Row after US claim Afghans burn own children

AN investigation into claims international troops killed scores of civilians in northeast Afghanistan escalated into a feud between President Hamid Karzai and senior US military officials who cited a report that Afghan parents have been known to discipline children by burning their hands and feet.

Karzai spokesman Waheed Omar described comments made by Rear Admiral Gregory Smith, director of communications for the US-led coalition, also known as International Security Assistance Force, as being “outrageous, insulting and racist”. He demanded a clarification.

The flap started during a discussion at the presidential palace about claims that NATO forces killed about 60 civilians during a four-day operation in Kunar province — a charge that has been contested by the international coalition.