on someone dying after not heeding the warning signs. We aren't going to stand around and be murdered and not stand up. Don't like it. Tough. We are no longer a target. Those that say they wish to kill every American they find had better accept they they too will be a target. This country has had it. The media can bash Bush and the military but the vast majority of our population want a safe and secure country. Those that wish us harm better accept their fate.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Dolores C.,Chandler,Ariz — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:00:17 GMT

casualties everywhere over this daummmn war,although my heart goes out to this family,my heart goes out to all families of these casualities.Going into a war we already know we will have casualties,its inevitable.Our destinations are set before us in this type of event.The list grows,daily,of casualties. Are we all seeking answers ? Yes we are and as long as we are at war this will continue so out hearts will be worn on out sleeves for many more months to come,daily news will report more than this story.Thats not to take away from the pain of this family or any family but as long as theres war theres death,theres war here in USA everyday,kids shot in the street,drive bys,parent neglect,drunk driving,we fight a war everyday,even in our own back yards. Let there be peace,please let there be peace.

A grieving father in Kandahar

D montano — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:01:50 GMT

We wonder why they don't want us in their backyard, How would you like it if an Afghani came here in yuour backyard see how do you like it. "However, nothing will change until we get rid our arrogant president we have. He thinks that by dropping bombs in those countries people will change their turbans for hats and cowboy boots.

A grieving father in Kandahar

SGT. BORDY, i am from AMERICA!!!!! — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:02:21 GMT

ok so i should help all of you people out (cause some of you just dont have a fricking clue to what you are talking about... first off the US is NOT i say again NOT running the show in afghanistan... i know this because i just spent 13 months there. second of all if you paid attention in your world history classes when you were in school you would know that ever since WWI the US has done the bidding of the UN (weather it was called the allies the un or nato its all the same) so when we went into afghanistan to help the afghans out with the russians it was the UN's call. not ours. same folks told us to pull out and we did. sorry you get to blame someone else now. third point when every mother lover in a turbin and a black man dress is usually shooting at you or trying to blow himself up when he gets close to you things take on a very different feel. you get edgy, cranky, nervous trigger finger and yes you get very very scared for your own life. but since you ALL have spent 13 months in afghanistan you all already know this right. oh thats right most if all of you have been sitting at home on your fat arses in the safety of the US bitching about the war that you really know fricking NOTHING about. i am sorry that this mans son was killed but i am going to tell you it WAS his own fault. i have seen it many times. these people know what they are doing. they are not dumb or ignorant. they can tend to be deceptive. sometimes they pretend that they do not understand what you are saying when you are holding up the universal sign for STOP (yuo know the palm of the hand sign) and pointing a maching gun at them. yes they act like they do not know what you are trying to tell them after you have to stop their car with that machine gun... but they know because you will see them again. so who knows what really happen to this young man. we were not there. it is funny how the only time that the so called "NEWS" reports on afghanistan it is only for the negative stuff. you never get to hear aobut the schools we have helped build or the fact that women are now free or anything like that. but hey why would you want to do anything that makes the us look good. you freaks would not last one week anywhere else in the world cause no place has the freedoms that you have here because of soldiers sailors airmen and marines, and as far as i am concerned if you have not had the oportunity to go and spend some quality time in either afghanistan or iraq then you do not get to form an uneducated and ignorant opinion. so keep your non patriotic mouth shut. that is all. bordy.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ali Afshar, Tehran Iran — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:04:18 GMT

Something (like hmmmm past 6 years) tells me there will be a lot more of this to come. The longer this war takes, the worse the situtation will be. Everytime we kill one, two more appear. Bush is a complete fool for not realizing this and just thinking that if the vilians are removed from government there would be joy and happiness and everything will work itself out. That's crap. It did not work in Afganistan and it will not work Iraq. The only way to end this is by brute force. We need to send send in enough force (maybe 100 or 200k) soldiers to Afganistan to secure the borders, FIND the SOB masterminds - something that we should have done 5 years ago. Then we can FINALLY roll up our sleves and build an infrastucture (w/o fear of attacks) for the people such as decent roads, water, housing, schools, jobs, etc... That is the only way you will get people to accept the new life over the old.

A grieving father in Kandahar

US troop supporter — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:04:32 GMT

It amazes me that we are so worried about this mans son, what about parents who have lost sons and daughters because of road side bombs. Why should we care about this killing when they kill each other all the time. It's not like this is a new law, they have been there awhile, so he should have know the rules. "Attack or be attacked" and personally, I would rather attack than be attacked. Support our troops, they fought to give us the freedom to write on this board!

A grieving father in Kandahar

V. Tegio, Union City, Ca. — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:05:13 GMT

While I regret the father's grief, the reporter who did this piece did not do it with a sense of objectivity. While he mentions that Kandahar is a Taliban hub, he seems to readily accept hearsay of a "witness" to the event. The city, after all, has many Taliban sympathizers. Several weapons in automatic could discharge many rounds in a short time which may account for the 30 bullets in Faiz. The story is an incomplete one. The reporter did not have all the facts, and rather than complete it or let it be, he chose to convey the bleak life of Akhtar and have us identify with him.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Tzalaran, Lincoln, Ne — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:11:33 GMT

I find this type of argument to be unproductive. Education for everyone on both sides would go a long way to finding peaceful resolution. i don't approve of the US govt's handling of this conflict, but to throw the blame on the troops there is absurd. its easy to say you can or can't make the decision to take life when you are thousands of miles away sitting in the comfort of your home. My brothers-in-law are both serving in the military on active duty in the middle east, and i find it highly offensive that they or their coworkers could be considered at fault, when the administration is trying to fight a guerilla war using WWII tactics. The battlefield has evolved, yet our tactics haven't. The other primary issue is the propaganda machine that the radicals have working for them. it is difficult for a young person of 20 or under to question dogmatic beliefs that have been planted into their head. their willingness to die for the cause is bringing these people in numbers into Iraq and Afghanistan. i'm grateful that they aren't flocking into the states, to bring suicide bombs into the land they consider the great satan. The truth is, all people just want to live in peace, and make a better life for their children. until we show the radicals and impoverished of the world a safer, prosperous life, we will continue to have these types of incidents.

A grieving father in Kandahar

boski — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:14:31 GMT

Sean from Torrington. You need to pull your head out of the sand!

A grieving father in Kandahar

John, California — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:17:05 GMT

The story says he was shot 30 times. If you are driving up on a convoy and dont stop, its not 1 person firing into a car, its 10 people shooting 3 rounds or more into the car and proably trying to stop the car and driver from reaching the convoy. I dont see it as too much force becuase they did what it took to make the car stop. Why would nato or anyone for that matter pull a guy from his car and shoot him some more when he was probably already dead. If it was me, and i saw a car coming up on my convoy, you bet your ass id shoot first and ask questions later. I would keep firing till that car stoped moving. Are you going to wait for the car to get close and roll down his window and ask for directions to the neearest taliban training camp or Dennys? Think about why we are in Afghanistan.. it isnt for oil, and it isnt for the weather. We are there to try and make that shithole of a country into something better for them and push the taliban out of power. If they want us gone, start stepping up to the plate and deal with the taliban themselves. Just like in iraq, you want us gone then help yourself. Stop killing each other and stop claiming everything is for allah.... On a side note.. if every martyr gets 72 virgins, and lets say over the course of 5 years theres 300000 that are considered martyrs..thats 21,600,000 Virgins.. where does allah come up with that many. Just wondering!?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Paul W, Visalia, CA — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:17:37 GMT

The guy that got shot was probally a terrorist. The guy should blame Osama and all other muslims. All so called radical Muslims anyway. If he wants revenge why not find Osama and collect 25 million?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Rich, Ann Arbor — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:18:05 GMT

Ok...it seems pretty clear that akhtar either can't count, or some language barrier has screwed up the number (I could easily see Akhtar saying he's "middle aged" and the translation coming back "40"). But, let's say he really thinks he's 40...in that case...can we really trust his count of "more then 30 bullets"? As sad as this story is, that number is the only part I can't get around...if he really has hit that many times...it's either gross viciousness or Faiz was not simply doing his best to adhere.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Mark, Iraqi Vet, Oklahoma — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:19:31 GMT

30 holes is nothing. Have any of you ever served in the military? Have any of you ever fired an automatic rifle? I am guessing no and no. Hold your tounges and stop being so critical of the situation. It's night, a car is approaching the convoy and does not stop. In a country where people are driving bombs right next to you and blowing themselves up, if you think this is that type of situation, your going to unload. Sorry your son died, but what was he doing out that night? Please explain why your son was on a road at night in the middle of a war torn country? Like an early poster said, this story seems to lack creditbility. Many holes in it. As for you people bashing our troops saying they are trigger happy psychopaths, hold your tounges. Unless you have been there and done that you have NO right to pass judgement on them.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Nnaebue, Obosi, NIgeria. — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:21:00 GMT

Can we all get along?

A grieving father in Kandahar

coco, columbus, ohio — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:22:54 GMT

I've read messages from people here saying "give us the Taliban and this type of incident will stop." That is the most stupid train of thought I've ever heard. That's like saying that because we cannot ping point people like the one who killed all those people in Virginia Tech, we deserve to suffer such tragedies. But then again, whoever said probably doesn't care about that.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Concerned — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:23:24 GMT

To mike, thank you for serving our country. But you say that we are doing lots of good over there. OK...then why - after 6 years the opium production is at all time high - after 6 years we have not been able to find the responsible people for 9/11 - after 6 years people like those mentioned in this blog continue to live in a mud hut w/o electricity or running water - after 6 years, in Kabul we have build a magnificent mall which ordinary people cannot afford to buy anything - after 6 years, the taliban is getting stronger Why mike, why? I am not blaming you mike...I am just stating the facts. YOU can only do your job. People: If you think this is bad in Afganistan which is relatively calm, do you really think we can win the war in Iraq? (Not slightest chance)

A grieving father in Kandahar

gary missouri — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:23:40 GMT

I am in the military and i can say from a first person view that the most unnerving and uptight situation is when you are in a convoy in hostile areas. i was on many as a gunner on a humvee in iraq i've seen a few comments about how the guy had 30+ holes in him. i can tell you this until you are in a convoy in either iraq or afganistan when in a moments notice you're going to get blown up by a suicide bomber or by an ied. would you or would you not try your best to disable the vehicle and the threat, I WOULD. I dont fancy getting blown up and i know that my fellow soldiers feel the same way. so in aspect 30 holes in a guy are not that many compared to what it could have been considering how many machine guns that they have in a convoy. because when the convoy identifies a threat they dont delegate one person to shoot the threat the whole convoy shoots.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Fereydey Khan, Ellicott City, Md. — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:24:32 GMT

And so on and so on and so on it goes...morons write, idiots listen, fools argue.

A grieving father in Kandahar

John, San Diego, CA. — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:25:30 GMT

Perhaps if the Islamic world were to evolve along with the rest of us (They have failed to evolve for the past 2k years or so), and stopped their vitriolic spew of hatred and demonstrated intent to murder all "Infadels", the world wouldn't need to treat them like wild dogs on the end of a chain. Then perhaps things like this wouldn't happen. As long as they prove themselves to be the blight on the face of the earth as their actions prove them to be, this type of thing will continue to happen. The real answer is for all Humans to evolve beyond the belieef in Mythology, and participate actively in Human evolution.

A grieving father in Kandahar

deedee, Le Mans, France — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:26:16 GMT

Poor afghanis.. They are only victims in all these conflics. Their country has been highjacked by foreign muslims and for the past 25 years, all they have known is war and destruction of their country and people. By attacking Iraq, we let them down and betrayed commander ahmad shah massoud's hope and dream to liberate and save his country and people from the forces of evil! Shame on us!! LOVE AGHANISTAN! They are the most humble and couragous people in the world!

A grieving father in Kandahar

deedee, Le Mans, France — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:26:16 GMT

A grieving father in Kandahar

ANNMARIE, UNION, NJ — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:26:24 GMT

WAR IS HELL

A grieving father in Kandahar

Jim, Albemarle Co., Virginia — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:27:23 GMT

Absolutely amazing the vitriole spewed against the USA in this article and the comments. Why were American troops sent to Afghanistan in the first place? Because of the oil? NO. Because of Halliburton? NO. Afghanistan was occupied/attacked by American forces because it was condoning, supporting and sheltering evil people living in their midst who were: a) being taught to hate people who don't believe in the "god" they follow, and b), being trained to kill innocent men, women and children all over the world who don't believe in the evil they believe in. And we are supposed to have sympathy for those who would cast a blind eye on the evil in their midst? I don't think so. If the Afghans were to rise up and turn away the evil-doers in their midst and commit to keep them out of their country, USA and NATO would gladly leave and bring our boys home. If you choose to live in a sewer, you're going to have to put up with the stench.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ann, Downeres Grove, IL, USA — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:29:27 GMT

Mike's comment at 10:08 a.m. today was totally cruel. This poor man just lost his son to the insanity of war. Akhtar - I am so sorry for your loss and your pain. My prayers are with you and your family.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Chris, Houston, TX — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:29:42 GMT

Troops are people too, with families and lives outside of the military. They are scared as hell of being attacked in a suicide bombing, which has been the modus operandi of the Taliban and other groups fighting NATO occupation in Afghanistan. It is unfortunate this incident happened. I feel for all the civilians who have lost their lives in this conflict. However, as long as people are fighting a guerilla war using terrorist tactics (i.e. blowing themselves up in shopping areas, in front of police stations, etc...) it puts EVERYONE at risk. My advice would be for the Taliban and other terrorist groups to stop putting themselves and their people in harms' way, to stop killing innocent civilians en masse, and come to the negotiating table so we can work these problems out peacefully. Take a cue from Khadafi and from the Saudis. You will prosper when you play nice, and when you don't there will be endless war and conflict. If that is all you seek, that is all you will get.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Mary in Texas — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:30:27 GMT

My sympathy to the family of this poor man. My heart breaks when I hear this. It is time for this &*^$%^$& war to end and quit killing the innocent and send our troops home OR send the Bush Girls over there to help console the dying. Maybe then Bush will feel the pain when he loses one of his own. God Bless All of Us!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Umm Abdullah, Kuwait — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:31:14 GMT

For those who think that it's this guy's fault because he hasn't handed over bin Laden (who probably isn't even in his country, and who the US, with all their high-tech "intelligence" can't find...) Before the "War on Terrorism", we used to have a "War on Drugs"... Would it have been OK if law enforcement officials had bombed your entire neighborhood, destroyed your homes and killed your family members - because there was a drug dealer somewhere in your city? Can't you see how absurd this is? And to make it more similar to Afghanistan, let's say that those law enforcement officials were from some other part of the world and couldn't communicate with you - and didn't try to learn? How many people would be saying, "Hey that's what happens in a war, and you were probably guilty anyway"?

A grieving father in Kandahar

jondeer doe — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:31:59 GMT

problem is that nato is in afghanistan. why is nato in afghanistan? because the taliban atked the US so we send our forces and nato to take out the taliban. our forces kill innocent people to protect themselves. the questions we must ask:..... who started this fight? why did the taliban atk us? for an organization trying to revive their country and religon, why would they pick a fight with the US? how did the taliban benefit from atking the US? bottom line is....we have obviously done something to the middle east in order to piss so many people off. think about what has the US done to piss people off. if you figure that out, you will figure out why we were attacked on 9/11 if we never screwed around with the rest of the world would they have ever have a reason to atk us?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Rick Powell, Bowling Green, KY — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:32:22 GMT

It is a shame for all of the innocent people to have to deal with such a tragedy as the Iraq war. Losses from both sides are great and yet it continues and probably for all the wrong reasons. This war could go on for years and the outcome will be equal to that of Vietnam, no victory for either side. Faith in God's will is all we can truly trust in.

A grieving father in Kandahar

snoopwedo@hotmail.com — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:34:51 GMT

Get over it. This debates gone on long enough. If we do nothing and get attacked again. All the people would say why didnt the governmnet do anything to prevent it. What is the clear solution. NONE. The government is doing the best it can dealing with everyone. You can't make everyone happy, and every time their is a problem these muslims hide behind Culture. The US must respect our culture. I get tired of hearing that. So tired. What about our culture. I guess we aren't allowed to have one. Blame the US for everything. Its about time these other countries take responsibility for their own actions. When a big problem like revolutionary war, the Civil war, Roosevelts new deal, WWI and WWI and 9-11 comes knocking at our door. We ban together for a common cause. Why cant they. If they don't like the way the US solves their problems, then they should have taken action themselves. Taliban were in power because the poeple let them get power and hold power. Look @ many countries with dictators when the poeple do have enough they do fight back and no amount of oppression stops them. So ban together dumb asses, even if it is agianst the US. So at least then you can give us some respect and show the US your our enemy instead of to our face act like our friends when you need something and stab us in the back when you are not happy with what we do or say. I have no respect for the Muslim community because they lie to fit their needs. It is ok to lie as long as to an infidel. All I hear is corruption in all these muslim governments. Well arent the muslims running them. So how can they be so rightous. Get over it world aint perfect. Generation to Generation it is the same survival of the fittist. Well right now US is fit. Rome fell and most likely the US will too, but NOT TODAY.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Christopher, Seattle, WA — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:37:15 GMT

For once, I would like to see those who support the United States invading other countries, provide there first-born to be on front line of defense. I wonder how quickly our government would rush to war if they knew they had to send in one of their children to fight on the front line? I think the United State's involvement in war as a "profession" would change. I think it's time for new legislation....

A grieving father in Kandahar

DDF — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:37:25 GMT

These people know exactly what is going on and what to do. Don't let them pull the wool over your eyes. There has to be more to this than the "bleeding heart" story presented. To many people have short memories, at 9/11 who was crying and who was laughing then??

A grieving father in Kandahar

Hope Balderas — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:37:27 GMT

Please clear up the age descrepancies of the people involved or citizens will disregard this story altogether. God knows, some of us want so very badly to believe we are doing the "right thing" even in the face of all the pain and suffereing we are doing to the innocent.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Linda Watford City, ND — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:37:37 GMT

It seems to be so easy for all of you to sit in your nice safe homes, whether in Canada, Germany, USA, or where ever and criticize and condem the forces in Afghanistan. You all make me want to retch. Why not put up or shut up? Because none of you have what it takes to defend yourselves or your country except with your mouths. Japan did not invade our country after Pearl Harbor because they were afraid to because there was a "gun in every American's Home". Well, they can come on ahead now because even if there were guns in the homes all of you pansies would try to talk to them instead of do what had to be done to protect your families. For shame on you. For you wimps our forefathers died? Makes me sick

A grieving father in Kandahar

vinnie, eureka ca — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:37:49 GMT

mike @ 10:08 - go back to your cave. toby keith? why is he even part of this conversation? if we had gone into afghanistan instead of iraq, we would likely have bin laden by now. afghanistan wouldn't be an opium den, and the taliban would not be resurgent. it's bush and co. who are at fault. FOR SHAME! i'm embarrassed to be an american sometimes...

A grieving father in Kandahar

soldier whos been there — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:42:10 GMT

Pat in bosie and Kurt in dushland I had a nice long explanation of how things really are in Afgahn(I spent a little over a year there) decided to delete it because guys like you will never understand the way it is. Keep watching your liberal news and believe what you may

A grieving father in Kandahar

Marty, Sacramento, Ca. — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:44:06 GMT

What a bunch of sheep! You hear one story (that has more holes in it than swiss cheese)and you're ready to condemn our military. Yes, the grieving father had reason to be upset, but no where was anything verified in that story. I feel for him but I'm sure there is a ton of misinformation being distributed by these illiterate, poor people. That article was so slanted that they should be ashamed to publish it. You should also be ashamed for jumping on the Anti-American bandwagon when you have no real idea what is going on. Remember, we play by the rules more than anyone. We don't "behead" our prisoners like they do. Before you ASSUME what is going on ask a soldier what they have seen in Afganistan of Iraq and then make a judgement, not a reporter looking to sell a story. Ignorant sheep!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Normal Thinking — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:47:05 GMT

After 25 years of war this guys suicide bomber kid was to stupid to avoid a convoy? Spare me please. And the lights from oncoming cars confuse them? Darn the moth people are alive and well in the high mountains. He got shot to hell because a dozen guys were shooting at him and a few had support weapons, it was more than one person. I can see from the posts that a lot of you eat to many paint chips. This story is as sad as one of those stories from Detroit, where some ghetto mama complains about her gangbanger kids getting shot by other gangsters while selling rock. Getting shot must be proof guns are bad, right?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Kim, Bayonne, NJ — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:47:11 GMT

YOU KNOW AFTER READING ALL OF THE MESSAGES POSTED IT FEELS LIKE ALOT OF AMERICANS FORGOT ABOUT 9/11. WHAT ABOUT THE PARENTS IN THIS COUNTRY WHO'S CHILDREN DIED THAT DAY. LETS NOT FORGET THEM AND ALL OF THE TROOPS LOST SINCE THEN WHO ARE FIGHTING TO PROTECT US. WHILE WE ARE SITTING COZY THEY ARE PUTTING THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE SO THAT YOU CAN ALL STAY THAT WAY. I AM SURE THAT THERE IS ALOT MORE TO THAT STORY THAN WE ARE READING. AND YES THE PRESS SHOULD GET A GRIP YOU WERE NOT SO BAD. THOSE GUYS ARE TRYING TO STAY ALIVE HOW WERE THEY TO KNOW IF THAT GUY WAS A HUMAN CAR BOMB. SO BEFORE YOU PRINT THOSE STORIES ABOUT ANY OF THE TROOPS OVER THERE PICK UP A GUN AND HIT THE SAND!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Terri B, Blackwood, NJ — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:48:46 GMT

War is sad and ugly. I am so tired of it all. I so regret having children now. Let me ask all of you a question: HOW DO WE TEACH OUR CHILDREN PEACE WHEN WE CAN'T ACHIEVE IT OURSELVES. There will always be differences in this world. There will always be people that do not get along with other people. SHAME ON ANYONE that decides KILLING is the way to RESOLVE ANY ISSUE. IF we keep going in the direction we are, it won't matter, because none of us will be here. We need to HELP EACH OTHER. I find it disgusting and pathetic that men think they need to dominate women...don't forget it is the women of this earth that create and give life..not the men. I am so sad that mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers do not get along. It is a sad sad pathetic world we live in today. If I could find an island, believe me I would, move my family and children there and then tell the rest of you to go to hell and destroy each other. PEACE IS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE HUMAN RACE.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Liz Taylor Texas — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:50:53 GMT

NBC loves to stir the pot, over and over and over. They go into great detail about these types of issues, BUT say little about our own troops that loose their lives for OUR freedom every day and for others that have been beheaded and tortured over there!! Think about it... NBC should be ashamed of themselves!!!! All of you that talk bad about the US and our troops, shame on you, remember it took a war to give all of US the freedon we have today!!!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

JIM, JONES....Godibow okla — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:51:56 GMT

If you were to take 5 people from afghanistan 5 from China 5 from Africa ...put them in an area together with a common language so they could talk to each other ...within 6 hours they would be BarBQing and eating together....my point is that people don't make wars....Goverments make war...and we all pay for them...with our lifes blood...our young....I am deeply sorry for your loss....

A grieving father in Kandahar

Istiaque Ayub, Staten Island, NY — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:55:01 GMT

We should wipe out Taliban from the face of the planet. We should have put in more troops in Afghanistan and establish a free state instead of wasting time in IRAQ. I am making this assumption under the information that is available to public. Unless, there is some secret mission that we don't know about, the logic behind not spending time in Afghanistan makes no sense. This is going to sound crazy, but big percentage of the US population believe that our government has relations with the Aliens (like from another planet). There are numerous UFO sightings, witnesses, video tapes that can not be challenged. Some believe we have diplomatic relations with the Aliens. But, Gov. can not tell us for some unknown reason and this entire IRAQ war is just a cover for some things involving Alien Terrorists. Unless, what I just said above is a complete BS, I see no logical reason for not fixing Afghanistan and wasting our time and money is IRAQ.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ann in Downers Grove, Illinois — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:55:42 GMT

The selfishness in this world is sad. There are so many suffering. Life is too short - stop the hatred and try to live in peace.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Tommy, Houston Tx — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:56:12 GMT

If anyone on this blog says they are ashamed to be an American then I say pack your bags and carry your butt to any other country. You want to bash this country but what did you do on 9/11 when so many TRUE Americans were slaughtered by the likes of this trash that entered America. I say we will not rest until we get those behind these horrible acts. And our troops will get them. If anyone wants to stand in the way all I can say is I hope you like the taste of LEAD.

A grieving father in Kandahar

SGT SPRINGS FLORENCE S.C. — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:56:40 GMT

For those of you who criticize bush for the efforts to stop the war on terrorism, I don’t applaud you and in my honest opinion you are acting as a terrorist yourself. I have seen blood shed. I have walked the streets of Baghdad. I have escorted convoys on the most dangerous roads in Iraq. I have also seen children looking out from behind doors seeing we were Americans and they started smiling, laughing and playing knowing it’s safe. Yes I know war takes lives and people suffer and most of us do feel remorse for the dead. I said most, this is not a perfect world. So for those of you, who say we support our troops not the president, well just remember most of us in the armed forces support him. And for those of you who don’t agree, well BITE ME!

A grieving father in Kandahar

PJD, Houston, TX — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:56:57 GMT

2007,so this is civilization; and we are civilized???

A grieving father in Kandahar

Fedelia, Garland, TX — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:57:20 GMT

LIFE IS TOO SHORT! WHY CAN'T WE GET ALONG OR PLAY IN OUR OWN BACKYARDS? I'M TIRED OF EVERYBODY MESSING IN EVERYONE ELSE'S BUSINESS. JUST LEAVE EACH OTHER ALONE! PS - I THINK THE LEADERS SHOULD DUKE IT OUT AND STOP LETTING INNOCENT PEOPLE DIE IN THEIR PLACE.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Amazedatignorantwarmongers — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:57:58 GMT

To those of you who think it's ok or just part of life to have your son shot up or anyone in somebody else's family in a land far away killed to keep you safe: I wish you the same tragedy! Unbelievable, 100,000 plus civilians killed in Irak and they are still blood thirsty. And don't come back talking geopolitics a subject you barely understand since you can't even find most countries in a map.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Jim godibow okla — Fri, 11 May 2007 17:59:08 GMT

How stupid can we be....A war on terrorism....as long as there is some one out there that mad or angry and has a bomb....there will be terrorism. Think about it...if a "warrior" plants a bomb in the road and a tank runs over it...well your a freedom fighter.....if a school bus runs over it your a terrorist....

A grieving father in Kandahar

Earnan Maguire, Colorado — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:00:29 GMT

It's amazing how many utterly ignorant people are out there... They've never served in the military, but they're experts on convoy operations, automatic weapons and suicide bombers. They can't find Afghanistan on a map, but they're experts on it's history and culture. They can't spot a shoddily written and baised story without spotting the huge holes in it, and they want to tell the reste of us what needs to be done? First, we have absolutely no reason to believe story is true. Of course the father is going to claim his son was innocent. Probably on his way home from choir practice, right? Damn few Afghans own vehicles, and those that do are not likely to be driving around in the middle of the night unless they're up to no good. It's a friggin' war zone! Faiz was a Taliban terrorist or a smuggler. Or both. If he was an honest peaceful civilian he would have been safe at home like any other sensible person. Those who keep crying and whining about the US "invading" Afghanistan and "imposing" ourselves upon them would do well to actually learn something of the history of that country. The Taliban are the invaders: religous nutcase Pakistanis and Arabs who imposed their religous beliefs upon the Afghans, and who murdered tens of thousands for such crimes as playing music, going outside without a burkha and a male escort, teaching little girls how to read... The NATO forces in Afghanistan have done more to help the people of that country than anyone else on earth. Schools---that the Taliban attack, murdering the teachers and students and destroying the schools. Clinics---that the Taliban attack, murdering doctors and nurses, burning the clinics, killing those who go to them for treatment. Elections to allow the people of Afghanistan to select who will run their by voting, rather than by being told what to do by men with guns---that the Taliban respond to by bombing election sites, murdering voter-registration workers and killing those who dare to vote. It's clear who is on the side of good and who is on the side of eveil here. And yet there are many self-loathing American who care only about their personal comfort---no one they knew or cared about died on 9/11---and their smug self-righteousness lets them ignore the victims of the Taliban---most of them Afghans---while they insult and revile the very people who have kept their smug plump asses safe.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Kurt Schmitt, Bremen, Deutschland — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:00:45 GMT

To Ted, Decatur, Ill. Yeah, I want to get there. The reason for 9/11 and all that garbage is the US government support for Israel, plain and simple, for 30 years. Not the support of the American people for Israel, but of a government infiltrated and bought by "dual" citizenship holders. Look them up. A lot of unfortunate and patriotic American soldiers and innocent Arab civilians will die for the defense of a "shitty little country" as Eisenhower saw it. To those soldiers, they have my respect and I salute their families, they are the true heroes whose lives get wasted for the greed of a few cowards.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Daniel Martinez — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:01:40 GMT

It's a shame that some of you losers sit there making excuses as to why this kid was killed-for some of you boneheads, Al-Qaida attacked America NOT Afghanistan or Iraq-get that through your thick heads!!!! For some of you who lack compassion or sympathy-I hope this happens to you. Then, MAYBE then, you'll pull your heads out of your rear and learn to "see"!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

john florida — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:03:02 GMT

just a thought: this reporter talks to some one who thinks he is 40 who'syoungest son was 25 who's older brothers were killed by the russinans;looks like a math problem to me. But lets assume that he war right there is no way that in a country where 60% of people can't read that the word did not travel around that going at a convoy at a high rate of speed is going to get you shot.and a man that does not know how old he is and can't read can tell you that ther were 30 holes in his son is at very least a strech.i have read two books on that war not iraq on is titled FISRT IN AND THE OTHER IS JAWBREAKER both by ex CIA that were there and one thig was that news traveled across the land very quickly without news papers or t.v. so the idea that they did not know is nonsense !!they know who and wher the soldiers are at all times !!they know as soon as it happens, any movement is seen !!this reporter is printing it and i would bet you anything that he does not believe it for a second.but it suits a pupose. TO KURT SCHMITT, DEUTSCHLAND The U.S. could never out do the Germans in dealing out death to innocents , so please look to youre self. Alberta Canada : you buy into 30 bullet holes, you believe that he was shot in the car dragged out and shot from head to toe. this report seems believable to you?? or do you choose to believe it only because it's what you want it to be.ask youself thso questions and see if you think we are all gun happy savages.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Kurt Schmitt, Bremen, Deutschland — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:04:22 GMT

To Kim, Bayonne. The troops in Iraq do not fight to protect you, but to protect the interest of the oil companies that are ripping you off at the gas pump. How comes you pay $3/gal when the US has control of the 2nd largest oil reserves of oil in the world now ? How much do oil companies contribute for the cost of the war ? Zero. All the cost is at the expense of the taxpayers. It is sad to see that you guys are so blind. What happened to such a great country ? You were destroyed from within by an imperialist group that took over power and you are not even aware of it.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ernie — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:07:30 GMT

Too bad no one educated your son as to the right and wrong ways to approach our Armed Forces on a dark road in a war zone at night...I'm sure he was mistaken for one of your fellow Taliban supporting Afghan citizens, most of who have proven themselves to be nothing more than cowardly, murdering, suicidal maniacs with little or no regard for the human lives they so cavalierly take. It's a shame that your son had to die. Perhaps you can console yourself and your family with the warm thoughts of the 3000 people Mr. bin Laden deemed fit for horrible deaths. I say we should nuke your whole goddamned country back to the middle ages. You can then begin anew, beheading and cutting off various body parts like the ultra civilized peace loving people you always were....WE WILL NOT FORGET!!!! YOU MAY BE NEXT

A grieving father in Kandahar

jorge — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:08:18 GMT

As a veteran of the Middle East wars, I blame the United States govt for forsaking Afghanistan. There is no excuse for the Taliban to be making a comeback except that the United States did not do a proper job of securing that country. Instead they had to make up stories about how important it was to go invade Iraq where we promptly repeated the same mistake we made in Afghanistan. For those who say "I don't care about those people" you should just shut up then because our whole spiel has been how we are liberating them. If we don't care about them then we have no business being over there to liberate them and should just leave. For those who say it's their own fault for not turning over bin Laden maybe you were sleeping when Bush announced he doesn't care about catching bin Laden anymore and doesn't even think about him. Yes, he said it and it is a matter of public record. For those who shrug and say this is war perhaps you would do well to remember that this is why we should not start them. Afghanistan could have and should have been our noble experiment but the Bush administration never cared about Afghanistan. They only wanted to get into Iraq.

A grieving father in Kandahar

G.Davis Cypress Texas — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:13:01 GMT

How many innocent civilians did we kill in Dresden Germany in WW2? How many innocent civilians in Nagasaki and Hiroshima? It's a crying shame that it happens....but it's called WAR! Why do we only hear about the people that are the cause of the problems over there,and how it effects the innocent civilians, and not about our brave soldiers giving their lives for their freedom? I think the good the soldiers are doing over there for the people far out weighs the mistakes that are made.They are human... or have most people forgotten that fact.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Lindsey, WA — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:13:52 GMT

I don't understand why so many in the US think that the high-jackers of 9/11 represent the entire population of the Middle East. That is such a sweeping generalization. They were a group of fanatics who by no means represent every country in the ME nor Islam. People, although 9/11 was a terrible tragedy, it has virtually nothing to do with why we are in the the ME. Get your facts straight. Think about if we had to deal with incidents like 9/11 every day of our lives. That's what so many in other countries go through. You think it would make us more sympathetic towards others instead of creating all of this hate. It saddens me. One life is not any more important or better than the other. We are all human.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Liana Smith, Tampa — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:14:27 GMT

It is not unpatriotic to speak the truth. And the truth hurts. Ask the average guy in Iraq whether he has received enough training and he will laugh at your face. Ask him how many "unstable" soldiers he has seen and he will nod sadly. Whoever in this blog rants about "great American values" in relation to the indiscriminate killings that take place in Afghanistan and Iraq, is ignorant of history. And history judges harshly those who kill civilians and then say "tough." Even the bombardment in Dresden (during WWII)is being re-evaluated as a terrorist act on the part of the Allies. We live in an era of higher justice and global instant spread of information. So if you want to sing patriotic songs and wave your flags while you get drunk and others get killed, please do so on a reality show. We are all stocked up here!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Phil, San Diego — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:17:16 GMT

Why do you the media only report the bad things that the soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq do? What about all the good that is also being done. I feel for those people that have lost innocent family members but that is part of war. Afghanistan let Al Quaida train in there country and now they are paying the price for that. How about reporting the positive things that we are doing so the American people and those countries that support us can have a better perspective. This is George Bush's war, maybe he is the one who should be taking the blame instead of the young men and women who are actually fighting and being killed and maimed. We take these kids right out of high school, train them to kill, brainwash them and then blame them when they kill innocent people. (or those who claim they were just innocent civilians) I am a veteran of the Viet Nam war and know what it is like to be in another country and to never be sure of who your enemy is because they all look and sound alike. Yes these young soldiers make mistakes at times, but that is part of the mentality and fear of being in a war zone and never being sure of who wants to kill you whether they be man, women or child.

A grieving father in Kandahar

US Army SGT, Kandahar, Afghanistan — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:18:25 GMT

To all you dumb asses posting stupid stuff on here like Josh, Walter, Sean and all of you who are in the comfort of your home while I spend another 13 months over here in Afghanistan thanks to all you idiots who complain but still decided to vote Bush back to the White House, #1: yes US is part of NATO but US DOES NOT = NATO. If you would have the balls to find out by joining the military to find out then you would not be posting idiotic messages on here bashing all of us as if we sent ourselves here willingly. There are many other countries here including Canada (NATO) Australians and British just to name a few. We(US Army) are not the only ones in this fight and it infuriates me when I see posts like these talking about how poor a job we're doing over here. Well if that'a the case then why dont you sign up, get sent over here and then see if you do any different than any of the soldiers here regardless of nationality. We see rocket attacks every week. I heard it used to be worse before I got here. You know what I would rather do or be? At home with my family and seeing my 9 months old daughter grow up. Instead I have to be here for 15. By the time I get home she will be 2 years old. I do not agree with what happened to that man and lord knows that is probably the worse pain anyone could ever go through. but like someone mentioned before, WE HAVE BEEN HERE SIX YEARS. How is it they dont know??? That is not excusable. Five days after I got in country, I was on my way out again to another base and as we went to board the plane what do I see??? Air Force Two. I knew someone Important from our government was in country. The next day I heard a suicide bomber got through and a soldier killed. Did you know that soldier belonged to the unit we were replacing? That soldier didn't have long here and now he'll never come home. So why dont you all think about that before you go posting ignorant messages and replies to stuff like this. Think before you open your mouth.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Gladys — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:21:09 GMT

To the conservative people in America who believe we need to kill our enemy: most of you are christian, so please remember that a commandment says "thou shall not kill". 911 happened because of a radical group of Muslims, not the entire Muslim world. We can hunt and kill those responsible, but the more innocent people we kill, the more people around the world will turn their back on us. It is time to let the other side of the world be what it wants to be and for us to try to find new sources of energy (Dick Cheney is an oil tycoon so saying that he is not looking after his own interests is very naive and unrealistic)

A grieving father in Kandahar

Paul, Orlando — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:21:20 GMT

As sad as this story is, the reason our soldiers are in the position they are in is due to the actions of the terrorists we went over to fight. In as much as we are reacting to the deeds of a group that had a strangle hold on the country and had attacked our sovereign soil and caused just under 3000 dead, we must do what it takes to protect ourselves. The amount of shots has not been substantiated so any reaction to 30 shots is additionally out of line. We do not know what, in this instance, actually happened or what Ahktar’s son was really doing. He may have been innocent; he may have been guilty WE DON’T KNOW. I agree with the sentiment that, all we ever seem to hear is the atrocities committed by our soldiers, rarely about the good they have done and are currently doing. Our children have been ordered to foreign soil in order to destroy a group that has admitted to attacking our soil. Our fighting men and women are dying daily in the service of their country, right or wrong in the reasoning, they go without question. They deserve our respect and support. We made the assumption during the Vietnam debacle that all our soldiers were “baby killers” and it hurt a generation of our children immeasurably and to this day they suffer from our disrespect. War is hell and no one returns unscathed. If we are not actively fighting ourselves, we must do our duty to give our support and respect to those who do put their lives on the line in our name. If we do not agree with the action, there are ways to make the change. Call your congress man, write the president, create a movement and bring about a change. Blindly decrying the supposed actions of a few warped individuals who may have taken things too far and making it a statement against all of our troops underlines the very basis of our democracy. God Bless all who are affected by this action and let’s work on a solution that ends this war and brings our children back home.

