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Six Americans Killed in Afghanistan in Separate Attacks
By ABC News | ABC OTUS News By LUIS MARTINEZ, NICK SCHIFRIN and ALEEM AGHA
Six Americans were killed today in Afghanistan in two separate incidents. Five of them, including two civilians, were killed when their State Department convoy was struck by a car bomb as it headed to a local school to donate books to students.
Another American civilian was killed in an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan.
The bomb attack on the convoy took place in Qalat, the capital of the southern Afghan province of Zabul. The blast killed three American military service members, a female State Department Foreign Service Officer and a civilian working for the Department of Defense.
Another 10 people were also injured in the blast including four additional State Department employees, one of them injured critically.
In a statement Secretary of State John Kerry said the team was en route to a local school in Qalat to donate books to local students "when they were struck by this despicable attack."
He praised the fallen State Department employee as "an exceptional young Foreign Service Officer" and said "our State Department family is grieving over the loss of one of our own."
Kerry said he had met the unidentified Foreign Service Officer during his recent trip to Kabul "when she was selected to support me during my visit to Afghanistan." He described her as "everything a Foreign Service Officer should be: smart, capable, eager to serve, and deeply committed to our country and the difference she was making for the Afghan people. She tragically gave her young life working to give young Afghans the opportunity to have a better future."
It remained unclear whether insurgents were targeting the American convoy or the governor of Zabul, who was nearby at the time of the attack.
An Afghan police official told ABC News that the American convoy had pulled out of its Provincial Reconstruction base in the middle of the city of Qalat and was next to a convoy carrying the governor, who was on his way to open up a school when a car sped into the combined convoy and exploded.
Another American civilian was killed in a separate insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan, U.S. Forces Afghanistan said in a press release today.
A NATO press release about the Zabul attack indicated that two "coalition civilians" had been killed. A short time later the U.S. Embassy in Kabul released a statement confirming that there were American and Afghan casualties in the attack. That led to speculation that one or both of the civilians mentioned in the NATO press release worked for the State Department.
A NATO press release about the Zabul attack indicated that two "coalition civilians" had been killed. A short time later the U.S. Embassy in Kabul released a statement confirming that there were American and Afghan casualties in the attack. That led to speculation that one or both of the civilians mentioned in the NATO press release worked for the State Department.
Located north of Kandahar, Zabul has not had much of a U.S. military or civilian presence in the 11 years that U.S. forces have been involved in Afghanistan. That started to change as the number of troops there increased after the military and civilian surge approved by the Obama administration in late 2009.
Earlier this year there were only a handful of American fatalities, partly because of the lull in fighting during the winter season and the ongoing transition that is placing more Afghan military forces in the lead for security in most of the country. In late February, there was a 30-day gap in between U.S. military fatalities, the first time such a gap had occurred in six years. By March however, U.S. military fatality numbers spiked back to levels seen in previous years.
While the number of American and NATO fatalities has decreased, NATO officials have expressed concern about significantly higher fatality rates among Afghan security forces during the same time period.
In early March, Gen. James Mattis, the former commander of U.S. Central Command told a congressional committee that at the time four American military service members had died in Afghanistan while 198 Afghan forces had died during the same time period. He attributed that to the fact that Afghan forces were now doing much of the fighting in Afghanistan as the U.S. military moves toward a combat support role.
The Associated Press reports that by their count, there have been six foreign civilians killed in Afghanistan this year.
The U.S. and NATO intend to pull out all of their combat forces by the end of 2014, though it remains to be decided how many training troops will be left after that date.
Joint chiefs chairman in Afghanistan for talks
By ROBERT BURNS | Associated Press
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (AP) — A weekend visit to Afghanistan by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is aimed at assessing the type and level of additional training that U.S. troops could provide to Afghan defense forces after 2014.
Gen. Martin Dempsey, who arrived at Bagram Air Field on Saturday after an overnight flight, said that assessment will inform U.S. decisions about how many American troops should remain after the U.S. and NATO combat role ends in December 2014.
The U.S. is expected to keep between 9,000 and 10,000 in a residual force, but no final decision has been made.
Dempsey was expected to meet with U.S. and allied commanders, including the new overall commander of coalition forces, Gen. Joseph Dunford. He also planned to meet with Afghan officials and talk with soldiers in the field.
Dempsey said Friday in Stuttgart, Germany, that he would like to see how Afghan forces perform this summer before determining the size of a residual U.S. force. There are now about 66,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, down from a 2010 peak of about 100,000.
Among the key issues for Dempsey is the pacing of U.S. troop withdrawals this year and next, as well as the rate of improvement among Afghan security forces.
Dempsey: US decision on how many troops to keep in Afghanistan should wait for summer fighting
Associated Press April 5 , 2013
STUTTGART, Germany - In order to assess the strength of Afghan government forces, the U.S. should wait until summer or later before deciding how many troops to keep in Afghanistan after the combat mission ends in December 2014, the U.S. military’s top officer said Friday.
“I’m not in any particular hurry” to come up with a number for what the U.S. military calls an “enduring presence” in Afghanistan, Gen. Martin Dempsey said in an interview.
Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered no opinion on how many U.S. troops he thinks will be needed for the post-2014 mission of training and advising Afghans and continuing counterterrorism operations against al-Qaida and other extremists.
Other officials have said President Barack Obama may approve a residual force of up to 10,000 troops.
Dempsey said he thinks it would be wise to get a better feel for Afghan capabilities under the more difficult circumstances they will face without American troops playing the lead combat role.
“I’d like to see how they do in a fighting season,” he said, referring to the period between late spring and early autumn when the Taliban typically put up the stiffest fight.
The U.S.-led coalition and the Afghan government have followed a phased approach to putting Afghan forces in the lead combat role in order to avoid their collapse and to keep the Taliban on their heels.
The final phase is supposed to start on an unannounced date this spring; that step had originally been scheduled for summer but it was advanced to springtime by mutual agreement between Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai when Karzai visited Washington in January.
Keeping U.S. troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014 will be subject to Afghan government approval. The terms of such an arrangement would be part of broader negotiations now under way between Kabul and Washington on a bilateral security agreement.
“My military judgment is that the decision about the enduring presence ... will be necessary to help us and our NATO allies plan, though actually pinning it down is not a matter of urgency,” Dempsey said. “I think a range will be prudent to have by the summer.”
There are now about 66,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
Dempsey was in Stuttgart on Friday to preside at a ceremony installing Gen. David Rodriguez as the commander of U.S. Africa Command.
High-ranking Taliban official killed in eastern Afghanistan
By SADAF SHINWARI - 06 Apr 2013, 1:36 pm Khaama Press
A high-ranking Taliban official was killed during a joint military operation by Afghan and coalition security forces in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan on Friday.
NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) following a statement announced, “An Afghan and coalition security force killed Darah-ye Pech district’s highest-ranking Taliban official, Haji Matin, and one other insurgent during an operation in Darah-ye Pech district, Kunar province, yesterday.”
The source further added, “Matin was involved in a number of significant insurgency operations and was personally responsible for moving insurgent fighters into Afghanistan and directing their activities in Kunar province. He maintained operational control over a significant number of local fighters responsible for the execution of civilian supporters of the Afghan government, assassination attempts against Afghan National Security Force officials, and multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.”
In a separate operation the Kapisa Provincial Response Company, aided by coalition forces, killed an insurgent who attacked the combined force during a high-risk arrest in Kapisa province Friday, ISAF said adding that as a result of the operation, the combined force seized a substantial amount of explosives, illegal weapons and Taliban propaganda materials.
U.S. commander underlines Pakistan's cooperation for Afghan operations
ISLAMABAD, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Top American commander has reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Pakistani security relationship to ongoing operations in Afghanistan and also to regional security and stability, the U.S. embassy said Saturday.
General Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Central Command, wrapped his two-day visit to Pakistan on Saturday after a series of meetings with senior Pakistani military leaders, the U.S. embassy said.
General Austin discussed with Pakistan's Army Chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Secretary of Defense, Lt Gen (Retd.) Asif Yasin Malik and other senior military officials of a broad range of common security issues, including militant network activities and measures to improve cross-border cooperation with ISAF forces.
"General Austin also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistani security forces and the terrible losses Pakistanis have suffered due to terrorism and violent extremism," the U.S. embassy said in a statement.
All parties agreed to continue to meet periodically to further common objectives and to strengthen cooperation between the two militaries, it said.
General Austin said of his visit, "We had a good meeting and a candid discussion. Pakistan's senior military leaders clearly understand their country's important and unique role in promoting security and stability in Afghanistan and throughout the region as a whole. I am most grateful for their hospitality and look forward to our continued collaboration."
