UN: Afghan Security Worst Since Start of War

UN: Afghan Security Worst Since Start of War
40% of Country Totally Off-Limits
by Jason Ditz, February 23, 2011

Speaking today on the situation in Afghanistan, outgoing UN Deputy Special Representative Robert Watkins reported that security in the nation is at its worst levels since the 2001 invasion, and that the situation is progressively getting worse.

Watkins, who has spent two years at his position, noted that NATO keeps insisting things are "getting better," but that the UN operations in the country haven't seen any improvements whatsoever in the ability to deliver aid.

Indeed, Watkins insists that roughly 40% of the nation, including much of the south and the major city of Kandahar are virtually "off limits" to UN personnel because it is just too dangerous to go there.

Watkins also warned that NATO's role in aid distribution has put a target on other, non-military aid groups, by adding to the perception that humanitarian aid operations are part of the military occupation.

http://news.antiwar.com/2011/02/23/un-afghan-security-worst-since-start-of-war/