Taliban Bomb Kills Children

The Toronto Star
March 3, 2009

Last week, three Afghan children were killed by a Taliban bomb. Although Canada had originally been implicated in this incident, it was clearly not the fault of Canadian soldiers. After the tragic explosion, forensic scientists analyzed the bomb, and deduced that it was most likely an old munition, possibly left from the Soviet occupation of the country. This relic was likely made into a trap for oncoming soldiers, scientists believe. This great tragedy that occurred last week touched off "a burst" of anti-Canadian sentiments in the small village of Salehan, where young children ages 4, 12 and 13, were killed. From the outset of this bombing, Afghan police blamed the obvious culprit: the Taliban. They theorized that the young children had simply come across a booby trap that may have been meant for Canadian soldiers instead. Military officials are perturbed as to why villagers were so eager to blame Canadians in this troubling matter.

In my opinion, this incident is deeply troubling and a true reflection on the sad reality of the situation in Afghanistan. While Canadians are trying to keep peace and save as many lives as they can, not everyone can be saved. This bombing is a sad reflection on this reality. I believe that the Taliban are truly reckless and mercenary in their placement of "booby traps" and do not care whatsoever about the lives of any innocent civilians or children. This is an awful sentiment to have, considering this war does not concern those innocent people that are caught in the battle. The most disturbing question however is why and how the villagers blamed the Canadians in this matter? Clearly there is a great deal of confusion among the Afghanis about who to trust in this battle that seem to rage forever. The reality is that Canadians are not to blame in this situation, and all the blame must be put upon the Taliban who have taken civilian lives without remorse in the past. By casting blame on Canadian troops, the Taliban militants clearly seek to turn villagers against peacekeeping forces in an attempt to better their own chances at regaining power. The Canadians must keep up their fine work of peacekeeping in the Middle East.