It’s a known fact that Afghanistan’s heavy reliance on foreign aid made a slowdown in aftermath of the
Sunday, 31 August 2014
Afghanistan’s Economy On The Verge Of Collapse | Wadsam
Afghanistan’s Economy On The Verge Of Collapse | Wadsam
It’s a known fact that Afghanistan’s heavy reliance on foreign aid made a slowdown in aftermath of thetransition an eventuality. With the fall in grants, not to mention the absence of consumption generated by the foreign presence, the high growth seen in recent years is unsustainable. Afghanistan’s economy vastly supported by international military spending and aid since the 2001. Since the U.S.-led war began, Afghanistan’s economy has been boosted by foreign spending. The World Bank has said about 97 percent of Afghanistan’s gross domestic product is derived from spending linked to foreign forces and the donor community. Let’s take into account some of the figures and report in relations to Afghan economy. The new Business Tendency Survey Report, released by the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) in August, points to a clear worsening of the situation: business conditions have deteriorated rapidly, orders are contracting, firms are closing shop, and layoffs are becoming more widespread. The report, based on interviews conducted in July 2014 with managers from 541 Afghan firms, covered the manufacturing, services, trade, and construction sectors across the Kabul, Balkh, Kandahar, Nangarhar, and Herat regions. The survey’s headline finding is that the overall business climate has worsened considerably since March: Almost three-fifths of all firms complained of deteriorating conditions.
It’s a known fact that Afghanistan’s heavy reliance on foreign aid made a slowdown in aftermath of the
Saturday, 30 August 2014
Female Afghan lawmaker wounded in shooting attack
Female Afghan lawmaker wounded in shooting attack | The Jakarta Post
It was the second attack in a day on a high-profile figure in the capital. On Tuesday morning, Afghanistan's deputy public works minister was abducted from his car on his way to work.
Koofi is a parliamentarian from the northern province of Takhar. Her sister, Fawzia Koofi, is also a member of parliament and a well-known women's rights activist.
Fawzia Koofi said her sister told her she was just getting into her car after dark when an unseen attacker fired. She said she was convinced the shooting was an act of political intimidation by those who oppose the rights women have been granted since the fall of the hard-line Islamic Taliban government.
It was the second attack in a day on a high-profile figure in the capital. On Tuesday morning, Afghanistan's deputy public works minister was abducted from his car on his way to work.
Koofi is a parliamentarian from the northern province of Takhar. Her sister, Fawzia Koofi, is also a member of parliament and a well-known women's rights activist.
Fawzia Koofi said her sister told her she was just getting into her car after dark when an unseen attacker fired. She said she was convinced the shooting was an act of political intimidation by those who oppose the rights women have been granted since the fall of the hard-line Islamic Taliban government.
Deadly Attack On Spy Agency by Afghan Taliban
It targeted the provincial headquarters of the national directorate of security in Nangarhar province, according to Hazrat Hussain Mashriqiwal, a local police spokesman.
Read more:
Friday, 29 August 2014
UN says 'not possible' to finish Afghan vote audit by Sept 2
In a meeting with Karzai, UN envoy Ján Kubiš told the outgoing president a "rigorous and credible audit required time, but could be completed around 10 September," said a UN statement. In a previous statement, Karzai had said the inauguration of Afghanistan's new president must take place a month after the original inauguration date of Aug. 2.
"President Karzai is truly in a hurry for a quick conclusion of the election process," Karzai spokesman Aimal Faizi told Reuters. "He has already done his packing. He is exhausted, like many other Afghans."
The audit of votes hit a snag on Wednesday when Abdullah's team pulled its observers from the process, citing dissatisfaction with the way that allegedly fraudulent votes were being handled.
Ghani's team subsequently also withdrew its observers at the UN's request.
Thursday, 28 August 2014
'Electoral Fraud On Both Sides' - US Ambassador
So the US thinks that the Afghan election has been evenly fraudulent across the board. No problem there then.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Last ISAF commander takes charge in Afghanistan
Last ISAF commander takes charge in Afghanistan - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan News Agency
Senior Afghan, NATO and U.S. officials, including U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey attended the change of command ceremony held in Kabul on Tuesday evening.
General Campbell is taking up his post at an important time as the International Security Assistance Force as it finishes withdrawing from bases across the country in preparation for the end of its combat mission later this year.
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen welcomed the last ISAF commander handover and said gen. Campbell is taking up his post at an important time for Afghanistan and for ISAF mission.
Senior Afghan, NATO and U.S. officials, including U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey attended the change of command ceremony held in Kabul on Tuesday evening.
General Campbell is taking up his post at an important time as the International Security Assistance Force as it finishes withdrawing from bases across the country in preparation for the end of its combat mission later this year.