A grieving father in Kandahar

scott dracut ma — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:22:30 GMT

The only country we have truely behind us is England. It won't be long before that will change with Tony Blair leaving. I say let's round up our troops from all over the world, close our boarders and see how the world does without the United States after a year or two.

A grieving father in Kandahar

G. G., Seattle, Wash. — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:24:13 GMT

If the troops just shoot at everything that moves, then we should just nuke all of afghanistan. The whole point of sending troops over there is to avoid killing everybody. If the troops are not willing to take risks to protect the lives of civilians, they should not be carrying a gun. It's so tiring listening to all of these republicans talk about how the troops are over there so that I can sit in my cozy chair and watch TV. That is simply not true. The troops are over there so that they can collect a paycheck and perform the will of the government. If the troops want my apreciation, then get out of Iraq, send more forces to Afghanistan, and quit shooting at everything that moves. They say they are fighting for my freedom, and then in the next breath tell me that I should leave the country if I don't like what they are doing in Iraq. NONSENSE.

A grieving father in Kandahar

DI PEARSALL WINTER HAVEN,FL — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:24:44 GMT

JUSTICE YOU WILL GET ALLAH(GOD) IS SAVING THE BEAST FOR HIMSELF(USA).HIS WORLD IS FALLING APART AND THERE IS NOTHING WE OR HE CAN DO.GOD IS NOT A LIE. JESUS IS COMING TO SEPARATE.THE WARS THAT WE SEE AND HEAR IS CHILDS' PLAY COMPARED TO THE DESTRUCTION THE PROPHETS SPOKE OF.HE WAS ONLY GIVEN 6000 YEARS TO RULE NOT A DAY LATER OR SOONER.

A grieving father in Kandahar

T. Hill, Carrollton, Texas — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:26:00 GMT

If the Civilian Sunnis in Iraq would help get rid of Al-Qaeda and Civilians in Afghanistan would help get rid of the Taliban then there would be less civilian casualties in the long run.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Marioam Boisvert — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:27:05 GMT

I wonder if the man's tears and anger would still be as great if it was his daughter or another female member of his family? And what about the father's who cry for their sons who are fighting over there for a nation of people who canit even get along with each other, and kill each other in the name of God and ethinic reasoning. There's two side to this mess, let us not forget that ever. Marioam

A grieving father in Kandahar

US Army SGT Kandahar, Afghanistan — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:29:03 GMT

Thank you SGT Bordy, I just sent a reply too but it has not been posted yet and dont know if it will. but I pretty much said the same since I'm over here now and got another 13 months to go. I understand and feel your pain.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Marla - — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:29:40 GMT

EXCUSE ME? has anyone of these people came to our doors to apologize for the loss of our sons, daughters, brothers, fathers, uncles, cousins, nephew, neices, mothers........ NO, I don't think so,. I am sorry he has lost his children and brothers due to HIS COUNTRIES conflicts. Stay off the roads at night, we are there to help, why do you get in the way IF you are doing right. Keep your booty in the house at night with your babies.

A grieving father in Kandahar

2nd Lt. Ray — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:30:15 GMT

SOME OF YOU PEOPLE HAVE THE CORRECT ANSWER SOME DO NOT. I AM SORRY FOR HIS CHILDREN, ALTHOUGH IT DOES NOT STOP THE FACT THAT THEY TOOK ME FROM MY CHILDREN THE DAY THEY STARTED ATTACKING US IN THE US. AS FAR AS OUR POLICY GO. A NICE LARGE PIECE OF GLASS COULD BE USED FOR SOME SCIENTIFIC MAGNIFYING GLASS OR SOMETHING.ALTHOUGH ITMIGHT BE HARD TO GET UNTIL THE FALLOUT SETTLES

A grieving father in Kandahar

Marioam Boisvert — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:30:42 GMT

A grieving father in Kandahar

Andy, Tazewell, Tenn. — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:31:17 GMT

I find it amazing that people condemn our attack on Afghanistan as picking on countries who "can't" invade us. THEY DID !!! It's a disgrace that people would disrespect the nearly 3,000 innocent babies, children, women, and men who were civilians for the most part who were MURDERED by the government of Afghanistan at the time, the TALIBAN. They also disrespect every brave soul who have put on a uniform and died to save thier rights to protest the actions ! Then there's Daniel Pearl, our Allies and NATO partners, contractors, and innocent civilians who hace paid the price for being there in thier many capacities that are disrespected. It's unfortunate and a shame that this civilian died, I'm not saying that ... and my feelings go out to his family and friends, and SHOULD be investigated to the fullest. If there is wrong-doing, then build them a house and award them money to survive ... that's only fair to them, and pay for the gentleman's funeral. Punish those guilty ONLY IF they intentionally and KNOWINGLY commited a criminal act in this case. The people complaining we should never have invaded Afghanistan should go find a family member who grieved so miserably after they lost a loved one on 9/11 and SPIT in thier face ... it wouldn't be any more disrespectful than what they are saying. Also, respect those who are over there for us and PROTECTING us, and those who have died or had thier lives changed dramatically due to injuries and what they have seen and experienced. It's easy to sit back and be a "couch critic" ... if what we are doing is so wrong, then MOVE to a country where the government doesn't care enough to attack a country that attacks it's civilians on thier home soil. I'm sure we can come up with an American Flag Turban and a plane ticket to Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, or Afghanistan for you. Go thank the Taliban and tell them your an American who supports thier actions ... I'm sure you'll be surprised by thier "hospitality." GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, AND COMFORT OUR LOST ONES AND THE LOVED ONES LEFT BEHIND.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Linda Bireley, Berlin, MD — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:31:34 GMT

War is war and those countries have had war and tragedy since the begining of time. They battle each other. each tribe battles another tribe, killing everyone. It is tragic to lose a loved one, however I can't help but wonder why this is newsworthy. To me it is propaganda for the Taliban and anyone critical of our government. How do we know he wasn't a Taliban? How do we know he wasn't killed by the Taliban? We don't know any of those answers and never will.

A grieving father in Kandahar

bil;l — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:33:22 GMT

War is hell, interestingly the "Nazi" US Army is not buring villages and killing every one om a village if one IED goes off from that a certain area, they are instead trying to build schools and help women and bring order to a land that has not had order in a while. "Nazi"? How about take a bit of responsibility for your own country and stop blaming folks that try to help you. Kill your enemies, i.e. the Taliban and stop critizeing the people that are helping you. For those of you that are so sensitive to war and how terrible it is, read up on war. It is really hell. Luckily the US Army today does not act as armies, including the US Army during WWII, have acted since the dawn of tine, destroying the enemy whereever they are with no regard to civilian casualties. Dresden? How many French citizens died in D Day, by Allied hands, but the end state was no Nazi threat to the world. Anyone want Hitler back? Was D Day worth it or should we cut funding for our Army after we encounter the hedgerows. Read up on war before you comment on this man's tragedy. It could just has easily been a dead son because of a Taliban machine gunner, not the convoy firing on him. Have a bit of patience and backbone. We are really fighting people that hate us, not George Bush, but Americans and Westerners. People that live in New York City, and Paris, not just Texas. They hate atheists and feminists, more that Christians. Wake up!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Tonya Bates — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:33:24 GMT

My condolences to Akhar for his loss. May God give him the strength to carry on. I just wanted to express my opinion regarding comments posted by Mike (Sent Friday, May 11, 2007 10:08 AM). "All I can say is Mike the please get a life. The deaths of 3000 people on 9/11 cannot justify killing hundreds of thousands of poor Afghans and Iraqis in the Middle East. All human lives are precious. May be if you count the number of people the US military has killed from Vietnam to Iraq you will know why people hate us. Who created Bin Laden and Taliban? Read some history and ya will know that it was our own government. So drop the ignorance and open your eyes". IF YOU LOSERS GIVE UP BIN LADEN WE WOULDNT BEEN DROPPING BOMBS...DO WHAT WE WAY SAY WERE IN POWER...YOUR PEOPLE ATTACKED US ON 9/11 AND TOBY KEITH SAID WERE BRINGINH HELL WITH US...YOU GUYS SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS TO CLINTON! HE WOULD HAVE DONE A AIRSTRIKE AND WENT TO BED...NOT GW AND CHENEY THEY TOOK THYE FOGHT TO YOIU GUYS...NOW YOUR KIDS AND FAMILIES ARE IN DANGER...WELL 3000 PLUS DEAD DIED IN ONE DAY HERE AND IM PISSED OFF AND YOU NED TO FIND BIN LADEN OR WE WILL TAKE MORE LIVES! Mike (Sent Friday, May 11, 2007 10:08 AM)

A grieving father in Kandahar

Kurt — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:33:26 GMT

To soldier that was there: Respect to you for your fight yes. It is Deutschland, may want to check the spelling. Share with us your explanation, a good argument is always listened to, no ?

A grieving father in Kandahar

John Doe, San Antonio — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:33:41 GMT

It amazes me that some many people think that we should stop what is going on in Afghanistan or Iraq. We cannot leave either place because it will become a hot bed of even more violence, not to change subjects but who thinks pulling out of Iraq will stop anything. The Shiites and Sunnis pray to the same god yet are butchering each other every chance they get. Yet the media makes it sounds like everything that is happening is NATOs or the US's fault. In a way I guess it is for getting rid of murderous leaders of both country. Why was Iraq not in a civil war before we invaded... because Saddam would mercilessly kill anyone opposed to him. What about the Taliban if you didn't make prayers three time a day keep your wife and daughters properly oppressed, you guessed they killed you. I agree that the loss of this mans son is a shame as the loss of any human life but I am sure his some wouldn't of had his store that is mentioned because it sold soda and I am sure other things that would have had him killed in the Taliban rule. THe biggest difference people in the US are finally aware of what is going on in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it is so much easier to believe that is all started with us. Blame the big imperialist called the US, whitey or what ever you want to call US but it was going on before we were there and now people finally care about it. It is a shame that most people still don't even know where either of these countries is on a map. A little education would go a long way in understanding this. I pray for the safe return of all of our solders each and everyone of them. Someone mentioned in one of the earlier statements that would you take up arms against someone who had taken over your community? Your right I would but if those people kicked out someone else who was being even more oppressive and hurtful and the new people promised to leave once things were safe for me, your darn right I would take up arms. Just not against the people who were there trying to help me. Some may call us imperialists for our actions because we attacked first but yet the rhetoric of the extremists is to bring the entire would under one religion, that sounds more imperialistic than trying to stop it from happening. Kind of like preparing for a hurricane that is headed straight for you and being able to anticipate a problem instead of waiting for it to hit then hope everyone else can come bail your but out, but what if there isn't anyone else?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Dave, Platte City, MO — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:34:16 GMT

I haven't seen anything in the above article that states that US soldiers were involved in this at all. And based on what is written, its questionable the event even happened. If it did, my sympathy to the family. Operations have been ongoing in Afghanistan for over four years. It shouldn't take signs to tell people what to do; they should already know by this time. The fact that the military spokesman did not know about the incident leads me to question it. Shootings are reported.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Thinkingofothersfirst, TEXAS, USA — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:35:16 GMT

ALL on this planet must learn to get along. We have no place else to go. And until we learn to evolve together we will never find a way off this God for Saken Planet. Imagine what could be accomplished if we all worked toward the same goals. Some countries have Oil. Other countries have food. Some countries can invent things, while others can build them. We all have to learn to share, or spend the rest of our time on this little planet in the middle of no-where. Whether you believe in a GOD or read Tera Cards for your future the point is every part of every society must stop preaching hatered towards each other or this delema will plague us all until the next meteor strikes this glorious planet in the middle of this huge universe and makes us all shut-up! I too have lost loved ones. Not in a War, but to illnesses that no-one can cure! What's the point? If we stop blowing each other up or shooting each from the fear of being blown-up we might all survive! What a concept! World Peace! Go Figure!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Nelda Hatcher, Live Oak, FLorida — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:36:08 GMT

Our troops died so that everyone such as those above, have the freedom to speak as they choose. There are always 3 sides to every problem, my side, your side and the truth. The truth is not known, you only have the "father's" side. My son was in Saudia Arabia, my husband, my brother and brother in law in Vietnam. When some post such nonsense as above, remember, someone died so that you could voice your opinion. In Iraq and Afghanistan, you were not allowed to do so. Sadam Hussien murdered those that differed in opinion.THe Taliban did so as well. Wake up America, and support your country and its policies. You may not agree, but our service people deserve your support. I am sure a lot of you won't agree with me, but remember, someone died so that you could disagree without fear of reprisal.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Matt - VA — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:37:24 GMT

Akhtar, I am sincerely sorry for the loss of your son (assuming his innocence). If your concerned for the Afghan population in Kandahar take this opportunity to help educate them on what they should do when approaching a NATO convoy. SGT Bordy, God Bless You Brother! And God Bless all the Men and Women of Our Armed Forces! AMEN.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Sarah, Cincinnati, Ohio — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:38:36 GMT

I must admit, I feel for this family. Politics aside, someones son has died, someones husband, someones father. Losing a child is the hardest loss you'll ever know, if you're like me and you've lost a child you'd undertand that. It doesn't matter if you're 20 like me, or 50 years old and have all of the knowledge in the world (or think you do..) - Unless you've lost your child, you'll never know the pain this father feels or even remotely begin to comprehend the impact, the devistation. I can't even begin to imagine the pain of the wife and children.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Nelda Hatcher, Live Oak, Florida — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:40:21 GMT

One more comment, for those of you ashamed to be an American, go live in some other country.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Laura — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:42:42 GMT

From yours truly - I want to thank ALL the comments from those that have been there. My son is due back - hopefully next month (10th Mtn).....and I have to admit that those are the people you need to talk to and listen to. THEY know of what they speak - not US. We sit here and watch and pray and know that what the media spins is hardly EVER the truth. Listen to the troops - not each other!! Don't Tread on Me!!!! God Bless the USA and all our service men and women.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Candice, Woodridge, Il — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:42:47 GMT

I just want to say who is worried about us about good Americans having to pay for a war we don't even want to be in. Who apologized to us when the towers went down who gave all those families money and apologies. No one, they kill each other over there every day for nothing blowing themselves up and taking the lives of their own people. They put guns in the hands of children and teach terriorism from adolescence. They can't even protect and take care of their own what are we supposed to do. The United States (George Bush and his team) put us in a position that is going to be hard to recover from. They killed thousands of people when the towers when down so why do we have anything to apologize or make up for. We need to withdraw our troops and let them kill eachother and then they will have no one to blame.

A grieving father in Kandahar

BMurphy — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:43:24 GMT

In the midst of all this mud-slinging I find it ironic that the most eloquent and coherent post is by a U.S. soldier. J.H. - thanks for sharing your mental competency and clarity. You're welcome at my table any day.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Stephanie Woolfolk in Stet, Missouri — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:48:42 GMT

My Dear Fellow Americans/World Citizens: Has anyone with a view like Sean in Torrington (and several others above) thought about the fact that the circumstances causing the death of this young man were NOT THE WORK OF ANY PARTICULAR GOVERNMENT. What about the "up to no good" rebels who refuse any and all lawful behavior, including the dictates of their own professed religion (the peaceful teachings of Islam)? They are TERRORIST who cowardly hides behind the innocent in EVERY NATION on earth. They care nothing for people who are left with the circumstantial results of their actions. THIS is truly irresponsible. ONLY FOOLS, including those blinded by the pain of wrongs done to themselves or their loved ones, would use any circumstance or the resulting errors (regardless of the transgressor's origin) to justify JOINING or SUPPORTING the root problem-RADICAL TERRORIST. It is time we left the blind games to the politicians and the terrorist and see the obvious facts. We all have the same problem and yes, if you’re breathing that makes this your problem too. The terrorist along with their sympathizers and any others who commit crimes against humanity, by furthering their ability to victimize the innocent must be STOPPED. Now, the real discussion is what WE (INCLUDING YOU) are going to do about it TOGETHER!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

pat a — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:49:14 GMT

I hope the day comes when thie US and his Nato allies, is wiped off the the EARTH,for all the Atrocities they,ve committed dating back to the Indians and Blacks. bunch of Thieves and Murderers.

A grieving father in Kandahar

IshaQ, Richmond, VA — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:49:43 GMT

You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.

A grieving father in Kandahar

no dairy please, michigan — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:51:33 GMT

Don't let the idealogues put a brave front on a craven and selfish premise. We are in that part of the world because of the oil. We desperately need the oil that comes out of their ground because we are so dependent on it for our big cars and our big houses and our big, big American way of life. If we depart that region, the resulting instability will set the stage for a different bully to move in; one far more brutal than anything the locals have seen in the NATO forces. So, the next time you're at the gas pump, filling up your Hummer, think about the poor troops getting their limbs blown off so you can have your BIG American lifestyle, and at the very least, show a little gratitude.