General Joseph F. Dunford, commander of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) visited Pakistan on Monday, had met General Kayani and discussed a variety of issues related to strengthening cooperation and pressuring militants who threaten security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Afghanistan 2014: A look one year out
Foreign Policy By Jim Marshall Friday, April 5, 2013
Term limits preclude Hamid Karzai from seeking re-election in the Afghan presidential election slated to occur one year from today (parliamentary elections will follow in 2015). So, for the first time since 2001, Afghanistan will soon have a new chief executive along with a new parliament, a leadership transition that has immense implications for U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, yet one that has elicited little discussion in Washington. Here, policy makers and pundits chatter about talking with the Taliban and argue vociferously about the number of troops that should remain after 2014, an argument that is utterly irrelevant if the Afghan elections go badly, particularly the presidential election, and Afghanistan descends into civil war. Whether it's 8,000 or 13,600 or 20,000 or more or less, the post-2014 U.S. and NATO force will be too small to halt Afghan political and military disintegration.
The success or failure of Afghanistan's upcoming elections does not depend so much upon who is elected but rather how they are elected. Regardless of who wins, Afghans must believe the electoral process was reasonably fair and representative or the new government will be viewed as illegitimate, prompting spiraling violence and instability. Despite these existential stakes, however, the United States has shied away from publicly expressing its expectations and concerns about details of the developing Afghan electoral process. This unspoken caution springs from the circumstances surrounding Afghanistan's 2009 national elections, during which the international community roundly criticized President Karzai for presiding over an election marred by significant fraud and Karzai, in turn, accused the international community, particularly U.S. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, of wrongfully intruding upon Afghan sovereignty by supporting opposition candidates.
Given the hour and stakes, the United States should move beyond its circumspect and cautious approach, and instead clearly signal to all candidates and parties that it will use all of its legitimate influence in pursuit of credible elections. If needed, the US should spend more than the roughly 200 million dollars earmarked for the Afghan electoral process by USAID. When totaled, even the most sweeping electoral support costs are paltry when compared to the cost variations associated with the residual troop level debate. For example, even by conservative estimates the choice of 20,000 instead of 8,000 residual U.S. forces in Afghanistan means at least 12 billion dollars in annual additional expense.
Afghans recall the flawed elections of 2009, and many or most Afghans expect no better in 2014. Not only must the electoral process itself be strengthened, somehow public perceptions of the electoral process must also improve in the short time remaining before the presidential election. It would be a tragedy if a legitimate victory by a Karzai-backed candidate were viewed as illegitimate simply because a false public perception existed that Karzai abused his powers when he hadn't. Few besides Al Qaeda and the Taliban should want such a result.
A major public relations campaign is needed to counter Afghan voter skepticism and persuade the Afghan people that neither President Karzai nor his administration will inappropriately tamper with the upcoming elections. To outweigh voter skepticism and insidious rumors, the ideal public relations campaign would be broadly supported by diverse Afghan elites and tout an honest and robust effort to address electoral corruption, including campaign finance issues. And whenever the Karzai regime's use of executive powers could directly or indirectly influence the elections, President Karzai should publicly engage in a broadly consultative process across a credible spectrum of political elites to guide the use of his power. Secretary of State John Kerry's uniquely strong relationship with President Karzai could be critically important in this effort. Not only might Secretary Kerry influence Karzai to engage in such a publicly consultative process, Kerry's credible voice of approval of both the process and the result
ant electoral decisions can help sway a skeptical Afghan populous.
Unfortunately, again with only a year to go, Afghanistan's election law has not been finalized by its parliament. Here, too, U.S. officials should weigh in quite frankly concerning their expectations and concerns. Further dithering compresses the time for electoral preparations and lessens the likelihood of publicly perceived electoral legitimacy. Worse, delay heightens the likelihood that President Karzai will fill the void with an executive decree establishing the electoral process. If this occurs, it must be accompanied by an extraordinarily robust and very public consultative process plus broad public agreement by diverse political elites. Again, absent broadly credible endorsements, such an executive decree may fuel false public perceptions that Karzai is trying to manipulate the outcome. The end result could be disastrous whatever the residual US troop levels.
President Karzai has said the democratic transfer of power from his administration to an elected successor is the greatest legacy he could leave his country. He's quite right if Afghans accept the election results as fair. Given the hour and stakes, the U.S. must now act openly to help assure they are.
Former Congressman Jim Marshall is the President of the United States Institute of Peace.
U.S. contractor illegally detained in Afghanistan, officials say
Afghan officials release David Gordon after intervention by three U.S. congressmen, who allege he was held unlawfully and beaten because of his company's contractual dispute with a Kabul firm.
Los Angeles Times By Mark Magnier April 5, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan - An American contractor was detained illegally for 24 hours in an Afghan prison, beaten, denied more than basic medical help and told he wouldn't be released unless his company paid $2.4 million, according to three U.S. congressmen and his employer.
Contractor David Gordon was released Friday afternoon after the congressmen wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry and after the company's attorney in Afghanistan appealed to U.S.-led coalition forces. Gordon, of Tamerlane Global Services based in Reston, Va., is in need of medical attention and hopes to return to the U.S. soon, his Kabul-based attorney added.
"Justice has not yet been served," said Rep. Scott Rigell (R-Va.). "Those who unlawfully detained him need to be held accountable, especially given that this occurred at the hands of those who are supposed to be our ally."
Gordon was in Afghanistan installing tracking devices designed to prevent fuel pilferage on fuel trucks used by coalition forces, according to congressional and company officials. On Wednesday, he was detained by the Afghan deputy attorney general, Rahmatullah Nazari. Nazari is from the same tribe as the leaders of GHL, a Kabul-based company with whom Tamerlane has had a long-standing contract dispute, Tamerlane officials said.
"It was unrelated to the work he was doing," said Ryan Kelley, the company's senior attorney, in a telephone interview. "He was just someone they could drag in and use to apply pressure."
Officials at the Kabul attorney general's office declined to comment. "I don't have any information about this issue," said Basir Azizi, an attorney general spokesman. Kabul's police chief, Mohammad Ayob Salangi, confirmed that Gordon had been arrested and imprisoned in the capital. "I don't think the guy was beaten by anyone," he added.
Officials at GHL could not be reached for comment.
Tamerlane's attorney in Kabul, Kimberley Cy Motley, said Nazari acknowledged in her presence that the detention order had no legal merit given that this was a contractual civil dispute between Tamerlane and GHL and not a criminal matter but that he signed it anyway.
Motley said that Nazari wanted to let GHL staff members take Gordon down to the detention facilities. "I got between them and my guy and shouted," she said. "I said, 'Are you kidding me?' and went off on them," at which point they backed down and had Afghan authorities take Gordon away.
In prison, Gordon was let into the yard where he was ambushed by other inmates, his attorneys and company officials said. A glass was broken over his head and he was slashed and beaten by an Afghan prisoner, they added, as Afghan guards looked on before dragging him back to his cell, where he was left to bleed overnight.
The next day, Gordon was taken to a hospital by six armed guards and given stitches but none of the needed blood tests, and doctors seemed rushed and intimidated by the guards, Motley said.
"They wouldn't even let the doctor really treat him," Kelley said. "They just removed him back to the jail almost immediately after bandaging him superficially."
Motley, who said she has handled about 30 Americans imprisoned in Afghan jails in recent years and that none were assaulted, called this treatment "highly irregular." Kelley added that the treatment in prison suggested possible collaboration between Afghan authorities and GHL. "The treatment he received when he was brought into the yard raises eyebrows," Kelley said.
Gordon's wife, pregnant with their third child on a family visit to Ireland, was distraught on hearing the news of his detention, Tamerlane officials said.
At the company's request, Rigell and Reps. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.) and Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) sent a letter asking Kerry to intervene and expressing serious concern over the lack of protection Gordon was receiving. The pressure appeared to work, with the Afghan attorney general's office agreeing to release him Friday.
"It appears there's been a good result," said Dan Scandling, chief of staff at Wolf's office.
During Gordon's initial detention, U.S. Embassy officials in Kabul didn't seem to push Gordon's case aggressively, Kelley said, only ensuring that he was being fed in the prison. And when Afghan officials turned him over to the Americans, the U.S. military was present but embassy officials weren't, added Motley, who praised the military's role.
A U.S. Embassy spokesperson said the diplomatic mission's offices provided all appropriate consular assistance and engaged with the Afghan government as soon as it became aware of Gordon's case. Asked about the company's concern that the embassy was slow to react, the spokesperson said the embassy didn't agree with that characterization.
Tamerlane officials said the contract dispute with GHL over money had dragged on for an extended period, with the total amount claimed by the Afghan company changing over time. Tamerlane has its own damage claims against the Afghan company, Kelley said.
Tamerlane, which provides global project management and logistics services and operates in about 15 countries, said it planned to pursue redress through various channels.
"This is completely unacceptable," Rigell said. "It's not rule of law, and it's a direct violation of the Afghan Constitution."
mark.magnier@latimes.com
Special correspondent Hashmat Baktash contributed to this report.
Taliban Have Second Thoughts About Fighting in Afghanistan
News of peace talks in Qatar are giving some Taliban fighters doubts about the jihad. Sami Yousafzai and Ron Moreau report on the indecision in the ranks.
The Daily Beast By Sami Yousafzai, Ron Moreau Apr 6, 2013
As the spring weather warms and the snow melts off the high mountain passes separating Pakistan and Afghanistan, hundreds of Taliban fighters who spent the winter in Afghan refugee camps and other safe havens inside Pakistan are preparing to return to battle. But this year some insurgents are having second thoughts about fighting in Afghanistan at a time when it appears that peace talks between the US and the Taliban are about to resume in Qatar after a year’s hiatus.
