800 trained on modern teaching methods in Kandahar
By Mohibullah Rokhan
KANDAHAR CITY, August 25 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The Afghan Education Foundation (AEF) has trained 800 teachers including 295 female on modern teaching methods and techniques in the southern Kandahar province.
The step was taken with the aim to raise the level of education of teachers and improve their teaching techniques.
Haji Nasir Ahmad, chief of the AEF, said the programme comprised two hours training daily for two months. He said the teachers had been trained in mathematics and other science subjects.
He said the foundation had hired the services of 34 trainers to successfully complete the training programme. He said the two-month training programme cost 3.5 million Afghani which was provided by AEF and Faiz-i-Aam Welfare Foundation.
Head of the education department of Kandahar Hayatullah Rafiqi described the training programme as useful for the teachers saying it would help improve their professional skills.
It merits a mention here that this was the first programme of its type successfully conducted and completed in Kandahar.
Jh/mhh/amm
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6432
Full Version: Afghan chaos growing
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > Foreign Policy and National Defense > Foreign Policy & National Defense Issues Archive
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/internationa...0in052000c.html
Two Japanese schoolteachers missing in Pakistan or Afghanistan
Two Japanese junior high school teachers on vacation may have gone missing in Pakistan or Afghanistan, and Japanese authorities were investigating, officials said Friday.
The two -- a man and a woman -- traveled to the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Aug. 8, but officials lost track of them after that, said Kasumasu Shibata, a spokesman for the Japanese Embassy in Islamabad.
"We think they went to Afghanistan from there, but we do not know whether they came back," he said.
Pakistan government officials were not immediately available for comment.
In Tokyo, a Foreign Ministry official said the two had been expected to return to Japan last week, but had not come home. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing ministry rules.
The two had no known affiliation with any non-governmental organization and apparently went to Pakistan solely for tourism, the official said.
The two were junior high school teachers who went to Pakistan on Aug. 6 and were to return to Japan on the 19th, said Akito Makihara, an education board official for Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan.
August 26, 2005
Two Japanese schoolteachers missing in Pakistan or Afghanistan
Two Japanese junior high school teachers on vacation may have gone missing in Pakistan or Afghanistan, and Japanese authorities were investigating, officials said Friday.
The two -- a man and a woman -- traveled to the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Aug. 8, but officials lost track of them after that, said Kasumasu Shibata, a spokesman for the Japanese Embassy in Islamabad.
"We think they went to Afghanistan from there, but we do not know whether they came back," he said.
Pakistan government officials were not immediately available for comment.
In Tokyo, a Foreign Ministry official said the two had been expected to return to Japan last week, but had not come home. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing ministry rules.
The two had no known affiliation with any non-governmental organization and apparently went to Pakistan solely for tourism, the official said.
The two were junior high school teachers who went to Pakistan on Aug. 6 and were to return to Japan on the 19th, said Akito Makihara, an education board official for Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan.
August 26, 2005
Kabul Police Academy Graduates First Officer Class
By 1st Lt. Leslie Brown, U.S. Air Force Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan National Police grew in ranks and capability recently as the German-led Kabul Police Academy graduated the first class of police officers from its comprehensive three-year officer training course.
The 210 new officers celebrated during a morning ceremony that emphasized their hard work and accomplishments and highlighted their new responsibilities now that they are lieutenants, or sarans.
As cadets at the academy, they studied 23 subjects during more than 3,400 hours of classroom training. Topics ranged from criminal investigations and social sciences to police tactics and operations.
In addition to being extremely well trained in police operations, the new sarans are in top physical condition. Before and after their classes, they supplemented their physical fitness classes with sports and defensive training activities.
“Every morning and every evening, except for holidays, the cadets were doing some type of physical conditioning,” said Col. Wasirshah, an assistant professor at the academy. “They would train in martial arts, boxing, football and basketball, as well as running and calisthenics.”