A grieving father in Kandahar

love my soldier, Lansing, Michigan — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:52:25 GMT

9/11 was horrible, and I will never forget that day. But for gods sake, it is nothing compared to living in exactly that situation for days, months, years on end. So move on already and stop going on about it, there are living people hungry in your town, hurting in your town, dying in your town, when did you give a rats behind about them? The man's son should have known better than to be out, but what is he supposed to cower in the house all the time? We went into Iraq for what reason...if Bush wanted to take out Hussein he should have just hired the Israelis to do it and get it over with. He totally went off the focus of his aim, where is this Bin Laden guy now? I totally support our troops, just not the reason they are where they are. I thought we were a country against empire building, and it appears to me that this is exactly what our Fearless Leaders are trying to do. The man I love has been over twice, and is set to go again...its shameful.

A grieving father in Kandahar

denise, Reading, PA — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:54:42 GMT

I feel for this man. I can't imagine loosing so much. Being an honorable discharged veteran and the mother of two daughters serving in the armed forces right now I understand the need to fight for our freedoms we enjoy(including this blog). After all this time and not much being accomplished I have to ask myself is all this necessary. What are we really accomplishing other than, as Scrooge would say, 'decreasing the surplus population.' We all want the same common goal. That our children will live in a world of peace when we are gone. I don't see that being accomplished in the Middle East. I want my daughters safe, I don't want to have to live in the hell that Akhtar will be in the rest of his life.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Gregory, Northampton MA — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:55:24 GMT

Again, I am ashamed to be an American who was not able to reign in the corrupt evil administration of Bush to go and invade several countries and kill their innocent populace. Allow me to apologize to those we have killed in pursuit of more oil$$.

A grieving father in Kandahar

DukeLaw, Irvine, CA — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:03:47 GMT

That's odd. Where were all the complaints about the liberal press when Bush got a free pass for 2 years on the Iraq War? Where were the complaints when the Army lied about how Pat Tillman died or how Jessica Lynch was a Ramboette? Face it, war is hell. We all know that. Innocent civilians are being killed (as well as terrorists). It happens, but just because it does happen doesn't mean we have to ignore it. We don't need to act like jacktards and pretend that everything is going to plan and that innocent children ARE dying. It's like all the conservatives have lost any shred of compassion when it comes to indicting people (bah, you died because you were stupid). This is an embarrassment to our "Christian" culture.\ As for the "soldiers" posting in this thread, you should be mad at our Commander in Chief for ignoring our generals' advice in requesting more troops for Iraq. I don't see why you're giving him a free pass for putting us in this morass. More critical thinking and less kneejerking (but that's asking too much).

A grieving father in Kandahar

Carl C, Chattaroy, W.Va — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:04:07 GMT

People, it's sad that the world has come to this. We the people of the United States of America don't all think the way our leaders do. But let us stand up and voice our own words and see where it gets us! Ever heard of "Rubyridge"? We didn't elect G.W. Bush the first time (He and his gang of political thieves stole it!) Gore won that election! He was the one the people voted in! We are in this situation because "we the people" no longer exsist in this country, it's been replaced with "We the rich!" Until there is a major overhall of our politial system, kicking ALL big business out of politics. We are going to continue to head down this path of death & dispare.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Paul, Baltimore, Maryland — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:05:53 GMT

Several have pointed out “the numbers” in this story don't add up, that a "40" year-old father whose "eldest" son was killed in 1980 would have to have been around 14 when his first son was born. Sorry, but that alone does not discredit the story for at least two reasons: 1) Even if the father is only 40 it’s biologically possible for him to have fathered a child as early as 14. Male sperm begins developing at puberty and a significant number of boys and girls in Afghanistan are married in their teens. 2) The father may well be older than 40. He admits he doesn't know how old he is - not uncommon among poor, illiterate people living in third world conditions. In the photo he looks to me to be at least fifty. If so he could have fathered his first son when he was 15 to 20, making his "eldest” 3 – 8 years old when he was killed in the war with the Soviets. On the other side of the coin I have little sympathy for a society that bred or harbored the absolute worst of Islamic fanatics – the Taliban notorious for their brutal treatment of women and Al Qaeda who deliberately target and slaughter civilians in the name of Allah. Of course decent people - including the vast majority of Americans - are distressed and saddened when innocent civilians are killed in a war – BUT WAR IS A FORM OF MASS INSANITY where non-combatants are often slaughtered deliberately or accidentally. As Bin Laden has self- righteously pointed out – conveniently neglecting to look at both sides of the story - Americans and their allies deliberately slaughtered thousands of non combatants in Dresden, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki. The only way to stop war according to many brilliant thinkers such as Albert Einstein is for every nation on earth to become free and democratic, endorsing and protecting the sanctity and equality of every human being, endorsing ballots over bullets. We have a long way to go. Meanwhile, though it may be little consolation to the father of Faiz, we did not start the war in Afghanistan. Bin Laden and Al Qaeda protected by the Taliban started it. Unlike the invasion of Iraq – the necessity of which remains debatable at best - the U.S. with almost unanimous backing from the world community had every right to invade Afghanistan after 9-11. And we have every right to stay there until we can be certain another 9-11 won’t be launched from that sad country.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Jane — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:05:57 GMT

I agree and disagree with a lot that I have read here. I do agree that the story is probably not what it seems and if it is, the troops are so paronoid, stuff like that is going to happen. Like someone said above, he could have been a walking bomb. What I can't understand about the war over their and the one in Iraq is how anyone in their right mind would ever have thought that it would work. (The one in Iraq) A three year old can tell you that we can't make them like us. Could someone make us like them? No! You can't change a whole human race overnight and make them something else. If I know this and now everyone does, don't you think the President knew that before it started. There has to be other motives. Should we have retaliated, of course but starting another Vietnam and slaughtering our young soulders to accomplish nothing in the end is crazy. It's a lot worse now that it was five years ago and it's not getting better.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Gee Eyejoe, greatfalls, mt. — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:06:23 GMT

ha well I guess the next Afghani who see's head lights is going to do the right thing, huh? These people are under martial law...I know you who know nothing about this think oh its soooo unfair. In martial law, civil rights are suspended. The punishment for disobedience of law most times is execution. This guy suffered the consequences of disobedience. I don't feel sory or sad...these people instead of working to make a country w/ civil law fight against it. why not ...power and $ are taken easier in anarchy.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Alec, Logan, UT — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:07:25 GMT

To you, John in San Diego: Islam was introduced about 1400 years ago, not 2000. Get your history right before making an ass of yourself all over the internet.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Roi, Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:07:41 GMT

This guy is about 40, his youngest son was 25. He had this son when he was 15?? And he had two elder sons!! Is it possible that someone don't know his age?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Our Military Are the Good Guys — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:09:48 GMT

Once again, our media will report and believe anything thing they are told. If it is against the U.S., then in the eyes of our American hating citizens, then they will believe anything anyone says against us. No proof neccessary when bashing our army. You should all have just a little more faith in our military, they are beter people then the bloggers and mainstream media would have us believe.

A grieving father in Kandahar

James Moore — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:09:57 GMT

Are you kidding me? Is MSNBC trying to lose all credibility? Think you could have made this story more biased and incomplete ? And it's obvious that the post you chose to put on your site are picked according to how well they back your fictional story. You should be ashamed.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Lilly , Thornton, CO — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:10:04 GMT

My heart goes with Akhtar and all of the innocent ppl who are the victims of those who use the name of freedom/democracy or religion to keep their own $$ and power and interest. It is a big shame for us to keep the bribe and create terrorism. We're nothing but remaining as part of the problem in the world.

A grieving father in Kandahar

QM2 Chris Martinez, Norfolk Virginia — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:10:05 GMT

TRYING TO STAY ALIVE? PROTECTING OUR COUNTRY? If we left those people alone we wouldn't have to worry about them killing us or us killing kids women and their fathers. It was the Saudis that attacked us, they just were trained in Afghanistan. Just think of Afghanistan as Saudi Arabias Guantanamo Bay. What happens in Guantanamo stays in Guantanamo. By the way I have been in Guantamo. I loved the beach there. This is for you all who are scared for your poor baby soldier, he has to protect himself, right, better them than us, right. How about we do not run convoys at night. Sounds pretty stupid to me traveling at night when we are supposed to be so scared of car bombs and farmers with guns. And for the lady offended about soldiers being called ignorant, this statement is for you: I served in the military, and all of you who have served in the military know that there are plenty of retards serving alongside the mentally capable. And I mean seriously there are some mentally challenged individuals out there playing hero, you military folks know there is at least one screw loose in every company. If we didn't let any less than perfect recruits in we would not make our recruitment quotas. You want that to stop, tell your local recruiter to stop being a coniving lier and keep the mentaly unstable, I wanna kill a terrorist, psychos out of our military instead of running scared for the qouta marker. And I am sorry for your loss all innocents who get in our way, collateral or otherwise.

A grieving father in Kandahar

paul las vegas nv — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:11:54 GMT

QUESTION?????? Why it it ok for the "freedom fighters" to kill hundreds of civilians with car bombs,beheadings,etc., but if our[USA] troops accidently mistake some civilians we are branded as ruthless thugs???? If the general populations of Afganistan and Iraq really want peace they could start working for it today!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

True Patriot, USA — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:11:57 GMT

I think this whole story is BS!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Greg — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:19:05 GMT

All I have to say is "What comes around goes around" I'm afraid as a Canadian that you will come and kill our children next because we won't sell you our water or something just as stupid like the war on WMD'S. Get a grip and leave other countries alone. America itself is the worlds largest terrorist group.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Fed Up Kansas City, Mo — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:19:33 GMT

To send a message to this POOR man via computers is ludicrus. He lives in a hut made of mud. And the fact that he doesn't know how old he is isn't suprising, he has had to endure the pain of losing all of his children. I wouldn't know how old I was either, I can't imagine having to live thru the pain of something like that.It's really easy to sit in our air-conditioned homes with electricity and running water and say that we are protecting the American way of life. The sad old man with his grandbabies, sitting in a hut made of mud would love to have just one good nights sleep without worrying which one of his family is next. Our soldiers have been put into this mess and no one has a clear idea of why we are there and what is supposed to be accomplished so they can live in PEACE and our soldiers can return to thier families. There are always going to be terrorists in the world, so "The War on Terror" exactly how long is this going to last???? I will pray to whoever is listening for all of us whether it is God, Buda or Allah.

A grieving father in Kandahar

JMT — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:21:32 GMT

I REALLY WISH SOMEONE HAD A RECIPE FOR PEACE AND AN END TO GREED, JEALOUSY AND HATRED. THE PAIN THIS FAMILY SUFFERED IN THIS STORY ( BE IT A TRUE STORY OR NOT) IS AN EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING THAT HAPPENS IN OUR WORLD. MOST PEOPLE WOULD LIKE EVERYONE TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR AND PAIN AND SUFFERING.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Nancy, Whittier, California — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:21:52 GMT

I am deeply sorrowed for the loss of your beloved son. Please know that these terrible losses for others and yourself in Afghanistan are the direct result of the 9/11 attack on the U.S. by middle-eastern terrorists. Because of 9/11, there can be no going back for us. We absolutely - beyond everything - must protect our country and our way of life. Please know too that our people are not "gun-happy." Our soldiers are beloved by us and we grieve deeply each and every time one of them loses his or her life in your country and in Iraq. Exactly like you are experiencing, because of the losses of our loved ones our lives will never be what they were before 9/11. There is no one answer or one solution but maybe in time to come together we can find a workable way out of this situation for ALL of our families.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Michael, San Jose, CA — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:28:33 GMT

There's a lot of heated rhetoric in the responses to this article, some of which I agree with and some I dont. But I'd like to take the moral highground for a moment and say that we should all be feeling sorry for the father and his greiving, regardless of the circumstances. If someone stupidly steps in front of a bus when they "should" have known it was there we can say "what an idiot!", but at the same time feel sorry for thier family. So spend a little less time trying to place blame, and maybe a little time putting yourself in the fathers shoes. Once you've done that for a few minutes feel free to continue the debate. Also I wanted to add my vote to the comments that there isn't enough "factual" information in this article. Almost all of it is based on a he-said and there's very little solid content. Without more hard data it's just a touchy-feely article designed to play on our emotions (which I personally believe was the authors intent.)

A grieving father in Kandahar

John Doe Seattle, Wash — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:30:23 GMT

Someday our country will be invaded and we will be called the teroists if we try to resist. Terrorism is killing someone by suicide bombing. War is killing with laser guided bombs. We're not terrorists. We have atomic weapons, chemical weapons and biological weapons. Who would be terrified by those things.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Geoff, Pleasant Hill, CA — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:30:41 GMT

America has been invading, occupying, instigating revolts, coups and assasinations around the world for more than a century, and largely getting away with it scot free. Usually, our Foreign Policy of killing others stays that way, Foreign. We killed more than 2 million Vietnamese, and never got as much as a scratch at home. We taught the world how to fry a city and all its civilian inhabitants. We invented the handy phrase 'collateral damage'. When we get a tiny little payback on 9/11, almost all Americans freak out and whine and whimper about how 'unfair' and criminal it is. 'Payback is a bitch' is an old revered American saying. If killing Afghan and Iraqi civilians is OK, how can killing New Yorkers be such a big whoop? Remember how we were ready to blow up and irradiate the world with 50,000 hydrogen bombs during the Cold War? Whats a few billion completely innocent lives snuffed out when it comes to our wanting to 'win' a war? If we want people to stop killing Americans, Americans will have to stop killing others first, and stop screwing around with their countries. The Afghans didn't attack Florida or rig the elections. Arabs didn't seize Long Island for an 'Islamic Homeland' back in 1948. If you're not willing to ever make peace, be prepared to fight forever, and I mean forever.

A grieving father in Kandahar

DK, Greenville SC — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:31:10 GMT

Come on people, if you read the article it says that it was a NATO convoy not a US Army convoy. what was this gut doing out at night? I mean that the county is not safe during the daymuch less at night. People need to take responsibility for themselves and make wise decisions, like staying home after dark if there is a war going on in your country.

A grieving father in Kandahar

C.Kurtz, OH — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:35:00 GMT

I've seen horrors... horrors that you've seen. But you have no right to call me a murderer. You have a right to kill me. You have a right to do that... but you have no right to judge me. It's impossible for words to describe what is necessary to those who do not know what horror means. Horror. Horror has a face... and you must make a friend of horror. Horror and moral terror are your friends. If they are not then they are enemies to be feared. They are truly enemies. I remember when I was with Special Forces. Seems a thousand centuries ago. We went into a camp to inoculate the children. We left the camp after we had inoculated the children for Polio, and this old man came running after us and he was crying. He couldn't see. We went back there and they had come and hacked off every inoculated arm. There they were in a pile. A pile of little arms. And I remember... I... I... I cried. I wept like some grandmother. I wanted to tear my teeth out. I didn't know what I wanted to do. And I want to remember it. I never want to forget it. I never want to forget. And then I realized... like I was shot... like I was shot with a diamond... a diamond bullet right through my forehead. And I thought: My God... the genius of that. The genius. The will to do that. Perfect, genuine, complete, crystalline, pure. And then I realized they were stronger than we. Because they could stand that these were not monsters. These were men... trained cadres. These men who fought with their hearts, who had families, who had children, who were filled with love... but they had the strength... the strength... to do that. If I had ten divisions of those men our troubles here would be over very quickly. You have to have men who are moral... and at the same time who are able to utilize their primordial instincts to kill without feeling... without passion... without judgment... without judgment. Because it's judgment that defeats us.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Jai Bir, Maastricht, Limburg — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:36:01 GMT

Akhta, Salam Malikom, Who can bear the pain that you are undergoing now? What a dreadful scene to see ones lovely child dying in the loving lab of the parents? At this point of time, I don't know with what and which words I choose to console you and your family.I am totally shocked like you and lost human sense! I know it may not be right for me to talk about God with you, when you even stop thinking about your own life! In this perilious time, human make mistakes and in such mistakes we are loosing lots of life. All the news and chennels are filled with deaths, sufferings and frustrations. In such situations, there are many good things happening around us, even if noting is happening, at least small beautiful flowers are blooming. That means God is with us, so don't loose faith in Him and never forget the time approaching to be with Him in His Paradise eternally. All your tears will be wipped by His Hand and all your wrongs will be right...I cry with you and share your pain Akhtar! I come from Small Buddhist country, where we even fear to kill a chicken. I pray that everything be alright soon and over! And all the hey and hoe return to your country!

A grieving father in Kandahar

lynch — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:36:29 GMT

All I gotta say is Bush is a dumbass, and we invaded the wrong damn country, and all thats happening is just getting more people to hate us.Nice going!! EVERYBODY WHO VOTED FOR BUSH SHOULD BE OVER THERE FIGHTING THE WAR.

A grieving father in Kandahar

C. Epstein — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:36:29 GMT

To awabnavi, Yangon : You are obviously not Jewish, and not well versed in reality. You would do well not to exhibit your lack of knowledge in comparing the American military to "Nazi's."