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen welcomed the last ISAF commander handover and said gen. Campbell is taking up his post at an important time for Afghanistan and for ISAF mission.
Abdullah Abdullah Withdraws From Election Audit
UPDATE - The clip below is from yesterday. Abdullah has now in fact withdrawn. Read More
Abdullah Abdullah Threatens to Pull Out of... by garyquattrone
Abdullah Abdullah Threatens to Pull Out of... by garyquattrone
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Israel's decades-long effort to turn the word 'terrorism' into an ideological weapon
Israel's decades-long effort to turn the word 'terrorism' into an ideological weapon
Thirty years ago, at a major conference on “international terrorism” in Washington, D.C., Netanyahu insisted that “without a clear understanding of terrorism, the problem cannot be tackled” and proposed a clear, simple definition: “Terrorism is the deliberate, systematic murder, maiming and menacing of the innocent to inspire fear in order to gain political ends.”
Thirty years ago, at a major conference on “international terrorism” in Washington, D.C., Netanyahu insisted that “without a clear understanding of terrorism, the problem cannot be tackled” and proposed a clear, simple definition: “Terrorism is the deliberate, systematic murder, maiming and menacing of the innocent to inspire fear in order to gain political ends.”
Obama slips into Afghanistan For Quick Photo-op
Obama slips into Afghanistan to visit US troops | The Jakarta Post
Air Force One landed at Bagram Air Field, the main U.S. base in Afghanistan, after an overnight flight from Washington. Obama was scheduled to spend just a few hours on the base and had no plans to travel to Kabul, the capital, to meet with Hamid Karzai, the mercurial president who has had a tumultuous relationship with the White House.
The death list that names 5,000 victims
A year ago, a Dutch prosecutor published a list of 5,000 names, which immediately led to scenes of public mourning in Afghanistan. These were the names of people killed after a communist coup d'etat in 1978 - and some of those with blood on their hands are now living in Europe.
Monday, 25 August 2014
Afghan presidential inauguration delayed with candidates deep in conflict
Afghan presidential inauguration delayed with candidates deep in conflict | Reuters
Afghanistan has been in a state of crisis since the disputed first round of the presidential election in April and the stand-off has dashed hopes for a smooth transition of power
from President Hamid Karzai, who has run the country since 2001.Karzai had earlier said the new leader would take over on Aug. 25 but a spokesman for the president said on Monday that date was never set as the inauguration date. Whatever the plan, on Monday, the Independent Election Commission was still pouring over votes cast in a second-round run-off held under U.N. supervision on June 14.
Afghanistan has been in a state of crisis since the disputed first round of the presidential election in April and the stand-off has dashed hopes for a smooth transition of power
from President Hamid Karzai, who has run the country since 2001.Karzai had earlier said the new leader would take over on Aug. 25 but a spokesman for the president said on Monday that date was never set as the inauguration date. Whatever the plan, on Monday, the Independent Election Commission was still pouring over votes cast in a second-round run-off held under U.N. supervision on June 14.Shape of Things To Come? 5 Civilians Injured in Pakistani Shelling
Five Civilians Injured in Pakistani Shelling
At least five Afghan civilians were injured on Monday in eastern Kunar province by Pakistani military missile attack, local officials said.
According to the Kunar Police Chief Abdul Habib Sayedkhili, Pakistan's military has fired 25 missiles into Dangam district of the province in the past 16 hours, injuring five civilians.
According to the Kunar Police Chief Abdul Habib Sayedkhili, Pakistan's military has fired 25 missiles into Dangam district of the province in the past 16 hours, injuring five civilians.
Sunday, 24 August 2014
3 Killed in Failed Prison Break
LINK
The chief of police for Zabul province in southeastern Afghanistan, Ghulam Saki Roghlewanai, said some explosives had been placed earlier near a prison wall. He said the explosion was triggered by a child although it wasn't clear whether the child did it intentionally.
After the explosion two Taliban prisoners inside tried to grab the weapons of the police guards, he said. The police managed to shoot and kill the two Taliban prisoners but two officers were also wounded in the incident, Roghlewanai said.
The chief of police for Zabul province in southeastern Afghanistan, Ghulam Saki Roghlewanai, said some explosives had been placed earlier near a prison wall. He said the explosion was triggered by a child although it wasn't clear whether the child did it intentionally.
After the explosion two Taliban prisoners inside tried to grab the weapons of the police guards, he said. The police managed to shoot and kill the two Taliban prisoners but two officers were also wounded in the incident, Roghlewanai said.
NATO Casualties in Nangarhar Suicide Attack
Suicide attack targets NATO troops convoy in Nangarhar province - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan News Agency
'A local security official said at least five foreign troops were injured following the explosion.
Taliban group claimed responsibility behind the incident and said heavy casualties were incurred to American forces who were targeted in the attack.'
'A local security official said at least five foreign troops were injured following the explosion.
Taliban group claimed responsibility behind the incident and said heavy casualties were incurred to American forces who were targeted in the attack.'
Afghan candidates hold talks on unity government after Obama phone call
Afghan candidates hold talks on unity government after Obama’s phone call - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan News Agency
Officials from the campaigns of Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Ghani have said that President Obama urged the two candidates to work closely in a bid to achieve political and technical breakthrough in the election process and to prevent Afghanistan from a political crisis.
A member of Dr. Abdullah’s campaign, Fazal-ur-Rehman Orya, said President Obama was assured by Dr. Abdullah that practical steps will be taken towards the agreement reached between the two candidates following Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Afghanistan.
Officials from the campaigns of Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Ghani have said that President Obama urged the two candidates to work closely in a bid to achieve political and technical breakthrough in the election process and to prevent Afghanistan from a political crisis.
A member of Dr. Abdullah’s campaign, Fazal-ur-Rehman Orya, said President Obama was assured by Dr. Abdullah that practical steps will be taken towards the agreement reached between the two candidates following Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Afghanistan.
Saturday, 23 August 2014
Bacha Bazi: The Tragedy of Afghanistan’s Dancing Boys
When Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy was asked to comment on the attitude of bacha baziin Afghanistan her instant reply was “Let’s not talk about it.”
Literally translated, bacha bazi means “playing with kids,” and is slang for sexual slavery and child prostitution that thrives across Afghanistan and certain parts of Pakistan. Prepubescent boys between ages of 14 to 18 are sold to wealthy and powerful patrons for entertainment and illicit sex. Women are not allowed to dance in public, and so the boys are made to perform feminine gestures and acts.
Beardless and effeminate boys are highly sought after by patrons, often powerful merchants or warlords who can indulge with impunity. Large halls are used as venues for the parties, where the boys dance clad in women’s clothing with bells tied to their feet and a scarf wrapped around their face as they parade for hours. The parties also provide an opportunity for buying and selling. Once the party concludes the boys are sold to the highest bidder or shared for sex. In return they are given small tokens of money and food.
This tradition is seeing a revival in the north of the country. Former commanders in the Northern Alliance are a part of a syndicate that is resurrecting bacha bazi, which serves as a status symbol. For those who cannot afford to buy children, DVDs are sold openly on the streets. Some boys are sold by their parents, others are lured from the streets with the promise of a better life.
READ MOREDemography of US Army Recruitment
Contrary to conventional wisdom, minorities are not overrepresented in US military service. Enlisted troops are somewhat more likely to be white or black than their non-military peers. Whites are proportionately represented in the officer corps, and blacks are overrepresented, but their rate of overrepresentation has declined each year from 2004 to 2007. New recruits are also disproportionately likely to come from the South, which is in line with the history of Southern military tradition. LINK
‘Nato withdrawal from Afghanistan would pose grave challenges’
‘Nato withdrawal from Afghanistan would pose grave challenges’ - thenews.com.pk
'Many European leaders objected to what they saw as the overly militarised nature of US strategy in Afghanistan. “They have felt that the threat is better addressed by the law enforcement authorities, coupled with enhanced development assistance and other support to the Afghan government.” The ex-envoy said the EU countries have participated in the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) in Afghanistan.'
Friday, 22 August 2014
Why US Will Not Work With Assad
To judge by this clip the Obama administration seems to be pushing student volunteers forward as official spokespersons.
Afghan militants kill Pakistani soldier
The Peninsula Qatar - Afghan militants kill Pakistani soldierThe incident happened in Muslam Bagh sector in southwestern Baluchistan province near the Afghan border.
“About 70 to 80 terrorists intruded from (the) Afghanistan side into Pakistani territory,” the military said in a statement.
It added Pakistani troops stopped the intruders but during the exchange of fire a paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) soldier was killed.
Iraq: A Mirror for Afghanistan’s Future
Iraq: A Mirror for Afghanistan’s Future « Antiwar.com Blog
The United States hasn’t left Afghanistan for several reasons: first and foremost, the United States government recognizes that the Afghani government is in shambles. Had US forces left in 2011 after Bin Laden was killed, what government exists in Kabul would have been overrun by the Taliban the instant the Americans took off – possibly while they were on the way out. The fact is that nation-building in such a ridiculously remote and ethnically fractional territory was doomed from the start – it is still doomed and will continue to be doomed indefinitely. There’s a reason Afghanistan is called "the graveyard of empires." That said, now that the American government has publicly committed to stability in Afghanistan (which is irrelevant to American national security and has nothing to do with September 11th), it would be embarrassing to miss the mark by too wide of a margin. Nobody in D.C. wants to lose face and even fewer wish to expose the emperor for what he is. Pride is the principal reason why the undeclared perpetual war against whomever rages on – more accurately termed imperial hubris. Having flown north of 500 hours in theater I can tell you from personal experience that the idea of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist safe haven is irreparably flawed – if anything, the American presence has emboldened terrorism, not rooted it out.
