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Afghanistan Still Facing Challenges: John Kerry
Afghanistan continues to face challenges today even as the unity government in the war-torn country has kept alive the chances of future progress, US Secretary of State John Kerry has said. “We played a pivotal role in forging a national unity government in Afghanistan that, while still facing challenges, has kept alive the chance for future progress,” he said at his final press conference as the Secretary of State on Thursday. Kerry had played an instrumental role in the formation of the unity government led by President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Dr Abdullah Abdullah. “We all know how difficult that could have been when an election had serious problems, and the country was poised to perhaps see the government fall apart and maybe even enter into civil war and yet we helped broker and pull together the parties into a unity government that still today is managing to move forward in Afghanistan,” Kerry said. When Obama came to power in 2009, there were more than 100,000 troops in this war-torn country, which has now reduced to less than 10,000. Afghanistan now has a well-trained armed force which has been successfully meeting the challenge posed by the Taliban and other terrorist groups, he said. Despite best efforts, the Obama administration has not been able solve all the global problems, Kerry acknowledged. “Obviously we have not solved every problem. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues, but we are absolutely right to support a two-state solution and to warn about the danger of actions on any side that could obstruct that possibility. “We are also right to insist that a diplomatic path is the only way out of the disastrous situation in Syria, one of the most intractable and complex conflicts in modern history and the worst humanitarian catastrophe since World War II,” the top American diplomat said. Kerry said that despite the US’ best efforts to mobilise a unified response from the international community, and to ease tensions and reduce violence and save...
Assadullah Sarwari Freed From Prison: What Chances Of War Crimes Trials In Afghanistan?
Assadullah Sarwari, one of a handful of convicted Afghan war criminals, has been released from prison in Kabul. As head of the intelligence service immediately after the 1978 communist coup d’état, he was responsible for the torture and arbitrary execution of thousands of detainees. Yet, the lack of transparency and the irregular and illegal aspects of his detention and prosecution (including 13 years of pre-trial detention and a continued three and a half years of detention after his sentence had been fulfilled) point to fundamental problems with the Afghan state’s capacity to deal with complex war crimes. This is significant, argue AAN’s Ehsan Qaane and Sari Kouvo, not the least in the light of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) ongoing preliminary examination. Assadullah Sarwari was the first intelligence chief after the April 1978 military coup d’etat which brought Nur Muhammad Tarakay and his Hezb-e Dimukratik-e Khalq-e Afghanistan (the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan, or PDPA) to power. The intelligence agency, AGSA, (1) launched mass purges of those it considered its enemies, with mass arrests, summary executions and disappearances (for detail and background, see the Afghanistan Justice Project’s (AJP) report. After the Soviet invasion in December 1979, a different wing of the PDPA seized power and the new president, Babrak Karmal, appointed Sarwari as deputy prime minister. Soon after, however, he was removed from government and posted (or exiled) as ambassador to Mongolia. For reasons that are unclear, Sarwari returned to Afghanistan in May 1992, after the overthrow of the last PDPA government and the takeover of the mujahedin – and was then detained. Below, we will first provide a chronology of Sarwari’s detention and trial and then discuss what the proceedings against him tell about justice in Afghanistan. Chronology of events 26 May 1992: Arrest Sawari returned to Afghanistan on 11 May 1992. Two weeks later, he was arrested from his home...