A grieving father in Kandahar

John Gird, Stockholm Sweden — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:37:02 GMT

Any military force has limited flexibility and options for defence. It is a fact that the NATO forces in Afghanistan are faced with the threat of suicide bombers. It may also be a fact that the killed civilian was confused and disorientated. Given the circumstances, it is sad that this sort of thing happens, but also inevitable. In my opinion the soldiers in that convoy acted correctly and according to their rules of engagement. I also think that this story is important as a reminder to all that military action has consequences outside the stated objectives of any campaign. In this view, the grief of that father is something to be weighed against the correctness of having a military force deployed anywhere outside the borders of your own country. If you believe that a NATO force projection into Afghanistan reduces the likelihood of a repeat of 9/11, then you need to simultaneously take aboard a moral responsibility for this particular case and a range of other unintended consequences. Your military forces are already subject to high standards of discipline in their application of force, please be sure that your politicians are held to even higher ones.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Al Schweitzer, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:37:38 GMT

This story epitomises the suffering of the Afghans... under Russian invasion, under the CIA sponsored Taliban, and now under our NATO Alliance. While many partisans want nitpick about how old the man exactly is (what the hell does it matter... poor people there have no reason to remember birthdays!.. and they don't) The men who sent the planes into our buildings are still sitting somewhere untouched, while we have directly or indirectly, unleashed misery on the suffering millions of Afghanistan and Iraq. How many more enemies do we need to create? Isn't it time we stopped this insane exercise, and focus on what we should have focused on in the first place... destroy Zawahari and BinLaden!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Lucky, Manitoba, Canada — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:38:53 GMT

You americans should train the same monkey's that run your country to do your fighting. The end result will be the same...useless deaths and national debt. I'm gunna crack a beer and check my hockey pool.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Slidell, Louisiana — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:43:25 GMT

I feel for my fellow americans who have died in their country righting a wrong that should have never been accepted by people such as Akhtar. What the H ELL kind of cry baby news reporting is this anyway. You reporters keep up this kind of work and I am confident this war can be lost in no time a all.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Barb — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:46:45 GMT

After reading most of the postings I realize that there are an awful lot of very ignorant buffoons in this world. Mike of 10:08 fooled a lot of people. No one could be that stupid. I am sure that he is only trying to pull a cruel joke. Knowing how much stupidity is in this world I can now see how men like Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, and Bush came into power.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Phil Berke, OH — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:50:05 GMT

Afghanistan and Iraq are just battles in a very long war. This will be a war between civilizations (Western and 13th Century Eastern) regardless of whether you want to deny it, avoid it, run from it, or bitch about it. Your children and mine are in danger from a religous ideology. To run away from it invites it to come to your shores. Remember 9-11? You Leftists, Liberals, Pacifists, etc... are not only putting yourselves at risk but the rest of us that dont follow your politics. Sometimes war is necessary. The problem is, is that it hasnt been horrifying or ruthless enough to scare the enemy. The Islamofacists do not fear us because our forces are engaging them in a pillow fight. Without your enemy fearing you and fearing for their lives they will not stop. People die in wars innocent and guilty alike. Its a war, not a Birthday Party. If we pull our troops out (or should I say when) and this side of the world remains uncivilized, the next American thing they see will be a mushroom cloud. Islamic cultures in the Middle East have a chance to become civilized and learn to allow others not like themsleves to live in peace. If they fail to do this, the sooner they look fear/death in the face the sooner we will all sleep better here.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Rich Topeka Kansas — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:52:49 GMT

How dumb can people in the Middle East be? All you have to do is look to the other countries we have "invaded". Refer to Germany and Japan. I'm sure they didnt like it but understood they were not as powerful as we are and noted that hospitals, food and utilities started working fairly quickly. They would here too if the locals wouldnt blow them up. You know, when the Germans lost a man to the civilians in WWII, 100 civilians died. I dont believe a great deal of Germans died like this until the Allies got close to the community. Are we doing that? No. If I note that my associates get shot getting close to a convoy, I think I'll take a rest break when something like a convoy comes by. Use your head. We do need to bring our troops home for a rest. they will be needed for Iran and North Korea. In the end, the locals are just dumb as doorknobs, we'd have malls and Starbucks on every corner if they wouldnt be blowing things up.

A grieving father in Kandahar

chris, georgia — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:53:58 GMT

RE: to ordinary citizen: There is NO true/honest link (I repeat NO link) between Afghanistan and 9-11. I can understand that you're upset and your patriotism, but the CIA lied when they said that bin Laden was responsible. Those tapes were made up. Just look at the big picture. 9-11 was an inside job or done by the Israel. (TESTRUN#1)..............are you a complete dumb ass? Al-Queda, which is headed by bin laden, admitted to 9-11, what evidence do you have to say the CIA lied about those tapes?..none, what evidence do you have that it was done by Israel?, none...the Taliban government openly supported al-queda, therefore there is a DIRECT LINK

A grieving father in Kandahar

James Chivers PhD. P.E. — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:54:37 GMT

You read an article like this, and you look at your home, your 60" p;asma TV, teaque wood floors, and X-Box, and out into the driveway you see 250,000 worth of automobiles and toys in your driveway, and you have to wonder, what has our world become? It is without any doubt that our new reporting agencies have grown corrupt, controlled by corporate interests, and our political system were our votes do not count, or they leave us with the strong suspicion that they do not count. You really want to do something for this man, but what? Have we heard the whole truth, are we capable of seeing the world thru this mans eyes? Just like a few weeks ago on of the most savage and brutal murders in our time, never even made the news, because the crimes were committed by black Americans, not white, but yet Greensbug, Ks. sure as hell did. Not one word of these vicously savage murders was seen on MSNBC, Fox or CNN. Al Shapton sits on television and says all Mormons are going to hell, and were is the outrage and call to hang his big mouth? Corporate America is out of control, and they need to be stopped, and soon.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Zeni T, Boston — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:56:56 GMT

My eldest son died in the WTC attacks. When will these people appologize to me?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Steve Coons, The great U.S of A — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:58:33 GMT

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation, Under god, indivisible and for liberty and Justice for all. What a shame some of you have forgotten these truly great words. I 100% support our troops and the greatest country in the world.

A grieving father in Kandahar

James Buchanan Laurel, MD — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:58:36 GMT

If it had been a daughter, he wouldn't have batted an eyelid. Cry more.

A grieving father in Kandahar

perry jericho — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:58:45 GMT

Write your President.. he is a PEACE PRESIDENT.lol

A grieving father in Kandahar

Flip Turner, Barnesville, OH, U.S. Navy (Retired) — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:59:40 GMT

Why was his son on the road anyway at night? He knew the rules and he made a decision that cost him. Again, add up his father's age; doesn't float with me. For over 3,000 years those people have lived in mud huts, herded goats/cattle and wanted nothing more out of life except maybe for a poppy field which ends up in a dope head here in America. These people are so dumb that they can't comprehend the amount of the reward on bin Laden's head so they'll never turn him in. We tried to shove our way of life down the Vietnamese throats and it didn't work for I was there. So why are we doing it all over again? Can't Bush read history or at least have someone around him with guts enough to explain it to him! It's more then 9/11 folks and if you don't believe it, look at your neighbors and see how many are flying the Flag now.

A grieving father in Kandahar

lynch — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:59:57 GMT

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ken Stephens , Slidell , Louisiana — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:00:18 GMT

My heart goes out to all the brave American troops that have died in his country. With a gutless media that reports crap like this I believe our only recourse is to utilize our abundance of nuclear weapons in Akhtar's country. I am sure some are obsolete and need disposing of anyway.I can not believe MSNBC is reporting this SH_T.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Steve Coons, The great U.S of A — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:02:30 GMT

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand, Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation; Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust" And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

A grieving father in Kandahar

dave murdaugh,phoenix,az. — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:04:02 GMT

don't feel sorry for faiz,isn't he wrestling around with all those virgins in martyrdumb now?innocents will continue to suffer in both iraq and afganistan until the populace stops living in the distant past on the teachings of a seventh century child molester

A grieving father in Kandahar

James Chivers PhD. P.E. Panama — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:04:25 GMT

A grieving father in Kandahar

Kristen Johanson, Seattle, Washington — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:06:09 GMT

My sincere condolences to Akhtar. The Afghanis have suffered a lot. The civilians didn't deserve to be killed by U.S. bombs and bullets. Bombs are weapons of mass destruction. They kill civilians. Wasn't destroying the al-Qaida training camp in Tora Bora enough? Why drop bombs here and there all over the country? That's a war crime that the U.S. has gotten away with in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Now the shameless war profiteers want to extend their crimes to Iran.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Tulsa, OK — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:10:33 GMT

The problem is that we are dealing with 300,000 cavemen who are so religously minded they are of no earthly good. They will kill in the name of Ali and that will NEVER change. I say get out and close our borders to all middle easterns PERIOD!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Harold MSGT (USMC) Ret — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:13:41 GMT

Stand by the troops! They are doing what the mission requires them to do. Please do not let this get like the last war we were in were the troops came home to a Country that did not care if they even came Home. Show them that we need them and we love them.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Brian, Detroit, MI — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:14:06 GMT

Since when do bright lights "blind" you to where you wouldn't be able to pull over or stop. Would NATO forces really shoot someone in a car, pull him out (I assume the car was stopped at this point), and shoot him some more, all with a NATO convoy sitting there? Also, with his sons being killed by the soviets, it seems like their family has some roots in fighting. My guess is the guy wouldn't stop and several NATO soldies shot him with everything they had, including automatic weapons. When stopping a vehicle with rifles, you shoot until it stops. Thirty rounds in his body isn't that much, considering hundreds of shots were probably fired. If I was there, and a car came too close and wouldn't stop, I would fire every bullet I had into that car. Maybe the Taliban should have given up Osama Bin Laden and the people of their nation wouldn't have to suffer. These people are going to have to deal with suffering until the Taliban is gone. Next time you are in a skyscraper, think of the suffering you would be going through if the floors below you were burning, and there was no way out but to jump to your death. Think of how your family would suffer knowing you are in one of those top floors, and that their son, father, husband, or brother is going to die and there is nothing they can do about it. It seems that a lot of people think of 911 as just some thing that happened on TV one day and went away when the next news story came around. People want to kill us. You have an enemy whether you want to or not. You may value the life of the guy that got shot in this story, but if you were somehow dropped in his back yard before he was killed, do you think he would value yours? We are money hungry, sex hungry, God rejecting infadels. Every one of us. So every muslim is required to fight and kill us. So are we going to let them?

A grieving father in Kandahar

jason m, lebanon nj — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:16:21 GMT

awabnavi, Yangon : who do you think you are? We aren't killing people based on our religious views...putting people in camps to treat them like lab rats. Most of us Americans want our troops home, but damn you for saying something like that. Nice view on America, but as soon as your people need something, who will you turn to?

A grieving father in Kandahar

snickerdoodle, St. Louis — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:20:29 GMT

First-I wish everyone would stop writing messages to Akhtar! He doesn't have electricity, lives in a mud and wood hut...it is highly improbable that he is reading this blog. Second-to those who bash the competence level of our troops. I would recommend that you volunteer for the job. I am sure if you made a call to your local recruiting station they would hook you up. But..that takes guts and courage...it is easier to critize the kids who are out there doing what their leaders tell them to do. Calling our troops mentally incompetent, or social delinquents is an unacceptable generalization. If you don't have what it takes to head to the recruiting station, maybe you could volunteer at a VA hospital or a USO and really get to know the people you are insulting.

A grieving father in Kandahar

jbell, tucson, az — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:21:27 GMT

It is unfortunate that anyone's son or daughter is killed in WAR, but we didn't start all of this mess. Remember 911 or did we forget about the 3500 plus americans that died that day. Did we have tears in our eyes while people of the Islamic faith were dancing in our streets and yelling Alah or whatever. Yes, being in Iraq is enough, we did our job in excuting Saddam, now it is time to leave and bring our troops back home to guard our own borders. You think that terrorist don't already use our borders to cross into this country, oh really. My great grand father, grand father and father and myself all fought in wars, civil war, ww1 ww2 and vietnam. Is war good NO, but we didn't start any of them did we, NO. Why don't the terroist leave us alone so that we can have a good life here in the U.S. we are not the great Satan. Well thanks for reading.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ginny, Tennessee — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:21:57 GMT

Sgt. Bordy. You are correct. Most of us have not been where you have been. I admire your courage and am so glad that you have returned to your family safe. Thank you.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Rev. Helaina Hinson — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:26:35 GMT

My prayers are with Ahktar and his family, and for the soul of his deceased son, as well as for the people of Afghanistan as they rebuild their country.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Beth Arpin, Kechi, Kansas — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:28:15 GMT

One thing I want to point out...IF, and I mean a great big IF, this happened the way it was reported...it was NOT done by US troups but by NATO troups...there is a difference people...get a clue. You should be ashamed of yourselves for slandering our fine men and women who serve this great country and protect YOUR rights to say stupid things...

A grieving father in Kandahar

carlos, apple valley — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:31:08 GMT

Regardless if that young man was an enemy or not, war is selfish, peace is unselfish, war appeals to man's primitive fears, peace appeals to man's enlightened intellect, war stems from greed, peace stems from generosity, man's history is repetitive murder yet we are one people with the same needs and wants. sympathy for the father, the soldiers, BUSH, our EARTH AND ALL ITS CHILDREN. Be brave and look in the mirror, be a fellowman and not an enemy!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Robin M. Jacksonville, NC. — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:34:26 GMT

I just have ONE thing to say to thoses who sit at home being so critical of Our US Troops!! IF YOU CAN'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS THEN BY ALL MEANS STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!!!! PLEASE!!!!! US Army Veteran, & Proud US Army Soldier Mom!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Dino, San Antonio, Texas — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:36:46 GMT

COULD YOU BE MORE GULLIBLE? Consider this: 1) Son Killed by Soviets 2) Other sons killed in bombing raids 3) Last son killed while driving at high speed directly TOWARD a NATO convoy. CONCLUSION: Either this man and his sons are incredibly unlucky or These SOB's are pure 100% TALIBAN!!! ANOTHER THING:It is not unusual for AUTOMATIC weapons to discharge upwards of 30 rounds into a human body. Firing rate for most common automatic weapons is about 500 bullets fired per minute. You can certainly discharge 30 rounds in a short few seconds. This does not imply that NATO had it in for this particular fellow.

A grieving father in Kandahar

FREEDOM AMERICA, NEW YORK NY — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:38:25 GMT

I AM SORRY, ALL THE AMERICANS ARE VERY IGNORANT, AND ONLY THINKS OF THEMSELVES AND NEVER KNOWS HOW IT FEELS SINCE THEY HAVE NOT BEEN IN YOUR SHOES BUT THEY ALWAYS CRITICIZE AND BLINDLY THINKS THEY ARE RIGHT, BUT FACTS AS ALWAYS ARE NEVER ON THEIR SIDE. AVENGE YOUR SONS MURDER ANY WHICH WAY POSSIBLE..

A grieving father in Kandahar

taimur,peshawar,pakistan — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:39:30 GMT

i think we should give credit to taliban for totally eradicating poppy during thier rule nd for establihing law and order,as for osama bin laden,v few people outside US believe that alqaeda had anything to do with 9/11.incidents like these fuel suicide attacks.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Daniel, California — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:47:20 GMT

This story doesn't add up. Troops don't pull bodies out of cars and riddle them with bullets, I know this because I have experience. There may have been 30 bullets in the guy (who failed to stop for a convoy which every civilian in Afghanistan know's they must just from word of mouth) but the amount of rounds fired were probably divided by many different NATO troops. And on a side note, if this guy's oldest son was killed in 1980, and he's around 40, that mean's he would have been like 13 when he had a kid. This story just doesn't add up.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Paul, Baltimore, Maryland — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:48:30 GMT

A grieving father in Kandahar

Brian, Detroit, MI — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:50:47 GMT

You drove all the way to Kandahar, risking your life, to hear some angered guy complain about his sons death at the hands of NATO. Like everyone in America doesn't already know that people get mad when their son dies in time of war. I guess this would be comparable to the story of the US convoy that burned some Afghans' bodies and said through loudspeakers that the Koran is garabage. Wo believes this crap. Why don't you do a story on a newly built school or bridge, and how the community is using it to better the lives of the Afghan people? Do something that is somehow useful to someone and doesn't require the reader to do some simple math in their head to find out that your story has numerical holes; and that doesn't have idiotic rants like "My son would not have known what to do, because he would have been blinded by the lights." Shine the brightest light on Earth in my eyes and I'll still be able to stop my car. I can't belive this story made it to the front news page on MSN. Does anyone look at these stories and think, "wow, this is stupid, maybe we shouldn't post it because it will make anyone that reads it lose 1% of their IQ." Apparently nobody proofreads these stories on here either, because almost every story I read has spelling and punctuation errors, or even the wrong word used.

A grieving father in Kandahar

chris — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:53:42 GMT

Gotta love the hate the USA crowd. The article said it was NATO forces and everyone assumes they were US military. People around here don't need no exercise with al of the jumping to conclusions they are doing.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Paul, Baltimore, Maryland — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:56:11 GMT

On the other side of the coin I have little sympathy for a society that bred or harbored the worst of Islamic fanatics – the Taliban notorious for their brutal treatment of women and Al Qaeda who deliberately target and slaughter civilians in the name of Allah. All decent people - including the vast majority of Americans - are troubled and saddened when innocent civilians are killed in war – but war is a form of mass insanity where non-combatants are sometimes killed - accidentally or deliberately - along with combatants. (And xenophobic Americans need to get down from those high horses. As Bin Laden rightly pointed out - though typically neglecting the other side of the story - Americans and their allies knowingly slaughtered thousands of civilians in Dresden, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki.) It may be little consolation to the father of Faiz, but the fact is we did not start the war in Afghanistan. Bin Laden whom the Taliban chose to protect started it. And unlike the invasion of Iraq the U.S. with the near unanimous backing of the civilized world had clearly every right to invade Afghanistan after 9-11. As long as the war goes on combatants and non-combatants alike will die. The Taliban and Ai Qaeda are to blame, not the Americans or NATO.

A grieving father in Kandahar

I love America too! — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:59:33 GMT

You can argue on both sides and not be right. There is no easy solution to this war. However, there is one thing that I think needs to be said. You can be against the war and not be Anti-American. I am one of those people. I have family serving in the military and I support our troops, but I don't support this war. Call me crazy, but I want our troops to come home. I want them to be safe. It's hard to read the news knowing that one day I might see a name I recognize as family. We went to war for the wrong reasons and there is no end in sight. There are now two wars being fought, one that we are involved in and the other being the civil war. I think you can find a direct correlation between violence and economic hardships. There's not enough time to get into that here, but look even at current conflicts. Until Iraq can start to rebuild their lives and cities, their civil war will never end...the violence will never end. There is one more thing I want to say regarding the debate about the mental state of our military. I think one of the biggest problem with most posters on this site is that they aren't wording their opinions properly. I know that the people entering into the military are of sound mind, but it's not hard to imagine alot of them coming home scarred. I think I would suffer alot if I had to live with the fear of being killed or the guilt of having to kill, not too mention trying to cope with being away from your loved ones not knowing when/if you'll see them again. So yes, their mental state won't stay sound. And I don't think calling our troops societies rejects is right. It is true that some troops come from economic hardship but that doesn't mean all troops and it certainly doesn't make them less of a person.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Weet — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:01:52 GMT

To all of you who believe everything in that article, I have some land to sell you. War has been going on since the beginning of time and will go on until the end of time. I feel anguish for anyone who has lost their son or daughter in war but that is the price for freedom. If you hate America and it's policies so much, move to a different country. See if it's better on the other side.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Sean, Torrington CT — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:04:56 GMT

We invaded Afghanistan, and the natives want us out. It is OK for people to defend themselves by fighting against occupying troops. It is not right to be the aggressor and to invade and occupy a soverign nation. I mean...duh! Didn't you ever see 'Red Dawn'? Sheesh...

A grieving father in Kandahar

kil`m and gril`m — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:10:52 GMT

The only sad parts about this story is that they wasted too much ammo on this loser. Why dont all you liberals go play with your dolls now and have a good cry.

A grieving father in Kandahar

John Northlake, Illinois — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:11:47 GMT

you moronic leftist make me sick. The reporter says he's about 40, you believe it. They say he was shot 30 times, you believe it. If it was written that the father had 2 heads and fathered an alien baby, you'd believe it. You believe everything the media says, because they and you have an agenda and that's to lose the war at all cost. Yes, LOSE the war. Anything to get back into the oval office...Morons....