Wasirshah, who like many Afghans uses only one name, knows from experience what the new sarans will encounter during their careers with the ANP. “I have been in the service for more than 35 years—10 in the army and 25 in the police,” he said as he spoke with the graduates prior to the ceremony.
Newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Amin Ullah, one of the top graduates of the class, spoke highly of his training. “I enjoyed my time here. I found all subjects interesting, especially criminal techniques and police tactics.”
“We graduated 210 sarans. Beginning with them, every year we’ll graduate 400 to 500 new sarans,” said Jurgen Graf, a police advisor with the German Police Project Office. According to the Bonn II Agreement of 2002, Germany has lead responsibility for the reform of the Afghan National Police and the three-year Kabul Police Academy training program.
The new officers will be assigned to the different police divisions within the ANP. In the next few weeks they will head to their new assignments as border police, traffic police, uniform police, highway police or the standby force, Graf said.
Ullah can’t wait to get started in his new career as a police officer, something he has always aspired to. “Since I was a small child I’ve wanted to be a police or military officer,” he said.
After he gains experience on the force, he hopes to return to Kabul to become an academy professor. “I hope to come back to the academy and instruct so I can share my knowledge with other new police officers,” Ullah said.
At the ceremony, Ahmad Zia Massoud, first deputy vice president of Afghanistan, stressed the importance of the graduates’ future duties. “The police uniform is a symbol of service for the people, security and stability of Afghanistan,” Massoud said. “You are aware of your responsibility to your people and to your country.” Zarar Ahmad Moqbel, the deputy minister of the Interior Ministry, also spoke to the new officers about their future service to their country and its citizens.
“We are faced with challenges from those who wish to destroy our country and our security. This is the first graduation of police from the academy since the collapse of Taliban,” Maqbel said. “National sovereignty will only be achieved if we have a strong police force.”
The commanding general of the police academy, Maj. Gen. Shair Aqa Rohani, told the new officers how they are members of a truly national police force. “We are ready for you to serve in every part of Afghanistan.
“Your graduation today helps Afghanistan secure the long struggle against crime,” Rohani said. “You will continue your duties according to the police oath and will defend independence, freedom, security and stability for Afghanistan .”
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/Stories/08_05/32.htm
By 1st Lt. Leslie Brown, U.S. Air Force Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan National Police grew in ranks and capability recently as the German-led Kabul Police Academy graduated the first class of police officers from its comprehensive three-year officer training course.
The 210 new officers celebrated during a morning ceremony that emphasized their hard work and accomplishments and highlighted their new responsibilities now that they are lieutenants, or sarans.
As cadets at the academy, they studied 23 subjects during more than 3,400 hours of classroom training. Topics ranged from criminal investigations and social sciences to police tactics and operations.
In addition to being extremely well trained in police operations, the new sarans are in top physical condition. Before and after their classes, they supplemented their physical fitness classes with sports and defensive training activities.
“Every morning and every evening, except for holidays, the cadets were doing some type of physical conditioning,” said Col. Wasirshah, an assistant professor at the academy. “They would train in martial arts, boxing, football and basketball, as well as running and calisthenics.”
Wasirshah, who like many Afghans uses only one name, knows from experience what the new sarans will encounter during their careers with the ANP. “I have been in the service for more than 35 years—10 in the army and 25 in the police,” he said as he spoke with the graduates prior to the ceremony.
Newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Amin Ullah, one of the top graduates of the class, spoke highly of his training. “I enjoyed my time here. I found all subjects interesting, especially criminal techniques and police tactics.”
“We graduated 210 sarans. Beginning with them, every year we’ll graduate 400 to 500 new sarans,” said Jurgen Graf, a police advisor with the German Police Project Office. According to the Bonn II Agreement of 2002, Germany has lead responsibility for the reform of the Afghan National Police and the three-year Kabul Police Academy training program.
The new officers will be assigned to the different police divisions within the ANP. In the next few weeks they will head to their new assignments as border police, traffic police, uniform police, highway police or the standby force, Graf said.