Indeed, there are heated debates raging among the fighters as to the wisdom of returning to fight and perhaps die as peace prospects are being discussed. “The leadership hopes to dispatch a big number of fighters to Afghanistan this year,” says Zabihullah, a senior Taliban operative whose information has proved reliable in the past. “But now there is great confusion among the fighters whether to go and fight or stay behind in Pakistan and await the results of the Qatar peace talks.”
In a mosque made of mud-bricks in the middle of the Haripur Afghan refugee camp, some 40 miles north of Islamabad, five Taliban fighters are relaxing, enjoying the warm spring weather, and sipping green tea from discolored tea cups. “Take advantage of the rest and the sunshine because in less than one month we have to return to the jihad,” says Mullah Mohammad Khan, 30, the senior fighter among the group. But his comrade-in-arms, Mohidain Akhund, does not share Khan’s enthusiasm. “This year my heart really does not want to go back to the jihad,” Akhund tells Khan frankly. “Our leaders are talking to the kafirs in Qatar and then asking us to return to Afghanistan to resist the Americans. Allah, pardon me, but I cannot make up my mind whether or not to go to the jihad this year.”
Khan, a sub-commander from northern Baghlan province, tries to argue with Akhund, warning him that he’s in danger of losing his faith. “These are satanic temptations,” he says. “If you say no to the jihad then how will you answer to Allah on Judgment Day?” Akhund is still not convinced. “I am proud to have been in the jihad for the past five years in Helmand [Province] and to have lost a brother and a nephew,” he tells Khan. “But how can I continue fighting when our leaders are enjoying the Americans’ hospitality in Qatar and we’re told we have to kill Afghan soldiers?” Another fighter named Abdullah pipes up, agreeing with Akhund, saying he is also confused about what to do this year. “Our leaders are enjoying air conditioned rooms, driving luxury cars and living in good houses while we live a troubled life fighting in Afghanistan,” says Abdullah. Khan still tries to cajole them. “We do not perform jihad for this or that personality,” he says. “We offer our sweet breath for Allah and we should expect rewards
from Allah, not the leaders who are human and far from perfect.”
Akhund replies, saying he still has his doubts. “I have to be satisfied that what I’m doing is correct,” he says. “We have killed a lot of innocents in the fight.” “I’ve read that we should protect Muslim lives even if there’s a chance of killing a dozen kafirs,” adds Akhund. Khan still tries to persuade him. “In this jihad some innocents might lose their lives, but don’t worry because Allah knows your intention is not to kill innocents and that in some situations civilian casualties cannot be avoided.”
Still not convinced, Akhund tells Khan that he’s making plans to give up the fight. “My heart is telling me that it may be time to close this book and start selling fruit in the bazaar. Then I’m sure I won’t harm innocents,” he says. “I would like to work somewhere and make some money for my family in Quetta.” White-bearded, 70-year-old Haji Malak who was listening to the conversation, says he doesn’t want to return to the Afghanistan he left when the Russians invaded in 1979. “The Afghan government is corrupt and the infidels are still occupying our land,” he says. “I won’t even be able to die in my own country.” Even so he still supports the fight. “I share one-half of my lunch and dinner with these Taliban every day because they are fighting for the cause of Islam.”
“My heart is telling me that it may be time to close this book and start selling fruit in the bazaar. Then I’m sure I won’t harm innocents.”
Akhund continues his argument with Khan. “It is hypocrisy for our leaders to sit in Qatar with the Americans and then to ask me to shoot these kafirs in the face in Afghanistan,” says Akhund. Khan replies that Akhund, Abdullah, and the others should not worry about the insurgent leadership betraying the jihad. “Our leaders would not cheat the blood of thousands of martyred Taliban who have sacrificed themselves for us,” says Khan. “We have to talk to the Americans because they are the real opponent, not the puppet [Afghan President Hamid] Karzai.” “This year and next are very significant for the jihad,” Khan adds. “We have the upper hand so we have to keep on fighting.”
Akhund seems to be more of a realist. He argues with Khan that the fight will be longer and harder than he thinks. “You and others think that as soon as the foreigners withdraw [at the end of 2014] the Kabul regime will collapse,” says Akhund. “But be careful, this may not be the case. Kabul may be stronger than we think.” Akhund knows how tough the going has been for his men in Helmand ever since the US Marines arrived there in force in 2010. “Last year and the year before we became weaker because the villagers became tired of the war,” Akhund says. “When we do not have local support it is not easy for the Taliban to operate in the area.” “As long as the Taliban are in Qatar talking peace I swear I will not go to the jihad,” Akhund adds with emotion.
Khan had heard enough. As the sun was setting a visibly angry Khan told Akhund: “You’d better repent your views or Allah will become very angry at you.” Then Khan warned him: “And do not talk that way in front of villagers.”
According to Zabihullah, this open disarray in the Taliban’s ranks is widespread, from top to bottom, and is even upsetting senior commanders’ strategic plans for the upcoming fighting season. “There is now great confusion among commanders and leaders how to devise battle plans for this and next year,” Zabihullah says.
If that remains the case, then the American troop drawdown and withdrawal in 2014 should be able to proceed without a hitch. Even so one big question remains: will Kabul’s security forces be able to take advantage of the insurgency’s disorder and keep the Taliban at bay as the coalition heads for the exit?
Sami Yousafzai is Newsweek's correspondent in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where he has covered militancy, al Qaeda, and the Taliban for the magazine since 9/11. He was born in Afghanistan but moved to Pakistan with his family after the Russian invasion in 1979. He began his career as a sports journalist but switched to war reporting in 1997.
Ron Moreau is Newsweek’s Afghanistan and Pakistan correspondent, and has been covering the region for the magazine for the past 10 years. Since he first joined Newsweek during the Vietnam War, he has reported extensively from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
For inquiries, please contact The Daily Beast at editorial@thedailybeast.com.
'Afghan Interpreters Are Being Abandoned By Britain' Say Sir Mike Jackson And Lord Ashdown
PA/The Huffington Post UK 06/04/2013
Britain has a "moral obligation" to help Afghan interpreters who are in danger of being abandoned and left at the mercy of the Taliban, a number of key figures have said.
In an open letter, the high-profile names, including former Chief of the General Staff Sir Mike Jackson and Lord Ashdown, said it is shameful that Britain is the only Nato country yet to provide Afghan interpreters with asylum.
Published in the Times newspaper, it said the current system of dealing with asylum claims by Afghans on a case-by-case basis is "slow, not transparent and offers no guarantee of success".
The letter is also signed by Michael Clarke, director of defence think-tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI); former Army officer Patrick Hennessy, author of The Junior Officer's Reading Club; and veteran Jake Wood, who wrote Among You: The Extraordinary True Story Of A Soldier Broken By War.
It said: "Afghan interpreters who've stood shoulder to shoulder with our Armed Forces in Afghanistan are now in danger of being abandoned by Britain.
"The British military's job in Afghanistan would have been impossible without local interpreters, who have risked their lives and made extraordinary sacrifices just like British soldiers."
They said around 20 were killed in action, five were killed while off duty, and dozens of others had been injured. And with the withdrawal of UK troops, many are left in fear of Taliban reprisals, they said.
The letter follows a swelling campaign over rights for Afghan interpreters and their families to settle in Britain.
A petition launched by one interpreter has already gathered more than 60,000 signatures, and the cause has been taken up by campaign group Avaaz.
The man, known only as Abdul to protect his identity, is in hiding in Afghanistan after he and his family were threatened by the Taliban because of the work he did for the British forces.
Last month Avaaz campaign director Alex Wilks accused Britain of leaving interpreters behind to be "hunted down by the Taliban".
Leigh Day Solicitors, acting for Abdul, have already written to the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence asking for the "targeted assistance scheme", which the Government provided to Iraqi interpreters employed by the British forces in Iraq, to be extended to Afghans who did the same thing in Afghanistan.
The scheme allows qualifying staff the right either to resettle in Britain or a one-off financial payment.
Last month peers clashed over the issue as the government came under fire from ex-services chiefs, including former First Sea Lord and Labour peer Admiral Lord West of Spithead and former Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Lord Stirrup.
Today's letter in the Times says: "After the Iraq war, the UK gave Iraqi interpreters asylum in this country, but - shamefully - Britain is the only Nato country yet to do this for Afghan interpreters.
"Nearly 60,000 Britons have raised their concerns, backing the Avaaz campaign urging British Foreign Secretary William Hague to immediately grant them asylum."
It goes on: "Unlike the Iraqi interpreters, asylum claims by Afghans are currently treated on a case-by-case basis: this process is slow, not transparent and offers no guarantee of success.
"The Ministry of Defence's argument against an Iraqi-style scheme has been that it was 'expensive, complex to administer and took little account of any individual need for protection'.
"Our argument is that Britain has a moral obligation to support this small number of brave men who put themselves in grave danger so that British soldiers could do their jobs."
