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Afghanistan Funds Abusive Militias as US Military 'Ignores' Situation, Officials Say
The US military and the CIA are turning a blind eye as Afghanistan’s spy agency spends foreign donor money on militias which are committing human rights abuses that help destabilise the fragile country, according to local and western officials. The Afghan national directorate of security (NDS) arms strongmen ostensibly to fight the Taliban and other militants. But some militia leaders use their new power to fight local turf wars, including against elected government officials, rather than insurgents. One such commander, Perim Qul, in the northern province of Takhar, has received about $85,000 (£70,000) to arm 500 men. However, he allegedly spends part of that money on a private prison where he beats and extorts local people. His men have even ambushed and killed a local politician. One evening in July, Perim Qul’s men detained a man named Najib as he was relaxing outside the hotel he owns. After several days’ beating, Najib said he would acquiesce to their demands for cash and asked for a phone to request the $3,000 they demanded. Instead, he called police, who rescued him. Najib sent photos of his bruised back and legs to the provincial prosecutor, and got one of his tormentors arrested. “I have no enmity with Perim Qul. I am just a simple hotel owner,” Najib said. That kind of justice, though minor, is rare in Rustaq district. Qul, a 55-year-old war veteran with no official title, has been running Rustaq like a fiefdom for over a decade. Local residents say he has opposed any attempt – including by the government – to assert authority there. To pay his men, he allegedly coerces civilians. So when the Afghan government last year approved Qul’s request to enrol in its anti-Taliban militia program, many local people were concerned. Hundreds protested outside the district government building. Contemporary western security reports obtained by the Guardian warned that reinforcing Qul’s militia could add to violence, crime and territorial rivalries. Qul got money for...
Geo-Politics and Afghanistan
A new regional dynamism on peace and conflict led by Russia and China has emerged. With the presence of armed groups and the emergence of new terrorist bands such as Daesh there, Afghanistan remains at the core of these new developments. The third session of a trilateral “working group” comprising Russia, China and Pakistan held on December 27 in Moscow also underscores what is playing out in the region. Following the rare meeting, the group announced that Kabul will be invited to participate in future meetings on the threat posed by Islamic State (IS) militants in Afghanistan. The decision appeared to be a response to Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Shekib Mostaghani who, in a note of disapproval, had asserted that “regardless of the good intentions of the participants, the Moscow talks would not help the situation in Afghanistan.” In a joint statement the three nations also reiterated their interest in facilitating peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban. The most striking in the statement was the collective “particular concern” over “increased activities of extremist groups including the IS (Daesh) affiliates in the embattled country.” A cursory look as to what is driving the new developments and guiding the Moscow-Beijing-Islamabad consultations entails some worrying as well as encouraging realities. Firstly, the stalemate on ground in Afghanistan, with 2016 having been the bloodiest year in over a decade of conflict between Taliban insurgents and Kabul. Secondly, the realisation that only a regionally-led and coordinated solution might work following failure of international, US-led efforts to normalise Afghanistan. This might also result in the cooption of Iran, one of the two strategic neighbours of Afghanistan, into the dialogue, which should serve as a big facilitating factor. Third, the birth of Daesh, which most regional players view with extreme skepticism, resonated also by Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, Permanent Representative of Russia to the...
KP Police Reforms Instrumental in Crime-Control, DPO Charsadda
The KP Police is reforming itself rapidly but the public at-large are unaware of these reforms. The endeavors aim to improve public service; reforming the ‘thana culture’ and removing the political influence over the police. One of the significant outcomes of police reforms is 60 to 70% decline in terrorist activities and up to 40% reduction of crimes in the area. The improvement in the law and order has helped police concentrate on improving its public service. As part of the accountability mechanisms established in KP Police, the recruitment process is being carried out in a transparent manner; through NTS and the promotion system has been linked with performance. The SHOs are accountable to Village and Neighborhood Councils, DSPs are accountable to Tehsil Councils and DPOs are answerable to District Councils. These were the remarks made by Mr. Sohail Khalid, DPO Charsadda during a public forum on police reforms at District Council Hall, Charsadda. Mr. Fahad Azam, District Nazim, Charsadda, Mr. Musawar Shah, Naib Nazim, Charsadda, Mr. Qasim Ali Khan, Opposition Leader, District Assembly and Haji Riaz, District Councilor and JI leader also spoke on the occasion. The event was participated well by the members of community with diverse backgrounds including lawyers, local government representatives, media, academia and youth representatives. The forum was part of the project “Ulasi Police” an awareness and advocacy campaign undertaken by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) – as part of USAID Small Grants and Ambassadors’ Fund Program – to strengthen the rule of law in KP province by promoting and disseminating the significant police reforms aimed at incorporating local communities’ policing needs and international human rights standards. The endeavor aims to tackle the trust deficit between the public and police, help KP police become an accountable and community-focused police force. The DPO Charsadda said that the most prominent feature of KP...