Ullah can’t wait to get started in his new career as a police officer, something he has always aspired to. “Since I was a small child I’ve wanted to be a police or military officer,” he said.
After he gains experience on the force, he hopes to return to Kabul to become an academy professor. “I hope to come back to the academy and instruct so I can share my knowledge with other new police officers,” Ullah said.
At the ceremony, Ahmad Zia Massoud, first deputy vice president of Afghanistan, stressed the importance of the graduates’ future duties. “The police uniform is a symbol of service for the people, security and stability of Afghanistan,” Massoud said. “You are aware of your responsibility to your people and to your country.” Zarar Ahmad Moqbel, the deputy minister of the Interior Ministry, also spoke to the new officers about their future service to their country and its citizens.
“We are faced with challenges from those who wish to destroy our country and our security. This is the first graduation of police from the academy since the collapse of Taliban,” Maqbel said. “National sovereignty will only be achieved if we have a strong police force.”
The commanding general of the police academy, Maj. Gen. Shair Aqa Rohani, told the new officers how they are members of a truly national police force. “We are ready for you to serve in every part of Afghanistan.
“Your graduation today helps Afghanistan secure the long struggle against crime,” Rohani said. “You will continue your duties according to the police oath and will defend independence, freedom, security and stability for Afghanistan .”
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/Stories/08_05/32.htm
Military doctor patches up 8-year-old Afghani girl’s heart
By COMBINED FORCES COMMAND – AFGHANISTAN
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Karishma tried to be like any other eight year old, running and playing with boundless energy, but for her, there was an end to the energy.
She could never have had a normal, long life because of heart problems – until a year ago.
Two U.S. Special Forces medical personnel, a medical sergeant and doctor, crossed paths with Karishma in September 2004 ultimately leading up to a successful lifesaving closed-heart surgery performed Aug. 14 by Dr. (Maj.) Michael Myers, a cardiothoracic surgeon stationed at the Bagram Airfield hospital.
“The surgery went extremely well,” the surgeon said. “She is a strong little girl. She will live a long, happy, healthy life.”
Karishma was three months old when her family found out she had heart problems from a doctor in Peshawar , Pakistan . They diagnosed her with Ventricular Septal Defect -- a hole in the heart’s wall -- a type of heart malfunction present at birth.
&nbssp; Seven years later, village elders introduced her father, Abdula, to the Special Operations Forces medical sergeant and doctor. They had been conducting sick-call near Jalalabad in September 2004.
“I told Abdula that I could not treat Karishma, but I would do some research on the Internet about the problem and asked him to return a few days later,” said the SOF medical sergeant. “I researched the condition and found three non-profit organizations that could help. The same day I received a response from the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, N.J., offering to perform the surgery free for the family through a program called ‘Children of the World Program.’”
The Deborah Heart and Lung Center reviewed Karishma’s charts and made a final diagnosis that she had Patent Ductus Arteriosus, where a part of her aorta did not close and develop after birth.
Everything was set for Karishma and her mother to travel to New Jersey for the operation. The entire trip and operation would be free of charge for the family. But, things took another turn.
Almost a year after initially seeing Karishma in Jalalabad, the SOF doctor overheard Dr. Myers saying he had done a similar surgery. He asked Dr. Myers if he would like to do another. The SOF doctor relayed this information to his medical sergeant. The sergeant later learned that Myers had actually performed the same surgery on another patient about a week earlier.
“I told Dr. Myers about Karishma and asked him if he was interested in doing another one, and he said, ‘Sure, why not’,” the SOF doctor said. The family learned of Myers’ ability and willingness to perform the surgery at Bagram. They joyfully accepted the offer.
Abdula, who is a tailor with five sons and five daughters, could have never afforded the operation.
“I am very happy and very thankful to the Americans for helping Karishma,” Abdula said.
“She is very playful and energetic, she just gets tired real easy,” said the SOF doctor.
Karishma is currently in recovery at Bagram and expected to return home within a week.
