International   

U.S. to woo ``non-criminals'' in Taliban

Washington Dec. 22. In a fundamental change in strategy, instead of trying to root out the Taliban, the U.S. military will attempt to woo ``non-criminal'' members of the movement back into mainstream society, a top official said.

This new policy will be followed in the south-eastern Afghan provinces of Ghazni, Zabol and Kandahar, The Washington Post quoted Lt. Gen. David Barno, the new U.S. military commander in Afghanistan, as saying. Gen Barno said U.S. officials were shifting in this area to an ``integrated approach'' that woos back former Islamic fighters into civilian life.

``Those who are criminals must be held accountable but for the rank and file, the non-criminals, there will be opportunities for reconciliation and integration,'' he said. — PTI

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Russia to build powerful missile
• Religion: China objects to U.S. views
• Dhaka promises action against militants
• Diana: royal family declines comment
• `Khan being debriefed'
• U.S. to woo ``non-criminals'' in Taliban
• Mixed response to German reforms

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu