AP Exclusive: Taliban say buildup under way

AP Exclusive: Taliban say buildup under way
By KATHY GANNON
Associated Press Writer

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) -- The Taliban are moving fighters into Kandahar, planting bombs and plotting attacks as NATO and Afghan forces prepare for a summer showdown with insurgents, according to a Taliban commander with close ties to senior insurgent leaders.

NATO and Afghan forces are stepping up operations to push Taliban fighters out of the city, which was the Islamist movement's headquarters during the years it ruled most of Afghanistan. The goal is to bolster the capability of the local government so that it can keep the Taliban from coming back.

The Taliban commander, who uses the pseudonym Mubeen, told The Associated Press that if military pressure on the insurgents becomes too great "we will just leave and come back after" the foreign forces leave.

Despite nightly raids by NATO and Afghan troops, Mubeen said his movements have not been restricted. He was interviewed last week in the center of Kandahar, seated with his legs crossed on a cushion in a room. His only concession to security was to lock the door.

He made no attempt to hide his face and said he felt comfortable because of widespread support among Kandahar's 500,000 residents, who like the Taliban are mostly Pashtuns, Afghanistan's biggest ethnic community.



unhappycamper comment: Boy, does this sounds familiar...

That would be great if they left since that would make is easier for NATO and minimize the violence.. at least short term. It also then gives the Afghans time to establish a new government and security forces. So, even if the Taliban came back they probably wouldn't have much success.

:shrug:

Taliban leader said ready for peace talks
Published: April 18, 2010 at 2:24 PM


KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, April 18 (UPI) -- Supreme Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar indicated he might be willing to have peace talks with Western politicians, The Sunday Times of London reported.

In an interview, the newspaper said, two of the Taliban's senior Islamic scholars said they have passed on a message from the Quetta shura, the Taliban's ruling council, that Omar wants "sincere and honest talks" with Western leaders.

The newspaper also quotes the scholars as saying Omar no longer seeks to rule Afghanistan.

A senior U.S. military source said the remarks suggested a "breakthrough" was possible. "There is evidence from many intelligence sources the Taliban are ready for some kind of peace process," the source said.

more...

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/04/18/Taliban-leader-said-ready-for-peace-talks/UPI-33231271615096/