Afghan complaints show obstacles ahead in war

MARJAH, Afghanistan - One by one, residents of Marjah stood up before Afghan officials yesterday to voice complaints - their houses damaged, relatives killed during this month's massive military offensive in southern Afghanistan.

The litany of problems, aired at a meeting called to affirm central government support, highlights the challenge in store for NATO and Afghan authorities as they seek to transform the former Taliban stronghold into a model for counterinsurgency.

Their visit occurred on a day when six NATO service members were killed in separate attacks around the country, showing that hard fighting lies ahead, even if pacifying Marjah is successful. At least 10 Afghan civilians also died in a string of bombings in the south, officials said.

An Afghan government delegation from Kabul, headed by Vice President Karim Khalili, made its initial foray to the town to meet with some 300 tribal elders and residents at the largest shura, or council meeting, since coalition troops seized control of Marjah last month.

NATO military commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal and civilian chief Mark Sedwill came along in a sign that international forces intend to support the Afghan government's efforts in the troubled south.

"The most important thing is to bring peace and stability to the people in Afghanistan," Khalili told the residents. "This is a beginning in Marjah. We will be with you. We will stay and fight. We will bring you good governance."

The townspeople appeared skeptical, and some were angry.

An elderly man stood up to say his family members had been killed, although he didn't say by whom. After offering his condolences, Khalili reached out to embrace him and promised some money and assistance to his family.

Another elderly man complained that his house was destroyed during the offensive.

"You promised not to use big weapons. Why was my house destroyed?" he asked.

The allied forces have cleared most of Marjah but NATO has warned there could be pockets of violence for weeks.