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U.S. Accuses Iran of Helping Taliban in Afghanistan

   VOA News 30 May 2010

Photo: AP

   General Stanley McChrystal (file)

   The  top  U.S.  commander  in Afghanistan says there is clear evidence
   that Iran is providing weapons and training to Taliban fighters in the
   war-torn nation.
   General  Stanley  McChrystal  told reporters in Kabul Sunday that Iran
   has a natural interest in Afghanistan because they are neighbors.  He
   said  many  interactions  between  the  two countries are healthy, but
   activities supporting the Taliban are "inappropriate."
   NATO's  top  civilian  representative,  Mark  Sedwill,  told reporters
   Saturday  this  is a critical time for Afghanistan due to the upcoming
   peace  assembly,  or  jirga,  and  the ongoing military efforts in and
   around Kandahar. Â
   He  said  these  are  opportunities for Afghanistan that have the full
   support of the international community and will help the peace process
   in the country move forward.
   General   McChrystal  also  said  the  insurgency  in  Afghanistan  is
   comprised  of  both  foreign  Taliban  fighters  and  local  militants
   fighting  close to their homes.  He said some locals are fighting out
   of ideological reasons while others are fighting out of frustration in
   what  they  see as a corrupt government.  He added that both of these
   problems must be addressed.
   Meanwhile,  NATO  said  a  small  arms  attack in southern Afghanistan
   killed  a  service  member  Sunday.   The  death brings the number of
   foreign soldiers killed in Afghanistan this year to 222.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP.

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