Bring Taliban into Afghan Government

Amazingly, Bill Frist has recommended that the Taliban be brought into the government of Afghanistan. Despite their appalling human rights record when in government (a fact often used by Bush to vindicate the invasion), Frist believes that they should be brought into the fold and play a part in the future of the country. According to CBC News, Frist said:

"You need to bring them into a more transparent type of government. And if that's accomplished, we'll be successful."

This is an amazing change of tactics by the Republicans. Not so long ago the idea of working in partnership with the Taliban was an unthinkable concept. Now it is being seriously considered. Interestingly, Frist also goes on to destroy the right-wing myth that the insurgency is relatively weak. CBC News said:

The senator said he was warned to expect attacks to increase. There appears to be an "unlimited flow" of Afghans and foreigners "willing to pick up arms and integrate themselves with the Taliban," he said.

"Approaching counterinsurgency by winning hearts and minds will ultimately be the answer," Frist said. "Military versus insurgency one-to-one doesn't sound like it can be won. It sounds to me … that the Taliban is everywhere."

Everywhere??? Unlimited flow??? And yet the right seem to believe it is a minor insurrection that is little or no threat to the 'coalition'. Still, at this rate the Americans will be giving Saddam a slapped wrist and reinstating him in Iraq.