Missing Soviet soldier in Afghanistan denies to return home
Khaam Press By Mirwais Adeel 05 Apr 2013
According to Soviet veteran organization officials, the Soviet soldier found in Afghanistan after 33 years on a Missing in Action list has said it is too late for him to return to his native country.
The soldier-turned-healer, Bakhredtin Khakimov, who served in army intelligence, was seriously injured in 1980 in a skirmish between Soviet troops in Afghanistan and the local resistance, Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti reported.
Alexey Eremenko who is currently known as Sheikh Abdullah was saved by a local village elder and traditional healer, who nurtured the Uzbekistan native back to health, took him under his wing and taught him the craft of healing.
A nonprofit Moscow-based Warriors-Internationalists Affairs Committee traced him to his current residence in the Shindand District. His fate was unknown to his comrades until February.
Eremenko reportedly spoke with his relatives after 33 years by telephone in western Herat province of Afghanistan.
Warriors-Internationalists Affairs Committee spokesman, fellow veteran Alexander Lavrentyev quoted by RIA Novosti said, Khakimov was saddened to learn his mother was dead, and close to tears when he was presented with a surprise pre-recorded video message from his brother in Uzbekistan.
Bakhredtin Khakimov also said he is not coming home.
The ex-Soviet soldier quoted cited by Lavrentyev said, “I have spent most of my life here, there’s nothing to talk about.”
According to reports Khakimov still has a hand tic and a metal plate in his skull from his injuries.
Government-Mafia-Warlords Nexus and the present Turmoil
Khaama Press By Ahmad Shah Katawazai 06 Apr 2013
With Taliban gone the warlords supported by the U.S. established themselves back in the new government and economic sector of Afghanistan unleashing a new phase of miseries and sufferings upon the people who already had suffered from a series of brutalities. Commencing with Soviet occupation, a communist dictatorship, the civil war and rule of warlords, the extremist Taliban and now again under an internationally backed government-mafia-warlords nexus Afghans are still suffering from plethora of problems.
Today we are witnessing that the status quo is not working, it is pushing the society backward with out bringing any substantive change in the lives of majority. The country economy is still fragile, unemployment high, security situation deteriorated, insurgents getting stronger day by day, rampant corruption, nepotism and overall the job market is a sorry mess. Today no institution seems immune, Laws are crafted but not implemented and the country is vulnerable in almost all aspects.
Government-Mafia-Warlords Nexus
The warlords-turned-politicians and corrupt ex-leaders of the so called factions, refusing to budge from their positions has both befuddled and infuriated the vast bunch of population. These warlords then have orchestrated a sort of mafia which is a ragtag collection of criminals that took part in the internal fighting/civil war and then in the U.S. led war against terrorism in 2001 and currently influencing both the economy and government of the country.
A specific segment of the society is given all the authority and privileges holding top positions in the government, the positions that they use for their parochial personal gains. This is the goal that they share to make the country ungovernable and to take advantage by exploiting situation in their favor.
Warlords and mafia have long entrenched themselves in every sphere of government and the important economic sectors, squandering public funds and abusing authority for their personal gains. Which results in an increasing gap between rich and poor?
Unfortunately there are very few voices raising up to sow dissension against the venal government-mafia-warlords nexus that has not only fattened itself on public property and money but has also perpetuated a system which only looks after the interests of the so-called elite or privileged class at the expense of rights of the majority.
This is a real concern and a grave threat hampering almost all ways towards progress and prosperity.
Major part of the society (Youth) ignored
Afghanistan has gone through a prolonged turmoil and upheaval in which an important and significant part of the society is ignored. According to UNDP 68% of population of Afghanistan is below 25 years of age, a significant and dynamic part of the society which is derided of their rights.
Already anarchy prevails for the impoverished and under-privileged of the country’s 90 percent population. Rampant corruption in the government, increasing violence, deep poverty, and feckless government is the real grievances of Afghan youth bulge, which contributes to general dissatisfaction, pessimism and resentment among the population. The government has failed to meet even the basic needs of the people.
Majority of the population is poor, unemployed and young. Major part of the young generation then have nowhere to go but the street, join insurgents or go abroad for labour if that’s not the case then probably would have to end up a day labourer inside the country where most Afghans live on less than $1 a day.
Finding no alternative route, part of these youths in their young age that has indeed extremist tendencies which can be led on any direction joins the insurgents, which are then groomed and trained for fight and suicide missions.
The most unfortunate part of the problem is that the ruling class lack political will and determination for economic reforms to unfold.
Presently there seems no single power out there for this youth bulge to bring peace, change or betterment. This young generation is misled and exploited through wrong propaganda.
Where to Begin?
We are passing through a tenacious battle but not that much complicated that couldn’t be managed.
What is needed at this stage is rise and call for a relentless peaceful struggle for a corruption and mafia free society which should reflect and resonate with the demands of the population.
There is anger, a feeling of dissatisfaction which need to be changed into a real consistent positive change. This Change should be through peaceful and non violent means which should resonate and reflect with the interests of the majority of the country.
The swelling resolve to birth a movement that would usher in the fledgling democracy with transparency and accountability as hallmarks is required to be assumed.
It will be this youth bulge guided by broader picture that will vigorously try to overcome poverty through a constructive and positive approach and create an opportunity and growth both on the security and economic side. If they have the will, unity and committed leadership, indeed they can bring a real change by cracking down on the so called warlords and mafia.
The purpose here is not to advocate a need to generate another series of turmoil and upheaval. What I meant is to bring pressure through various but peaceful instruments like pressure groups, lobbying, and movement or by getting into government position a voice should be raised and awareness campaign launched for alternative resources so that the country can be led on the right direction and gets it rid of the menaces it is facing.
This burgeoning pressure will help in shaking government malfeasance and welcomed with open arms by vast majority of the desperately poor people. Which will then give wings to the dreams and desires of millions of young Afghan generation?
Now the time is rife for this action, if this young generation didn’t capitalize of this moment taking advantage of the unique opportunity in their possession, their efforts will be fruitless in the later stage.
Young Generation Potentials
The young generation that is working in different sectors both private and government will help much in galvanizing and giving momentum to such movement.
Youth can play major role in bringing down mafia and working for a real positive change. This burgeoning young population will help speed economic growth and act as a sign of positive development in the standards of life.
As responsible citizens they have responsibility to protect their interests as well as the foremost national interests of the country.
In the later stage it should push for brining to justice all those criminals and warlords and those who are responsible for abuse in the past years. One of the key components of this momentum should be access to justice for all.
Clichés of the past bygone now
The cliché of the past three decades of war made as a scapegoat to hide their misdoings is bygone now. Amazingly and pathetically they still use this cliché and cleanse their hands by saying that Afghanistan has passed through three decades of war and it needs time to recover. But the reality is that it has been about a decade, despite having a unique golden opportunity where all the international community is helping they couldn’t bring substantial change. Which is definitely due to lack of commitment and determination for the welfare of people and national interests of the country.
We do have laws but are not implemented and encroached by the people (warlords and corrupt elements in the government) having influence, and mere laws won’t be able to bring good governance, ensure justice and curb corruption, which unfortunately has been institutionalized in the present stage flowing almost through every artery of the state.
Now it is up to the president as a leader to plan and carve out well planned policies explicitly presenting what he wants and how he’s going to get there, that should get rid of warlords or let this young generation grab the power.
Otherwise the young generation have ample reasons to intervene; plenty of people are ready to raise their voice which needs leadership. They have been closely monitoring the situation and development taking place across the region. The recent changes in leadership and call for justice in the Middle East could be cited as a good example currently.
Recommendations:
There should be citizenship participation, a seductive promise from every one for the betterment and economic efficacy of the country with out involving in the pesky need to compete for political power.
We should support and back the government in places where it delivers good economic and security results promoting peace initiatives and working in the national interest of the country and population.
Only through laws and policies nothing can be done, change is needed at high level in the establishment, an honest and committed team or leadership is needed which should led the country in the right direction.
Civil society is needed to be strengthened, a vibrant and functioning civil society will indeed play pivotal role in this process. They should act as vocal, engaged, assertive and responsible patriot citizens taking interest in every aspect of life.
In this broad national effort all patriot are asked to play a key part and contribute constructively in the change which is inevitable for the country at the current times.
Conclusion
This is perhaps the single best opportunity to start with especially at a times when the warlords popularity that they enjoyed in the past is on a downward spiral, thanks to the internet and modern technology that keeps aware, brings together and links young generation through communication both from inside the country and those living in abroad.
The challenges Afghanistan is facing today are plenty but manageable especially at a time when the international community is present in the country. The youth bulge that the country is possessing is an opportunity for the country as long as it is led on the right direction.
If they don’t take advantage of this unique opportunity, power will be in the hands of those who are feeding themselves on the rights and property of majority from the past three decades.