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/Stories/08_05/28.htm
By COMBINED FORCES COMMAND – AFGHANISTAN
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Karishma tried to be like any other eight year old, running and playing with boundless energy, but for her, there was an end to the energy.
She could never have had a normal, long life because of heart problems – until a year ago.
Two U.S. Special Forces medical personnel, a medical sergeant and doctor, crossed paths with Karishma in September 2004 ultimately leading up to a successful lifesaving closed-heart surgery performed Aug. 14 by Dr. (Maj.) Michael Myers, a cardiothoracic surgeon stationed at the Bagram Airfield hospital.
“The surgery went extremely well,” the surgeon said. “She is a strong little girl. She will live a long, happy, healthy life.”
Karishma was three months old when her family found out she had heart problems from a doctor in Peshawar , Pakistan . They diagnosed her with Ventricular Septal Defect -- a hole in the heart’s wall -- a type of heart malfunction present at birth.
&nbssp; Seven years later, village elders introduced her father, Abdula, to the Special Operations Forces medical sergeant and doctor. They had been conducting sick-call near Jalalabad in September 2004.
“I told Abdula that I could not treat Karishma, but I would do some research on the Internet about the problem and asked him to return a few days later,” said the SOF medical sergeant. “I researched the condition and found three non-profit organizations that could help. The same day I received a response from the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, N.J., offering to perform the surgery free for the family through a program called ‘Children of the World Program.’”
The Deborah Heart and Lung Center reviewed Karishma’s charts and made a final diagnosis that she had Patent Ductus Arteriosus, where a part of her aorta did not close and develop after birth.
Everything was set for Karishma and her mother to travel to New Jersey for the operation. The entire trip and operation would be free of charge for the family. But, things took another turn.
Almost a year after initially seeing Karishma in Jalalabad, the SOF doctor overheard Dr. Myers saying he had done a similar surgery. He asked Dr. Myers if he would like to do another. The SOF doctor relayed this information to his medical sergeant. The sergeant later learned that Myers had actually performed the same surgery on another patient about a week earlier.
“I told Dr. Myers about Karishma and asked him if he was interested in doing another one, and he said, ‘Sure, why not’,” the SOF doctor said. The family learned of Myers’ ability and willingness to perform the surgery at Bagram. They joyfully accepted the offer.
Abdula, who is a tailor with five sons and five daughters, could have never afforded the operation.
“I am very happy and very thankful to the Americans for helping Karishma,” Abdula said.
“She is very playful and energetic, she just gets tired real easy,” said the SOF doctor.
Karishma is currently in recovery at Bagram and expected to return home within a week.
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/Stories/08_05/28.htm
92nd MP Company bolsters police training capabilities
ZABOL PROVINCE , Afghanistan —A platoon from the 92nd Military Police Company, Baumholder , Germany , recently joined Task Force Rock as it continues its combat and civil assistance missions in Zabol province, Afghanistan .
Platoons from the 92nd MP Co., led by the 2nd Battalion 503rd Infantry (Airborne), conduct operations all over Afghanistan . They already have experience operating in Kandahar province and the Lash Kahr Gah district.
Second Lt. Daniel Caffarel leads the platoon along with Sgt. 1st Class Gary Keziah, platoon sergeant. The Soldiers are primarily military police officers, or, as Caffarel calls them, “combat MPs.”
In garrison, these Soldiers have two roles: the typical police work that comes with patrolling a military post; and training to prepare for combat operations. MP units on combat deployments assume many traditional infantry roles such as conducting patrols, executing raids, and reacting to ambushes.
The main focus of Caffarel’s mission with TF Rock will be to provide effective training to more than 1,000 Afghan National Policemen who patrol the 11 districts of the Zabol province. The MPs will meet that goal by providing an intensive two-week course to every policeman in the province prior to the parliamentary elections Sept. 18.
The training will focus on weapons marksmanship, conducting searches, and executing site security. For the months after the elections, Caffarel’s platoon has designed a four-week follow-on course for the ANP that focuses on typical police work, such as identifying and collecting evidence, conducting interviews, gathering intelligence, and establishing and operating a traffic control post.
