CENTCOM..a frank, clear, scholarly and useful dialog

[Badlun]

Sometimes I wonder USA in spite of its democracy, human rights, development, prosperity, international aid has a negative image problem and many hate this superpower in spite of all its virtues. This country has changed the life of many persons and families. Many poor people of the world after entry to this land of opportunities become prosperous which completely change their life standard and that of their families. I personally know many such persons and families.

USA is spending billions of aid on poverty and social development. It’s extending all possible help against natural disasters. It’s running thousands of education and health projects throughout the world.

Their war in Iraq and Afghanistan besides their national interest is against terrorism and dictatorship.

What they lack is public diplomacy and positive propaganda to let the world know what they are contributing to the development of the world. Once people know it they ll start loving USA instead of hating this great country. They need propaganda as was done by USSR for communism although communism is worse than democracy and the record of USSR is bloodier than USA.

USA has fought wars like any other country, nation or power. Former USSR has not only fought wars but also conquered countries and made them part of the Union. We all know the history from Poland , to East Germany to Tajikistan to Afghanistan. The same has done by Muslims , by Pashtuns by Germans, by Turks and others when they were in power. It’s all power politics and balance of power game. This is what Realism teaches us. That’s why USA is not the only country or nation in this regard.USA like any other country or power has reasons for her wars.

We should not only look at USA only as a country which fights wars or invades others at least it does not conquer countries physically like others. We should also consider its humanitarian, developmental and other positive role in the world as well as its own internal development and progress as a nation.

Many are of the view that US should withdraw its forces from Afghanistan. The withdrawal or defeat of USA/NATO in Afghanistan will be the defeat of democracy and the war against terrorism.

What USA should do is to rethink its strategy for Afghanistan and Pashtuns. The hearts of common Pashtuns should be won with books not with bullets. the bullets should only be used against the terrorists in an intelligent way so that the terrorists don’t cash the collateral damages against USA and win more sympathizers for their evil cause and against democracy, West and USA.

USA or an NGO working for democracy and human rights in Afghanistan and Pakistan should use its funds on education, publicity and awareness. USA may start a special newspaper and a magazine of good quality in Pashto where the Pashtuns should be educated against terrorism and should provide good news and healthy entertainment. USA may learn from the past how communism won hearts even for its ugly agenda. There is a dire need of intense public diplomacy on the part of USA. Majority of things they are doing is good but people don't know and can’t appreciate it.

USA may not be a paragon of virtue but whatever I know that they toppled communist, Nazis, fascists, and dictators and are now crushing extremists like Taliban and Al Qaida. I don't know a single case where it has toppled a democratically elected government.

In its own national interest it might have invaded countries but the same is the tradition of all big powers including Muslims and Pashtuns. What I know that except few very tiny states, USA has never physically occupied a country and has merged it with United States of America as was done by the former USSR and others.

USA is not perfect and such kind of discussions may point out whatever they lack in their policies and strategies and if they are intelligent enough, can learn from such discussions so that they can better tackle world affairs being a super power of the world.

What I see is that USA being a state may look for her national interest first. This world is mostly based on realism and real politick not on idealism or wishful thinking. If USA cheats others, they may do it in their own interest. The cheated party may guard against their own interest so that they may not be cheated by USA. However USA being world super power may play more ethically, may not forget her good friends and may not let their allies and friends to feel cheated.

USA is a very strange country. Spending billions and trillions on humanitarian and other aids but doesn’t cash it in public diplomacy. I am surprised that why USA not like the erstwhile USSR does not launch an ideological campaign for democracy and human rights as used to be done by the former USSR for the barbaric Communism.

USA can earn hearts and minds of the millions of Pashtuns and Muslims if they launch such an intelligent propaganda program. USA can serve their saviour from the terrorists from poverty and ignorance.

I wish to know comments from some friends from USA , a US citizen or the one who is living in USA , Centcom , State department, Pentagon etc to comment that how is life over there and how the ideal life people are enjoying in USA can be exported to other countries specially to the backward Muslim world and to the conservative world of Pashtuns. I wish the world may follow USA as a great model for success, happiness and great life.

USA and its system may be followed as an ideology, as a code of life. Scholars should construct theoretical background for it , a philosophy and then a working plan as how the American ideals can be propagated in other parts of the world specially in Muslim countries, third world poor countries and in our case for Pashtunland.

Friends from Centcom here are specially requested to comment why US fails on the fronts of propaganda , public diplomacy and winning hearts of people.

Other members may use this thread to ask genuine questions from Centcom so that we have pointed feedback from Centcom on various issues related to Pashtuns and Afghanistan.

