The destruction of the statues is the fault of "the West." By isolating the Taleban, who at this point (unfortunately) really are the proper, rightful rulers of Afghanistan, "the West" has blown any chance it has to negotiate with them. "Oh, please, don't destroy these wonderful statues, you fucking backward terrorist camel jockies!" Yeah, that'll work. They've been threatening to destroy these items for years, but until now, haven't. Take the actual destruction as a sign that the sanctions, insults, bombings, and threats aren't working, but only re-inforcing the radical quasi-Islamic beliefs of the Taleban and their supporters.

And one other thing about Afghanistan... So fucking what if some women have to wear funny hats and can't go to work? What a waste of time to worry about inconveniences like that when the Hazara and other minorities are being slaughtered like sheep. So, sorry, Afghan women. Life just sucks. Get used to it, and be glad you're not rotting in a mass grave.

And to rube1, yes, there are "threats of that sort emanating from...Christian religions." All around the world, Christian missionaries are taking part in the destruction of indigenous cultures, as well as non-Christian religions. Jews, pagans, Hindus, Buddhists, and pretty much all other non-Christian groups are targets for missionary faith-bribes and propaganda. Cultures thousands of years older than the Christian faiths are constantly being weakened and perverted by Christian missionaries. I think that qualifies as a "threat." Kick a missionary's ass today. :)

Ah, and, like, no offense, everyone...

---Lepus Rex