Winning
hearts and minds in Iraq and Afghanistan with
more bombs.
Friday October 26, 2007 6:16 PM
By JASON STRAZIUSO
Associated Press Writer
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai is calling for the U.S. and NATO to cut back on airstrikes in the battle against Taliban and al-Qaida militants, saying too many civilians have been killed.
Karzai said that six years after the U.S.-led invasion the Afghan people ``cannot comprehend as to why there is still a need for air power.''
``The United States and the coalition forces are not (killing civilians) deliberately. The United States is here to help the Afghan people,'' Karzai told the U.S. news program ``60 Minutes'' for a story scheduled to air Sunday night.
Asked if he wants the use of airstrikes curtailed, Karzai replies, ``Absolutely. Oh, yes, in clear words and I want to repeat that, (there are) alternatives to the use of air force.''
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Violence in Afghanistan this year has been the deadliest since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. More than 5,200 people have died because of insurgency-related violence, according to the AP count.
Coalition death toll:
Period.......US.........Other.........Total
2007........94.........103.............1972006.........98...........93.............191
2005.........99...........31.............130
2004.........52............6...............58
2003.........48............9...............57
2002.........48..........20...............68
2001.........12............0...............12
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