A grieving father in Kandahar

ROB San Jose CA , USA — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:16:47 GMT

Too bad his kid had to die because his peers have resorted to tactics that make it necessary to shoot at approaching vehicles and people that do not obey the rules of war. To change tactics is a blade that cuts both ways... Too bad his son who grew up in this situation was not aware of his surroundings. Stupidity is the leading cause of death ... killing for Allah gives you less than zero for credibility and no right to complain when you get hurt or cause the response from NATO or the US. Islamic terrorists have sowed the wind and will reap the whirl wind . I dont care about "civillian" deaths ... so I guess if you're body gets blown away from its GUN you are a civillian haha I dont care for your right to live if you cant respect mine .

A grieving father in Kandahar

john florida — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:17:12 GMT

TO DEEDEE,LEMANS FRANCE: JUST TO LET YOU KNOW MASSOUD WANTED THE TALIBAN OUT OF HIS COUNTRY. He was killed just before 9/11 because the talban knew we would come and that he would back us and we would use Noethern teritories to to come in. Which is exactly what happened his followers supplied bases of operation and man power to push the TALIBAN out along with the criminals they were being paid by ie bin laden.We made his dream come true and contineu to do so. So get youre story right, because it is plain to see that you are clueless on the subject.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Roy, Eustis FL — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:22:03 GMT

Wars can not be fought or negotiated without casualties on both sides. Whether they be combatants or innocents. Both sides will all pay a heavy human price especially if the residents in their respective areas allow the gangs and thugs or war lords to rule their lives. How about sympathy toward those who watched their loved ones beheaded, do you think this father gives a damm about them.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Carmelo Rodriguez, Aguadilla, P.R. — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:23:32 GMT

I have 26 years of military service (Retired - U.S. Army) and three deployments to a combat zone under my belt. This story doesn't sounds right. As a leader I will not allow my Soldiers to fire their weapon unless they were in danger. U.S. Army Soldiers cannot fire their weapons as they please. Every weapon discharge is investigated and even if the weapon is discharged by accident the Soldier will receive some kind of punishment. Believe me, they know the rules of engagement and they test it every time they get a chance.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Carolyn Stirling, Auckland New Zealand — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:27:33 GMT

I am appalled at the lack of compassion shown by some Americans in this comments column. You have lost some three thousand troops. Afghanis and Iraqis have lost many many more. Doctors without borders estimate 100,000 Iraqi casualties. Do you wonder why there is so much Anti American feeling abroad? I have heard foreign troops say they don't want to be posted near the American troops because they are trigger happy and make errors when they bomb far too much. They are scared of being killed by friendly fire. I am heartened by those posters who have genuine compassion for the losses this Afghani family are suffering.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Kodiak, Alaska — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:31:46 GMT

Very interesting discussions. However, please stop the "If you don't like the USA , get out of the USA" comments, they are full of ignorance. The US is made up of a large and diverse group of people and ideas, and that's what makes this country so great. Just because you have an opinion on a topic doesn't make you a traitor, so stop your "holier than thou" comments. Especially the comments about the military being the reason you can have your opinions. I support the military, and I think the soldiers that served in WWI and WWII especially are a large reason that we have the freedoms that we have. Today's wars are completely different. They may be about freedom, but they are about a much bigger range of issues, some noble and others not so noble. Also just because I WRITE IN BIG CAPITAL LETTERS DOESN'T MEAN I AM RIGHT AND BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE ON THIS BOARD. IT JUST MEANS THAT I HAVE A SHORT ATTENTION SPAN AND I CANNOT HAVE A CALM, MEANINGFUL, INTELLECTUAL DISCUSSION, WITHOUT RESORTING TO YELLING, WHICH IS WHAT WRITING IN ALL CAPS IS. I AM NOT BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE JUST BECAUSE I WRITE IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. I AM NOT GOD OR ALWAYS RIGHT JUST BECAUSE I WRITE IN ALL CAPS. Nobody is criticizing the U.S. troops. It's the foreign policy of the U.S. that folks are discussing here. If you have a brain, you have the right to discuss U.S. foreign policies or anything else for that matter, and you don't have the right to tell me that I can't, so stop hiding behind the American flag and screaming at people and telling them they are anti-American and have no right to speak. You sound like Hitler and Nazi Germany. By the way, my husband serves in the U.S. military, before you start to judge me. This board is full of racist comments. Stop fearing people who look different from you. Don't pretend they are so foreign from you, so unlike you. Just because their skin is darker than yours doesn't mean they don't have the same dreams and goals that you do- to live happily, to be with their family, to be safe. To have their country be peaceful, to go to the grocery store or to a coffee cafe without being killed. Those of you who swear that "the enemy" is so different from you are only kidding yourselves. Also, stop equating these crazy, insane suicide bombers with Islam. Islam has nothing to do with violence. The criminals are using Islam as their tool. Educate yourselves. Suicide bombers and folks that kill innocent people are criminals, plain and simple. Criminals exist everywhere in our world. People that murder, people that rob, they are criminals. It doesn't make it any different because they are worlds away in another continent, they are still criminals. I particularly find it most informative to read about folks on this board who have actually served in either Iraq and Afghanisan, we could learn a lot from them. In journalism, there will also be facts and fiction, that's the reality. One can only hope to be an educated citizen, to try to read a variety of sources, not only Fox News or CNN or one news outlet. To read international media sometimes. Educate yourselves. Half the folks ranting and raving about this and that could probably not point to the countries of Iraq or Afghanistan on a world map. 9/11: Once again, no one has said "screw the victims and those who died on 9/11." 9/11 was a huge tragedy. No one is arguing that. But please don't jump the gun and point fingers about who is to blame for that. Our own nation's top officials are still debating about that. There is still plenty of back and forth between the former director of the CIA, George Tenet and Richard Perle, who served in both presidential Republican and Democratic administrations, about who is to blame for 9/11. (see today's Washington Post) My personal thought echoes those written by an earlier poster on this board- we'll win the minds and hearts of the world by doing good deeds and humanitarian projects for the world. Americans used to be known for this, now it doesn't happen nearly enough. This is how we will really be the true leader. The Middle East is a place where lots of violence occurs, this is a tragedy and it just goes to show you how deep passions run and the extent folks will stand up for their own beliefs. Folks are willing to die for their cause, and no I am not referring to suicide bombers, who are criminals. What broke my heart the most was a photograph that I saw in a Time magazine article from August 14, 2006- in an article titled "Unintended Targets". It showed the dead body of a small boy wrapped in plastic along with a group of other dead bodies from the fighting between Israel and Hizballah. He body is crouched, his face had blood all over it, and he wore a yellow shirt with a picture of Spider Man. Someone, presumably a family member, tucked a red rose on his bag. The photo made me cry, for all the innocent children of war. But it made me cry especially for children in this part of the country, because they live in this kind of violence every single day. At least in the U.S., children are safe for the most part. They can go play in the playground, ride their bike, and won't be killed by a bomb or any other tools of war. He was only a child, and his life was taken too soon. It speaks volumes about the sadness of war in general.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Dan Douville Riverside, California — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:39:36 GMT

Dear Sir, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Why can't we live in peace I don't know. Many things in life occur that are not fair. We are praying for you in America and I hope something good can come from all this. May God protect you and your family. Sincerely, Dan Douville

A grieving father in Kandahar

AndrewB. Toronto temporarily — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:47:01 GMT

Let me restate the often overlooked fact. 9/11 was ORGANIZED AND EXECUTED BY THE SAUDIS, lead by Bin Laden. He isn't caught, yet the Taliban are stronger. If "we" leave now, the "enemy" takes over as in Vietnam. Their current governments are fiction, but we will have created whatever follows as well. Why haven't we gone after the prime target? He's too useful as an excuse. You are how you act, not what you say. Wait till invasion reaches North America. Who will be terrorists then?

A grieving father in Kandahar

John Zimmerman, KC, MO — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:48:25 GMT

How many of you folks have been to Afghanistan recently, or have ever been there? How many of you talk to military members who have been there? Yeah I thought so. You are so willing to believe the story of some man you never met, from a country and a culture you know very little about. You have never faced the dangers our military faces on a daily basis and never had to make split second life or death decisions. There are no second chances in combat. Bad guys are every where, they look, dress and act like civilians. They mix in with the civilian population, that is not an accident. They do this on purpose to protect themselves knowing they are putting non-combatants at risk. They really don't care about the non-combatants safety, as a matter of fact when civilians are injured or killed in the process of defending ourselves they use this as an opportunity to make us seem uncaring and evil. You can argue all you want about the decision to go to war in Afghanistan, you can bad mouth the President if you like because people like me defend you no matter how much you talk about something you know so little about. As for the press they respond to your desire to hear shocking news not how many miles of roads have been constructed, or new schools, or government buildings, humanitarian aid or a host of other very needed, very positive life improving projects we have completed. In short I respect your right to express your opinion, but it would be nice if it were a truly informed opinion.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Karen Urrutia, Town of Niagara, NY — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:55:14 GMT

More of the pity party for the enemy who would think nothing of cutting your head off and laughing and holding it up in celebration after they were done. They are told to cry and demand by their religious leaders and to yell persecution, They are trained to claim abuse and anything else they can get away with. As long as we have taliban symapthizers who give them opportunity to have articles like this and yell they are being wronged by the media and here in the States and keep allowing our soldiers to be criminalized by Liberals and Human Rights groups this garbage will continue. (This is giving aid and comfort to the enemy is called treason.) Thomas Jefferson once said - From time to time the tree of Libery must be refreshed with the blood of tyrants and Patriots for it is natures manure.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Wanda Anderson, Charlotte, North Carolina — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:56:00 GMT

What many Americans do not understand is the trauma associated with always being the target of the freedom fighters. It is very traumatizing for soldiers to hear or witness car bombings, and suicide bomber. Once the troops are psychologically traumatized they will respond to anything the is remotely suspicious. Unfortunately that mean that civilians might be killed accidentally. In war that traumatized soldier will still have to work his post.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Martha Diane FUller. Orange, Texas — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:04:19 GMT

To all of those contributing to the hate filled and anger consumed comments and remarks, I have to say that I can guarantee that if our country and fellow Americans would develop and nourish more of the God given attributes of love, compassion, service to others (without expecting payback), and obedience to principles that encourage goodness, our country would, from faithful obedience to something as simple as "love everyone" (I don't mean "love everyone unless they tick me off") can reap the blessings and benefits ,from our God in Heaven, that was promised and recorded decades ago in countries that are now in turmoil and discord. This isn't a twist on religion, only a statement made by someone who has seen both sides of the coin from a variety of people with a variety of versions of things that they value and nurture (sometimes bitter feelings). I am saddened to see hatred , bitterness, and anger being nurtured and fed by people here, who were when they were children, as all children are, full of all the God given attributes that create beautiful adults with a beautiful spirit (but only as those beautiful attributes are Nurtured throughout their lives). When I read hateful and critical judgements (often of entire cultures) in these remarks, I sadly wonder where and why individuals lives fell so far beneath those original Christ like attributes that all children are endowed with. Most little children love everyone, everything that makes them happy and comfortable, they love where they are (whether with or without much "stuff"....and love most of all that others love and appreciate them. I read a comment from one person that made a statement that they were ashamed to be an American,(an attitude that loyal Americans need to avoid in every fashion..... and to anyone with negative feelings about the country that I treasure, appreciate, and daily express gratitude for.....my remark is "to my knowledge" there has always been open doors on all sides of this great land which hold the opportunities for any American Dream for anyone willing to work hard to retrieve it. One of the multiple freedoms existing in America is the freedom to leave, either temporarily or permanently, at any time! One of the major problem areas in this country is an an errosion of a critical source of unity among it's people, a negative attribute that will cause a serious seperation of loyalties, contention, and eventually destruction within the bounds of one of the greatest lands ever in existence, the U.S.A., ub=nless an effort from each individual is made to correct the problem. The troublesome habit of individually ripping our country apart verbally feeds contention and negative feelings that thrive on separation. Success and strength on any level, whether it be corporate, government levels, within the home, between friendship bonds, between countries, or otherwise, will only grow and become a reality when there is a constant and unified effort for a good cause (even though we have the freedom of differing in ideas and opinions)! We have to take responsibility for our own contributions, or lack of, for a strong and unified nation. The more bitterness and hatred we contribute within our country and concerning our country, the weaker our country becomes as a whole. A "whole" is only as strong as it's counterparts! We can not create a "cure" persay....but we are definitely each a part of the cure (or perhaps a part of the errosion?) concerning our countries future. I am so VERY proud and in awe of our troops who are at this time (regardless of anyone's individual opinions of "right or wrong") feverishly and courageously battling to atone, for perhaps some better choice of words, for the loss of lives during the 911 attack and pain created for families and our grieving country, and also fighting for the preservation of our countries freedoms, rights, and values. Soldiers of every war, whether in Iraq, the Korean War, the World Wars, etc. have always desperately needed strength, moral support, and appreciation of their efforts in our behalf from US, their countrymen! We should be expressing deep gratitude for their personal sacrifices, putting their personal lives in harms way, and sometimes for giving their lives for the sake of the love and protection of our country and everyone in this great land (forget about your negative ideas and judgements and opinions of "right or wrong" concrning the current war! These brave and faithful soldiers have chosen to temporarily leave behind their families and personal dreams to stand tall and fight to preserve the strengths, values and freedoms that each one of you, including myself, are allowed to daily enjoy in a very blessed country. For the good of our country, and to maintain and develop a very critical unity for a healthy and prospering country .....please express and emit positive efforts to be a part of and contribute those traits that make our country the source of goodness and prosperity that causes many other cultures to desire what we have.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Brutus of San Diego California — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:23:31 GMT

Our belief is that Mr. Akhtar is reacting grief towards his son's death but to him all his sons are all set in heaven having 7 beautiful princess and 7 mansions and play golf all day. Consider what they believe in. I came from a country where my neighbors has this belief that them are the true children of God. My friends the human mind is very fragile what ever you want the brain to be in the future is what you need to indoctrinate at early age. Our Nato and U S forces can build many things to make life easier for the folks in kandahar but we are always the infidels. And if ask me I will go there and cook food for them folks, feed them, give them recreation ,education,clothing and could give my life in exchange for peace but whatever good things you do. Under their eyes you are just the American,unclean,evil,arrogant,careless and Godless and so with other people in the world, Like Canadians, Japanese,Europeans,Russians etc. In combat, I wouldn't have these folks watching my back, though, I train,drink, dine make friends share them everything I've got or save them from harm ten fold times because you are the first one dead before a mission even begins. Their belief and their faith is probably the disconnect why we are still in war with middle eastern extremists.

A grieving father in Kandahar

T MICHAELS CHICAGO IL — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:24:30 GMT

the U.S.A U.N and N.A.T.O and allies can't be trusted in my opion all they want to do is rule or destroy our planet that we all must share.if you're reading this from a computer?look and see how many wars since vietnam our great NATO UN USA have been in.P.S. the U.S.A. is the only country to nuke another JAPAN !when they were not ready and sleeping at the wheel and what about the parties during WORLD WAR I in hitlers private or secret villa with promenent UNITED STATES OFFICIALS use the internet to LOOK UP THESE FACTS OR MAYBE BS. and do any of the people know just how many WARS THE U.S.A. N.A.T.O. or the U.N.SECURITY COUNCIL are involved in at this time? WHY CAN'T WE TRY PEACE AND TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN INSTEAD OF LETTING THEM SLEEP IN OUR ALLEYS,STREETS, AND GUTTERS TWO BLOCKS FROM THE U.S,CAPITOL? AND BRING OUR PEOPLE HOME WHERE THEY BELONG ? AND MAKE THE U.S.A. A FIRST RATE COUNTRY NOT A WANNA BE RULER OF THE PLANET EARTH !!

A grieving father in Kandahar

William H Stutts — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:28:53 GMT

My son is A medical Dr with the Iowa National Guard call up for 90 days for a humanitarian mission in Afganasthan. He has been treating civillian adults and children in a Nato Camp Phoenix which a humanitarian mission. Why doesn't this get reported in addition to or instead of all of the horrow stories that MSNBC, CNN, and NBC and other liberal media sources. They just CAN NOT report the news as it is without embelishing it and going out of their way to look for all of the bad things that happen in war. Another TRUE PATRIOT

A grieving father in Kandahar

Don Mey — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:40:53 GMT

From Anthony Wifford: If this man had 30 plus bullet holes in him, does this not tell you that whoever killed was doing alot more than his/her job? They enjoyed it, relished in it, much as in a crime of passion. Or, there were 30 guys who each shot once or 15 guys who each shot twice...don't be so quick to judge. You have no idea what was going on and making blanket statements like this are just plain ignorant.

A grieving father in Kandahar

SpinBoldak, Scotrun, PA — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:50:09 GMT

After reading some of these comments, it is apparent that the Americans of today are probably not worthy of being defended.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Are you kidding?, USA — Fri, 11 May 2007 23:07:44 GMT

All these opinions, "it's your own fault your child died", "it's our Nazi government that is to blame"... We are kept in the dark in all major matters involving foreign policy. We don't know what is ocurring in the Middle East because it is not ocurring here, on our soil. Whether you are American, Iraqi, or Afghanestan, the loss of your child, partner, friend or aquaintance carries the right to mourn. Anyone can point the finger. Anyone can make assumptions based upon what we know or don't know. I've noticed many messages casting blame, claiming that "they" get what's coming to "them" based on 911. I've seen misquotes by artists such as Toby Keith as a basis for spouting ignorance (and obvious illiteracy), I've read messages pointing out the fallicy of this story. What I haven't seen is basic humanity. Or the realization of how easy we have it, picking apart the validity of various news stories, proclaiming our opinions, showing our ignorance. We don't have a clue what is really happening because we are NOT there.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Yam P.L. Penang — Fri, 11 May 2007 23:35:27 GMT

During the Second World War, the Japs raped and tortured the Chinese cities they invaded, from Chungking to Malaysia and Singapore and left a bitter taste in the guts of that affected generation. Today, those atrocities lived on only in the memories. I am writing the memoirs of a friend who worked for the Japs ( not willingly, but on pain of facing a firing squad not only for him but his whole clan if he refused). I sense a deep seated hatred he held for the Japs. How can we deal with so much pain, unforgiveness and wickedness in this world? Only through looking at the cross where once two thousand years ago hung an innocent man who took on the sufferings of this world and cried: 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do.' I myself found release from the pains and abuse of a childhood through forgiveness; first for my own sins and then forgiving the sins of others. That is the only way, or else the pain would go on through retaliation and getting even. Akhtar could need some financial help,but what he needs now and in the days ahead is to forgive and we cannot truly forgive till we have the One who first forgave living in us.

