InfoAnda - Soldiers march to a different beat in Afghan war

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Obama to request suspension of Guantanamo cases | 21 January 2009
Bon Jovi documentary to rock Tribeca Film Festival | Entertainment | | 6 April 2009
Yemen upholds death sentence in Israel spy case | 3 April 2010

East Afghan frontline emerges as major hurdle | | 24 January 2012

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Soldiers march to a different beat in Afghan war

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World Soldiers march to a different beat in Afghan war AFP - Wednesday, February 3 Send IM Story Print Soldiers serving in the NATO/ISAF joint task force wait for a flight at the IASF Task Force base of Tarin Kowt in the southern province of Uruzgan. TIRIN KOT, Afghanistan (AFP) - – In the darkness as they wait to board the giant transport plane, silent soldiers hunch against the cold in their body armour and helmets, listening to the beat of another war. The subdued radio rendition of "Paint it black" by the Rolling Stones is a rare reminder for troops in the deserts of Afghanistan of the iconic rock and roll background to the conflict in the jungles of Vietnam. Here, the iPod has made the music of war more personal. "People now listen to their own stuff -- funk or rap or rock or whatever," says a Dutch soldier with the NATO-led International Security Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan's southern Uruzgan province. What hasn't changed since the Vietnam war is that the troops are young, mostly in their late teens and early twenties, with only some of the officers breaching 30. And despite changes that have brought more women into modern armies, the military in Afghanistan is still an overwhelmingly macho machine and Playboy magazine is still a fixture of war. But today's troops also have the likes of Lady Gaga and the Pussycat Dolls available on satellite television even in remote outposts, something the soldiers of a couple of generations ago could only dream of. Another crucial difference between the two wars is that most NATO troops are volunteers -- unlike the sometimes bitter and rebellious conscripts of Vietnam. They want to be tough, and they want to fight. During their spare time many of the already-big men spend a lot of effort getting bigger, working out in well-equipped gyms or, stuck on a mountain during a patrol, pumping rocks -- for fun. The stores on the main bases are full of body-building supplements -- along with combat knives and special forces gear for soldiers who apparently find the sophisticated modern weaponry provided by their governments to be inadequate. In the Mirwais outpost in Uruzgan, "Modern Warfare" is a popular video game played on a large screen in the mess, where the chattering of fake automatic fire echoes the real thing from the firing range behind the base. The Dutch approach to the war in Afghanistan is focused more on winning hearts and minds through development and diplomacy than on killing insurgents linked to the hardline Islamist Taliban regime, who were ousted in 2001. That can make life a little complicated for the troops, some of whom suggest only half-jokingly that they envy US soldiers who, they believe, have more licence to "kick ass". "It's easier to kick ass because that's what we are trained for," Sergeant Rob told AFP, providing only his rank and first name according to Dutch military procedure. "But now we have to think about a lot of other things," he mused, relaxing in the sunshine on a small smoking deck behind Mirwais' blast-proof walls and gazing out at the surrounding snow-dusted mountains. On patrols through towns and villages the troops sometimes try to engage with the local population, buying food and firewood from local traders -- or cakes, which they hand out to children. But often the soldiers are greeted only by a stony, watchful silence from bearded men in turbans and robes as they walk through the bazaars with rifles at the ready. Private First Class Siegfried says he doesn't know the Afghan people because he can't speak their language. "I can't understand them, but I've got no reason to hate them. Their culture is different," he says. "It's another world," is a common response to questions on how the troops feel about Uruzgan, an impoverished province of barren mountains and narrow river valleys where life has changed little over the centuries. But in the military bases, billions of dollars of Western taxpayers' money keep the generators humming, the jets and the helicopters flying -- and the soldiers fed. In outposts such as Mirwais, the troops eat mainly ready-cooked rations -- meals-ready-to-eat or MREs -- with regular fare limited to a range of stews. But in a major ISAF base, like Kamp Holland in the provincial capital Tirin Kot, life is relatively luxurious, with the selection of food on offer -- if not the quality of the cooking -- good enough for a mid-range hotel. Main courses can include roast turkey or chicken, steak, spare ribs, pasta and all the trimmings, plus a range of salads, breads and five different kinds of fruit, along with half-a-dozen choices of coffee. That's a lot more variety than can be found in the outfits worn to dinner, however, where camouflage is always the new black. The occasional blond ponytail over a shapeless uniform indicates there are some women on the base, but they, like their dinner companions, tend to have pistols strapped to their thighs. In Mirwais the troops live in tents; in Kamp Holland they sleep and work in shipping containers with roofs armoured against rocket attack. There is a popular volley-ball court in the dust of Kamp Holland, not far from a memorial to the 21 Dutch soldiers who have been killed in the Afghanistan campaign. At night some soldiers play chess or cards, but many spend their spare time chatting to their wives and girlfriends through Internet connections -- another innovation that would have startled their Vietnam counterparts. A tour of duty for Dutch soldiers in Afghanistan is four-and-a-half months, after which the men at Mirwais were due to get a couple of days in Crete. There they will speak to military psychologists about their experience, have their first beers and blow off a little steam before heading home -- to whatever beat their iPods provide. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles "Frontier Gandhi" brings Pashtun peace icon to life Reuters - 2 hours 18 minutes ago Model Katie Price marries again Reuters - 2 hours 21 minutes ago `Today' sending crew to Vancouver Winter Olympics AP - Thursday, February 4 Cowell's Haiti charity single gets first airing AP - Thursday, February 4 Studio rolling out "Harry Potter," "Titans" in 3D Reuters - Thursday, February 4 News Search Top Stories US debt to hit ceiling by end February: Treasury Gunslinger reflex helps save lives: UK research EU backs Greek debt efforts Uproar in Brazil over huge Amazon dam plan Content is 'electronic emperor' says Murdoch More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Low serotonin linked to infants' sudden cot death: study Healthy adults need less sleep as they age: study Germany decides to buy Swiss tax-dodger data French court asks did Continental cause Concorde crash Content is 'electronic emperor' says Murdoch More Most Viewed » Scientists praise Obama as Doomsday clock reset More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Dictatorship still exists in post-1979 Iran: Mousavi
Russia-Ukraine spy scandal erupts on eve of vote
Obama to meet Dalai Lama despite China warnings |
Nokia, SAP, G&D start anti-counterfeiting joint venture
Germany to pay $3.5m for Swiss data on tax dodgers
Iran says ready to send enriched uranium abroad |
Obama to highlight jobs, small business lending
Militants pledge to float more bombs toward Israel
Yemen rebels say open to Saudi prisoner swap |
Anger as pope condemns Britain's gay-friendly laws
Online gamers set for consolidation wave in 2010
Concorde trial seeks cause of deadly crash
Concorde trial starts in France 10 years after crash |
Taliban influence growing, US military chief warns
Mexico Senate wants answers about student massacre |
Clare Short slams Blair argument for Iraq war
Bosnian police raid radical Muslim stronghold |
Polish PM sees euro convergence plan approved Wednesday |
Haiti aid operation still has way to go, U.N. says |
Iraq's Basra to ban beggars to prevent attacks
Hamas leader says Israel prisoner swap at impasse |
Iran to execute nine protesters 'soon'
US senator asks companies about China rights practices
Nokia, SAP, G&D start anti-counterfeiting joint venture
Obama to meet Dalai Lama despite China warnings
Amazon loss on e-book pricing could fuel trend |
US warns Japan child custody laws could harm ties
Thai coalition to defy PM in push for constitutional change
Law barring lies about military medals faces test
S.Korea says it won't reward N.Korea for summit
China police boss in dock over mob links
Federal agent says he may have erred in Ohio sting
Feng shui master loses bid for ex-lover's fortune
Motor City freeze: Detroit home encased in ice
Pakistani Taliban: No need to prove leader alive
US militant suspects complain of torture in Pakistan
Punxsutawney Phil's text: Better late than never
U.S. missile strike kills 10 militants in Pakistan
Ford US auto sales jump 24 percent in January
Myanmar may free Suu Kyi during polls: Thailand
Salazar discusses wind farm with Mass. tribes
Top uniformed officer: Gay ban should be lifted
DC Metro police hold anti-terror drill
'Andy Griffith' producer Aaron Ruben dies at 95
Only living American WWI vet turns 109 in W.Va.
China cancels 80% of Iraq debt
Softbank profit soars, buys stake in Ustream
Toyota says global expansion not to blame for recall
Oscar odds and ends and facts and figures
The top 10 singles and albums on iTunes
'The White Ribbon' top contender for foreign Oscar
Former `Boston Legal' actor dies in US crash
'Avatar', 'The Hurt Locker' top Oscar nominations
Review: Nneka delivers passionate CD on society
Lifting gay ban is 'right thing to do': US military chief
Rio residents head to beach at night to escape heat
Ceausescu's son seeks ban on play on ex-Romanian dictator
One in three Taiwanese women want new husbands: poll
Iran says ready to send uranium abroad as UN wants
Number of web addicts in China soars: survey
China warns against Obama-Dalai Lama meeting |
Content is 'electronic emperor' says Murdoch
Israel must "roll back" and end occupation
Internet Explorer a champ but Chrome a contender
Iran test-fires satellite carrier: report |
Apple iPad to ignite tablet computer market: ABI
Content is 'emperor of all things electronic': Murdoch
Low serotonin linked to infants' sudden cot death: study
Google tailoring tablet computer software
Bomb kills four foreigners in Pakistan |
Microsoft's Bing will make money: executive
Biden: Iran leaders sow seeds of own destruction
Iran makes new nuclear offer, U.S. ready to listen |
Next threat to Amazon's $9.99 books? Rupert Murdoch
Lancet formally retracts 1998 paper linking vaccine and autism
Iran: US missile system to sow Gulf division