The United States hasn’t left Afghanistan for several reasons: first and foremost, the United States government recognizes that the Afghani government is in shambles. Had US forces left in 2011 after Bin Laden was killed, what government exists in Kabul would have been overrun by the Taliban the instant the Americans took off – possibly while they were on the way out. The fact is that nation-building in such a ridiculously remote and ethnically fractional territory was doomed from the start – it is still doomed and will continue to be doomed indefinitely. There’s a reason Afghanistan is called "the graveyard of empires." That said, now that the American government has publicly committed to stability in Afghanistan (which is irrelevant to American national security and has nothing to do with September 11th), it would be embarrassing to miss the mark by too wide of a margin. Nobody in D.C. wants to lose face and even fewer wish to expose the emperor for what he is. Pride is the principal reason why the undeclared perpetual war against whomever rages on – more accurately termed imperial hubris. Having flown north of 500 hours in theater I can tell you from personal experience that the idea of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist safe haven is irreparably flawed – if anything, the American presence has emboldened terrorism, not rooted it out.
NATO Soldier Dies in E.Afghanistan
NATO-led service member dies in eastern Afghanistan - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan News Agency
The alliance following a statement said Friday, “We can confirm an International Security Assistance Force service member died as a result of a non-battle injury in eastern Afghanistan today.”
The statement did not disclose further information regarding the exact location where the ISAF service member died and no information was given regarding the identity of the deceased service member.
The statement did not disclose further information regarding the exact location where the ISAF service member died and no information was given regarding the identity of the deceased service member.
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Recent Security Incidents
Gunmen in Khyber district opened fire on Thursday on 
tankers carrying fuel for Nato troops in Afghanistan, killing a driver and wounding two others, officials said. The attack occurred in Sor Kamar village of Khyber district, some 25 kilometres west of Peshawar. Three oil tankers were burnt in the incident.
An early morning explosion from a remote-controlled bomb wounded four members of the Afghan National Army in eastern Kabul on Thursday. The incident occurred about 6:30 a.m. near a bus stop frequented by ANA members going to work, said a spokesman for the Afghan Defense Ministry.
In Jalalabad city, the provincial capital of eastern Nangarhar province, a sticky bomb attached to a police vehicle was detonated, injuring one civilian and one police officer, a provincial police spokesman told Xinhua.
Five Afghan military trainers were killed by unknown gunmen in Herat province yesterday. The trainers, were working for Herat military academy targeted by unknown gunmen and killed in Angeel district.
A woman was injured following cross-border shelling in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan, local officials said. Gen. Syed Khel further added that 66 rockets were fired which landed in Dangam and Sarkano districts.
In Jalalabad city, the provincial capital of eastern Nangarhar province, a sticky bomb attached to a police vehicle was detonated, injuring one civilian and one police officer, a provincial police spokesman told Xinhua.
Five Afghan military trainers were killed by unknown gunmen in Herat province yesterday. The trainers, were working for Herat military academy targeted by unknown gunmen and killed in Angeel district.
A woman was injured following cross-border shelling in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan, local officials said. Gen. Syed Khel further added that 66 rockets were fired which landed in Dangam and Sarkano districts.
US Military Deaths At 2,200
As of Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at least 2,200 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to an Associated Press count.
The AP count is three less than the Defense Department's tally, last updated Wednesday at 10 a.m. EDT. At least 1,821 military service members have died in Afghanistan as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.
Outside of Afghanistan, the department reports at least 134 more members of the U.S. military died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Of those, 11 were the result of hostile action. The AP count of total OEF casualties outside of Afghanistan is five more than the department's tally. The Defense Department also counts three military civilian deaths.
Since the start of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, 19,952 U.S. service members have been wounded in hostile action, according to the Defense Department. No recent identifications of soldiers who died were reported by the military.
Outside of Afghanistan, the department reports at least 134 more members of the U.S. military died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Of those, 11 were the result of hostile action. The AP count of total OEF casualties outside of Afghanistan is five more than the department's tally. The Defense Department also counts three military civilian deaths.
