ChicSunTimes

Jackson calling for more aid to Afghans

October 12, 2001

BY ART GOLAB STAFF REPORTER

Humanitarian aid and diplomatic negotiation should take precedence over bombs and military force in dealing with the Taliban government in Afghanistan, the Rev. Je sse Jackson said Thursday.

"We must pay increased attention to the humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan--not simply drop bread crumbs with the bombs,'' he told the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board. "Humanitarian aid must be more than symbolic. The people have real needs: food, water and medicine."

He said continued bombing could hurt the shaky anti-terrorism coalition the Bush administration has patched together.

Jackson also called on the Bush administration to pressure our allies in the coalition to use their contacts to open lines of communication with the Taliban.

"Our allies could at least be fighting diplomatically while we're fighting militarily," he said. "The Saudis know the Taliban, the Egyptians know the Taliban, the Pakistanis know them--they should be working as hard at trying to convince the Taliban diplomatically as we are fighting and taking the risk militarily."

Jackson shed some light on his decision not to go to Afghanistan to negotiate with Taliban officials, while denying reports he initially contacted the Taliban.

"What was I going to do? Pick up the phone and call 1-800 TALIBAN, 'this is Jesse Jackson on the phone?' "

Jackson said he was prepared to discuss two issues: the turnover of Osama bin Laden and other suspected terrorists, and the release of eight Christian missionaries.

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2001