Civilians Become an Afterthought as US Fights Taliban

As US troops try to regain control of Kandahar in Afghanistan they are not only facing the Taliban but also the disappointment of the people whose villages have suffered from the fighting between the Taliban and foreign forces. In the last five years the population has watched as their homes and crops have been destroyed by the fighting between these two groups. Although the people may apply for compensation from the foreign forces it seems as though their pleas are rarely answered. One man also explained that if the Taliban found out you had asked for money from the foreign forces they would often beat you and take your money. The people who have been affected the most are farmers. After their crops have been destroyed they have few options but to leave the village and go to the city where they are unable to create a living. Many return to their village even though it is still torn apart by the fighting because they simply don't have anywhere else to go.

submitted by Haley Kirk