Since the start of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, 19,952 U.S. service members have been wounded in hostile action, according to the Defense Department. No recent identifications of soldiers who died were reported by the military.
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
NATO soldier stabbed, killed in Afghanistan
NATO soldier stabbed, killed in Afghanistan - UPI.com
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A coalition service member in Afghanistan was stabbed to death early Wednesday near the Kabul airport. Local reports suggest that the soldier had quarreled with a taxi driver.
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A coalition service member in Afghanistan was stabbed to death early Wednesday near the Kabul airport. Local reports suggest that the soldier had quarreled with a taxi driver.
A Coup Brewing in Afghanistan?
A Coup Is Brewing in Afghanistan | The Diplomat
As Afghanistan’s political crisis continues unabated, the New York Times reports that some members of the Karzai administration are considering seizing power.
As Afghanistan’s political crisis continues unabated, the New York Times reports that some members of the Karzai administration are considering seizing power.
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
'Take No Prisoners': Order in Afghanistan as Battle Gets Deadly
'Take No Prisoners': Order in Afghanistan as Battle Gets Deadly
No longer pinned down by US air cover, Taliban fighters are attacking Afghan military posts in larger numbers with the aim of taking and holding ground, a shift from the hit-and-run strikes with posses of gunmen, explosives and suicide bombers.
Struggling to hold the insurgents back, the riposte from commanders of the Afghan security forces has been clear: across the country, they are now telling their men to kill captured Taliban fighters instead of taking prisoners.
Struggling to hold the insurgents back, the riposte from commanders of the Afghan security forces has been clear: across the country, they are now telling their men to kill captured Taliban fighters instead of taking prisoners.
Sunday, 17 August 2014
Saturday, 16 August 2014
Taliban executes 5 people over espionage charges in Helmand
Taliban executes 5 people over espionage charges in Helmand - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan News Agency
Local residents have also confirmed that the individuals had links with the Taliban group and were hanged to death in public around 10:00 am local time on Friday.
The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.
Nearly 800 Taliban militants launched a major offensive in Helmand province late in June which continued for several weeks and left dozens of people including civilians and members of the Afghan forces dead.
Local residents have also confirmed that the individuals had links with the Taliban group and were hanged to death in public around 10:00 am local time on Friday.
The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.
Nearly 800 Taliban militants launched a major offensive in Helmand province late in June which continued for several weeks and left dozens of people including civilians and members of the Afghan forces dead.
Five Aid Workers Abducted
The employees were traveling by road in the western province of Herat on Friday when they were detained by a local armed group.
The aid organization is trying to secure their release.
Raouf Ahmadi, a police spokesman in Herat, said the aid workers were delivering sheep to local villages when they were stopped by the gunmen. LINK
The aid organization is trying to secure their release.
Raouf Ahmadi, a police spokesman in Herat, said the aid workers were delivering sheep to local villages when they were stopped by the gunmen. LINK
NATO Airstrike Kills 3 Policemen
"A checkpoint of the Afghan Local Police (ALP) forces was targeted in the airstrike in Ghorband, leaving three policemen dead and another one injured", Afghan governor spokesman, Wahid Sediqi added. MORE
Friday, 15 August 2014
US Marine prosecuted for urinating on Afghan corpses found dead
A Marine who was prosecuted for a 2011 video that depicted he and other Marines urinating on corpses of Taliban members was found dead on Wednesday. His death did not appear to be a suicide, his lawyer told Marine Corps Times.
Retired Cpl. Robert Richards, 28, died at his home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, according to Guy Womack, Richards’ attorney. Richards was deployed to Afghanistan three times. He was badly wounded in one of those tours, as an improvised explosive device injured his legs and throat.
Former American Football Player killed in Afghanistan
Former Houston player Sam Hairston killed in Afghanistan - NFL.com
Former Houston linebacker and defensive end Sam Hairston, 35, died in combat in Afghanistan while serving in the Army.
Hairston, who played for the Cougars from 1997-2000, was killed in a small-arms battle Tuesday in Ghazni, Afghanistan.
Former Houston linebacker and defensive end Sam Hairston, 35, died in combat in Afghanistan while serving in the Army.
Hairston, who played for the Cougars from 1997-2000, was killed in a small-arms battle Tuesday in Ghazni, Afghanistan.
Police Chief Killed in Kandahar Clash
Police Chief Killed in Kandahar Clash
Seven Afghan policemen including the police chief were killed in a clash with a police commander in Spin Boldak district of southern Kandahar province on Thursday night, local officials said.
The incident cross-fire happened after a verbal fight between Police Chief Shayesta Khan and Mohammad Reza, the police commander, said Dawa Khan Menapal, spokesman for the provincial governor.