Statement by Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, on the Situation in Afghanistan
Dateline: United Nations Security Council, 7844th meeting, December 19, 2016. “We are following the security situation in Afghanistan very carefully. We are concerned by the fact that it has sharply worsened; especially in the north of the country, where recently the Taliban have become increasingly active. Eliminating the leader of the Taliban, Mullah Mansoor, has strengthened the influence of irreconcilable radicals which only compounds the current situation in the country. The recent attacks by fighters against the American military base in Bagram and the German Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif are very sharp examples of this. We support the course of the Government of Afghanistan to achieve national reconciliation. We stand ready to help in moving the negotiating process forward, including through a flexible approach to the possible easing of the sanctions regime by Committee 1988, if this does not run counter to the national interests of Afghanistan. We took into account the fact that the peace agreement was signed between the Government of Afghanistan and the Hekmatyar party. A lot depends on how this will be implemented in practice. The main goal of the national reconciliation process is to involve the Taliban in the peace process and, so far, this goal has not been attained and the four party contact group format has not arrived at a breakthrough. Unfortunately, the main goals the international military contingents had for themselves in the last 15 years are still unresolved. This refers to the previous NATO international security assistance force in Afghanistan which led the country and this also applies to the current Resolute Support Mission. We would especially like to underscore that only the Afghan security forces can provide for the stabilization of the military and the political situation in their country, and that is why we are providing them with multi-dimensional support. The Ministry of the Internal Affairs of Russia has provided ten thousand...
Sabawoon Showcase: Role of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Preventing Corruption
December 26, 2016, Peshawar: The latest episode of Sabawoon[1], flagship radio program of Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), was about the role of NAB and Provincial Accountability Commission (PAC) in controlling corruption and prompting accountability. The program reviewed the role of NAB and PAC, complaints systems in NAB and PAC, political interference in NAB, and public responsibility in eradicating corruption. The program also highlighted the plea-bargain, voluntary returns, and national accountability ordinance. It was aired under the theme of Jarga Marrakka (debate and council). Mr. Khitab Gul, Deputy Director NAB Peshawar, and Mr. Arshad Aziz Malik, Resident Editor Daily Jang Peshawar, took part as the studio guests. A radio report shed light on the performance of NAB since its foundation. Five callers participated live in the show. They urged the government to make NAB fully independent and powerful for the sake of a corruption-free country. Mr. Gul said: “Public support is direly needed to inform authorities about the culprits so as to prevent corruption in the county.” Mr. Malik said: “As long as there is no proper legislation to make NAB and other anticorruption institutions free of political interference, corruption cannot be eliminated.” Sabawoon airs Monday through Thursday on FM-101.5 Peshawar & DI Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. [1] 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...
Sabawoon Showcase: The Effects of Militancy on Fine Arts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
December 22, 2016, Peshawar: The latest episode of Sabawoon[1], flagship radio program of Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), was about the effects of terrorism and militancy on fine arts. The program overviewed artists in KP, fine arts in time of war, fine arts in KP universities, and its revival after the war-on-terror. The program was aired under the theme of Ranra (light). Two Peshawar based young artists, Mr. Afaan Gul and Mr. Asim Khan, participated as the studio guests. A radio report shared the views of experts about the progress and development of fine arts in KP in the post-militancy era and the opportunities available both at national and international level. Five callers took part live in the show. They highlighted the importance of arts and artists in presenting the prevailing situations. Mr. Asim Khan discussed the negative impacts of militancy on the field of fine arts. He was of the view that the current situation was relatively conducive to the revival of fine arts. Sabawoon airs Monday through Thursday on FM-101.5 Peshawar & DI Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. [1] 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.
Russia, Partners Say Kabul Welcome at Future Talks on Afghan Security
Russia, China and Pakistan bowed to Afghan complaints Tuesday, announcing after talks in Moscow that Kabul will be invited to participate in future meetings on the threat posed by Islamic State militants in Afghanistan. Afghan officials had objected to being left out of the three-way talks in the Russian capital, ostensibly held to discuss "the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan." The three nations also said they were interested in facilitating peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban. The long-running Taliban insurgency poses by far the greater threat to Afghanistan, whose forces have been on the defensive for the past year. But members of the so-called Islamic State group have been trying to establish a foothold in Afghanistan, in some cases fighting directly with the Taliban. Participants in Tuesday's meeting said it was the third session of their trilateral "working group" on Afghanistan. In a joint statement released by Pakistan after the talks, they expressed "particular concern" over "increased activities of the extremist groups including the ISIL (Daesh) affiliates in the country." ISIL is another acronym for IS. The statement said Beijing, Islamabad and Moscow had agreed to continue their consultations in an expanded format and would welcome the participation of Afghanistan. The group previously suggested it might include Iran in future talks. "The participants agreed to continue their efforts towards further facilitating the Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan according to the known principles of reintegration of the armed opposition into peaceful life," the statement said. Hours before the Moscow meeting, Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Shekib Mostaghani said that regardless of the good intentions of the participants, the Moscow talks would not help the situation in Afghanistan, where government forces have been battling Taliban insurgents for 15 years. The joint statement...