In the first place it seems un-pragmatic and a brittle condescension to stand against the so called strong government-warlords-mafia nexus, especially at a time when they are in power but if there is strong will and determination it is possible and a dynamic youth bulge that Afghanistan is possessing if comes out for change will indeed make it working.
www.afganistannewscenter.com
By ABC News | ABC OTUS News By LUIS MARTINEZ, NICK SCHIFRIN and ALEEM AGHA
Six Americans were killed today in Afghanistan in two separate incidents. Five of them, including two civilians, were killed when their State Department convoy was struck by a car bomb as it headed to a local school to donate books to students.
Another American civilian was killed in an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan.
The bomb attack on the convoy took place in Qalat, the capital of the southern Afghan province of Zabul. The blast killed three American military service members, a female State Department Foreign Service Officer and a civilian working for the Department of Defense.
Another 10 people were also injured in the blast including four additional State Department employees, one of them injured critically.
In a statement Secretary of State John Kerry said the team was en route to a local school in Qalat to donate books to local students "when they were struck by this despicable attack."
He praised the fallen State Department employee as "an exceptional young Foreign Service Officer" and said "our State Department family is grieving over the loss of one of our own."
Kerry said he had met the unidentified Foreign Service Officer during his recent trip to Kabul "when she was selected to support me during my visit to Afghanistan." He described her as "everything a Foreign Service Officer should be: smart, capable, eager to serve, and deeply committed to our country and the difference she was making for the Afghan people. She tragically gave her young life working to give young Afghans the opportunity to have a better future."
It remained unclear whether insurgents were targeting the American convoy or the governor of Zabul, who was nearby at the time of the attack.
An Afghan police official told ABC News that the American convoy had pulled out of its Provincial Reconstruction base in the middle of the city of Qalat and was next to a convoy carrying the governor, who was on his way to open up a school when a car sped into the combined convoy and exploded.
Another American civilian was killed in a separate insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan, U.S. Forces Afghanistan said in a press release today.
A NATO press release about the Zabul attack indicated that two "coalition civilians" had been killed. A short time later the U.S. Embassy in Kabul released a statement confirming that there were American and Afghan casualties in the attack. That led to speculation that one or both of the civilians mentioned in the NATO press release worked for the State Department.
A NATO press release about the Zabul attack indicated that two "coalition civilians" had been killed. A short time later the U.S. Embassy in Kabul released a statement confirming that there were American and Afghan casualties in the attack. That led to speculation that one or both of the civilians mentioned in the NATO press release worked for the State Department.
Located north of Kandahar, Zabul has not had much of a U.S. military or civilian presence in the 11 years that U.S. forces have been involved in Afghanistan. That started to change as the number of troops there increased after the military and civilian surge approved by the Obama administration in late 2009.
Earlier this year there were only a handful of American fatalities, partly because of the lull in fighting during the winter season and the ongoing transition that is placing more Afghan military forces in the lead for security in most of the country. In late February, there was a 30-day gap in between U.S. military fatalities, the first time such a gap had occurred in six years. By March however, U.S. military fatality numbers spiked back to levels seen in previous years.
While the number of American and NATO fatalities has decreased, NATO officials have expressed concern about significantly higher fatality rates among Afghan security forces during the same time period.
In early March, Gen. James Mattis, the former commander of U.S. Central Command told a congressional committee that at the time four American military service members had died in Afghanistan while 198 Afghan forces had died during the same time period. He attributed that to the fact that Afghan forces were now doing much of the fighting in Afghanistan as the U.S. military moves toward a combat support role.
The Associated Press reports that by their count, there have been six foreign civilians killed in Afghanistan this year.
The U.S. and NATO intend to pull out all of their combat forces by the end of 2014, though it remains to be decided how many training troops will be left after that date.
Joint chiefs chairman in Afghanistan for talks
By ROBERT BURNS | Associated Press
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (AP) — A weekend visit to Afghanistan by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is aimed at assessing the type and level of additional training that U.S. troops could provide to Afghan defense forces after 2014.
Gen. Martin Dempsey, who arrived at Bagram Air Field on Saturday after an overnight flight, said that assessment will inform U.S. decisions about how many American troops should remain after the U.S. and NATO combat role ends in December 2014.
The U.S. is expected to keep between 9,000 and 10,000 in a residual force, but no final decision has been made.
Dempsey was expected to meet with U.S. and allied commanders, including the new overall commander of coalition forces, Gen. Joseph Dunford. He also planned to meet with Afghan officials and talk with soldiers in the field.
Dempsey said Friday in Stuttgart, Germany, that he would like to see how Afghan forces perform this summer before determining the size of a residual U.S. force. There are now about 66,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, down from a 2010 peak of about 100,000.
Among the key issues for Dempsey is the pacing of U.S. troop withdrawals this year and next, as well as the rate of improvement among Afghan security forces.
Dempsey: US decision on how many troops to keep in Afghanistan should wait for summer fighting
Associated Press April 5 , 2013
STUTTGART, Germany - In order to assess the strength of Afghan government forces, the U.S. should wait until summer or later before deciding how many troops to keep in Afghanistan after the combat mission ends in December 2014, the U.S. military’s top officer said Friday.
“I’m not in any particular hurry” to come up with a number for what the U.S. military calls an “enduring presence” in Afghanistan, Gen. Martin Dempsey said in an interview.
Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered no opinion on how many U.S. troops he thinks will be needed for the post-2014 mission of training and advising Afghans and continuing counterterrorism operations against al-Qaida and other extremists.
Other officials have said President Barack Obama may approve a residual force of up to 10,000 troops.
Dempsey said he thinks it would be wise to get a better feel for Afghan capabilities under the more difficult circumstances they will face without American troops playing the lead combat role.
“I’d like to see how they do in a fighting season,” he said, referring to the period between late spring and early autumn when the Taliban typically put up the stiffest fight.
The U.S.-led coalition and the Afghan government have followed a phased approach to putting Afghan forces in the lead combat role in order to avoid their collapse and to keep the Taliban on their heels.
The final phase is supposed to start on an unannounced date this spring; that step had originally been scheduled for summer but it was advanced to springtime by mutual agreement between Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai when Karzai visited Washington in January.
Keeping U.S. troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014 will be subject to Afghan government approval. The terms of such an arrangement would be part of broader negotiations now under way between Kabul and Washington on a bilateral security agreement.
“My military judgment is that the decision about the enduring presence ... will be necessary to help us and our NATO allies plan, though actually pinning it down is not a matter of urgency,” Dempsey said. “I think a range will be prudent to have by the summer.”
There are now about 66,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
Dempsey was in Stuttgart on Friday to preside at a ceremony installing Gen. David Rodriguez as the commander of U.S. Africa Command.
High-ranking Taliban official killed in eastern Afghanistan
By SADAF SHINWARI - 06 Apr 2013, 1:36 pm Khaama Press
A high-ranking Taliban official was killed during a joint military operation by Afghan and coalition security forces in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan on Friday.
NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) following a statement announced, “An Afghan and coalition security force killed Darah-ye Pech district’s highest-ranking Taliban official, Haji Matin, and one other insurgent during an operation in Darah-ye Pech district, Kunar province, yesterday.”
The source further added, “Matin was involved in a number of significant insurgency operations and was personally responsible for moving insurgent fighters into Afghanistan and directing their activities in Kunar province. He maintained operational control over a significant number of local fighters responsible for the execution of civilian supporters of the Afghan government, assassination attempts against Afghan National Security Force officials, and multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.”
In a separate operation the Kapisa Provincial Response Company, aided by coalition forces, killed an insurgent who attacked the combined force during a high-risk arrest in Kapisa province Friday, ISAF said adding that as a result of the operation, the combined force seized a substantial amount of explosives, illegal weapons and Taliban propaganda materials.
U.S. commander underlines Pakistan's cooperation for Afghan operations
ISLAMABAD, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Top American commander has reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Pakistani security relationship to ongoing operations in Afghanistan and also to regional security and stability, the U.S. embassy said Saturday.
General Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Central Command, wrapped his two-day visit to Pakistan on Saturday after a series of meetings with senior Pakistani military leaders, the U.S. embassy said.
General Austin discussed with Pakistan's Army Chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Secretary of Defense, Lt Gen (Retd.) Asif Yasin Malik and other senior military officials of a broad range of common security issues, including militant network activities and measures to improve cross-border cooperation with ISAF forces.
"General Austin also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistani security forces and the terrible losses Pakistanis have suffered due to terrorism and violent extremism," the U.S. embassy said in a statement.
All parties agreed to continue to meet periodically to further common objectives and to strengthen cooperation between the two militaries, it said.
General Austin said of his visit, "We had a good meeting and a candid discussion. Pakistan's senior military leaders clearly understand their country's important and unique role in promoting security and stability in Afghanistan and throughout the region as a whole. I am most grateful for their hospitality and look forward to our continued collaboration."
