The War Business

Taliban in the Pak-Afghan border region are being unwittingly aided by none other than those fighting them. The extremists apart from receiving funds and aid from the anti-American governments, elements and organisations are extracting huge amounts of dollars for the services they provide to the US, NATO and ESAF forces. One such lucrative business for them is to provide security for the vehicles carrying logistic supplies and other materials that are required by the troops and expatriate for their daily consumption. According to one count an average of 200 containers a day carrying all sorts of daily supplies, rations, food, fuel and other consumables for them are transported through Pakistan alone. For safe journey through Afghanistan each one of these vehicles needs security that is provided by the local Security Companies. Ironically, these are mostly owned by the Taliban. Any vehicle going beyond Kabul, say to Paktia "“ a distance of 140 miles, is charged US dollars 1,500 to 2,000 by the Security Company. It must go to the credit of the  company (Taliban) that the goods are delivered 100 percent safely and in tact, which if not sent under their security cover would hardly reach their destination. The arrangement works fine and the US money ultimately finds its way to the Taliban who buy arms and ammunition with it for the jihad. Strange are the ways of war "“ especially if it happens to be a war against terror.

Truly 

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)

30, Westridge-1

Rawalpindi 46000    Tel: 546 3344