Over Half a Million Afghans Flee Conflict in 2016: A Look At The IDP Statistics
In 2016, more than half a million Afghans fled conflict to places of safety inside Afghanistan’s borders. Over a third of the yearly total fled in just one month – October. This mass movement was caused by heavy fighting between government and insurgent forces. At the year’s end, AAN’s Jelena Bjelica looks at the statistics of Afghanistan’s internally displaced persons (IDPs). The newly displaced: facts and figures More than 580,000 people – 84,257 families – had been displaced within Afghanistan by mid-December 2016, the United Nations Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported. (For background on how IDPs are counted and recorded, statistics, see footnote (1)). More than half of the newly displaced population – 56 percent – were children under 18 years of age. In all but three of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, UNOCHA recorded some level of forced displacement, while all 34 provinces hosted the displaced. Kunduz, Uruzgan, Farah and Helmand produced the highest numbers of displaced people in 2016, while those receiving the most were Helmand, Takhar, Farah, Kunduz, Kandahar. That the same or nearby provinces appear in both lists show that many people seek safety near their homes. October was the worse month. There were simultaneous assaults by the Taleban on several provincial capitals: on Kunduz city (see AAN reporting here), Farah city in the west, Faryab’s Maymana in the north and Helmand’s Lashkar Gah in the south. Over a third of the yearly total fled in this month alone, with 213,000 people (31,402 families) on the move. (More in-depth information on displacement is available from an interactive UNOCHA ‘dashboard’ . The northeast The highest number of displaced persons was recorded in the northeast region (Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz and Baghlan), where over 198,000 people – 28,354 families, fled from conflict. Almost half of them – 93,500 people – fled their home province in October 2016. However, there were other monthly peaks – 30,000 in...
President Ghani Thanks Govt. Entities for Security, Defense Forces Support
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, in a meeting of different government entities, thanked them for extending their full support to the country’s security and defense forces. He said: “This doesn’t mean that we have been facing no crisis, but we could overcome the crises successfully.” Following management of the crisis, for strengthening of the country’s security and defense forces, based on the country’s national interests and strategic cooperation between Afghanistan and the US, we could restore friendly relations and international consensus about Afghanistan, said the president. “In a government to government talks, when I arrived in a Pakistani military base, roughly all the people criticized me, as they had only realized a single perspective of the issue, they had not differed between talk and the assessment, when I told them Pakistan is posed in an unannounced war against Afghanistan and I made them to accept the definition.” He said if he was not behaving them as deserved he couldn’t reject their fund. “I rejected their fund and asked to spend their announced money in war on terrorism in their own soil. He said as the country’s armed force commander in chief, would continue supporting them until the last moment, as he said 2015 was the year of their survival as each week, there was crisis and lack trust atmosphere, but the country’s true children would defend the country. The president praised the country’s security forces of being successfully deployed in 15 battlefields of war and added that a work could complete in one week, now being done in a single day. “The upcoming year was the year of our success and capability and this land [Afghanistan] would reach stability. The country’s security and defense forces and our next three years of plan would help us access big achievements,” said the president. According to the president, in the last 14 years, Afghanistan safety had been depended on the security forces, but in the next three years, the responsibility...
Pakistan Backed HIA-Kabul Talks, Says Hekmatyar’s Aide
A senior leader of the Hizb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) has said that Pakistan has neither interfered nor opposed its peace talks with the administration of President Ashraf Ghani. “Pakistan had supported the HIA-Kabul negotiations which led to the signing of a peace deal in September,” Dr Ghairat Baheer, the head of HIA’s political affairs committee, told The Express Tribune in an exclusive interview. Afghan diplomatic sources endorsed Dr Baheer, saying that Pakistan had not interfered in peace talks with the HIA. “It’s a fact that no one from Pakistan has ever dissuaded us from peace negotiations with Kabul. Conversely, Islamabad fully supported the peace process,” said Dr Baheer, who is now part of a six-member committee that oversees the implementation of the agreement that allows the HIA to play an active role in politics. On the Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, he called for an end to hostile statements by leaders from the two countries which, according to him, increase mutual mistrust. “If there is war or instability in Afghanistan, it will naturally affect Pakistan,” he said. “Therefore, the two governments should pursue a policy that can bring their peoples closer.” When his attention was drawn to the Taliban’s demands for peace talks with Kabul, Dr Baheer said neither side should set any preconditions for dialogue. “All sides should put their conditions on the table,” he said and referred to the unconditional talks between the HIA and the Kabul administration. The Taliban have long asked for the reopening of their political office in Qatar and lifting of international sanctions on their senior leaders before they could think about sitting across the table with Afghan negotiators. “Those who do not join the peace process will stand isolated,” the HIA leader said in a veiled reference to the Taliban. Asked to comment on the impression created by some circles that Kabul has made peace with the HIA to make it join the fight against the Taliban, Dr Baheer said...
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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.