“The ultimate goal of our deployment here is to transition the police, who already have an extensive amount of war-fighting experience and training, from infantrymen into policemen,” Caffarel said. “We want to teach them the whole ‘to serve and to protect’ mentality and how to work with the communities to develop the relationships that define good police organizations.”
The 92nd MPs will be attached to TF Rock until their mutual redeployment in April 2006.
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/Stories/08_05/23.htm
ZABOL PROVINCE , Afghanistan —A platoon from the 92nd Military Police Company, Baumholder , Germany , recently joined Task Force Rock as it continues its combat and civil assistance missions in Zabol province, Afghanistan .
Platoons from the 92nd MP Co., led by the 2nd Battalion 503rd Infantry (Airborne), conduct operations all over Afghanistan . They already have experience operating in Kandahar province and the Lash Kahr Gah district.
Second Lt. Daniel Caffarel leads the platoon along with Sgt. 1st Class Gary Keziah, platoon sergeant. The Soldiers are primarily military police officers, or, as Caffarel calls them, “combat MPs.”
In garrison, these Soldiers have two roles: the typical police work that comes with patrolling a military post; and training to prepare for combat operations. MP units on combat deployments assume many traditional infantry roles such as conducting patrols, executing raids, and reacting to ambushes.
The main focus of Caffarel’s mission with TF Rock will be to provide effective training to more than 1,000 Afghan National Policemen who patrol the 11 districts of the Zabol province. The MPs will meet that goal by providing an intensive two-week course to every policeman in the province prior to the parliamentary elections Sept. 18.
The training will focus on weapons marksmanship, conducting searches, and executing site security. For the months after the elections, Caffarel’s platoon has designed a four-week follow-on course for the ANP that focuses on typical police work, such as identifying and collecting evidence, conducting interviews, gathering intelligence, and establishing and operating a traffic control post.
“The ultimate goal of our deployment here is to transition the police, who already have an extensive amount of war-fighting experience and training, from infantrymen into policemen,” Caffarel said. “We want to teach them the whole ‘to serve and to protect’ mentality and how to work with the communities to develop the relationships that define good police organizations.”
The 92nd MPs will be attached to TF Rock until their mutual redeployment in April 2006.
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/Stories/08_05/23.htm
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4816979
Afghanistan Sees Surge in Attacks Before Vote
Listen to this story... by Eric Westervelt
Morning Edition, August 26, 2005 · There's been a rise in violence in Afghanistan as Taliban fighters attempt to disrupt September's parliamentary elections. American warplanes, helicopters and a B-52 bomber are again on patrol, seeking to defeat the persistent insurgency.
Afghanistan Sees Surge in Attacks Before Vote
Listen to this story... by Eric Westervelt
Morning Edition, August 26, 2005 · There's been a rise in violence in Afghanistan as Taliban fighters attempt to disrupt September's parliamentary elections. American warplanes, helicopters and a B-52 bomber are again on patrol, seeking to defeat the persistent insurgency.
Authorities ignorant about missing Japanese
By Zubair Babakarkhail
KABUL, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Afghan authorities Saturday said no foreigner had entered into Afghanistan via Spin Boldak route over the past 35 days.
Commenting on reports about the missing of two Japanese nationals in Kandahar, Interior Ministry spokesman Lutfullah Mashal said the registration office at Spin Boldak did not show name of any foreigner entered into Afghanistan over the past 35 days.
The Japan embassy officials Friday said two Japanese schoolteachers, a man and a woman, went missing after entering Afghanistan via Spin Boldak. The two had gone to Pakistan's border city Quetta on August 8, but officials lost track of them after entering Afghanistan.
Yoshikazu Isomura, the first secretary of Japanese embassy in Kabul told Pajhwok Afghan News they had not heard of the schoolteachers after they entered the Afghan border from Chaman town of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province.
Mashal added they could not say anything if the two had entered into Afghanistan without getting a visa and registering themselves at the entry point.
Translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6497
By Zubair Babakarkhail
KABUL, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Afghan authorities Saturday said no foreigner had entered into Afghanistan via Spin Boldak route over the past 35 days.
Commenting on reports about the missing of two Japanese nationals in Kandahar, Interior Ministry spokesman Lutfullah Mashal said the registration office at Spin Boldak did not show name of any foreigner entered into Afghanistan over the past 35 days.
The Japan embassy officials Friday said two Japanese schoolteachers, a man and a woman, went missing after entering Afghanistan via Spin Boldak. The two had gone to Pakistan's border city Quetta on August 8, but officials lost track of them after entering Afghanistan.
Yoshikazu Isomura, the first secretary of Japanese embassy in Kabul told Pajhwok Afghan News they had not heard of the schoolteachers after they entered the Afghan border from Chaman town of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province.
Mashal added they could not say anything if the two had entered into Afghanistan without getting a visa and registering themselves at the entry point.
Translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6497
PCB likely to invite Afghan U-17
By Pakhtun Sahar and Javid Hamim
ISLAMABAD, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Friday said they would invite Afghan Under-17 squad to participate in the upcoming national competitions.
Spokesman for the PCB Raza Shahid told Pajhwok Afghan News decision to this effect would be finalised in the upcoming meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Raza said like Pakistan, cricket was favourite game in Afghanistan which attracts a large number of people. He said they wanted the Afghan players to take advantage of the experience of their neighbours.
However, secretary general of the Afghanistan Cricket Federation Taj Malook when contacted by Pajhwok Afghan News said he was unaware of the invitation. "Officials of the PCB had earlier promised to invite our cricketers for participation in the national competitions, but they did not honour their promise."
Appreciating Pakistan's role in training Afghan cricketers and athletes, Taj Malook asked the cricket authorities in the neighbouring country to further extend their cooperation to improve professional skills of the Afghan players.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6496
By Pakhtun Sahar and Javid Hamim
ISLAMABAD, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Friday said they would invite Afghan Under-17 squad to participate in the upcoming national competitions.
Spokesman for the PCB Raza Shahid told Pajhwok Afghan News decision to this effect would be finalised in the upcoming meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Raza said like Pakistan, cricket was favourite game in Afghanistan which attracts a large number of people. He said they wanted the Afghan players to take advantage of the experience of their neighbours.
However, secretary general of the Afghanistan Cricket Federation Taj Malook when contacted by Pajhwok Afghan News said he was unaware of the invitation. "Officials of the PCB had earlier promised to invite our cricketers for participation in the national competitions, but they did not honour their promise."
Appreciating Pakistan's role in training Afghan cricketers and athletes, Taj Malook asked the cricket authorities in the neighbouring country to further extend their cooperation to improve professional skills of the Afghan players.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6496
Political parties in Balkh agree to remain peaceful during polls
By Ahmad Naeem Qadri
MAZAR-I-SHARIF, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Representatives of various political parties in the northern Balkh province Saturday hold a meeting to develop a congenial environment during the upcoming parliamentary polls.
All the parties agreed to fully observe the rules and regulation and code of ethics set for the candidates to avoid any untoward incident during the run up. The meeting was organised by National Democratic Institute and attended by representatives of 20 political parties.
Speaking on the occasion, representative of the Afghanistan Peoples' Unity Party Ustad Mohammad Sardar Saeedi urged all the parties to strive for ensuring peaceful environment during the elections. He added the parties must present an example of peace and understanding before the people.
Another speaker Maria Sazwar, representative of the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, asked the participants to keep the future of flourishing democracy in their mind before flexing muscles for election.
Abdul Rahim, representative of the Hizb-i-Paiwand-i-Mihani, stressed the need for more coordination among the contesting parties to avoid repetition of mistakes occurred during the presidential elections.
