Speaking of Afghanistan

Human Rights Watch has accused the US of needless civilian casualties, lawless arrests and prison torture in Afghanistan, reports the Toronto Star.

"The behaviour of the United States sends the message that the U.S. operates on a set of double standards," the New York-based rights group said, referring to Washington's criticism of other countries' human rights records.

Among other things, the report cited cases of excessive force in making arrests, including one where a farmer was killed in an operation aimed at a different man - who was subsequently released. It also notes that 15 children were killed in two incidents a day apart and described

"credible and consistent" allegations that prisoners were beaten, deprived of sleep and shackled for long periods.

The HRW press release is here; the report itself is here.

Footnote, Unintentional Humor Dept.: The Star also says that

[t]he U.S. military rejected the rights watchdog's findings, saying the agency "confused the situation" in Afghanistan with one where peacetime methods could be used.

I thought Afghanistan was "stable and peaceful." No?