General Joseph F. Dunford, commander of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) visited Pakistan on Monday, had met General Kayani and discussed a variety of issues related to strengthening cooperation and pressuring militants who threaten security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Afghanistan 2014: A look one year out
Foreign Policy By Jim Marshall Friday, April 5, 2013
Term limits preclude Hamid Karzai from seeking re-election in the Afghan presidential election slated to occur one year from today (parliamentary elections will follow in 2015). So, for the first time since 2001, Afghanistan will soon have a new chief executive along with a new parliament, a leadership transition that has immense implications for U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, yet one that has elicited little discussion in Washington. Here, policy makers and pundits chatter about talking with the Taliban and argue vociferously about the number of troops that should remain after 2014, an argument that is utterly irrelevant if the Afghan elections go badly, particularly the presidential election, and Afghanistan descends into civil war. Whether it's 8,000 or 13,600 or 20,000 or more or less, the post-2014 U.S. and NATO force will be too small to halt Afghan political and military disintegration.
The success or failure of Afghanistan's upcoming elections does not depend so much upon who is elected but rather how they are elected. Regardless of who wins, Afghans must believe the electoral process was reasonably fair and representative or the new government will be viewed as illegitimate, prompting spiraling violence and instability. Despite these existential stakes, however, the United States has shied away from publicly expressing its expectations and concerns about details of the developing Afghan electoral process. This unspoken caution springs from the circumstances surrounding Afghanistan's 2009 national elections, during which the international community roundly criticized President Karzai for presiding over an election marred by significant fraud and Karzai, in turn, accused the international community, particularly U.S. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, of wrongfully intruding upon Afghan sovereignty by supporting opposition candidates.
Given the hour and stakes, the United States should move beyond its circumspect and cautious approach, and instead clearly signal to all candidates and parties that it will use all of its legitimate influence in pursuit of credible elections. If needed, the US should spend more than the roughly 200 million dollars earmarked for the Afghan electoral process by USAID. When totaled, even the most sweeping electoral support costs are paltry when compared to the cost variations associated with the residual troop level debate. For example, even by conservative estimates the choice of 20,000 instead of 8,000 residual U.S. forces in Afghanistan means at least 12 billion dollars in annual additional expense.
Afghans recall the flawed elections of 2009, and many or most Afghans expect no better in 2014. Not only must the electoral process itself be strengthened, somehow public perceptions of the electoral process must also improve in the short time remaining before the presidential election. It would be a tragedy if a legitimate victory by a Karzai-backed candidate were viewed as illegitimate simply because a false public perception existed that Karzai abused his powers when he hadn't. Few besides Al Qaeda and the Taliban should want such a result.
A major public relations campaign is needed to counter Afghan voter skepticism and persuade the Afghan people that neither President Karzai nor his administration will inappropriately tamper with the upcoming elections. To outweigh voter skepticism and insidious rumors, the ideal public relations campaign would be broadly supported by diverse Afghan elites and tout an honest and robust effort to address electoral corruption, including campaign finance issues. And whenever the Karzai regime's use of executive powers could directly or indirectly influence the elections, President Karzai should publicly engage in a broadly consultative process across a credible spectrum of political elites to guide the use of his power. Secretary of State John Kerry's uniquely strong relationship with President Karzai could be critically important in this effort. Not only might Secretary Kerry influence Karzai to engage in such a publicly consultative process, Kerry's credible voice of approval of both the process and the result
ant electoral decisions can help sway a skeptical Afghan populous.
Unfortunately, again with only a year to go, Afghanistan's election law has not been finalized by its parliament. Here, too, U.S. officials should weigh in quite frankly concerning their expectations and concerns. Further dithering compresses the time for electoral preparations and lessens the likelihood of publicly perceived electoral legitimacy. Worse, delay heightens the likelihood that President Karzai will fill the void with an executive decree establishing the electoral process. If this occurs, it must be accompanied by an extraordinarily robust and very public consultative process plus broad public agreement by diverse political elites. Again, absent broadly credible endorsements, such an executive decree may fuel false public perceptions that Karzai is trying to manipulate the outcome. The end result could be disastrous whatever the residual US troop levels.
President Karzai has said the democratic transfer of power from his administration to an elected successor is the greatest legacy he could leave his country. He's quite right if Afghans accept the election results as fair. Given the hour and stakes, the U.S. must now act openly to help assure they are.
Former Congressman Jim Marshall is the President of the United States Institute of Peace.
U.S. contractor illegally detained in Afghanistan, officials say
Afghan officials release David Gordon after intervention by three U.S. congressmen, who allege he was held unlawfully and beaten because of his company's contractual dispute with a Kabul firm.
Los Angeles Times By Mark Magnier April 5, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan - An American contractor was detained illegally for 24 hours in an Afghan prison, beaten, denied more than basic medical help and told he wouldn't be released unless his company paid $2.4 million, according to three U.S. congressmen and his employer.
Contractor David Gordon was released Friday afternoon after the congressmen wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry and after the company's attorney in Afghanistan appealed to U.S.-led coalition forces. Gordon, of Tamerlane Global Services based in Reston, Va., is in need of medical attention and hopes to return to the U.S. soon, his Kabul-based attorney added.
"Justice has not yet been served," said Rep. Scott Rigell (R-Va.). "Those who unlawfully detained him need to be held accountable, especially given that this occurred at the hands of those who are supposed to be our ally."
Gordon was in Afghanistan installing tracking devices designed to prevent fuel pilferage on fuel trucks used by coalition forces, according to congressional and company officials. On Wednesday, he was detained by the Afghan deputy attorney general, Rahmatullah Nazari. Nazari is from the same tribe as the leaders of GHL, a Kabul-based company with whom Tamerlane has had a long-standing contract dispute, Tamerlane officials said.
"It was unrelated to the work he was doing," said Ryan Kelley, the company's senior attorney, in a telephone interview. "He was just someone they could drag in and use to apply pressure."
Officials at the Kabul attorney general's office declined to comment. "I don't have any information about this issue," said Basir Azizi, an attorney general spokesman. Kabul's police chief, Mohammad Ayob Salangi, confirmed that Gordon had been arrested and imprisoned in the capital. "I don't think the guy was beaten by anyone," he added.
Officials at GHL could not be reached for comment.
Tamerlane's attorney in Kabul, Kimberley Cy Motley, said Nazari acknowledged in her presence that the detention order had no legal merit given that this was a contractual civil dispute between Tamerlane and GHL and not a criminal matter but that he signed it anyway.
Motley said that Nazari wanted to let GHL staff members take Gordon down to the detention facilities. "I got between them and my guy and shouted," she said. "I said, 'Are you kidding me?' and went off on them," at which point they backed down and had Afghan authorities take Gordon away.
In prison, Gordon was let into the yard where he was ambushed by other inmates, his attorneys and company officials said. A glass was broken over his head and he was slashed and beaten by an Afghan prisoner, they added, as Afghan guards looked on before dragging him back to his cell, where he was left to bleed overnight.
The next day, Gordon was taken to a hospital by six armed guards and given stitches but none of the needed blood tests, and doctors seemed rushed and intimidated by the guards, Motley said.
"They wouldn't even let the doctor really treat him," Kelley said. "They just removed him back to the jail almost immediately after bandaging him superficially."
Motley, who said she has handled about 30 Americans imprisoned in Afghan jails in recent years and that none were assaulted, called this treatment "highly irregular." Kelley added that the treatment in prison suggested possible collaboration between Afghan authorities and GHL. "The treatment he received when he was brought into the yard raises eyebrows," Kelley said.
Gordon's wife, pregnant with their third child on a family visit to Ireland, was distraught on hearing the news of his detention, Tamerlane officials said.
At the company's request, Rigell and Reps. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.) and Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) sent a letter asking Kerry to intervene and expressing serious concern over the lack of protection Gordon was receiving. The pressure appeared to work, with the Afghan attorney general's office agreeing to release him Friday.
"It appears there's been a good result," said Dan Scandling, chief of staff at Wolf's office.
During Gordon's initial detention, U.S. Embassy officials in Kabul didn't seem to push Gordon's case aggressively, Kelley said, only ensuring that he was being fed in the prison. And when Afghan officials turned him over to the Americans, the U.S. military was present but embassy officials weren't, added Motley, who praised the military's role.
A U.S. Embassy spokesperson said the diplomatic mission's offices provided all appropriate consular assistance and engaged with the Afghan government as soon as it became aware of Gordon's case. Asked about the company's concern that the embassy was slow to react, the spokesperson said the embassy didn't agree with that characterization.
Tamerlane officials said the contract dispute with GHL over money had dragged on for an extended period, with the total amount claimed by the Afghan company changing over time. Tamerlane has its own damage claims against the Afghan company, Kelley said.
Tamerlane, which provides global project management and logistics services and operates in about 15 countries, said it planned to pursue redress through various channels.
"This is completely unacceptable," Rigell said. "It's not rule of law, and it's a direct violation of the Afghan Constitution."
mark.magnier@latimes.com
Special correspondent Hashmat Baktash contributed to this report.
Taliban Have Second Thoughts About Fighting in Afghanistan
News of peace talks in Qatar are giving some Taliban fighters doubts about the jihad. Sami Yousafzai and Ron Moreau report on the indecision in the ranks.
The Daily Beast By Sami Yousafzai, Ron Moreau Apr 6, 2013
As the spring weather warms and the snow melts off the high mountain passes separating Pakistan and Afghanistan, hundreds of Taliban fighters who spent the winter in Afghan refugee camps and other safe havens inside Pakistan are preparing to return to battle. But this year some insurgents are having second thoughts about fighting in Afghanistan at a time when it appears that peace talks between the US and the Taliban are about to resume in Qatar after a year’s hiatus.
