6 Americans on medical mission killed in Afghanistan German, Briton and two Afghans also slain in Taliban ambush on Christian charity workers

[spookyturtle 9,466]

KABUL, Afghanistan — Six Americans and two other foreigners on a medical mission were shot and killed by the Taliban who ambushed their vehicles in a remote part of northern Afghanistan, a charity said Saturday.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told The Associated Press in Pakistan that they killed the foreigners because they were "spying for the Americans" and "preaching Christianity."

Dirk Frans, director of the International Assistance Mission, said the eight-member medical team, which also included one German, one Briton and two Afghan interpreters, was driving to Kabul from an eye clinic in northeastern Nuristan province when they were killed in Badakhshan province to the north.

The group had decided to head through Badakhshan to return to the capital because they thought that would be the safest route, Frans said.

"This tragedy negatively impacts our ability to continue serving the Afghan people as IAM has been doing since 1966," according to a statement released by the nonprofit Christian organization. "We hope it will not stop our work that benefits over a quarter of a million Afghans each year."

Team leader slain

Among the dead was team leader Tom Little, an optometrist from Delmar, New York who has been working in Afghanistan for more than 30 years, Frans said.

Little was expelled by the Taliban government in August 2001 after the arrest of eight Christian aid workers — two Americans and six Germans — for allegedly trying to convert Afghans to Christianity. He returned to Afghanistan after the Taliban government was toppled in November 2001 by U.S.-backed forces.

Provincial police chief Gen. Agha Noor Kemtuz said the victims, who had been shot, were found Friday next to three bullet-riddled four-wheel drive vehicles in Kuran Wa Munjan district. He said villagers had warned the team that the area was dangerous, but the foreigners said they were doctors and weren't afraid. He said local police said about 10 gunmen robbed them and killed them one by one.

'I am Muslim. Don't kill me'

He said the two Afghan interpreters were from Bamiyan and Panjshir provinces. A third Afghan man, who had been traveling with the group, survived.

"He told me he was shouting and reciting the holy Quran and saying 'I am Muslim. Don't kill me,'" Kemtuz said.

Kemtuz said the survivor told him that the group was surrounded by gunmen and then attacked. Kemtuz speculated that robbery could have been a motive in the killings.

"We couldn't find any passports or anything," he said. "Nothing was left behind."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38604010/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/

[Nagishkaw 510]

(F) (F) (F) (F)

[slim 1,533]

In a wierd way, this story reminds me of the new Rambo movie.

Missionary - "We're going up there to change their lives."

Rambo - "Are you bringing a gun?"

Missionary - "No."

Rambo - "Then you're not changing anything."

[Ban Hammer 13,644]

In a wierd way, this story reminds me of the new Rambo movie.

Missionary - "We're going up there to change their lives."

Rambo - "Are you bringing a gun?"

Missionary - "No."

Rambo - "Then you're not changing anything."

lotta truth to that.

[slim 1,533]

And a great movie!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Time to leave that shithole. Who give a flying ** about Afghanistan anyways? Let the Taliban have if. If the Afghan people don't want them, they gotta chase them out. Apply surgical intervention where AQ is housed and let the place be what it is otherwise. Making that country into any place worth living in is a fcuking pipe dream anyways. Such a waste to be there.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

And a great movie!

It was $hit.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Time to leave that shithole. Who give a flying ** about Afghanistan anyways? Let the Taliban have if. If the Afghan people don't want them, they gotta chase them out. Apply surgical intervention where AQ is housed and let the place be what it is otherwise. Making that country into any place worth living in is a fcuking pipe dream anyways. Such a waste to be there.

word

[slim 1,533]

Time to leave that shithole. Who give a flying ** about Afghanistan anyways? Let the Taliban have if. If the Afghan people don't want them, they gotta chase them out. Apply surgical intervention where AQ is housed and let the place be what it is otherwise. Making that country into any place worth living in is a fcuking pipe dream anyways. Such a waste to be there.

We're not really there to make it a better place. That's just what they show on the news in a pseudo-justification for the americans who don't understand foreign policy.

It was $hit.

I'm not surprised at all that you'd dislike a movie that showcases the realities of the rest of the world.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Rambo isn't a "showcase for the realities of the rest of the world".

It's a fictional movie.

[slim 1,533]

Rambo isn't a "showcase for the realities of the rest of the world".

It's a fictional movie.

A fictional movie based on the realities of the rest of the world.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Is it? Or is it based on your perceptions?

Just what does Rambo teach you about the realities of life in Burma?

Crack open one or more of the many books on the subject if you're genuinely interested. Watch popcorn chewing action flicks if you aren't.

Stereotypical American arrogance at work.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

We're not really there to make it a better place.

No shite.

[slim 1,533]

Just what does Rambo teach you about the realities of life in Burma?

Crack open one or more of the many books on the subject if you're genuinely interested. Watch popcorn chewing action flicks if you aren't.

After reading quite a bit on the subject, the movie didn't teach me anything. However, what it did do was reinforce the fact that unarmed missionaries are always at the mercy of armed ANYONE they come in contact with. For another Hollywood blockbuster in support of this (that's also based on real-world events and not something I dreamed up) you can check a little film called Tears of the Sun.

Not artsy enough for you? Too American? Check out your buddy Briton in the movie Beyond Borders.

Stereotypical American arrogance at work.

Says the well-read scholar of international affairs and expert on tactical operations in third world countries. Arrogance? Try ignorance!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

After reading quite a bit on the subject, the movie didn't teach me anything. However, what it did do was reinforce the fact that unarmed missionaries are always at the mercy of armed ANYONE they come in contact with. For another Hollywood blockbuster in support of this (that's also based on real-world events and not something I dreamed up) you can check a little film called Tears of the Sun.

Not artsy enough for you? Too American? Check out your buddy Briton in the movie Beyond Borders.

Yes - I saw that too. Another $hit movie - but great if you like nasty, imperialist porn.

Says the well-read scholar of international affairs and expert on tactical operations in third world countries. Arrogance? Try ignorance!

Why should I try it when you so ably represent it?