A grieving father in Kandahar

jon martyn,prescott,az. — Fri, 11 May 2007 23:36:23 GMT

tolerance levels rule.that is why compassion is so imporant.in war compassion is a battle within the individual and the group.this battle is the real jihad.the battle within!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Patricia Jonas Voulgaris Lakeport. Ca — Sat, 12 May 2007 00:09:11 GMT

I suport our troops..I am a very proud American..Let me ask John or Jane que public...Why are we there?...If we hadn:t been there...none of this would have happened.the gentlemans son would have been alive and our troops would have been here...safe and sound..and I do mean safe and sound...it:s time after all these years to bring the troops home now...Hey George do you read me loud and clear?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Go Nato, United States — Sat, 12 May 2007 00:10:15 GMT

If you believe a Taliban member is driving directly at you at high speed, how fast would your reaction be to defend yourself? And, would you take one shot at that person or would you defend yourself to the best of your ability until that speeding car is stopped? For the sympathizers, this story was only a half truth. It's ENTIRELY possible this kid was a Taliban car bomber that just didn't get the chance to blow up himself and others because he was stopped dead in his tracks. Also the Taliban finances its members, they routinely recruit poor, uneducated, imbesils for their "Holy" war. If they respected other peoples religions there wouldn't be a war BUT these morons believe their faith is the only one and everyone else is an infidel and MUST be killed. I say Hurray NATO forces. The only way to be sure is to use Lethal and Deadly force EVERY TIME. Impress upon these Taliban Morons that we're not the Politically correct army here to kill people with kindness. NATO does this because only taliban sympathizers whine and worry about how we as the US are treating Prisoners of war, when the Taliban has no such restraints and simply cuts the heads off CIVILIANS. Take your arguments to the taliban and see how they respond to you, sissies.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ghostdog, BX, NY — Sat, 12 May 2007 00:48:39 GMT

The U.S. probably made a mistake in killing this man's son. He will not be the last innocent person killed. These tragedies happen in war. However, it's not calling it collateral damage or an accident that is the problem; it's the cover-up, usually instigated by OIC's, that get our troops in trouble.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Angus McClain, Belmont CA — Sat, 12 May 2007 00:50:38 GMT

Watch the movie Red Dawn and see how quickly all sides would switch sides.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Rick/A Father in Indiana — Sat, 12 May 2007 01:03:17 GMT

In years past the people of the United States supported the leaders of our great country and flew our flag proudly. We know and believe what goes on by watching and reading the news. Our own media is now the biggest cancer to our American pride. It's always about how bad we are and the how shameful we are. Well, I am proud of our men and women in the armed forces -- CNN and the rest need to get the spotlights out of their faces and let them do their jobs. Stop spreding shame on them and our country and start praying for them all and their families back home.. Look at the flagpole in your yard, your neighbor's yard-- is there an American flag on it ?? is it in perfect condition? does it fly at half staff when it should? Can you say the pledge and sing the anthum??--- No she, America, isn't perfect but remember the saying-- If you aren't part of the solution.. then you are part of the problem.. I love this country.........

A grieving father in Kandahar

jill, miami, florida — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:00:40 GMT

Just admit it, you war-mongering, "kill-all-them-arab-terrorist" morons. We have NO reason for being there. We all know that 9-11 was an inside job. The more we kill arabs, the more they will hate us.

A grieving father in Kandahar

True American — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:01:41 GMT

Not one of you pro-war idiots could even explain why we think we're supposed to be there.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Humayun, Islamabad Pakistan — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:23:00 GMT

This is cruel and evil. I have seen people here that have somehow justified this or have blamed someone else. One gentleman justified this by saying that we lost 3000 civilians so its ok to kill civilian afghans. To all such people, when did this happen? when did killing civilians was justified by killing more? Why can't you see that this was an evil act no different than 9/11 itself? You don't shoot someone 30 times. Pull them out of the car and shoot them again. There is no honor in this. This is not a mistake. It is murder. Your army ethics report that came out recently is disgusting. Your so called troops that you cherish so much are committing murder in your name. There are no different from the Taliban or Al QAeda. This is no longer good and evil. This is evil against evil and in between this are the civilians being grinded for no reason. Another gentleman mentioned the good the US army is doing and criticized nbc for not showing it citing examples of electricity and water. My friend there is no water, no electricity and in some cases no shelter since you bomb everything. I understand your need to support your troops but enough is enough. This support does not mean that you deny or refuse to see the murder they are committing. You have a saying, what goes around comes around. This will come around one day but i pray that it does not. There is NEVER NEVER a justification for murder and this was not self defense as evidenced by the cruel nature of this crime. Today i believe that your troops are no different than the terroist Taliban SCUM they are fighting. I have always supported US efforts in Afghanistan. I have always thought and believed and still do that you had every right to invade Afghanistan but i cannot support this. This is evil.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Sira, Kingston, Ontario, Canada — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:23:05 GMT

The USA SHOULD NOT BE IN IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN, not even a neighbour is willing to help you, let alone a country. All this help is BS! 3000+ Americans have got killed in the middle east and more will, because they do not belong there and they are invading two countries for no reason, victimizing people in their own communities, making it unsafe for civilians. This whole war is for no reason and now even the presidents of America and England are admitting it was a mistake to go in to war. What happened in 911 you have to accept as fate. And OSAMA BIN LADEN WILL NEVER BE FOUND BECAUSE HE IS A SMART, EDUCATED MAN!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Roy, Detroit, MI — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:29:42 GMT

May Yahweh bless the young man that died and his family. War is hell, those of us in the West are fighting for our survival. We thnk we represent good and are fighting evil. I believe the Muslim extremist are evil people and must be resisted at every turn. Semper Fi

A grieving father in Kandahar

Johnny — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:48:38 GMT

More Media propaganda is what this is... O.K., So, Akhtar is about 40 and his eldest son was shot by the Soviets in 1980? That would make him about 13 and the father of an infant. I suppose the Soviets lined up all the infants and shot them against the wall. This is nothing but pure propaganda for all the gullible liberals of the world. Also, if I were Ahktar's 25 year old son Faiz and saw a column of bright lights at night I would get the hell out of there. Hence, Faiz was up to no good and his father is really crying with happiness that his son is now in Paradise.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Mehar,Fremont CA — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:55:40 GMT

We americans have no right whatsoever to invade other countries in the name of terrorism..PERIOD!!!and then expect people to love us.We destroyed their countries so its our duty to repair the damage and do all the construction.This is not a favor we are doing to them but our job.I am so ashamed what we are doing in the name of security.Attimes I wonder if Bush is human and has a conscience.Does he sleep well at night with blood of so many innocents in his hand.If he is so sincere then why not go after saudis---16 or more were saudis.He should have attacked them in the first place instead of weak,poor countries. Shame on All of us to be silent observers.What if someother country attack us saying we have weapons of mass destruction and we are terrorist nation.Who has given us the right to choose and decide.if this will continue,the time is not far away when we Americans will have to face a war on our soil..the same war we have imposed on othetrs.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Tracy from Florida — Sat, 12 May 2007 03:21:54 GMT

Losing a Child is difficult enough but without some closure or something good coming out of it it can be your worse nightmare. I hope the Military will review this case and find someway to lessen Akhtar and his families pain. So that Faiz didn't die needlessly, something, anything good can come out of this tragedy.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Well-rounded view, Tampa — Sat, 12 May 2007 04:18:31 GMT

Just a few thoughts...Wow! I am amazed no one seems to think Test Run#1 isn't part of an Al Quaida cell. Hello, they get on the internet too... The more intelligent people seem to agree this story is non-sense, which it is. If the man was shot, this man was shot for a reason-period! From what I can see those of you who "side" on the part of the reporter and the "old" afghan, seem to not be very educated about the culture in this part of the world, are mentally lazy and are content with the information spoon-fed to you by media. The Mandatory procedures for convoys with NATO are known in this part of the world -period! Not understanding is non-sense...okay? This man was well aware of what was transpiring and 30 bullets??? The bleeding heart, self proclaimed liberials (or so they think) rant about how awful NATO is an how our troops have no morals. What a bunch of absolute non-sense! Things happen, we don't know how much of this is true-do we? This man is obviously not telling the ENTIRE truth and some reported took advantage of it to plead his narrow-minded view of what is really happening. If you can't see that, hopefully the soldiers reading the negative dialog here can. Most of these bleeding-hearts are more narrow minded than the republicans they hate. There are numerous great projects being developed in Afghanistan, and the afghan people are benefiting from our assistance-period! The U.S. is a positive force in this part of the world. The self proclaimed liberial media can't take off the blinders to see this and doesn't want to. They thrive on negativity. Why else would they embelish and take advantage of a story from an afghan that has had some unfortunate things happen to him? Yes, there are engineers, planner, doctors, etc. assisting with rebuilding this country. I am most saddened by the lack of well-rounded reporting- that is the saddest part of this war. The media won't tell the truth. The fact of the matter is we have to rebuild this country, there are cultural issues that have exacerbated this, we have to protect ourselves and it is a complicated process. Problems and mistakes happen during any process and unfortunately the focus of the truth shifts has shifted to one of negativity. Those who are mentally lazy don't won't to see the entire picture, so they choose not to. Its not cool to be ignorant...I think an an apology is owed to the men and women who every day have to make that split second decision to save their lives and the people around them. They are there so you don't have to worry about terrorist here and its a complicated process to make that happen. Those of you who only see an afghan who has no sons is only seeing part of the picture.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Ken, Tampa, Fl — Sat, 12 May 2007 05:09:14 GMT

Its sad to hear such incidents but they happen way too often. And we need to stop making excuses and calling these "collateral damage." When our people are involved in kidnappings we use extremely sensitive protocols, send negotiators and calm the situation instead of using brutal force because we don't want any innocent to die. However, when it comes to these poor people from third world countries we have a set idea that they're expendable and hence we can shoot, bomb or do whatever it takes to annihilate the entire population. To those who say, they started it, please read history and see WHO started it. If you woke up only after Sept 11, 2001, you will be shocked to know that terrorism existed before that and was utilized by many of our presidents against other countries. Reagan is the principal cause of the propaganda that was instilled into Afghan children in the 80s by spreading hatred in their school books which was sponsored by Reagan. Americans need to read some books instead of watching CNN and Fox.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Keith NY, NY — Sat, 12 May 2007 05:34:23 GMT

I truly feel bad for the soldiers caught up in all this. I wonder if my fellow liberals cry or feel as much pain when an American soldier dies? Of course we all grief for this man and his son (except a few insane conservatives posting here...proof that some...some... of our troops probably are capable of the coldness you fantasize about here). I may not agree with Rambo approach to global crisis such as 9/11, but I'm with the soldier in a humvee in the middle of the night in a desert halfway around the globe surrounded by rocks, cars, people, trees, road kill, anything, that could blow them up at any second. It must be terrifying to see a car driving towards you. I might become trigger happy too. I feel just terrible for the Afghan father too. The good soldiers and innocent people over there are the ones who bear the true pain of war. It's maddening at times. A war they did not ask for and even for some soldiers a war they just want to survive and to make it back home whether it's winnable or not. I cannot judge since I cannot imagine what that must feel like. I know I'd do just about anything to see home and family again especially in a place where the citizens could easily rise up against their radicals and use American money/military to stabilize and nice, peaceful Islamic nation...but don't. As a liberal minded person who isn't quite a pacifist but does believe diplomacy can work for even extreme situations (especially when you a have a massive military as Plan B offer to folks not cooperating to sensible demands - i.e. Pakistani tribal leaders hiding Bin Laden), I do admit that if they want American soldiers to leave they should just cooperate in finding the bad guys and fight the people who fight NATO forces. They hate the same bad guys we do...what's the problem here?! It would be the fastest and most sensible way for them to rid themselves of Americans! But guess what...they're not going to cooperate with us and choose to do things the way they've always been done over there. Just not enough Patrick Henrys and George Washingtons over there. I was adamantly against both the Afghan/Iraq strategies for reasons like this...tens of thousands of innocent people killed gaurantees no help from local population. We had the world's sympathy after 9/11. There were so many options on the table other than Rambo. As a peaceful liberal, even I have been shocked by the citizens of these countries not jumping on the band wagon (U.S. tanks) of democracy. Even I thought they would rise up and take their countries. It's become painfully obvious, these people aren't going to do a 1776 like our founding fathers did for us. The more I study the American Revolution the more I realize just how unique and singular it was. But then I realize "blowing someone away does not make their family/friends, our friends" and it all makes sense again to me. you cannot bomb people like this into peace. Independence and freedom comes from within. Who knows why American ancestors chose that path and these people just won't/can't (living under Taliban or Hussein). But we CANNOT do it for them through brute force. Can't be done. America never has had a successful regime change...ever. WW2 was a true global war. It was unique. It can't be used as an example of what to do now even though Bush relentlessly tries. Bush crowd thinks we can take all comers. We can't. If France, England, China, Russia had all fought against us in WW2 the outcome would have been very different. It took the whole world to put down two relative small countries (Germany/Japan). Other than WW2, we've never pulled a regime change that worked for us the way we've wanted it to. It either failed or came back to haunt us in some way. And brute strength doesn't intimidate over there like it might in other places. Rewind the clock...bad guys blew up NY and D.C. They ran for the Pakistani border immediately. They knew we were coming. they were more or less gone from Afghanistan when we came to town guns blazing. Pakistan could have been given a clear message "give up that guy and his posse...or we make western Pakistan U.S. territory". They would have worked with tribal leaders to cough him up. Why aren't conservatives angry about Pakistan? How come you're not upset with Bush for being weak on terror in that country? If a bad guy lives in your area and the good guys come to get him...but in the process bangs down your door at night because you're a young man who the good guys think you may know the bad guy, drags your dad away at night for questioning, touches your mom in an unintentional but offensive manner to you, then one of the good guys' soldier who is the only nut job in the whole good guy group rapes and kills a teenage girl, your friend gets shot up for "being stupid" enough to drive his car at night down the same road as good guys, then good guy commander comes to town with some cash and says "we're real sorry" or doesn't come to town with cash and makes a cold statement like "they should know to steer clear of with us"...you gonna go out of your way to still help the good guys? I don't think so. The biggest reason we're in this mess is that Bush just refuses to do business with some nasty characters over there in order to get the bigger nastier character. Any American who thinks we're gonna Rambo that part of the world is a baffoon. We had the whole world feeling sorry for us. In less than 2 years, half of them hate us. America has a message for the world: "hurt one of us...we'll maim a thousand of you". That never works and you can't make enough friends/allies to win key diplomatic victories when you act like that even if it is good intentioned (I personally feel there is a weird relationship between pro military and Bush - he knowingly lied to invade Iraq because it has potential for huge business, where military people genuinely want to help Iraqis like true heroic thing to do - they still support Bush in spite of all the things that have come out). We could have used the world's sympathy and behind the scenes the threat of severe military to get with Pakistani officials to do what ever they had to do to cough up Bin Laden and his bad boys. Nope. We invade 2 different countries (I still have no idea why we invaded entire country like Iraq while also invading another one where the bad guys really were and needed 100% focus on) and blow them to smithereens killings tens of thousands of innocent people (then hundreds of thousands kill each other in the chaos). We're not winning but we're not losing. Still Bush refuses to do business with some nasty characters in order to bring order over there. the only thing this guy does is pull the trigger more and more and more. He's a blood lusting prima donna that STILL refuses to listen to generals and other conservatives...not to mention the majority who he now works for - this isn't a dictatorship it's a public service position. At this point they could easily go behind the scenes and tell Syria and Iraq "look...we need the violence to stop.. we realize we aren't going to get our western style democracy so what do you reasonably need to give orders to make it stop?" These countries are desperate for a few things we take for granted in the West. A deal could easily be cut at this point that needed involve big money or military deals for Iran. Iran is stronger with or without a deal but they're a paper tiger in terms of global terror. It's completey exaggerated Iran's world terrorism. We're making punks over there into global heros with growing fan bases. We should just be happy no WMDs were verified, no al Queda (until they flocked in there thanks to us), no insane dictator and nutty sons, peaceful kurdistan...and just accept these folks are going to have at it and settle it out somehow. Tribes go back thousands of years there. They will figure it out somehow if we leave now. Millions have left. Hundreds of thousands have died. Ethnic cleansing that is so feared HAS ALREADY HAPPENED. Back in Afghanistan...we're still not in the right place. Pakistan is where the bad guy ran to. Why aren't we in there while still entrenched in Iraq? I'll bet our military people would like to go there...the real place to do heroic work.

A grieving father in Kandahar

portland or — Sat, 12 May 2007 10:05:47 GMT

How close do you have to get before you are "blinded by headlights". Before you judge, try carrying a M16 in peace or war. For the Guard for us civilians, or full time for the protection of the world.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Afghan — Sat, 12 May 2007 10:38:45 GMT

I am sickened by the arguments put forth in defence of the murdering NATO forces. This is not a war; it is the invasion of a country. Get this part right, and get out of the Afghan people's country (and the Iraqi people's country. An 'illiterate' Afghani has a right to roam about in his country without being shot 30 times by people who have no business beiong in that place in the first place. Leave the "non-US" world alone, and go back to your baseball; we did just fine before the US came along to save us.

A grieving father in Kandahar

clyde beard, philadelphia,ms — Sat, 12 May 2007 10:51:57 GMT

this is to all of you armchair military experts voiceing your misinformed opinions of acts of war. innocent people die in any conflict, past, present, and future. it is a fact of war. i find it interesting that a lot of you find the fact that the man had thirty bullet holes indicates the troops were trigger happy, or overly aggressive. do any of you know how many bullet holes the car he was driveing had in it? i doubt it.the soldiers in that convoy had probably had to pull the mangled remains of their friends out of hum vees blown up by cars approaching them at a high rate of speed-failing to pull over, ect ect. the fact that the man had thirty holes in him tells me that a large number of the soldiers saw his approach as that fitting a sucicide bomber.and all fired at the same time ,these incidents only take a few seconds. they were trying to protect themselves by laying down heavy fire to disable the vehicle or ignite the bomb. the correct action under the circumstances. Until you have been in combat dont try to second guess those that are. if you know a better way. put on a uniform and go over there and do it. war is a inhumane undertakeing. inhumane acts are the product. your freedom is the end result. you should thank a soldier for it- or learn to speak arabic. SFC Clyde Beard USA (ret)

A grieving father in Kandahar

Any Soldier, Eastern Afghanistan — Sat, 12 May 2007 10:57:25 GMT

I am glad I am here in Afghanistan, so I may know the truth. 1) We go to painstaking lengths to protect the local population, and I have often put myself in more danger due to our being extremely sensitive to the situaion. 2) Afghans are fully 100% aware of what the forces expect of them while passing convoys. I see more and more younger people challenging the forces and not taking it as serious anymore, and quick frankly, it surprises me. 3) I have worked with multitudes of Afghan Police and Army...I tell you now 100%...I have never met any that want the US to leave until there is security here. 4) I am literally stunned at the ignorance of the American people regarding anything international...Please get out and see the world! You really have no clue how entirely ignorant you sound! 5) I am a college educated professional turned American Soldier...I am enlisted, not officer...I am here by choice, so that I may know the truth.

