The Muslim residents of Bosnia's towns and cities that fell under the thrall of Radovan Karadzic were not as a group the fanatical adherents to Islam like they're made out to be - they did, however, own property and have valuables that could be extorted, stolen, or otherwise expropriated by Karadzic's followers.
Lastly, the US never supported the Taliban: Afghan history seems to be as mysterious to you as does that of Bosnia.
There's a price to be paid for being ignorant, and you'll continue to pay it until you address the deficiencies in your knowledge base.
I can repeat for you [others could read the answer in my posts, you failed - sorry]. Farmers are much more linked to their property [land] than town dwellers. And they much easier go rampant if their environment is threatened. Establishing a farm and garden takes generation. Establishing workshop or store - few years.
Sorry if it is above your level of understanding.
Lastly, the US never supported the Taliban: Afghan history seems to be as mysterious to you as does that of Bosnia.
Oh yeh, me knows your expertise in Afghan affairs. The only (very small) question is: how freedom-loving West could allow Taliban to smash and squash all their faithful allies? Or Taliban fits better for Western plans in the region than Massud et al resting in peace? Taliban in Central Asia, KLA and Izegbekovich at Balkans... Not even Islam is a special issue, but militant radical movement what really matters.
My knowledge base may have certain deficiences - but can you the most informed one help me with this contraversy?
Thanks, pal, without your input I WOULD NOT FIND THIS GEM
"Between 1994 and 1996 the USA supported the Taliban politically through its allies Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, essentially because Washington viewed the Taliban as anti-Iranian, anti-Shia and pro-Western. The USA conveniently ignored the Taliban's own Islamic fundamentalist agenda, its suppression of women and the consternation they created in Central Asia largely because Washington was not interested in the larger picture. Between 1995 and 1997 US support was even more driven because of its backing the Unocal [oil pipeline] project--even though at the time the USA had no strategic plan towards accessing Central Asian energy and thought that pipelines could be built without resolutions to regional civil wars. "
Hoppie, we are hell of a team together :-) I am only afraid that your Mujahedeen friends are not too happy.