Iran's Mashhad radio, which broadcasts news to Afghanistan, has aired complaints by Afghan imams and officials suggesting that the US presence is responsible for the unstable situation in Afghanistan. The radio has further reinforced this image of the US as a destabilizing force by routinely reporting clashes between US forces and the Afghan population. In early July, for example, the radio pointed to statements by Afghani intellectuals and officials and to sermons by Afghani imams complaining about the problems caused by the US presence. On 5 July, it cited the Imam of Faizabad in northeastern Afghanistan as saying that 'no foreign forces could act positively in bringing peace and security to Afghanistan, because their presence itself is a cause for tension in the country.' On the same day, the radio quoted a cleric at the Grand Mosque in Herat as complaining that 'the enemies of Islam would not spare any efforts to foment discord among Muslims,' and he urged Muslims 'to be aware of these plots.' The radio offered comments by other Afghanis attributing the country's instability to the US presence. It cited an intellectual on the 4th as asking the Afghan Government to prevent foreign radio stations from broadcasting in Afghanistan and the editor-in-chief of the Hindokosh News Agency as saying that 'alien cultures have influenced my country and upset Afghanistan's national unity.' The radio also portrays US forces as facing constant opposition from local forces. On 4 July, for example, the radio reported that three US soldiers were injured when 'rebels' attacked them in southeastern Afghanistan. It added that of the three soldiers injured, 'one of them died of his injuries in a hospital at Bagram Airbase.' Two days earlier, the radio said that clashes between 'unidentified armed forces' and US troops 'lasted hours.' It also claimed that the 'Shah-e Kot area in the south of Afghanistan is a hotbed of crises where unidentified armed forces have inflicted the heaviest losses on US troops so far.'
Mashhad Radio Blames the US for Unrest in Afghanistan, Citing Afghan Clerics - 2003-07-09
Mashhad Radio has reported that Afghan clerics and officials blame the US presence for ongoing instability in Afghanistan. They argue that foreign forces exacerbate tensions rather than contribute to peace. This narrative reflects a broader sentiment in Afghanistan regarding foreign intervention.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Mashhad Radio reported that Afghan clerics and officials are blaming the US military presence for ongoing instability in Afghanistan. They argue that foreign forces exacerbate tensions rather than contribute to peace.
- Afghan clerics claim foreign forces are a source of tension in Afghanistan.
- Mashhad Radio frequently reports on clashes between US forces and local populations.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Since the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the country has faced ongoing conflict and instability, with various factions opposing foreign military presence. This has led to a complex interplay of local and international politics.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%