Seven Afghan policemen including the police chief were killed in a clash with a police commander in Spin Boldak district of southern Kandahar province on Thursday night, local officials said.
The incident cross-fire happened after a verbal fight between Police Chief Shayesta Khan and Mohammad Reza, the police commander, said Dawa Khan Menapal, spokesman for the provincial governor.
Kandahar police chief resigns after ordering Taliban detainees execution
Gen. Raziq is currently in Kabul and is expected to present his resignation in the near future.
The main motive behind the resignation of Gen. Raziq as Kandahar police chief is not clear so far.
However, it is believed that Gen. Raziq is resigning after he came under pressure due to his remarks against the Taliban militants where he instructed his forces to execute the Taliban detainees.
Thursday, 14 August 2014
The Dirty Secret of International Forces in Afghanistan
The Dirty Secret of International Forces in Afghanistan | Corey Levine 
In September 2012 a group of women and girls from his village were collecting firewood when an American military plane dropped at least two bombs on them, killing seven, including his 16-year old daughter, Bibi Halimi. The U.S. however, denied all culpability in the attack, claiming instead it was insurgents that had been killed. And so Bibi Halimi's father, as well as the families of the other six victims, were left with only questions as to why their loved ones had needlessly died. "I have no power to ask why the international forces why they did this," he said. "I can't bring them to court."
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Ghani retains lead as Afghan vote audit continues
Ghani retains lead as Afghan vote audit continues | Pakistan Today
As many as 1,170, 107 votes cast for the Ghani-led Change Continuity team were scrutinised till Monday and 54,505 ballots were found fraudulent. Similarly, 1,060,709 votes of the Abdullah-headed Reform and Unanimity team were reassessed and 31,857 declared factitious.
The figures indicate that most of Ghani’s bogus votes have come from nine polling sites, where more than 500 ballots were declared forged at each site. Four of these sites are located in Panjwai District, Kandahar.
Three such sites are in Afghanistan’s south-eastern Paktika province, where 595 votes from a polling station in Barmal, 546 in Sar Rawza and 590 in Orgun districts were adjudged fake.
As many as 1,170, 107 votes cast for the Ghani-led Change Continuity team were scrutinised till Monday and 54,505 ballots were found fraudulent. Similarly, 1,060,709 votes of the Abdullah-headed Reform and Unanimity team were reassessed and 31,857 declared factitious.
The figures indicate that most of Ghani’s bogus votes have come from nine polling sites, where more than 500 ballots were declared forged at each site. Four of these sites are located in Panjwai District, Kandahar.
Three such sites are in Afghanistan’s south-eastern Paktika province, where 595 votes from a polling station in Barmal, 546 in Sar Rawza and 590 in Orgun districts were adjudged fake.
Afghan Army Becoming Immobilized
Key personnel are hired away by civilian firms that can pay more. There are not a lot of Afghans capable of becoming aircraft maintenance technicians to begin with. Afghanistan has the lowest education levels in Eurasia and the lowest literacy rate. Foreign donors insist that the air force recruit and train local maintenance personnel. That can be done, with difficulty. But the good ones soon get hired away from civilian firms or immigrate. Bringing in foreigners to maintain this equipment, as many Arab countries do, is difficult in Afghanistan which is a dangerous place for foreigners, even before the Taliban appeared. Using foreigners also costs more than Afghanistan can afford.
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
NATO soldier, 3 Police killed in Afghan attacks
NATO soldier killed in Afghan attack | BreakingNews.ie
A Nato soldier has been killed in an attack in eastern Afghanistan, while three Afghan policemen died in a roadside bombing in the country’s south, officials said.
The three police officers died when their patrol vehicle struck a bomb planted along the road in the district of Bahrami Shahid in southern Gazni province, according to the province’s deputy police chief, Asadullha Ensafi.
A Nato soldier has been killed in an attack in eastern Afghanistan, while three Afghan policemen died in a roadside bombing in the country’s south, officials said.
The three police officers died when their patrol vehicle struck a bomb planted along the road in the district of Bahrami Shahid in southern Gazni province, according to the province’s deputy police chief, Asadullha Ensafi.
Rasmussen Attempts To Pressurise Afghan Politicians
Rasmussen stated that NATO has to pullout from the country if a new president is not elected soon to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the U.S., allowing foreign forces to stay in the country post-2014.
"Soon we will have to take tough decisions because if there is not a legal basis for our continued presence in Afghanistan, we will have to withdraw everything by the end of this year and to do that we will have to start planning ... very soon," Rasmussen told Reuters, without giving an exact date for the withdrawal.
Monday, 11 August 2014
Report Says 1,100 Afghans Killed by U.S. Air Strikes
Report Says 1,100 Afghans Killed by U.S. Air Strikes
The report says women and children were among those killed by U.S. air strikes as well as nighttime raids.
