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'No End in Sight' – Does Trump Silence on Afghanistan Indicate Extension of War?
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said that last week US airstrikes killed at least 18 civilians, most of them women children, days after the US commander there called for thousands of additional troops. The US airstrikes came amid a widening battle between US-backed Afghan soldiers and the Taliban in Helmand province, the area that suffered the most civilian casualties in the country in 2016. In an interview with Radio Sputnik Ben Norton, a journalist for AlterNet's GrayZone Project, pointed out that the tragic events are by no means a single example of disregard for Afghan civilian lives by the US. Norton recalled October 2015 when US-led NATO forces bombed a hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders, killing dozens of medical staff members and patients. The analyst stressed that since 2012, the US mission in Afghanistan has documented a gradual increase in civilian casualties. "Of course, since 2001 when the war began there have been frequent civilian casualties. The point is, in the past four or five years they have actually increased each year" He said during the broadcast. "In 2016, 6000 civilians were injured and more than 2500 were killed." The war in Afghanistan surpassed the Vietnam war and became the longest official war in the US history. According to Norton, the worst part about it is that it has not actually liberated the country from the Taliban but rather let the movement's influence grow. "The irony is, the Taliban were incredibly unpopular in 2001 when the US war began, and since then, in some places their popularity has actually increased, and this is what war does." He said. Despite multiple pledges by the former US president Barack Obama that he would end the war by 2014, he ended up expanding it, with thousands being killed on annual basis, and "there does not appear to be end in sight", according to Norton. "Last October we entered the 16th year and there's almost no discussion of it." Norton said. "It was not mentioned at all...
Sabawoon Showcase – February 14, 2016
Regional Review of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) The latest episode of Da Simay Jaaj (regional review) discussed several public issues from KP and FATA regions such as the problems faced by local government representatives, communication and infrastructural development, and issuance of identity cards in different parts of KP. The show also contained reports on: Resignation of district nazim Kohat due to conflict among political parties and its impacts on the performance of local government. Problems faced by people of Kurram Agency because of the absence of National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) office. The issue of banning 3G service on cellphones throughout FATA over the last few months. Commencement of a television course in Journalism and Mass Communication department of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, and the prospects for students to peruse their careers in television journalism. Negative impacts of two-year old ban on marble industry in Mohmand Agency by political administration. Callers Response: Four live callers participated in the program. They talked about issues of their respective areas and urged the local government representatives and political administration to address them accordingly. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and...
Aberrations and Terrorism
Nearly 70 years into existence, Pakistan remains stymied with various aberrations such as Fata, the judicial interventions in social affairs of the citizens, and the state’s indirect support — both political and financial to organisations that are directly or otherwise complicit in promoting and practising terror or extremism. Fata is one of those abnormalities that the military establishment and the civilian ruling elites had until recently exploited for narrowly-defined national security and political objectives. The overwhelming desire that we could discern through a national advocacy campaign — both on print and electronic media — in recent years weighed in support of Fata’s integration with the mainland. That is why all of us have been looking forward to the implementation of the draft reforms that the Sartaj Aziz committee had come up with. Fortunately, most of the stakeholders embraced the proposals as the first big step towards Fata’s integration, largely into the K-P province. But some politicians including Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Mehmood Achakzai appear to have played as spoilers. Despite the massive public and political support, these two have continued to drag their feet and openly resisting certain proposals. Ironic indeed, that both enjoy the fruits of parliamentary democracy with their near and dear ones enjoying prestigious positions within the government and parliament, while they object to a framework which promises to finally treat people in Fata as equal citizens. This court order stands out as a blatant violation of the Article 8 of the constitution (Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of fundamental rights to be void). It also flouts the Articles 14 (Inviolability of dignity of man, etc), Article 20 (Freedom to profess religion and to manage religious institutions) subject to law, public order and morality. The same article says that (a) every citizen shall have the right to profess, practise and propagate his religion; and (b) every...
Sabawoon Showcase – February 13, 2017
Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Reforms Bill and its Merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) discussed the FATA reforms bill, merger of FATA with KP and the way forward for an independent province of FATA. Other points of discussion included the implementation of Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and its negative impact on the people of FATA, grand Jirga of locals for reforms in FATA, stance of different political parties to mainstream FATA, referendum for FATA, merits and demerits of FATA as an independent province, peace and economic stability, available resources and its utilization, and prevailing conditions of education in the region. Mr. Iqbal Afridi, member of Executive Committee of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Mufti Ijaz, General Secretary Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) FATA, were the in-studio guests while Mr. Shahab Uddin Khan, member of the National Assembly from Bajour Agency, shared his views through live call. Mr. Afridi said: “FATA should be merged with KP because there is no possibility of FATA becoming independent. Each agency is lying far away from the others. In such case, it is not possible to establish a central point wherefrom all agencies can be handled.” Mr. Ijaz said: “We should give FATA the status of an independent province so that its people have control over their own resources.” A radio report shared details of FATA grand alliance meeting that was held few days back in Islamabad. Five live callers participated in the show. They urged upon the federal government and legislators to streamline FATA and get rid of the draconian law of FCR. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5...