A grieving father in Kandahar

charlotte, MA — Sat, 12 May 2007 11:36:47 GMT

rebekkah from isreal: are you kidding me??? an isreali calling americans trigger happy is hilarious irony! i guess i'm a dinosaur as i believe in this country with its imperfections, values and intent...i never understand why all this bashing from our own citizenry and i too wnder why we never hear about the good we are doing. critical thinking skills people. hone your minds, then speak. to our troops...thanks and blessings.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Jim Proctor, Freedom Pa. — Sat, 12 May 2007 12:10:43 GMT

Sorry your son bit the bullet. My kids carry bibles and would be automatically be executed were they found in your area. The chronology of your family is suspect. This is probably due to yet another biased reporter. Not a new thing in our culture. We are parasitic in our delight to destroy our own culture and especially to affect political change regardless of how many lives we extinguish. Our news analysts are beyond corruption. They are the epitome of evil. The plain fact is that this is a religious war, and you raised your children to believe that killing people of another religion is a good thing. The blame for their deaths rests on your shoulders. I teach my children to respect and love life. I am not a reporter sold out to sensationalism, nor a fool. Until you raise your offspring in love and hope, do not expect them to live the same way. I apologise for the immoral american reporters, and hope you can see at least a portion of your culture that caused this. The NATO troops responsible for your son's demise are our sons and daughters. I would rather see your son die than mine. Still, I mourn your loss.Perhaps if you stop trying to kill us and our kind, we will do the same, but we understand that is not your religious belief, so don't expect Buddahists, christians, jews,or hindus, to tolerate taliban teachings. We may not agree with one another, but we do not kill each other.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Pete Pelletier, Berlin NH — Sat, 12 May 2007 13:31:28 GMT

It's a great evil whenever a parent has to bury a child. My heart goes out to this man. After six years of occupation, one would think locals know how to relate to convoys on the road, but I wonder how much difference there would be if the same thing was done here. Even though there are signs on the vehicles to prevent approaching closely, and radio warnings, and newspaper articles, and word of mouth anecdotes, I really think there would be just as many similar incidents in New York or Baltimore or LA as there are in Afghanistan or Iraq, because some people just don't get it, or refuse to comply. One would also hope the information given to the man was accurate, and not spun to incite rage or resentment. And to all those who wrote about how big bad America is bullying everyone and how we don't care about anyone, let's stop the frenzy. Take a deep breath and a Prozac and remember the terrorists have been attacking us for over twenty years, mainly because we acknowledge that Israel has a right to exist, and we support them accordingly. Let's remember that nobody ever got beheaded at Abu Graib prison after we took it over. Let's remember that we were unable to bomb Afghanistan into the Stone Age because the Taliban had ALREADY accomplished that by executing or driving out literate and accomplished people who could have made a positive difference after the Soviets left. America is a good country that has made its share of mistakes in the past, and we will continue to make mistakes in the future, despite the political party in power. We have helped many more people than we have hurt. We have recognized many of our mistakes and made good on them to the extent we could, including abolishing slavery and establishing equal rights and fighting discrimination based on age, sex, and race, among others. Does anyone know of another country that has reversed itself more abruptly? Has anyone ever heard any protest from the Islamic world over the atrocities its adherents commit and flaunt on video?

A grieving father in Kandahar

awabnavi — Sat, 12 May 2007 13:42:36 GMT

ANSWER??????? And if the US really wants a FREE & INDEPENDENT Afghanistan & Iraq they should quit these countries IMMEDIATLY and not worry about the consequences for these countries. They are taking actions in these countries in violation of the sovereignty of these countries. Why don't they INTERVENE in Darfur or somewhere else where there is a lot of killing but no OIL?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Billy D, Sarasota, FL — Sat, 12 May 2007 14:28:39 GMT

I will try to make it simple for you guys: I am a Nam vet. Question, How was our economy doing during Viet Nam war? What about afterward. We have a war based economy where jobs are created and every body makes money. More jobs are created because 100,000 are overseas fighting and there a lot of support going on behind the scenes. But, We did not start the thing. NO one wants to read history do they? How about the media doing a story on how we have been fighting Muslim every since this country got started with the US Navy and Marine Corps. Islam is a Convert or Die based religion. While we have become a multicultural country trying to accept everybody. Well people we are talking about your very existence. It reminds me of the schoolyard where the bullys are beating up everybody to pieces and the teachers tell you to just accept them because they have a problem in their past. Meanwhile they are killing off the schoolyard, burning down the schoolhouse, and we are supposed just say peace brother, we love you. And when someone tries to do something about it, you get upset because there is a price to pay. I am an Army brat. My father fought in WWII. But maybe we should not have gone over there, over there, over there, or was that WWI Gosh I am getting my wars mixed up... But, I was not planning on fighting, but somehow wound up over in Southeast Asia for a while. So when the peaceniks won out and we pulled out...How many 100,000 Cambodians were killed? Huh? You people make me sick. So here is my plan.... Bring all the troops back home since they are now trained on anti terrorist and go through the country and take out anyone that is against the country in any way shape or form. Nazism you say? Or we could just wait for the terrorist to do it. Convert or Die, baby!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Liam Doran, Coxs Mills, WV — Sat, 12 May 2007 15:15:51 GMT

Here's a question for everyone.... NATO is there to liberate this country, right? But apparently they don't want the people that live there, (you know, the Afghan citizens) any where around them. And if they drive by, walk by or just plain get near them, they shoot the crap out them.... Okay, to the question.... Is it right to kill the people of the country, the real citizens of that said country just because they are the citizens? I mean, if you are so scared shitless.... leave. Now, isn't that simple enough? If I'm not mistaken, it wasn't that long ago back here in the good old U.S. of A. that a bunch of people calling themselves Patriots use to go around and "Attack" that mean old British Army.... and not in open war fare either. And if the history books, the American history books that is, if they are correct, they were and still are called.... Ummm, what's that word I'm looking for? Oh yeah.... Terrorist.... General George Washington and his little bunch of men were called Terrorist because.... GASP!!! they had the nerve to actually want a free country.... Damn, if only they had worded the Constitution better, we might have one of those things right now.... A free and democratic country. To bad about that, he tried though.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Swim mom, California — Sat, 12 May 2007 15:29:23 GMT

First, I would like to say that my heart truly goes out to this man and his family.His son's death was a tragedy and I wouldn't want anyone to go through the pain of losing a child. With that said, I think it's unfair and unacceptable that he blames our soldiers for this. Our troops are there to help and protect. Like others have pointed out, whether he could read or not,after all these years he should have known what not to do. I also find it unacceptable that the father blames our soldiers. Do we need to remind him it is becasue of the Taliban and others in his country that our soldiers are needing to risk their lives everyday? Our soliers wouldn't have reacted this way if they weren't under the constant threat of attack from suicide bombers. Where is this father's concern for our soldiers and the men who risk their lives everyday to protect him? It's very unfortunate that his son died this way. However,it doesn't sound like his son did what was necessary to protect himself and our soldiers. He needs to put the blame on the Taliban and the unrest in his own country and stop making the US the bad guy. It doesn't matter what Americans do to help others,we will always be blamed for everyone else's ignorance. I don't see this father apologizing or grieving for all of the American soldiers that have died trying to protect himand his country. Give me a break!!!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Timmy Soupmanson — Sat, 12 May 2007 16:49:32 GMT

Hmm, Sorry, but somehting here is not adding up. I feel sorry for the old man, but I think there is more to this story that what we are being told, and with the mandatory negative/liberal slant to all the news coming from this part of the world... I smell a rat. BTW, I spent two years of my life in that part of the world, so I have half a clue. Sorry, not buying it.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Patriot — Sat, 12 May 2007 16:57:27 GMT

So what if non-Americans die. We are in the middle east to make $ off the opium trade and to get the oil. It makes America stronger to have this income. Survival of the fittest. Too bad they weren't born in the US of A!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Reincarnation of Slaves and Natives — Sat, 12 May 2007 21:10:17 GMT

War is the ultimate stupidity of man, and the USA and WHO are the #1 participants in the world?

A grieving father in Kandahar

Liana Smith — Sat, 12 May 2007 23:23:13 GMT

I am getting sick and tired of these arguments, how they harbor the Taliban and thus we had the right to invade their country blah blah blah.... In this country we have the greatest demand of illicit drugs in the world, we get it nicely from Colombia, and we still bombard Colombia for satisfying our thirst. At the same time we are the largest exporters of high-nicotine cigarettes.. (the cigarettes we export have higher nicotine levels than the ones we sell here)... we cause massive addictions abroad and yet nobody would think of bombarding us for spreading addiction. We are the largets exporters of light weapons on the planet, the majority of which fuel all the civil wars in Africa... Do you realize what we have become to the eyes of the civilized world? A pariah...A bully... a brainless bully.We have no moral authority any more. We hit bottom when we actually had to argue whether to legalize torture. We have regressed.Hit bottom.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Jeff, Camp Lejeune, NC — Sat, 12 May 2007 23:34:15 GMT

What it all boils down to, moral high ground or not, is if you have never been on a patrol at night looking down the road at a car and hoping to God that it stops after you wave at it and launch flares on the side of the road to attempt to stop it and then fearing having to shoot because of the numerous and massive investigations that will take place about you, your opinion really doesn't matter because you have no idea what is going on over there. It's been said before and I'll hit the nail again, none of these eyewitness reports were confirmed. As for the 30 bullet holes in the body, if there were that many, it happens like this. If you're in a place where you're likely to take fire from the enemy, if you hear gun shots you're going to look and see where it came from, or where your buddies are shooting, and you're going to shoot there too. It's not sick, it's self defense, because when the rounds start going downrange the politics stop and it's all about taking care of your buddies there with you. If they were complaining about the blinding lights, then they knew that if they were driving and saw blinding lights that they should stop, so if they didn't, I don't blame the soldiers who from God knows what NATO country (the US is not the only country in NATO) for defending themselves. Shame on you if all you can do is think of the grieving father. Think about what goes through the minds of the people who had to make the decision of firing or not.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Some Canadian Guy — Sun, 13 May 2007 15:11:43 GMT

This is more to those who use this avenue to bash US and it's policies by replying to this article. NATO, not US, there wasn't anything official declaring US was the people in question, it could have been anyone from NATO. As for the loss of the son. His son is old enough to know what he was doing could risk his life. During the heat of the momment, stories can explode into something big when it's really not all as it seems. For example, I doubt much that NATO soldiers dragged his body out and shot him somemore. On those convo vehicles, they are armed with Machine Guns, some Heavy, some Light, but all cappable of pumping hundred's of rounds a min, you take 2-3 convoy vehicles firing and you've got the 30 or so rounds used to kill his son. Now granted, headlights are a problem at night, I know, being a truck driver, it's blinding, but NATO has been there long enough that the people shouldn't be ignorant to it, it's an everyday thing. As for New's agencies not showing the positive side, I totally agree. Now granted, there are bad things, but show some of the good. Not only are you manipulating the public's view on the conflict, your also I hate to say using propaganda in a way that's useful and benifitial to the Talabin in the region. I mean, what does the recruiters need to show the people, an NBC article. Nuff said.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Mike — Sun, 13 May 2007 20:52:38 GMT

The freaking news media is a farce. And you people commenting are sheep that are led by the media and politicians. Reach down and grab a hold. I'm sorry that this man has lost his sons. My prayers to God and the Lord Jesus Christ go out to his family. Of course I absolutely do not expect my post to make it through the censorship, but what the heck.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Sarah, Cincinnati, Ohio — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:09:44 GMT

I'm an American, and the volunteers who signed up to be soldiers and go over to Afghanistan and Iraq are NOT fighting for my freedom. Our FREEDOM was never really at risk after 9/11. A fringe group got a freakily lucky shot at us, and if we'd aimed first and shot second, we could have leveraged the world's support for us after 9/11 to have had a huge coalition at our back to really clean out the Taliban (and clean up the narco state of Afghanistan). We could have been well on our way with a globally supported Marshall Plan in that that failed, by now. But, no. We keep drinking the cool aid that we have to be over there fighting or WE MIGHT LOSE ALL OUR AMERICAN FREEDOMS. What a bunch of rot and nonsense. Have we all turned into cowards and idiots in this country? Instead of thinking wisely and acting colaborately with the rest of the world to solve the problems that led to 9/11, we behaved like terrified children eating up Papa Bush's nationalistic jingoism that "our freedom" was at stake. What hogwash! Just how was that going to happen? Was Bin Laden going to invade, occupy, and destroy our form of government? Even if they did manage to get a nuclear bomb (the BIG SCARY!) before the world joined us to really clear out the Taliban, would that really have ended all our American freedoms? Japan survived after we bombed TWO of their cities. It would have been horrific, but America and our freedoms would have survived. Our volunteer troops are NOT fighting for my freedom in Afghanistan -- they are serving for their own motivations. Some went in to escape poverty, some for the college money, some for what had been a pretty decent career and VERY early retirement, some for the extra money for playing war games one weekend a month, some went for revenge (oh sorry, I fogot to put our flag around it call it patriotism justified by 9/11), some went because they thought they'd LIKE the shooting up stuff, some went because the uniform would make them feel like a somebody, some went because they were clueless about what they wanted to with their lives and it was easier to have someone else tell they what to do ... but they are NOT fighting for my freedoms. The Continental Army fought for my freedoms, and the NORTHERN Union Army fought to expand those freedoms for African Americans. Hitler and Japan were real threats to our freedoms, so in the last century, men like my Dad did fight for my freedom. But, no. The poor drafted soldiers in Vietnam and the volunteers in Iraq and Afghanistan are simply not. Sadly, they have enabled this incompetent Executive Branch Administration to waste our blood and treasure on a fools errand. (I am already cringing to hear the results of Senator Waxman's hearings on how much of our money has been stolen from us by the likes of Halliburton). Meanwhile, New Orleans is still a mess and Greensburg, KS won't get all the help they needed in as timely a manner ... Yeah, we lost 3000 people on 9/11, but 35,000 Americans die every year from the flu, and no one seems to be too upset that we can't seem to get flu shots. If the flu does that to us every year and our "freedoms" haven't vanished maybe we can be resilient enough to hold on to our freedoms in the face of a terrorist attacks like the Oklahoma bombing or 9/11 every once in a blue moon. What we can NOT afford to do is to behave like children with a big stick yelling "I;m gonna get you for that!" Why? Because our recent blundering about is in the process of destablizing and radicalizing Pakistan! Now, that is a REAL BIG SCARY -- not invented boogey man served up to get the current administration elected -- because ladies and gentleman, they do have cruise missles with nuclear bombs ready to go. That is a REAL nation with real capabilities of destroying Isreal and India -- World War III, time. Time to come home, everyone, and pick a very smart adult for President, this time. And I do hope it is in time. I don't want to have to have my 11-year-old son REALLY fight for my freedoms.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Liana Smith — Mon, 14 May 2007 14:50:09 GMT

Sarah The best comment ever! At last... you put things into their right perspective!

A grieving father in Kandahar

Connie H Ft Polk, La — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:31:09 GMT

It is easy to sit behind a screen and not know the facts, but surely to goodness the numbers do not add up, the father says is is around 40 and his son was 25, that would have made him 15 to sire his son? He had two older sons that were killed? Then he says his son had 30 shots fired into him, maybe he cannot add up there either. It is easy enough to make the USA look bad, our troops are over there fighting, do you really think they just want to go there in the first place? Are they going so see a vehicle come at them and say sure, just kill me? Not! Our troops are there doing their jobs, and believe in what they are doing and believe it or not they are making a difference in those countries. Yes accidents do happen, even in the USA, but what about our innocent people on 9/11, didn't they leave families behind? My husband is on is 4th deployment, doing his job and I am sure there are not going to be people shooting at him or trying to kill him? I think I would be in dream land to think that he is safe over there. God Bless our Troops,

A grieving father in Kandahar

Alex, Dallas, TX — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 04:33:57 GMT

""What happens when someone can’t read the signs?" I asked. "After all, over 60 percent of Afghans are illiterate."
Grenier’s response was swift: "When you see ISAF (U.S. NATO and Afghan army) convoys, pull off the road, obey all signals and obey instantly."
But locals complain that at nighttime the lights on the military convoys are blinding, they get confused and don’t know what to do."

It seems as if Grenier isn't using his head. Didn't the guy just say that 60% of the population is ILLTERATE?! How dumb can you seriously. Is it in English because if it is I'm going to laugh even harder at how dumb this is.

A grieving father in Kandahar

cheryl ann dumas — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 19:48:08 GMT

i do not believe in the war.... but i do believe in our soldiers who are fighting for us. does this conflict remind anyone of wars in the past????? we are killing our children, and other mother's children, for the sake of being right. i love our freedom, but do we have to have it at the expense of others???? i wish our children had the guts to protest this war, and not endure it....

A grieving father in Kandahar

Rob Damascus Maryland — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:25:46 GMT

I have a son serving in Afghanistan. He tells me of the efforts made to prevent such situations. When the very
people you are attempting to free from hell, then turn
on you and support in their minds, the lesser of 2 evils, I say, give them what they want, HELL

A grieving father in Kandahar

England — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:46:56 GMT

The war on terror is not a farce. We either sit at home waiting for the next attrocity, or attack the training camps in Afghanistan or the source of funds in Iraq and possibly if required the dictators of Iran. Whatever it takes! It seems to have worked with Libya. Gaddafi is not so cocky since he saw Hussain doing a Jig.

A grieving father in Kandahar

Billy Nguyen, Austin, Texas — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 03:59:41 GMT

It reminded me when I was a 10-year old kid riding my bike and stopped at a crowded intersection in Saigon,Vietnam. The trafic light was red. It was 1966. The security situation in Saigon was pretty good at that time. Behind me there was a US Army convoy of about 10 GMC trucks waiting for the trafic light. Suddenly, some GI's from the first truck started shooting into the air and many soldiers from other trucks followed them. Everybody moved quickly to sidewalks to make the way for the convoy with laughing soldiers to pass. Please do not be suprised when you see millions Iragi refugees or thousands of Aghan refugees in US ten years from now. I was one of them starting 40 years ago.

Billy Nguyen