[Al Hanif]

The USA, not unlike Israel, is an illegitimate state built on the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Natives.

82,152,000 Native Americans were exterminated, by far the greatest genocide in the history of mankind

8,100,000 Africans were enslaved

500,000 Japanese civilians were murdered by nuclear bombs

1,166,000 Vietnamese were killed, millions of others burned alive by Napalm, millions of others suffered from the consequences of Agent Orange chemical herbicide

3,000,000 muslims were murdered since 2001, millions and millions of others mutilated for the rest of their lives


The USA is a fake country, the only country in the world with no name (United States), no (traditionnal) culture and no history (except bloody illegitimate wars).

A fake country built by Freemasons and now ruled by big-nosed curly-haired heebs.

The only reason why the US leave the countries they invaded, unlike USSR, is because USSR actually tried to improve the living conditions of the invaded countries, even if meant decreasing their national GDP, while the US simply invade, destroy what is valuable, human lives and material goods alike, install a puppet regime and leave.

To later sell American equipment and weapons to the country in ruins.

The US army is by far the biggest terrorist group in the world, invading sovereign states, overthrowing democratically elected governments, installing puppet regimes, murdering civilians, destroying infrastructures, using depleted uranium, white phosphorus on civilan populations and of course the only country in the world to blindly and unconditionnaly support the terrorist state of Israel.


The following is a partial list of U.S. military interventions from 1890 to 2011.

History of U.S. Military Interventions since 1890

Not less than 140 attempts to overthrow sovereign regimes, the majority of them being democratically elected socialist governments from Southern America.

The world is waking up to American lies and propaganda.

Ever since the day when Colin Powell shamlessly stated that Iraq had WMDs and Anthrax, to later admit that it was a lie, the world is fully aware of your sinister project to enslave the free world through deception.



Groups of resistants are emerging, led by muslims, who will never accept your oppression and tyranny.

You recent military defeats in Vietnam, Somalia and Afghanistan are the signs of your end.

Your entire economy lies on a giant debt bubble that will pop out in the next 15 years.


American soldiers have the highest rates of suicide. Every month there is a story of American civilians murdering themselves in killing spree shootings.

America, as the degenerate country it is, is dying, and this is a blessing to the entire world.

[SiiNii]

Badlun, CENTCOM is based in Tampa, why don't you ask them yourself? You're asking a lot of them to answer all of those questions on an obscure internet forum. Even if they do post, it'll be lost in the multi-page chaos that this thread will soon enter.

USA and its system may be followed as an ideology, as a code of life. Scholars should construct theoretical background for it , a philosophy and then a working plan as how the American ideals can be propagated in other parts of the world specially in Muslim countries, third world poor countries and in our case for Pashtunland.

Attempting to do this detracts from the overall mission:
1. Securing lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
2. Denying support for extremist forces.

'Scholars' you mentioned, what evidence is there of these college boys achieving the primary goals? Scholars like Paul Bremer (Yale) of the CPA-Iraq? State Dept officials in Afg insisting on building girls schools instead of securing Taliban controlled areas?

Or am I just biased against academics who haven't proven themselves where the rubber meets the road?

[SiiNii]

Friends from Centcom here are specially requested to comment why US fails on the fronts of propaganda , public diplomacy and winning hearts of people.

The Army has spent millions on recruiting campaigns, buying airtime, website banners, creating a videogame, sponsoring Nascar, etc....

But does that carries more weight than the advice of older friends, uncles who served, on whether or not a young man joins the Army?

Certainly, it's the same way with the people of Afghanistan. VOA broadcasts, leaflet drops, news papers have their place, but they're not more important that what their own Kaka Jan says about Americans. Its at this level that we have to focus our efforts.

[Karachi]

You are wrong, they play the divide and conquer game just like the British.

also what aid have they really given to the world? it's peanuts compared to their strength and size.

[Badlun]

Al Hanif post is based on some emotional statements like America is a fake country etc. By this standard many countries will be fake specially countries like Argentina, India, Uruguay, Cuba, Australia etc who almost do not have any aboriginal population but all inhabitants are inmigrated from other countries or brought by colonial powers. Also the story of murders and killings as well as invasions can be equally applied on other imperial powers in past like Arabs, Turks and even Pashtuns.

But his post is also full of a lot of facts and figures. I would request friends from Centcom to comment on it.

[Badlun]

SiiNii

Yes I agree kakas jans must be focused but a time is coming when tribal values will be diluted and individual freedom will prevail where each one will have right to opine not only Masharan, Kaka jans(elders)

I am taking this discussion up here on these forums because I am a member here. I do not want and cannot divide myself in pother forums. I do not think this is an obscure forum. The stuff here remains on line and any one with google can reach to the contents.