"In any incident in which civilians have been killed in U.S. military operations they should ensure that a proper, thorough and impartial investigation is conducted," said Richard Bennett, Amnesty International's Asia Pacific Director.
Amnesty International, itself, has investigated ten cases of civilian casualties and found that none of them were ever looked into by the U.S. government.
The report says women and children were among those killed by U.S. air strikes as well as nighttime raids.
Amnesty International, itself, has investigated ten cases of civilian casualties and found that none of them were ever looked into by the U.S. government.
Afghans tortured, killed by US troops need justice, says Amnesty
Afghans tortured, killed by US troops need justice, says Amnesty
At least 1800 Afghan civilians had been killed by coalition troops between 2009 and 2013, Amnesty said in a report released in Kabul on Monday, but only six cases against US military personnel had gone to trial during that period.
Several families seeking justice from the US government attended a news conference in Kabul to give dramatic accounts of their experiences of loss and torture, among them burqa-clad women who had survived a deadly air strike. Amnesty Report Here.
At least 1800 Afghan civilians had been killed by coalition troops between 2009 and 2013, Amnesty said in a report released in Kabul on Monday, but only six cases against US military personnel had gone to trial during that period.
Several families seeking justice from the US government attended a news conference in Kabul to give dramatic accounts of their experiences of loss and torture, among them burqa-clad women who had survived a deadly air strike. Amnesty Report Here.
Amnesty criticizes U.S. over Afghan civilian deaths
Amnesty criticizes U.S. over Afghan civilian deaths
A toughly-worded report by the group focused on 10 incidents between 2009 and 2013 that it said saw 140 civilians killed during U.S. military operations. Amnesty said the vast majority of family members it interviewed said they had never been interviewed by U.S. military investigators.
Most of the incidents involved airstrikes and night raids carried out by U.S. forces. Both tactics have sparked heated criticism from Afghan civilians and the government who say the U.S. doesn't take enough care to prevent civilian deaths.
A toughly-worded report by the group focused on 10 incidents between 2009 and 2013 that it said saw 140 civilians killed during U.S. military operations. Amnesty said the vast majority of family members it interviewed said they had never been interviewed by U.S. military investigators.
Most of the incidents involved airstrikes and night raids carried out by U.S. forces. Both tactics have sparked heated criticism from Afghan civilians and the government who say the U.S. doesn't take enough care to prevent civilian deaths.
McCain on Afghanistan
John 'Bomb, Bomb Iran' McCain spells out his recipe for endless wars without aims and without exit strategies.
Sunday, 10 August 2014
'We’re training the Taliban to kill us — and take back Afghanistan''
We’re training the Taliban to kill us — and take back Afghanistan | New York Post
US military intelligence now fear as much as 25% of Afghan security forces are Taliban or al Qaeda operatives and sympathizers, which means we may be arming and training an army of some 87,500 enemy infiltrators with easy access to US personnel and intelligence. The massive infiltration puts the entire Afghanistan exit strategy at risk. The compromised Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) takes over the country’s security on Jan. 1, 2015.
US military intelligence now fear as much as 25% of Afghan security forces are Taliban or al Qaeda operatives and sympathizers, which means we may be arming and training an army of some 87,500 enemy infiltrators with easy access to US personnel and intelligence. The massive infiltration puts the entire Afghanistan exit strategy at risk. The compromised Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) takes over the country’s security on Jan. 1, 2015.
Saturday, 9 August 2014
Separate Explosions in Kabul
Two Separate Explosions in Kabul Kills Two, Wounds Eight
"The explosion took place in front of Arzan Qeemat post office, I saw two ANA soldiers and a civilian get injured," says Ghulam Muhammad, a resident of Kabul.
The incident in the twelfth district injured four ANA soldiers and three civilians, Kabul police said. In the second attack that took place in the first district, resulted in the death of a civilian and harming another civilian.
The incident in the twelfth district injured four ANA soldiers and three civilians, Kabul police said. In the second attack that took place in the first district, resulted in the death of a civilian and harming another civilian.
8 ANA Soldiers Killed in Explosions
KABUL: At least 8 Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by insurgents in different parts of the country, Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Saturday.
Spokesman of the MoD, Gen. Zahir Azimi, said the soldiers were killed by the Taliban planted roadside bombs in different provinces over the past 48 hours. He did not provide more information about exact locations of the explosions.
He said in operations conducted by ANA over the past 48 hours at least 59 militants were killed, 33 injured while 16 others were arrested. He said around 106 IEDs were also neutralized during the operations in nine provinces.