Sabawoon Showcase: Importance of Extra and Co-Curricular Activities
January 4, 2016, Peshawar: The latest episode of Sabawoon[i], flagship radio program of Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), analyzed the significance of extra and co-curricular activities. The discussion themes included the role of co-curricular activities in capacity building among students, difference between co-curricular and extracurricular activities, role of parents and teachers in students’ lives, activity-based learning, and career grooming and counseling. Furthermore, the program discussed the role of education department in facilitating co-curricular activities in colleges and universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The program was aired under the theme of Jwandai Jazbey (living spirits) on Wednesday. Mr. Khalil Ahmad, event management specialist Peshawar, and Mr. Jasvindar Kumar, a student from University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar, were the studio guests. A radio report highlighted the impact of extracurricular activities such as debate and essay writing competitions, speeches, scouting, expos, and students’ festivals on the capacity building. Mr. Ahmad shared his personal experiences of how co-curricular activities helped him achieve of his career goals. Sabawoon airs Monday through Thursday on FM-101.5 Peshawar & DI Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. [i] Sabawoon is a flagship radio program by CRSS in the KP/FATA region, designed to highlight local issues, and promote fundamental global values such as women’s rights, rule of law, equal citizenry, democracy, governance and accountability. It airs four times a week, under four themes. On Monday, Jarga Marrakka covers current affairs and issues, coupled with government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Semi Jaaj gives a holistic regional overview of the most important stories across the length and breadth of KP/FATA. On Wednesday, Jwandai Jazbey covers issues most important to youth, students and females. Finally, on Thursday, Ranra covers social...
Reduction in Violence
A NEW report shows that the number of fatalities and injuries from violence in 2016 declined sharply from the previous year. The report, prepared by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, shows there was a 45pc reduction in fatalities last year due to violence, though the decrease in injuries from violence was a more modest 11pc. There are grounds for some cheer in this report, and taken as a whole, the figures at the national level point towards an improvement in the security situation in the country. But a closer look reveals a few disturbing patterns. For one, violent incidents of a sectarian nature appear to have spread to areas that were previously unaffected, particularly towns in Sindh. Second, the terrorists appear to have adapted to the tougher security measures around the country by resorting to more attacks using improvised explosive devices, landmines and suicide attackers, which killed almost twice as many people in 2016 as in the previous year. These attacks have also become more indiscriminate, killing women and children as well as members of all communities who happen to be in the vicinity. The attack in Gulshan-i-Iqbal Park in Lahore is a prime example. Supposedly an instance of communal violence, the suicide bombing claimed the lives of those belonging to many faiths, including 29 children in the playground. The reduction in the overall level of violence is to be welcomed, but the patterns of violence in 2016 suggest that the terrorism threat in the country is adapting in deadly ways and much work remains to be done to turn the corner in this battle. An emphasis on civil law enforcement is crucial to carry the battle forward into the new era of terrorism threats that appears to be opening up before us. It will be vital to reform the police and enhance judicial capacities to meet the new challenges, as well as work harder to de-legitimise terrorist and extremist narratives in order to drain this swamp. This editorial appeared in Dawn News,...
Will 2017 See More Suicide Bombings? Sadly, Probably Yes
As the new year dawns, there is some final bad news from 2016. Figures collected by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) and due to be published shortly show that 2016 was a particularly grim year for suicide bombings. Between January and November this year we noted 236 suicide attacks globally, as reported in reputable English-language media. Such terror strikes resulted in 11,621 deaths and injuries, a 19% increase on the same period the year before, and 78% (9,020) of the total harmed have been civilians. Suicide bombs have, it seems, shifted from being an exceptional weapon of war – used rarely – to one almost normalised. This year, 21 countries saw at least one suicide attack. Will 2017 offer some respite from suicide attacks? Sadly, it is not likely. If there is a dark prediction to be made, it is that more harm will come from suicide bombs than ever before. It is important to note that the annual number of suicide bombings globally, over the past six years (the time that AOAV has been running its global monitor of explosive violence), has not dramatically fluctuated. The year with the highest number of suicide attacks – 2013 – saw 270 strikes. The year with the lowest – 2011 – saw 205. Not that major a difference. What concerns, though, is that suicide attacks are becoming more expertly targeted and, in turn, deadlier. By the end of November 2016, the average number of civilian casualties per attack this year stands at 38. This compares to 24 in 2014. Furthermore, the fact that the armed group Islamic State is losing territory indicates a possible future rise in suicide attacks. Such attacks have already taken place from Paris to Jakarta, and are a result of tactical decisions made by Isis leaders, as well as a desire among Isis supporters to “avenge” the caliphate. In 2016, Isis claimed more than 1,000 “martyrdom” operations. Such figures are difficult to verify, but the group has certainly increased its suicide operations and Isis boasts a long list of willing...