Also I do not have direct access to Centcom and am taking this opportunity of having some one from Centcom here to professionally clarify whatever doubts and queries we have about US and her policies especially regarding our region.

[Badlun]

You are wrong, they play the divide and conquer game just like the British.

also what aid have they really given to the world? it's peanuts compared to their strength and size.

British used to physically occupy lands while US usually fight against its enemies like Communists, Sadam, Al Qaida, Taliban for their own security and the security of the world. Whatever aid they give still is an aid. Not like the oil rich Arabs who only promote extremism and do not assist in educating Muslims around the world.

Centcom may update us on the aid figures US have for Muslim countries.

[Karachi]

British used to physically occupy lands while US usually fight against its enemies like Communists, Sadam, Al Qaida, Taliban for their own security and the security of the world. Whatever aid they give still is an aid. Not like the oil rich Arabs who only promote extremism and do not assist in educating Muslims around the world.

Centcom may update us on the aid figures US have for Muslim countries.

The oil rich arabs are just puppets of the US, why does US support evil regimes like Al Saud? also US supported the creation of Al Qaida.

[Kushan Prince]

The oil rich arabs are just puppets of the US, why does US support evil regimes like Al Saud? also US supported the creation of Al Qaida.

Don't forget the Taliban.

[faye]

Centcom may update us on the aid figures US have for Muslim countries.

you want to know about usaid. here
U.S. Agency for International Development

bear in mind that only a small percentage gets spent in the country. most goes to cost of organisers, middle men and american companies, according to an article i put on here a few weeks back.

[Badlun]

Publishing of news like this can give US the opportunity to have positive image in the minds and hearts of many
Event celebrates revival of Swat


ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shaukatullah Khan and US Ambassador Richard Olson joined businessmen at a ceremony here on Thursday to celebrate what they called dramatic economic recovery of Swat valley.
They said partnership between the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and business community had led to the recovery of tourism in the valley, generating revenue worth $4.2 million and creating 2,000 jobs.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Olson said that in the wake of conflict and floods that devastated the valley the US and Pakistan governments decided in 2010 to make efforts for recovery of the valley’s economy. He said the efforts helped in creating jobs and improving living condition of people.
The USAID provided grants, technical assistance, and in-kind support, including construction material, supplies and equipment, to 22 fisheries and 239 hotels — more than half of the total number of hotels in the valley. Backed up by this support, the businesses achieved great success. Hotels in valley now earn eight times and fisheries 12 times the revenues they earned before the project began.
The USAID estimates that the tourism industry in Swat valley will continue to grow in 2013, reaching $5 million in revenue.
Historically, tourism has been a key economic driver in the valley and at one time contributed $60 million a year to local economy. Conflicts and floods in 2010 severely damaged hotels and caused a significant decline in revenues, according to the USAID. Fisheries faced similar losses.
To help jump-start economic revival of the region, the USAID in 2010 joined the Provincial Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Settlement Authority to launch a Swat tourism rehabilitation effort. The US government provided $5.4 million funds for the initiative.
The tourism industry suffered losses in excess of $28 million as a result of conflicts and military interventions during the period from 2006 to 2009 and further losses of $2.1 million due to floods in July, 2010.
The fisheries sector in Swat also affected adversely during this period as production fell from an estimated 60 metric tons per year to a negligible amount. Hotels and fisheries sectors have the highest potential to lead the recovery of Swat’s economy, the USAID said in a statement.
The USAID Firms Project provided direct grants and in-kind procurement support, including construction material, hotel supplies and operating equipment, worth $2.5 million to 239 hotel businesses in Swat.
The project also provided cash grants and in-kind supplies of seed and fish feed, operating equipment worth $330.053 to 22 small and medium enterprises engaged in fish farming in Swat.
The USAID project interventions to bolster tourism in Malakand resulted in the increase of $3.34 million in the sales revenue of partner hotels — from $421,575 in 2010 to $3.76 million in 2012. This represents an eight-fold increase in sales revenue, USAID said.

[RevolutionThroughReason]

CENTCOM is merely a government Internet propaganda wing used to manipulate and deceive people into accepting the Government dictated narrative of events

They're the same type of people as "PAKI DEFENSE FORUM". The end.

[یاسمینه]

Wow, this thread should be renamed to The Voice of Centcom, but I think this agency is rich enough to create and maintain its own forum.

Anyway, for all Centcom lovers i recommend a documentary American Faust: From Condie to Neo Condie.