US stokes insecurity in Afghanistan to justify presence

An Iranian lawmaker says the United States is responsible for the ongoing wave of bombings and terror attacks in Afghanistan.

Abbas Moghtadaie Khorasgani on Friday blamed the US for the growth of violence and insecurity in Afghanistan, and lashed out at the foreign troops in the war-torn country for their repeated human rights violations.

He also argued that Washington prevents the publication of reports detailing cases of abuse involving the US military personnel in Afghanistan.

The Iranian Majlis (parliament) member also noted that the presence of the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan has fueled the acts of terror in the war-ravaged country, adding that Washington stokes insecurity in the Asian state in an effort to justify its military presence there.

Insecurity continues to rise across Afghanistan, despite the presence of about 130,000 US-led forces there.

The United Nations announced on February 4 that 2011 was the deadliest year on record for Afghan civilians. The death toll rose eight percent compared to 2010 and was roughly double the figure for 2007.

Also, the rising number of military casualties in Afghanistan has caused widespread anger in the US and other members of the NATO military alliance, undermining public support for the US-led occupation of the country.