Whether in recycling or energy policy, a deeper crisis in long-term thinking is apparent in Scotland. With the new Budget looming, MATT KERR wonders if we can move beyond shallow, headline-grabbing measures
Six things you need to know about Afghanistan and the Taliban
When it comes to Afghanistan, the mainstream media hides the most inconvenient facts for the West, argues MARC VANDEPITTE
1. Monstrous covenant with jihadis
THE story starts in 1979. Afghanistan had a left-wing government, which of course was not to the liking of the US. Zbigniew Brzezinski, President Carter’s adviser, devised the plan to arm and train jihadists – then still called mojahedin – in Afghanistan. The aim was to provoke a Soviet invasion, in order to saddle Moscow with a Vietnam-like scenario.
Carter followed his advice and provided the mojhedin the necessary help. The plan worked. The government in Kabul ran into difficulties and asked the Kremlin for help. The Afghan quagmire forced the Soviet Union to remain in the Central Asian country for 10 years.
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