Alysha Sayall – Nov. 20, 2008
US/Afghanistan/Pakistan (Political Cartoon)
Fares Garabet, Syria: http://www.cagle.com/politicalcartoons/pccartoons/archives/fares.asp?Action=GetImage
Time – Nov. 12, 2008
Place – Syria
Key People
- US troops in Afghanistan
- Pakistan
Main Ideas
This political cartoon, published in Syria, sheds light on the American situation in Afghanistan. It portrays a US soldier in Afghanistan, evidently on a patrol seeming to try and keep the peace, yet with a ghost behind its back. Inscribed onto the ghost, which apprears to be scaring and following the soldier, is the word “Pakistan.” The Syrian cartoonist, it seems, is depicting how US troops in Afghanistan are constantly hindered in their abilities due to Pakistan’s activities. Pakistan has been accused of funding terror for quite some time, therefore being the “ghost” behind the US that is encouraging insurgency and violence in the country. The proclaimed US objectives of securing peace in the region, therefore, are countered by Pakistan’s actions.
Your Response to Article
I found it interesting that Syria would have a cartoon so blatantly accusing its Arab neighbors of funding terrorism. Still, I can see the rationale behind this cartoon, as it is something that many Americans have stressed, yet its problem has not been addressed. Bush continues to consider Pakistan an ally in the fight against terrorism. But, there is no direct evidence that the Pakistani government has a funding involvement. Obama, however, was criticized for speaking so openly about his concern about Pakistan’s ties, and the neccessity to use force in such a situation. While I think the threat at this stage was unneccessary, the problem is one that should be recognized.
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