Engineer Timoor Shah, a senior official of the UN-backed Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) asked the candidates and political parties to consult their offices in case of complaints about the electoral process or any other problem relating to the polls.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6491
By Ahmad Naeem Qadri
MAZAR-I-SHARIF, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Representatives of various political parties in the northern Balkh province Saturday hold a meeting to develop a congenial environment during the upcoming parliamentary polls.
All the parties agreed to fully observe the rules and regulation and code of ethics set for the candidates to avoid any untoward incident during the run up. The meeting was organised by National Democratic Institute and attended by representatives of 20 political parties.
Speaking on the occasion, representative of the Afghanistan Peoples' Unity Party Ustad Mohammad Sardar Saeedi urged all the parties to strive for ensuring peaceful environment during the elections. He added the parties must present an example of peace and understanding before the people.
Another speaker Maria Sazwar, representative of the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, asked the participants to keep the future of flourishing democracy in their mind before flexing muscles for election.
Abdul Rahim, representative of the Hizb-i-Paiwand-i-Mihani, stressed the need for more coordination among the contesting parties to avoid repetition of mistakes occurred during the presidential elections.
Engineer Timoor Shah, a senior official of the UN-backed Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) asked the candidates and political parties to consult their offices in case of complaints about the electoral process or any other problem relating to the polls.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6491
http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/new...ws/12498351.htm
Posted on Sun, Aug. 28, 2005
One GI killed, 4 wounded in Afghan bombing
Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan - A bomb killed a U.S. service member and wounded four when it exploded near their armored vehicle in eastern Afghanistan, the military said on Saturday.
The blast occurred Friday in Paktika province near the border with Pakistan. The wounded were rushed to nearby bases for treatment. One was in critical condition, one in stable condition and two have returned to duty, a military statement said.
Posted on Sun, Aug. 28, 2005
One GI killed, 4 wounded in Afghan bombing
Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan - A bomb killed a U.S. service member and wounded four when it exploded near their armored vehicle in eastern Afghanistan, the military said on Saturday.
The blast occurred Friday in Paktika province near the border with Pakistan. The wounded were rushed to nearby bases for treatment. One was in critical condition, one in stable condition and two have returned to duty, a military statement said.
Land disputes claim six lives in Nangarhar, Laghman
By Ezatullah Zawab and Abdul Moeed Hashmi
JALALABAD\MEHTARLAM, August 28 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Land and water disputes claimed six lives in the eastern Nangarhar and Laghman provinces. At least 20 people were reported wounded with four of them in critical condition.
Three people were killed overnight when armed men attacked a house in the Rodat district of the Nangarhar province. Local said the two families had a longstanding dispute over a watercourse in the area.
Abdul Qayum, relative of the deceased, said Zafar Khan had won case against his nephew Qabad. The enraged nephew along with his abettors broke into his house and killed Zafar Khan, his wife and son besides injuring two minors of the ill-fated family.
Qayum accused the police for late arrival at the scene. He said had the security official arrived in time, they could have arrest the culprits. Fardiullah Khyber, a doctor in the public health department's hospital said condition of the wounded children was serious.
Ghulam Dastagir, Nangarhar crime control chief, when contacted by Pajhwok Afghan News cited family dispute behind the tragic incident. He said case had been registered and investigations were on to arrest the culprits.
In the neighbouring Laghman, three people were killed and 18 others wounded as two families exchanged fire over an old land dispute. The guns silenced after police arrived at the scene.
Locals said the clash erupted in Badi Abad area, 15 kilometers from the provincial capital as families of Allah Gul and Qayum Akhunzada exchanged fire over a piece of land. They were later joined by men of their respective clans resulting in the killing of three people.
The dead included one from Akhunzada's and two from Allah Gul side, said the residents. An official in Mehtarlam said the wounded had been shifted to Jalalabad hospital for medical treatment where two of them were serious.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6518
By Ezatullah Zawab and Abdul Moeed Hashmi
JALALABAD\MEHTARLAM, August 28 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Land and water disputes claimed six lives in the eastern Nangarhar and Laghman provinces. At least 20 people were reported wounded with four of them in critical condition.
