Word on the Street: Afghanistan

"To be frank, the [Afghan] president is a very suspicious guy. There are really massive question marks concerning corruption. On the other hand, there is much sense in helping people in Afghanistan. I really believe NATO is fighting for good in the world and that it is not necessary to push politically hard for withdrawal. If someone has the experience of living under any unpleasant regime, he should do something for other people who live under such regimes. We are really obliged to help those people."

Karel, entrepreneur

"Our teams of specialists should be there, for sure. Czech policemen are smart and skillful and world-famous for it. I also believe once we are a part of NATO and we go somewhere, we should do as much good as possible. Of course, all the information I have is from newspapers, so it's difficult to judge Karzai's situation. As far as I can tell, it seems better that someone keep an eye on what he's up to. All the money going there to help people might just be lining someone's pocket."

Karel, teacher

Karel

Karel

Petr

Ondřej

Zdeněk

Martina

"We need to be careful about the situation in Afghanistan. Of course people need help, and our special reconstruction units are doing a good job as far as anyone can tell. It is worthwhile to help and to keep sending experts. As our presence has recently caused more good than bad, I am for it. But on the other hand, we don't know much about Czech activity in Afghanistan, so what can I really say?"

Petr, tourism official

"Of course there are doubts about Karzai's intentions. But it is good to help the people who have already suffered a lot. The country has to be rebuilt, and to be honest, I have only a vague idea of what the Czech team is doing there. Generally, I believe it is right to help other people, and in Afghanistan there are certainly people in need. If we have the capacity to help, we should."

Ondřej, student

"They actually need our presence there. If the Afghans are left alone, there will be a lot of trouble. I very much prefer that the Czech Republic send more specialists than soldiers, people who have something to offer, who can actually help or help run some businesses. We have a lot of well educated people who can help starting new industries or something."

Zdeněk, chef

"I don't follow the situation that closely. There can be no doubt it is very important to help other people. And in this case, it is particularly important because in every war innocent people are the ones who suffer most. It can only be good that our army is present in Afghanistan and that our special units help to rebuild the country. It is probably necessary to help build roads and other things."

Martina, nurse