By IRNA,
London : The upcoming conference in London on Afghanistan could turn into a “face-saving” scene for the Labour government in Britain which is already under grilling for the war in Iraq, a London-based journalist said.
“The Labour Party will suffer for ignoring the people’s opinion on both Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It would have been far better had people who took Britain to war been brought to justice in the court of law as their actions resulted in complete destruction and deaths of millions in Iraq and Afghanistan”, Shahid Qureshi told IRNA.
Qureshi added that the British people and victims of the “so-called war on terror” in Afghanistan and Iraq need justice be observed when it comes to trying war criminals.
He further said international forces are close to “bankruptcy” in Afghanistan as they have been unable to provide security for that country and cooperate with regional states.
Qureshi added that Afghanistan neighbours are affected “as the result of the occupation” by American and British forces whose intervention has considerably increased poppy cultivation.
“Drug trade has flourished during the current occupation. Before the invasion drugs were only produced in specific areas but now it is widespread.”
Qureshi added that the Taliban are getting around 350 million dollars every year from the drug trade.
He said any measure to bring peace in the region should be accompanied by providing a “safe exit for the invaders” of Afghanistan.
“The United States and others are coming close to bankruptcy. We should be careful and cautious with the ‘bankers’ before they start the third world war.”
He said Afghanistan’s neighbours are also affected as a result of the foreign “occupation” while they are not party to the invasion.
Qureshi urged international forces to incorporate the “knowledge of local” countries into their strategic planning for Afghanistan.