Top U.S. General: ISIS is Losing Ground in Afghanistan
The Islamic State group in Afghanistan has lost considerable turf in the war-torn nation over the last year. The terrorist organization has fallen from a height of controlling 11 districts in Nangarhar province to just a few, according to Gen. John Nicholson, the U.S. commander overseeing operations in Afghanistan. Operating primarily out of southern Nangarhar province, ISIS’ primary goal has been the creation of a caliphate in Afghanistan, with Jalalabad as its capital. “This was their aspiration, but they failed to achieve it.” Nicholson told lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Since authorities were granted to begin striking ISIS targets, the U.S. has conducted several major operations alongside Afghan forces, according to Nicholson. Those operations have had success pushing ISIS into only a small handful of districts and reducing their “geographic space,” he said. “We believe we've reduced their total end strength to less than 1,000 remaining in Afghanistan,” said Capt. William Salvin, a spokesman for the train, advise, assist mission in Afghanistan. However, ISIS is still a potent force with the ability to launch deadly suicide attacks in Kabul, Nicholson told senators. “They have attacked Shia targets, primarily. They attacked at a peaceful demonstration, they've attacked at Shia mosques, they've attacked on Shia religious holidays,” Nicholson explained. Further complicating efforts to combat Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan is the sudden involvement of Russia in the Afghan conflict. Claiming to support the Taliban as a counter to ISIS expansion in the region, Nicholson sees a more nefarious objective from the Kremlin. “I think it's to undermine the United States and NATO," Nicholson said when asked by Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., about Russian intentions in the region. “This narrative that they promote is that the Taliban are fighting Islamic State and the Afghan government is not as fighting Islamic State and that therefore there could be spillover of...
The New Battle for Afghanistan
Despite questions about the ongoing war in Afghanistan, President Trump has so far chosen silence over substance. But perhaps it doesn’t matter, as an illuminating exchange that took place before the Senate Armed Services Committee last week all but guaranteed what his policy will be. Trump’s approach to Afghanistan will no doubt involve more American troops, more aggressive activity on the ground, and a less definite schedule for the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. In other words, don’t expect a big shakeup of the status quo. Perhaps the most notable change is that the military won’t try to have it both ways, keeping soldiers in the country while telegraphing meaningless “timetables” for an exit. This appears to be the result of letting those in uniform—or in the case of new Secretary of Defense James Mattis, the recently retired—make the tough calls. Mattis oversaw Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013 as the leader of U.S. Central Command, and he has already signaled he will not waver on the American commitment. The new homeland-security secretary, retired Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly, commanded forces in Iraq and also lost his son, a Marine who died while serving his third tour in Afghanistan; he, too, obviously feels there is unfinished business there. As for Congress, most members fall into one of two mindsets—unflinching resolve to increase the U.S. footprint, or resignation that there is no other way. And the president? While at first blush it might look like Trump only has the bandwidth for his oft-stated goal of “eradicating radical Islamic terrorism from the face of the earth,” his generals—with the help of the most hawkish senators on Capitol Hill—are making sure that Afghanistan is considered part of that fight. So it did not escape notice when Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, packaged the mission as an urgent priority that ultimately Trump would have to embrace. Speaking to senators last week, Nicholson said staying in...
The New Battle for Afghanistan
Despite questions about the ongoing war in Afghanistan, President Trump has so far chosen silence over substance. But perhaps it doesn’t matter, as an illuminating exchange that took place before the Senate Armed Services Committee last week all but guaranteed what his policy will be. Trump’s approach to Afghanistan will no doubt involve more American troops, more aggressive activity on the ground, and a less definite schedule for the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. In other words, don’t expect a big shakeup of the status quo. Perhaps the most notable change is that the military won’t try to have it both ways, keeping soldiers in the country while telegraphing meaningless “timetables” for an exit. This appears to be the result of letting those in uniform—or in the case of new Secretary of Defense James Mattis, the recently retired—make the tough calls. Mattis oversaw Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013 as the leader of U.S. Central Command, and he has already signaled he will not waver on the American commitment. The new homeland-security secretary, retired Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly, commanded forces in Iraq and also lost his son, a Marine who died while serving his third tour in Afghanistan; he, too, obviously feels there is unfinished business there. As for Congress, most members fall into one of two mindsets—unflinching resolve to increase the U.S. footprint, or resignation that there is no other way. And the president? While at first blush it might look like Trump only has the bandwidth for his oft-stated goal of “eradicating radical Islamic terrorism from the face of the earth,” his generals—with the help of the most hawkish senators on Capitol Hill—are making sure that Afghanistan is considered part of that fight. So it did not escape notice when Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, packaged the mission as an urgent priority that ultimately Trump would have to embrace. Speaking to senators last week, Nicholson said staying in...
