Opinion
Attacks point up need for multi-national help
The attacks on a United Nations guest house in Afghanistan last week left eight people dead, more injured and numerous questions over the lack of security for the U.N. staff members working in war-torn Kabul.
Five U.N. employees died this past Wednesday. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the attack which had apparently been planned for weeks.
It took Afghan police and NATO forces considerable time to respond. Witnesses reported hiding out while the attackers stormed the building. A few stories have emerged of civilians holding off the attackers while waiting for help.
The chief of intelligence in Afghan said the assailants came from the Swat Valley of Pakistan and were provided a hide-out by a Muslim prayer leader.
The Associated Press reports there was no evidence that the assailants were from Pakistan other than statements made by the detainees.
The Swat Valley region, formerly controlled by Taliban fighters, was retaken by Pakistani forces this past spring. An attack was expected for weeks but analysts expected it to take place during rush hour and not just before dawn as was the case this past week.
The attack on a U.N. facility shows the widening of the war's scope and the need for other nations to step up and help stabilize a region where much is at stake. The United States can't continue to go it alone.
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