Wednesday, December 07, 2005
OSAMA POLL NOSEDIVE
Nearly 80% of Afghans think their country is moving in the right direction:
Ninety-one percent prefer the current Afghan government to the Taliban regime, and 87 percent call the U.S.-led overthrow of the Taliban good for their country. Osama bin Laden, for his part, is as unpopular as the Taliban; nine in 10 view him unfavorably.
Progress fuels these views: Despite the country’s continued problems, 85 percent of Afghans say living conditions there are better now than they were under the Taliban. Eighty percent cite improved freedom to express political views. And 75 percent say their security from crime and violence has improved as well. After decades of oppression and war, many Afghans see a better life.
Meanwhile, an old friend makes a welcome return:
Defence spokesman Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lincoln said the PRT will face a number of challenges including the harsh Afghan winter.