Afghanistan To Get 'Big Brother' Cameras

The U.S. Government is contemplating a massive video surveillance project for the country of Afghanistan that would establish surveillance over all major thoroughfares in Kabul, the capital city, as well as all U.S. and multinational camps, traffic circles and Afghan ministry compounds.

The surveillance apparatus would provide a 24/7 command and control system that would be enable authorities to track personnel and identify vehicles with the use of license plate recognition systems.

This post from Wired does a good job of summing up my feelings. “Sorry, don't get me wrong; camera systems can be an extremely effective way of monitoring high-value or sensitive sites, particularly in Kabul. But a fiber optic ring around Afghanistan? License plate recognition systems? What the heck country are we talking about? How about a recognition system for donkey carts which are still commonly used in Afghanistan.”