An Army handbook advising American soldiers to not speak badly of the Taliban, advocate women's rights or criticize pedophilia in Afghanistan has been leaked, to particular disapproval by the U.S.’ commanding Afghan general.
The proposed 75-page document, obtained by the Wall Street Journal, suggests soldiers' ignorance of Afghan culture is partially to blame for a rise in deadly insider attacks, with more than three dozen reported this year.
'Many of the confrontations occur because of [coalition] ignorance of, or lack of empathy for, Muslim and/or Afghan cultural norms, resulting in a violent reaction from the [Afghan security force] member,' a portion of the draft obtained by the Journal reads.

'Better situational awareness/understanding of Afghan culture will help better prepare [troops] to more effectively partner and to avoid cultural conflict that can lead toward green-on-blue violence,' the draft reasons.

Additional notes of caution for U.S. troops provided in the handbook’s current draft are direct criticism of Afghans, mentioning homosexuality or homosexual conduct and anything related to Islam.