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.
Opinion
Attacks point up need for multi-national help
- Opinion
-
-
More government intrusion
Editor, The Transcript: Kudos to Kathryn Jean Lopez of the National Review Online for telling it like it is (Transcript Opinion, Feb. 12, 2012) regarding President Obama’s religious “overreach.” No, Mr. President, your latest knee-jerk ...
-
Say no to power expansion
A heated House committee meeting last week ended in a 6-5 vote to send a bill to the floor that gives the governor power to remove and replace appointees to state agencies, boards or commissions....
-
Focus should be on water policy legislation
Oklahoma legislative leaders are pushing ahead on water policy legislation, despite the water rights lawsuit filed by American Indian tribes. We applaud Speaker Kris Steele on pushing the water proposals filed by House members....
-
Trooper replacements needed for state’s OHP
Oklahoma’s Highway Patrol has 759 troopers, with 210 eligible to retire and another 26 becoming eligible this year. They certainly won’t all choose to retire at once, but the possibility worries patrol officials. Troop strength is the ...
-
It’s time for Valentine’s Day
If it’s full of hearts and flowers And a cupid with a dart, That’s a card that’s mighty pretty and aimed right for your heart....
-
Oklahoma going from good to great
As most other states struggle to maintain the status quo, Oklahoma is on the rise as a destination to do business and raise a family. Our state added more than 40,000 jobs in the past year, the economy is growing and unemployment remains ...
-
A reprieve for state bases
The Pentagon has released its plans to downsize its forces and eliminate some weapons systems funding, ships and airplanes. But a published report says the state’s five military bases will likely be spared major cuts....
-
Gov. Fallin’s tax plan is one big mistake
Editor, The Transcript: Well, it’s official now. In her State of the State message, Gov. Fallin confirmed that she hopes to reduce the state income tax now and totally eliminate it later. Big mistake, for two compelling reasons....
-
Another Library Vote? Good grief!
Editor, The Transcript A new library on the west side? With hardly any books? With a dumb name above the entry as shown in your rendering? Infoplace? The library bureaucracy must think Norman voters just fell off the turnip truck....
-
Show them some love
Oklahoma joins bus drivers and riders throughout the nation in the “Love the Bus” campaign to raise awareness and appreciation for the thousands of school bus drivers and aides who safely transport children to and from school each day....
- More Opinion Headlines
-
More government intrusion