Indeed, there are heated debates raging among the fighters as to the wisdom of returning to fight and perhaps die as peace prospects are being discussed. “The leadership hopes to dispatch a big number of fighters to Afghanistan this year,” says Zabihullah, a senior Taliban operative whose information has proved reliable in the past. “But now there is great confusion among the fighters whether to go and fight or stay behind in Pakistan and await the results of the Qatar peace talks.”
In a mosque made of mud-bricks in the middle of the Haripur Afghan refugee camp, some 40 miles north of Islamabad, five Taliban fighters are relaxing, enjoying the warm spring weather, and sipping green tea from discolored tea cups. “Take advantage of the rest and the sunshine because in less than one month we have to return to the jihad,” says Mullah Mohammad Khan, 30, the senior fighter among the group. But his comrade-in-arms, Mohidain Akhund, does not share Khan’s enthusiasm. “This year my heart really does not want to go back to the jihad,” Akhund tells Khan frankly. “Our leaders are talking to the kafirs in Qatar and then asking us to return to Afghanistan to resist the Americans. Allah, pardon me, but I cannot make up my mind whether or not to go to the jihad this year.”
Khan, a sub-commander from northern Baghlan province, tries to argue with Akhund, warning him that he’s in danger of losing his faith. “These are satanic temptations,” he says. “If you say no to the jihad then how will you answer to Allah on Judgment Day?” Akhund is still not convinced. “I am proud to have been in the jihad for the past five years in Helmand [Province] and to have lost a brother and a nephew,” he tells Khan. “But how can I continue fighting when our leaders are enjoying the Americans’ hospitality in Qatar and we’re told we have to kill Afghan soldiers?” Another fighter named Abdullah pipes up, agreeing with Akhund, saying he is also confused about what to do this year. “Our leaders are enjoying air conditioned rooms, driving luxury cars and living in good houses while we live a troubled life fighting in Afghanistan,” says Abdullah. Khan still tries to cajole them. “We do not perform jihad for this or that personality,” he says. “We offer our sweet breath for Allah and we should expect rewards
from Allah, not the leaders who are human and far from perfect.”
Akhund replies, saying he still has his doubts. “I have to be satisfied that what I’m doing is correct,” he says. “We have killed a lot of innocents in the fight.” “I’ve read that we should protect Muslim lives even if there’s a chance of killing a dozen kafirs,” adds Akhund. Khan still tries to persuade him. “In this jihad some innocents might lose their lives, but don’t worry because Allah knows your intention is not to kill innocents and that in some situations civilian casualties cannot be avoided.”
Still not convinced, Akhund tells Khan that he’s making plans to give up the fight. “My heart is telling me that it may be time to close this book and start selling fruit in the bazaar. Then I’m sure I won’t harm innocents,” he says. “I would like to work somewhere and make some money for my family in Quetta.” White-bearded, 70-year-old Haji Malak who was listening to the conversation, says he doesn’t want to return to the Afghanistan he left when the Russians invaded in 1979. “The Afghan government is corrupt and the infidels are still occupying our land,” he says. “I won’t even be able to die in my own country.” Even so he still supports the fight. “I share one-half of my lunch and dinner with these Taliban every day because they are fighting for the cause of Islam.”
“My heart is telling me that it may be time to close this book and start selling fruit in the bazaar. Then I’m sure I won’t harm innocents.”
Akhund continues his argument with Khan. “It is hypocrisy for our leaders to sit in Qatar with the Americans and then to ask me to shoot these kafirs in the face in Afghanistan,” says Akhund. Khan replies that Akhund, Abdullah, and the others should not worry about the insurgent leadership betraying the jihad. “Our leaders would not cheat the blood of thousands of martyred Taliban who have sacrificed themselves for us,” says Khan. “We have to talk to the Americans because they are the real opponent, not the puppet [Afghan President Hamid] Karzai.” “This year and next are very significant for the jihad,” Khan adds. “We have the upper hand so we have to keep on fighting.”
Akhund seems to be more of a realist. He argues with Khan that the fight will be longer and harder than he thinks. “You and others think that as soon as the foreigners withdraw [at the end of 2014] the Kabul regime will collapse,” says Akhund. “But be careful, this may not be the case. Kabul may be stronger than we think.” Akhund knows how tough the going has been for his men in Helmand ever since the US Marines arrived there in force in 2010. “Last year and the year before we became weaker because the villagers became tired of the war,” Akhund says. “When we do not have local support it is not easy for the Taliban to operate in the area.” “As long as the Taliban are in Qatar talking peace I swear I will not go to the jihad,” Akhund adds with emotion.
Khan had heard enough. As the sun was setting a visibly angry Khan told Akhund: “You’d better repent your views or Allah will become very angry at you.” Then Khan warned him: “And do not talk that way in front of villagers.”
According to Zabihullah, this open disarray in the Taliban’s ranks is widespread, from top to bottom, and is even upsetting senior commanders’ strategic plans for the upcoming fighting season. “There is now great confusion among commanders and leaders how to devise battle plans for this and next year,” Zabihullah says.
If that remains the case, then the American troop drawdown and withdrawal in 2014 should be able to proceed without a hitch. Even so one big question remains: will Kabul’s security forces be able to take advantage of the insurgency’s disorder and keep the Taliban at bay as the coalition heads for the exit?
Sami Yousafzai is Newsweek's correspondent in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where he has covered militancy, al Qaeda, and the Taliban for the magazine since 9/11. He was born in Afghanistan but moved to Pakistan with his family after the Russian invasion in 1979. He began his career as a sports journalist but switched to war reporting in 1997.
Ron Moreau is Newsweek’s Afghanistan and Pakistan correspondent, and has been covering the region for the magazine for the past 10 years. Since he first joined Newsweek during the Vietnam War, he has reported extensively from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
For inquiries, please contact The Daily Beast at editorial@thedailybeast.com.
'Afghan Interpreters Are Being Abandoned By Britain' Say Sir Mike Jackson And Lord Ashdown
PA/The Huffington Post UK 06/04/2013
Britain has a "moral obligation" to help Afghan interpreters who are in danger of being abandoned and left at the mercy of the Taliban, a number of key figures have said.
In an open letter, the high-profile names, including former Chief of the General Staff Sir Mike Jackson and Lord Ashdown, said it is shameful that Britain is the only Nato country yet to provide Afghan interpreters with asylum.
Published in the Times newspaper, it said the current system of dealing with asylum claims by Afghans on a case-by-case basis is "slow, not transparent and offers no guarantee of success".
The letter is also signed by Michael Clarke, director of defence think-tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI); former Army officer Patrick Hennessy, author of The Junior Officer's Reading Club; and veteran Jake Wood, who wrote Among You: The Extraordinary True Story Of A Soldier Broken By War.
It said: "Afghan interpreters who've stood shoulder to shoulder with our Armed Forces in Afghanistan are now in danger of being abandoned by Britain.
"The British military's job in Afghanistan would have been impossible without local interpreters, who have risked their lives and made extraordinary sacrifices just like British soldiers."
They said around 20 were killed in action, five were killed while off duty, and dozens of others had been injured. And with the withdrawal of UK troops, many are left in fear of Taliban reprisals, they said.
The letter follows a swelling campaign over rights for Afghan interpreters and their families to settle in Britain.
A petition launched by one interpreter has already gathered more than 60,000 signatures, and the cause has been taken up by campaign group Avaaz.
The man, known only as Abdul to protect his identity, is in hiding in Afghanistan after he and his family were threatened by the Taliban because of the work he did for the British forces.
Last month Avaaz campaign director Alex Wilks accused Britain of leaving interpreters behind to be "hunted down by the Taliban".
Leigh Day Solicitors, acting for Abdul, have already written to the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence asking for the "targeted assistance scheme", which the Government provided to Iraqi interpreters employed by the British forces in Iraq, to be extended to Afghans who did the same thing in Afghanistan.
The scheme allows qualifying staff the right either to resettle in Britain or a one-off financial payment.
Last month peers clashed over the issue as the government came under fire from ex-services chiefs, including former First Sea Lord and Labour peer Admiral Lord West of Spithead and former Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Lord Stirrup.
Today's letter in the Times says: "After the Iraq war, the UK gave Iraqi interpreters asylum in this country, but - shamefully - Britain is the only Nato country yet to do this for Afghan interpreters.
"Nearly 60,000 Britons have raised their concerns, backing the Avaaz campaign urging British Foreign Secretary William Hague to immediately grant them asylum."
It goes on: "Unlike the Iraqi interpreters, asylum claims by Afghans are currently treated on a case-by-case basis: this process is slow, not transparent and offers no guarantee of success.
"The Ministry of Defence's argument against an Iraqi-style scheme has been that it was 'expensive, complex to administer and took little account of any individual need for protection'.
"Our argument is that Britain has a moral obligation to support this small number of brave men who put themselves in grave danger so that British soldiers could do their jobs."