Afghan Exodus: Afghan asylum seekers in Europe (1) – the changing situation
In 2016, Afghans remained the second-largest group both of migrants seeking protection in Europe and of those formally applying for asylum. Meanwhile, numbers of arrivals – both in general and in terms of Afghans – have dropped significantly, compared with the peak in late 2015, as European countries have since made getting, staying and integrating there more complicated. Numbers of asylum applications widely differed between European countries. Furthermore, the EU and individual member states put agreements in place with the Afghan government that allow “voluntary” and “enforced” returns of larger numbers of rejected asylum seekers. In this first part of a three-part dispatch, AAN’s co-director Thomas Ruttig looks at the latest figures and trends as well as changes in policy and social climate that impacted the situation for Afghan asylum seekers in Europe. This will be followed by an overview of the situation in a number of individual European countries (part 2) and a case study on Germany, the largest recipient country in Europe for refugees (part 3). The last part will also draw some conclusions. Overall figures The overall number of arriving migrants in Europe has dropped sharply in 2016. Arrivals from non-European countries of origin to Europe – ie the 28 EU member-countries (including brexiting UK) plus the four non-members (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein) – decreased from the 1,015,000 in the peak year of 2015 to close to over 362,000 in 2016, ie by two thirds. (These UNHCR figures – see a daily update here – only count those arriving across the Mediterranean, which is by far the most important entry route. There are no statistics about other routes where much smaller numbers of migrants can be assumed, for example through Russia.) Of these first time applicants from all countries of origin, Germany registered just under 63 per cent, almost the same percentage as in 2015 (more detail in part 3). It was followed by Sweden (11.8 per cent),...
CHINA WATCH [FEBRUARY 7- 13] CHINA BLOCKS MOVE AGAINST AZHAR
China blocked the move at the United Nations (UN) to sanction the head of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), Masood Azhar. Pakistan has said that it supports China on all the major issues and opposes any attempt to undermine its sovereignty. The Senate Standing Committee on Communications raised the issue of the western route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Around twelve energy generation projects will be completed by the end of 2018 under the early harvest projects of CPEC. Pakistan has decided to take a loan of $600 million from China. Beijing has revealed its plan of investing $24.8 billion to develop a highway network in its Xinjiang region for the purpose of improved connectivity with Pakistan. Three of China’s warships are part of the Pakistan Navy-led international exercise Aman-17 being held in the Arabian Sea. China Blocks Move against Azhar: China yet again blocked the move at the UN to sanction the head of Pakistan-based JeM, Masood Azhar.[1] The move was initiated by the United States and supported by the United Kingdom and France as an effort to show solidarity with India.[2] New Delhi has accused JeM and its leader of carrying out attacks on Indian territory and consequently ramped up its efforts to get the Azhar banned by the UN. However, China, most probably at the behest of Pakistan, has foiled the move time again. The move can remain in place for six months – extendable to three months – and can be converted into a block to dismiss the proposal altogether. In a protest against Beijing’s move, New Delhi soon issued a demarche to China.[3] Though China’s action has been primarily motivated by friendship with Pakistan, the efforts to protect the leader of a militant group have confounded analysts and world leaders. Support against Separatists: Pakistan has said that it supports China on all the major issues and opposes any attempt to undermine its sovereignty.[4] The assurance for support was made in a meeting between Special...
Sabawoon Showcase – February 09, 2017
Celebration of National Women’s Day in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The latest episode of Ranra (light) discussed the significance of National Women’s Day (NWD) and its celebrations in KP. Other points of discussion included contributions of women to socio-economic development, female rights and responsibilities, Swara, domestic violence, sexual harassment, early child marriages, lack of education, political and social awareness among women, and female entrepreneurships in KP. Moreover, the program also highlighted different challenges faced by the women in society. Two Peshawar based social activists, Ms. Saima Inayat and Mr. Maqsood Anwar, were the in-studio guests. Ms. Inayat said: “NWD is observed with an aim to show respect to women and highlight their valuable contributions. We need to educate our sisters in rural areas on priority basis about their rights given the rise in the cases of honor killings, domestic violence, Swara, and child marriages.” Mr. Maqsood said: “There is a lack of education and the religious and cultural limitations don’t allow a woman to live her life according to her own will. Though Islam stresses upon equal rights of both male and female, unfortunately religion is misinterpreted by some so-called religious clerics thus denying the women their basic rights.” A radio report shed light on the celebration of NWD in different parts of KP and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Two listeners participated live in the program. They discussed the importance of women’s participation in different walks of life and urged government to improve female education in FATA. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711...
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.