Afghan rebels wage war on 'soft targets': Insurgents hope to silence clerics and government allies, intimidate followers. From: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) | Date: May 13, 2007 | COPYRIGHT 2007 Chicago Tribune. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: Kim Barker

May 13--NARAY, Afghanistan -- The cleric was known throughout eastern Afghanistan as "The Muslim" for his great knowledge of Islam. At a community meeting last month, he thundered at his audience, waving his arms and pounding on the lectern.

"Everywhere innocent people are dying!" Fazal Ahad shouted at the crowd members, who listened silently. "My people, please do not use the word Islam to justify your bad deeds."

Four days late...