Missing Soviet soldier in Afghanistan denies to return home
Khaam Press By Mirwais Adeel 05 Apr 2013
According to Soviet veteran organization officials, the Soviet soldier found in Afghanistan after 33 years on a Missing in Action list has said it is too late for him to return to his native country.
The soldier-turned-healer, Bakhredtin Khakimov, who served in army intelligence, was seriously injured in 1980 in a skirmish between Soviet troops in Afghanistan and the local resistance, Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti reported.
Alexey Eremenko who is currently known as Sheikh Abdullah was saved by a local village elder and traditional healer, who nurtured the Uzbekistan native back to health, took him under his wing and taught him the craft of healing.
A nonprofit Moscow-based Warriors-Internationalists Affairs Committee traced him to his current residence in the Shindand District. His fate was unknown to his comrades until February.
Eremenko reportedly spoke with his relatives after 33 years by telephone in western Herat province of Afghanistan.
Warriors-Internationalists Affairs Committee spokesman, fellow veteran Alexander Lavrentyev quoted by RIA Novosti said, Khakimov was saddened to learn his mother was dead, and close to tears when he was presented with a surprise pre-recorded video message from his brother in Uzbekistan.
Bakhredtin Khakimov also said he is not coming home.
The ex-Soviet soldier quoted cited by Lavrentyev said, “I have spent most of my life here, there’s nothing to talk about.”
According to reports Khakimov still has a hand tic and a metal plate in his skull from his injuries.
Government-Mafia-Warlords Nexus and the present Turmoil
Khaama Press By Ahmad Shah Katawazai 06 Apr 2013
With Taliban gone the warlords supported by the U.S. established themselves back in the new government and economic sector of Afghanistan unleashing a new phase of miseries and sufferings upon the people who already had suffered from a series of brutalities. Commencing with Soviet occupation, a communist dictatorship, the civil war and rule of warlords, the extremist Taliban and now again under an internationally backed government-mafia-warlords nexus Afghans are still suffering from plethora of problems.
Today we are witnessing that the status quo is not working, it is pushing the society backward with out bringing any substantive change in the lives of majority. The country economy is still fragile, unemployment high, security situation deteriorated, insurgents getting stronger day by day, rampant corruption, nepotism and overall the job market is a sorry mess. Today no institution seems immune, Laws are crafted but not implemented and the country is vulnerable in almost all aspects.
Government-Mafia-Warlords Nexus
The warlords-turned-politicians and corrupt ex-leaders of the so called factions, refusing to budge from their positions has both befuddled and infuriated the vast bunch of population. These warlords then have orchestrated a sort of mafia which is a ragtag collection of criminals that took part in the internal fighting/civil war and then in the U.S. led war against terrorism in 2001 and currently influencing both the economy and government of the country.
A specific segment of the society is given all the authority and privileges holding top positions in the government, the positions that they use for their parochial personal gains. This is the goal that they share to make the country ungovernable and to take advantage by exploiting situation in their favor.
Warlords and mafia have long entrenched themselves in every sphere of government and the important economic sectors, squandering public funds and abusing authority for their personal gains. Which results in an increasing gap between rich and poor?
Unfortunately there are very few voices raising up to sow dissension against the venal government-mafia-warlords nexus that has not only fattened itself on public property and money but has also perpetuated a system which only looks after the interests of the so-called elite or privileged class at the expense of rights of the majority.
This is a real concern and a grave threat hampering almost all ways towards progress and prosperity.
Major part of the society (Youth) ignored
Afghanistan has gone through a prolonged turmoil and upheaval in which an important and significant part of the society is ignored. According to UNDP 68% of population of Afghanistan is below 25 years of age, a significant and dynamic part of the society which is derided of their rights.
Already anarchy prevails for the impoverished and under-privileged of the country’s 90 percent population. Rampant corruption in the government, increasing violence, deep poverty, and feckless government is the real grievances of Afghan youth bulge, which contributes to general dissatisfaction, pessimism and resentment among the population. The government has failed to meet even the basic needs of the people.
Majority of the population is poor, unemployed and young. Major part of the young generation then have nowhere to go but the street, join insurgents or go abroad for labour if that’s not the case then probably would have to end up a day labourer inside the country where most Afghans live on less than $1 a day.
Finding no alternative route, part of these youths in their young age that has indeed extremist tendencies which can be led on any direction joins the insurgents, which are then groomed and trained for fight and suicide missions.
The most unfortunate part of the problem is that the ruling class lack political will and determination for economic reforms to unfold.
Presently there seems no single power out there for this youth bulge to bring peace, change or betterment. This young generation is misled and exploited through wrong propaganda.
Where to Begin?
We are passing through a tenacious battle but not that much complicated that couldn’t be managed.
What is needed at this stage is rise and call for a relentless peaceful struggle for a corruption and mafia free society which should reflect and resonate with the demands of the population.
There is anger, a feeling of dissatisfaction which need to be changed into a real consistent positive change. This Change should be through peaceful and non violent means which should resonate and reflect with the interests of the majority of the country.
The swelling resolve to birth a movement that would usher in the fledgling democracy with transparency and accountability as hallmarks is required to be assumed.
It will be this youth bulge guided by broader picture that will vigorously try to overcome poverty through a constructive and positive approach and create an opportunity and growth both on the security and economic side. If they have the will, unity and committed leadership, indeed they can bring a real change by cracking down on the so called warlords and mafia.
The purpose here is not to advocate a need to generate another series of turmoil and upheaval. What I meant is to bring pressure through various but peaceful instruments like pressure groups, lobbying, and movement or by getting into government position a voice should be raised and awareness campaign launched for alternative resources so that the country can be led on the right direction and gets it rid of the menaces it is facing.
This burgeoning pressure will help in shaking government malfeasance and welcomed with open arms by vast majority of the desperately poor people. Which will then give wings to the dreams and desires of millions of young Afghan generation?
Now the time is rife for this action, if this young generation didn’t capitalize of this moment taking advantage of the unique opportunity in their possession, their efforts will be fruitless in the later stage.
Young Generation Potentials
The young generation that is working in different sectors both private and government will help much in galvanizing and giving momentum to such movement.
Youth can play major role in bringing down mafia and working for a real positive change. This burgeoning young population will help speed economic growth and act as a sign of positive development in the standards of life.
As responsible citizens they have responsibility to protect their interests as well as the foremost national interests of the country.
In the later stage it should push for brining to justice all those criminals and warlords and those who are responsible for abuse in the past years. One of the key components of this momentum should be access to justice for all.
Clichés of the past bygone now
The cliché of the past three decades of war made as a scapegoat to hide their misdoings is bygone now. Amazingly and pathetically they still use this cliché and cleanse their hands by saying that Afghanistan has passed through three decades of war and it needs time to recover. But the reality is that it has been about a decade, despite having a unique golden opportunity where all the international community is helping they couldn’t bring substantial change. Which is definitely due to lack of commitment and determination for the welfare of people and national interests of the country.
We do have laws but are not implemented and encroached by the people (warlords and corrupt elements in the government) having influence, and mere laws won’t be able to bring good governance, ensure justice and curb corruption, which unfortunately has been institutionalized in the present stage flowing almost through every artery of the state.
Now it is up to the president as a leader to plan and carve out well planned policies explicitly presenting what he wants and how he’s going to get there, that should get rid of warlords or let this young generation grab the power.
Otherwise the young generation have ample reasons to intervene; plenty of people are ready to raise their voice which needs leadership. They have been closely monitoring the situation and development taking place across the region. The recent changes in leadership and call for justice in the Middle East could be cited as a good example currently.
Recommendations:
There should be citizenship participation, a seductive promise from every one for the betterment and economic efficacy of the country with out involving in the pesky need to compete for political power.
We should support and back the government in places where it delivers good economic and security results promoting peace initiatives and working in the national interest of the country and population.
Only through laws and policies nothing can be done, change is needed at high level in the establishment, an honest and committed team or leadership is needed which should led the country in the right direction.
Civil society is needed to be strengthened, a vibrant and functioning civil society will indeed play pivotal role in this process. They should act as vocal, engaged, assertive and responsible patriot citizens taking interest in every aspect of life.
In this broad national effort all patriot are asked to play a key part and contribute constructively in the change which is inevitable for the country at the current times.
Conclusion
This is perhaps the single best opportunity to start with especially at a times when the warlords popularity that they enjoyed in the past is on a downward spiral, thanks to the internet and modern technology that keeps aware, brings together and links young generation through communication both from inside the country and those living in abroad.
The challenges Afghanistan is facing today are plenty but manageable especially at a time when the international community is present in the country. The youth bulge that the country is possessing is an opportunity for the country as long as it is led on the right direction.
If they don’t take advantage of this unique opportunity, power will be in the hands of those who are feeding themselves on the rights and property of majority from the past three decades.
In the first place it seems un-pragmatic and a brittle condescension to stand against the so called strong government-warlords-mafia nexus, especially at a time when they are in power but if there is strong will and determination it is possible and a dynamic youth bulge that Afghanistan is possessing if comes out for change will indeed make it working.
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