Is The World Rejecting U.S. Values

World Doesn't Want U.S. Values -- Leon Hadar, Real Clear World

Americans are once again surprised to learn that the rest of humanity doesn't always share their hopes and dreams - or even their basic set of values. Hence, in the aftermath of the massacre in Afghanistan of 16 people in the hands of an American soldier, some pundits have been trying to resolve what they consider to be a paradox of sorts.

While the accidental burning of Qurans by US government employees in Afghanistan last month triggered violent protests outside NATO (North Atlantic Treating Organisation) that took at least 29 lives, the intentional mass murder of Afghan civilians, including nine children in Kandahar on March 11 have led to a few and mostly peaceful anti-American demonstrations.

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My Comment: The focus of this article is rather harsh. While the world dos not want to embrace certain American values .... and I do not blame them .... it definitely does want to embrace others. In my travels around the world I have universally found people admiring and wishing to embrace American freedom, the entrepreneurial spirit, the educational opportunities, the business and economic freedoms and opportunities, and most important of all .... the freedom to voice your own opinion without fear of serious repercussions. My nationality is Russian and I have lived in China .... and trust me .... that is what makes America great in their eyes .... and they are right.

Afghanistan’s Other Front (Corruption) -- A Commentary

Image by Alain Pilon

From The Wall Street Journal:

ALLEGATIONS of ballot-stuffing in the presidential election in Afghanistan last month are now so widespread that a recount is necessary, and perhaps even a runoff. Yet this electoral chicanery pales in comparison to the systemic, day-to-day corruption within the administration of President Hamid Karzai, who has claimed victory in the election. Without a concerted campaign to fight this pervasive venality, all our efforts there, including the sending of additional troops, will be in vain.

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My comment: When I think of the billions in aid that has flowed into Afghanistan for the past 8 years.... and with little if anything to show for it .... you know that there is a problem. Throw in tribalism and the influence of family connections and party loyalty to get what assistance there is left .... you then know that you have a recipe for disaster. A disaster that was crystallized with the wanton corruption and fraud that was witnessed in the latest Afghan election.

Joseph Kearns Goodwin's list of solutions makes sense .... unfortunately .... in Afghanistan one will have to assume that the men who will operate as ombudsmen will themselves be just as corrupt as the men that they are suppose to watch over. Goodwin's recommendations will not work .... because there is no one in Afghanistan who will be willing to follow them.

Corruption and tribalism has been a way of life for centuries. It is ingrained into Afghan culture and life, and it is one of the many reasons why they have had continuous warfare and suffering during all of this time.

A U.S./NATO presence will not be able to change this culture even if we make the decision to stay there for the next few life times .... and even then.