Deutsche Welle Daniel Scheschkewitz: Attacks in Afghanistan Mark Pivotal Point

Two German soldiers were among those killed in suicide attacks in northern Afghanistan this weekend. The latest attacks underscore the devastating statistics: more than 50 German soldiers and a total of almost 2,500 ISAF soldiers have been killed since the start of the Afghan conflict, and the extremists are becoming increasingly dangerous. For the first time, the German army is even struggling to protect its generals. On Saturday, one of the attackers managed to gain entry to a high-level security meeting in Taloquan, a provincial town, disguised as a policeman. Intelligence agencies had warned of the attack, but a top-level meeting was not canceled. Most Afghan soldiers, as the police officers, lack feelings of of civil responsibility and national pride, but feel that only tribal loyalties matter. Jobs in the Afghan Army and police force lack civil responsibility and national pride, but are tied to old tribal loyalties. Also, jobs in the army and the police force are poorly paid, leading us to believe that an equitable salary would give Afghan soldiers, police officers and their families a reasonably good income.