Three Important Lessons Behind the Recent News Emerging from Afghanistan
Fifteen years ago, then-U.S. first lady Laura Bush guest-hosted the president’s weekly radio address to talk about Afghanistan. “Because of our recent military gains in much of Afghanistan, women are no longer imprisoned in their homes,” she told Americans, still reeling from the 9/11 attacks. “The fight against terrorism is also a fight for the rights and dignity of women.” But how are Afghan women doing today, 15 years into a war that has cost billions of dollars, and tens of thousands of deaths of civilians and soldiers? A few recent stories help answer this question. First the good news. Reuters recently reported on 20 women who are part of team of 80 engineers working to rebuild Kabul’s Darulaman Palace. This was no special program to empower women — a government official said the women were chosen simply because they were among the best applicants. Darulaman Palace, a grand ruin on a hill overlooking Kabul, is deeply symbolic. Built by a reformist king in the 1920s, it burned twice, and was reconstructed twice, before being destroyed a third time in 1990, as fighting engulfed the city. That female Afghan engineers are helping rebuild it says something deeply encouraging about both Afghan women and Afghan men. Only 15 years after the fall of the Taliban regime allowed women to regain access to education, at least a few Afghan women are excelling in fields like engineering, where women are grossly underrepresented around the world. Afghan men, who make up the vast majority of government officials in a country where gender inequality remains deeply engrained in society, are having the good sense to hire them. Now, the horrifying news. On December 17, five women who work as guards at Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan were gunned down on their way to work, along with their male driver. A member of the Kandahar provincial council, Niamatullah Wafa, seemingly dismissed the murders in a Facebook post, writing, “Women should stay in their homes with hijab and...
Crisis of Conscience
Events since April last year, when the Panama Papers caused ripples across the world, and the ensuing debates in Pakistan, leave little doubt that this finds itself in throes of a crisis of conscience, spearheaded by the status quo stakeholders including the military, politicians, business tycoons, legal wizards and media czars. Endless cutting remarks by the former chief justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali and many of the present judges were an indicator for this crisis of integrity. Similarly, the Panama Papers’ case represents a test for Pakistan’s senior judiciary. The outcome will also help us understand whether personal morality and financial integrity count at all in a country or will the judges adjudicate the matter based on legal arguments and “insufficient evidence.” If they opt for the latter, this will only reinforce the fact that Pakistan remains caught in a severe crisis of integrity because of the multiple powerful nexuses that exist. Back in mid-1980s, the chief minister of a German province, Schleswig-Holstein, committed suicide after he was caught lying before parliament and the press. Similarly, a former German president, Christian Wulff, stepped down in 2012 following a series of financial scandals and the request by a provincial prosecution department to lift his immunity which allowed them to interrogate him. Wulff did not ask for the “proof first”. Neither did he insist on retaining immunity from prosecution. In this unfortunate country, integrity hardly matters. Even the most honourable legal brains stand up before the court to defend notorious wheelers-dealers. Pakistan seems to be ruled by mighty political, legal, business and media cartels. All benefit also from the powerful military establishment which picks and chooses its favourites as and when needed. These alliances of convenience survive and thrive at the cost of the teeming hapless millions of citizens. And litigation keeps piling up for two simple reasons: a) the regime guiding the legal...