Israel launches air strikes in Gaza |
Study links excessive internet use to depression
Families blame Mexico's Calderon over massacre |
Google attacks 'wake-up call'
North Koreans starving after currency move: reports |
Comments getting out of hand, Engadget turns them off
7 injured in blast in northern Australia
Sodomy trial of Malaysia's Anwar set to start
Cyberthieves are hiring, using online ads |
Christmas bomb suspect "cooperating" with U.S
New Zealand virgin auctions herself for tuition
Nearly a ton of pot seized near U.S.-Mexico border
SWAT team responds to cap gun at Wash. school
Thailand braces for fresh political instability
Next threat to Amazon's $9.99 books? Rupert Murdoch |
Lifting gay ban 'right thing to do': US military chief
Study links excessive Internet use to depression |
Police to probe Hong Kong feng shui master's fake will
American convicted of sex abuse
Australia relaxes travel ban for Fijian minister
CO girl killed when school bus collides with car
Report: Top NKorean official fired over inflation
Malaysia's Anwar faces sodomy trial
Pro-Beijing party to boycott Hong Kong elections
Trial begins for Pa. woman who pierced kittens
Texas couple guilty of enslaving Nigerian widow
Sex offender convicted in Wis. triple homicide
Microsoft's Bing will make money: executive |
Oil, trucking industries sue Calif. over fuel rule
Recovering Asia looks beyond Fed to China
Vietnam bank executive held over bribes: reports
Fitch warns China banks face big 'bubble risk'
China Q1 lending to halve in crackdown on loans: report
Report: Top NKorean official fired over inflation
US chides Toyota over massive recall
Hyundai sales soar in US amid Toyota recall
PAKISTAN
Apple's Wozniak: Toyota may have software trouble
More questions as 'Lost' begins its last season
North Koreans starving after currency move-reports
John Mayer puts on free concert for SC fans
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Brits celebrate Oscar nominations
Songwriter Brooks makes $1.25M bail in NY sex case
Exes, couples among Oscar nominees
Oscar snubs "Avatar's" motion-capture actors
Oscar snubs Avatar's motion-capture actors |
Correction: Miss America story
Exes, couples among Oscar nominees |
8.1 mln pounds for Picasso work not seen since 1967
Friends Sidibe, Mulligan among 12 Oscar first-timers |
"Dear John" -- return to sender
White Ribbon tipped as early Oscar favorite |
Film studios look to cash in on Oscar nominations |
An Education set to benefit from Oscar nominations |
Brits celebrate Oscar nominations |
Michael Jackson doctor not due to surrender: lawyer |
Bomb kills 20 in Iraqi Shi'ite city of Kerbala
Britain urges military co-operation with France: report
Cuba's Internet revolution edges forward, with limits
EU backs Greek debt efforts
'At least 17 dead, 116 wounded' in Iraq attack
US-TECH Summary
Iran hails successful satellite launch
Court ordered to rule again on Bashir genocide charge |
Iraqi police: 20 killed in Karbala blast
Iran says launches satellite rocket
Hamas gives U.N. response to Gaza war crimes report |
Iran sends rocket with animal menagerie into space
Housing Haiti's homeless sparks debate as rains loom |
Afghan leader cancels meeting with top Muslim body |
Bomb kills 20 in Iraqi Shi'ite city of Kerbala |
Student denies charges as Iran protest trial resumes |
Obama plan worries cities that rely on space jobs
Obama to meet governors at White House
Ex-POW in Iraq war recalls nightmares, depression
Chinese language tutor sought for US-born panda
Obama responds to ire over 2nd anti-Vegas remark
Sanctions stay until N.Korea resumes nuclear talks: US
Analysis: Signs point to shift on gays in military
China seeks language tutor for US-born panda
Hope returns after year of steep US dairy losses
AOL posts profit, but subscribers dwindle |
Australian official urges balance in India reports
Comcast profit up on Internet, phone subscribers |
Friend charged with hiding Fla. lotto winner death
Vote chief rejects Sri Lanka rigging charges
Space rock worth thousands stirs ownership debate
Creator of Australia's 'Skippy' dies
SPIN METER: Pols cool to public-financed campaigns
Reports: Top NKorean official fired over inflation
North Koreans starving after currency move
Conn. mom, triplets die after their births at home
Malaysia's Anwar pleads not guilty to sodomy
Philippine massacre victims seek relief from ASEAN
Taiwan's UMC posts $137mln profit
Cambodian PM names 3 likely listings on new bourse
Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ posts nine-month profit
Pakistani o/n rates, rupee flat; stocks up
India service sector major growth: survey
Honda profit soars as cost cuts offset lower sales
Asia plane orders could top trillion dollars
Two Koreas set to discuss tourism projects
Sharp posts $100 million profit on cost cuts
Sharp narrows losses but market remains bleak
Studio rolling out "Harry Potter," "Titans" in 3D
Murdoch says Fox, Conan have had "conversations"
Worst movies of all time led by Clooney's Batman |
"Entourage" star zooms in on "Teenage Paparazzo"
Avatar, Hurt Locker square off at Oscars |
Historic German studio celebrates record Oscar run |
Model Katie Price marries again |
Pakistan eunuchs face life full of struggles
Frontier Gandhi brings Pashtun peace icon to life |
Jackie Collins begins "Girl" whirl
"An Education" set to benefit from Oscar nominations
Soldiers march to a different beat in Afghan war
Studio rolling out Harry Potter, Titans in 3D |
Murdoch says Fox, Conan have had conversations |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01