He said in operations conducted by ANA over the past 48 hours at least 59 militants were killed, 33 injured while 16 others were arrested. He said around 106 IEDs were also neutralized during the operations in nine provinces.
NATO’s Terror Hordes in Iraq a Pretext for Syria Invasion
NATO’s Terror Hordes in Iraq a Pretext for Syria Invasion | New Eastern Outlook
In actuality, ISIS is the product of a joint NATO-GCC conspiracy stretching back as far as 2007 where US-Saudi policymakers sought to ignite a region-wide sectarian war to purge the Middle East of Iran’s arch of influence stretching from its borders, across Syria and Iraq, and as far west as Lebanon and the coast of the Mediterranean. ISIS has been harbored, trained, armed, and extensively funded by a coalition of NATO and Persian Gulf states within Turkey’s (NATO territory) borders and has launched invasions into northern Syria with, at times, both Turkish artillery and air cover. The most recent example of this was the cross-border invasion by Al Qaeda into Kasab village, Latikia province in northwest Syria.
Friday, 8 August 2014
CIA War in Afghanistan - Past And Present
A CIA and US PR exercise to some extent but interesting on the Afghan War in the 1980s.
Afghan Election Farce - Kerry To 'Salvage Deal'
John Kerry tries to salvage deal in Afghan election dispute | World news | theguardian.com
With his 'speak your weight' voice, Kerry intends to bring his recently earned prowess in Gaza to Afghnanistan. Is there a more empty suit, Blair excepted, than Kerry on the international stage?
With his 'speak your weight' voice, Kerry intends to bring his recently earned prowess in Gaza to Afghnanistan. Is there a more empty suit, Blair excepted, than Kerry on the international stage?
Background - Abdullah wants clarity on the political agreement and Ghani does not want to commit to it until the vote audit, which he hopes will declare him the winner, is complete.
Ghani, a former World Bank technocrat, emerged from the runoff on 14 June in the lead but Abdullah, a former mujahideen doctor, claimed that 2m of the votes cast for his rival were fake.
The seven-point political agreement outlines the steps to be taken after the audit. According to negotiators who helped broker the deal, the agreement states that a president will take office immediately and hold aloya jirga, or meeting of elders, to create a new prime minister position within the first two years.
Ghani, a former World Bank technocrat, emerged from the runoff on 14 June in the lead but Abdullah, a former mujahideen doctor, claimed that 2m of the votes cast for his rival were fake.
The seven-point political agreement outlines the steps to be taken after the audit. According to negotiators who helped broker the deal, the agreement states that a president will take office immediately and hold aloya jirga, or meeting of elders, to create a new prime minister position within the first two years.
Thursday, 7 August 2014
ISAF Suspends Afghan Mission Following Killing of US General - Reports
ISAF Suspends Afghan Mission Following Killing of US General - Reports | Military & Intelligence | RIA Novosti
The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan has suspended its cooperation with the Afghan National Army (ANA) at various military facilities after the killing of a US major general, Der Spiegel reported Thursday.
ISAF commander Joseph Dunford suspended the Afghan military support mission by ordering on Tuesday all international instructors and military consultants to remain in their camps until Friday, while the incident is being investigated, according to the German magazine.
The decision followed the shooting of US Maj. Gen. Harold Greene in an attack at an officers' academy in Kabul.
The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan has suspended its cooperation with the Afghan National Army (ANA) at various military facilities after the killing of a US major general, Der Spiegel reported Thursday.
ISAF commander Joseph Dunford suspended the Afghan military support mission by ordering on Tuesday all international instructors and military consultants to remain in their camps until Friday, while the incident is being investigated, according to the German magazine.
The decision followed the shooting of US Maj. Gen. Harold Greene in an attack at an officers' academy in Kabul.
NATO strike killed 4 Family Members
HERAT CITY (WNA-Aug. 5, 2014): Four members of a family were killed during an airstrike allegedly carried out by the coalition forces in western province of Herat, an official said Tuesday.
The incident took place in Shindand district of the province, where the war-plane led by coalition forces bombed an area believed to be insurgents hideouts, said police spokesman, Abdul Rauf Ahmadi confirming a man, two women and a child were killed at the moment.
The attack sparked anger of Shindand residents who gathered near provincial government office protesting against civilian death in the province.
Only two of the family members survived the air-raid, said a close relative protesting against the incident.
The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) also said they were aware of allegations regarding reported civilian casualties in Shindand District of Herat Province in the past 24 hours.
“ISAF takes all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously, and is assessing the facts surrounding this incident. We are working hand-in-hand with Afghan authorities to resolve this as quickly as possible. We will release more information as appropriate,” said the statement.
Wednesday, 6 August 2014
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