Annual Security Report – 2016 (Executive Summary)
Fatalities from Violence by Province – 2016 Pakistan appeared to have made prominent success this year in curbing the sources of violence that had been threatening peace and security not just in Pakistan but in the region. There was a nearly 45% reduction in the number of violence-related fatalities in 2016, which continued the trend of reduction from 2014. In fact, since 2014, there has been an overall reduction of nearly 66%. From a total casualties of 6,572 (4,647 dead and 1,927 injured) reported in 2015, the figure came down to 4,324 (2,610 dead 1,714 injured) in 2016 (table 1). This reflects the success of the kinetic operations across the country by security forces, both military and civilian As reflected by the data, a downward trend in violence was observed throughout the year, and December 2016 was the least violent month of the year (table 2). Fatalities from Violence by Region – 2015 vs. 2016 Regionally, there were some exceptions. Two provinces, Punjab and Balochistan, had a marginal increase in violence this year. Fatalities from violence in Balochistan went up from 719 in 2015 to 798 this year, an upsurge of nearly 10%. Punjab lost 424 persons to violence during this year that was the highest number of fatalities in the province during the last four years. Both of these provinces were the targets of suicide attacks that increased the casualty count. Balochistan had four suicide attacks, leaving 97 persons dead, including 52 lawyers, while Punjab had one suicide attack in Gulshan Iqbal Park, Lahore that left 74 persons dead of whom 29 were children. Districts with Highest Fatalities in Pakistan – 2015 vs. 2016 Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, and Peshawar, all of which host provincial capitals, were among the districts most affected of violence during this year (table 4). However, when compared with the last year figures, a significant drop in fatalities was recognizable during this year at all capital cities with the exception of Quetta and Lahore. Even...
Sabawoon Showcase: Regional Review of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)
January 3, 2017, Peshawar: The latest episode of Sabawoon[i], flagship radio program of Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), was presented under the theme of Da Semi Jaaj (regional review) on Tuesday. This program presents prominent news from the region and provides a crisp analysis. The following reports were included in the program: The problems faced by residents due to encroachments in Kohat city and the lack of local government’s response The issue of dirty roads and absence of a proper communication system in Orakzai agency A protest staged by people against the prolonged power outages in Mohmand agency A book expo in the district Swat organized by a nonprofit organization to encourage book reading habits Lack of basic facilities and usable equipment in Dera Ismail Khan’s district hospital Sabawoon airs Monday through Thursday on FM-101.5 Peshawar & DI Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. [i] Sabawoon is a flagship radio program by CRSS in the KP/FATA region, designed to highlight local issues, and promote fundamental global values such as women’s rights, rule of law, equal citizenry, democracy, governance and accountability. It airs four times a week, under four themes. On Monday, Jarga Marrakka covers current affairs and issues, coupled with government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Semi Jaaj gives a holistic regional overview of the most important stories across the length and breadth of KP/FATA. On Wednesday, Jwandai Jazbey covers issues most important to youth, students and females. Finally, on Thursday, Ranra covers social issues that have a cultural angle and/or impact.
The Rise of Taliban Diplomacy
Since the formation of the Afghan National Unity Government (NUG), the regional competition between the Taliban and the NUG has peaked. The Taliban has widened its diplomatic relations with Russia, China, Iran, and some Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries as well as international organizations to counter the influence of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s regional anti-terror proposal. There are several apparent motives behind the Taliban’s outreach: to decrease misperceptions and concerns about the Taliban and strive to change international opinion, which is currently stacked against them; to get supports for the Taliban’s war against U.S. “occupation”; to negotiate prisoner swaps; and to discuss the Afghan peace process. The Taliban was apparently successful in winning the hearts and minds of China and Russia. In the trilateral Russia-China-Pakistan meeting held in Moscow in late December, all three countries agreed on a “flexible approach to remove certain figures from sanctions lists as part of efforts to foster a peaceful dialogue between Kabul and the Taliban movement.” Two months earlier, Ghani had urged the UN to add Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada to the sanctions list. Recently, the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan also publicly confirmed rumors that Moscow has contacts with the Taliban. To understand the diplomatic competition between the Taliban and the government in Kabul, this piece looks at Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s three-tiered diplomatic policy, the Taliban’s response, and the current state of the Taliban’s relations with important regional countries. Ashraf Ghani’s Three-Tiered Strategy Since assuming the presidency, Ghani has tried a three-tiered diplomatic strategy aimed at ensuring the survival of his government and either cracking down on the insurgency (i.e., the Taliban) or bringing them to negotiating table. The First Tier: Mending Ties with the West Contrary to Hamid Karzai’s second term, Ghani’s foreign policy...
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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.