Three people were killed overnight when armed men attacked a house in the Rodat district of the Nangarhar province. Local said the two families had a longstanding dispute over a watercourse in the area.
Abdul Qayum, relative of the deceased, said Zafar Khan had won case against his nephew Qabad. The enraged nephew along with his abettors broke into his house and killed Zafar Khan, his wife and son besides injuring two minors of the ill-fated family.
Qayum accused the police for late arrival at the scene. He said had the security official arrived in time, they could have arrest the culprits. Fardiullah Khyber, a doctor in the public health department's hospital said condition of the wounded children was serious.
Ghulam Dastagir, Nangarhar crime control chief, when contacted by Pajhwok Afghan News cited family dispute behind the tragic incident. He said case had been registered and investigations were on to arrest the culprits.
In the neighbouring Laghman, three people were killed and 18 others wounded as two families exchanged fire over an old land dispute. The guns silenced after police arrived at the scene.
Locals said the clash erupted in Badi Abad area, 15 kilometers from the provincial capital as families of Allah Gul and Qayum Akhunzada exchanged fire over a piece of land. They were later joined by men of their respective clans resulting in the killing of three people.
The dead included one from Akhunzada's and two from Allah Gul side, said the residents. An official in Mehtarlam said the wounded had been shifted to Jalalabad hospital for medical treatment where two of them were serious.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6518
Agreement inked to construct roads in seven provinces
By Zainab Mohaqiq
KABUL, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The Afghan government in collaboration with the United Nation Office for Project Services (UNOPS) will soon launch reconstruction of 260 kilometre roads leading to villages in seven provinces, officials said on Saturday.
An agreement to this effect was inked among the ministries of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Public Works and the UNOPS. The project will cost $15 million which will be provided by the UNOPS.
Minister for Public Works Sohrab Ali Safar said the programme covers reconstruction of roads for villages in Bamyan, Herat, Kabul, Kundoz, Logar, Paktika and Parwan provinces.
Describing the project of great importance, minister for Rural Rehabilitation and Development Mohammad Hanif Atmar said this would help reduce poverty in the areas.
Survey of the roads has been completed while completion of the project will consume 12 to 21 months. The total budget for these projects is $78 million under which 1,400 kilometer roads will be constructed throughout the country.
The programme would also create jobs for 20,000 people who had voluntarily disarmed during the DDR process, concluded the minister.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6495
By Zainab Mohaqiq
KABUL, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The Afghan government in collaboration with the United Nation Office for Project Services (UNOPS) will soon launch reconstruction of 260 kilometre roads leading to villages in seven provinces, officials said on Saturday.
An agreement to this effect was inked among the ministries of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Public Works and the UNOPS. The project will cost $15 million which will be provided by the UNOPS.
Minister for Public Works Sohrab Ali Safar said the programme covers reconstruction of roads for villages in Bamyan, Herat, Kabul, Kundoz, Logar, Paktika and Parwan provinces.
Describing the project of great importance, minister for Rural Rehabilitation and Development Mohammad Hanif Atmar said this would help reduce poverty in the areas.
Survey of the roads has been completed while completion of the project will consume 12 to 21 months. The total budget for these projects is $78 million under which 1,400 kilometer roads will be constructed throughout the country.
The programme would also create jobs for 20,000 people who had voluntarily disarmed during the DDR process, concluded the minister.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6495
Road accident claims eight lives near Kabul
By Ahmad Khalid Moahid
The destroyed passenger coach and the truck near Kalakan, north of Kabul
KABUL, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Eight people were killed and six others sustained injuries following a head-on collision between a speedy truck and a passenger coach (Town Ace) Saturday morning.
The tragedy happened when a speedy truck bearing registration number 22973-Kabul collided with a passenger coach, registration number 472 near Kalakan district, some 35 kilometres north of here. The ill-fated passenger coach was coming from Kapisa to Kabul.
The accident was so horrific that eight passenger died on the spot while six others were rushed to hospital with broken legs and arms. The dead also included driver of the coach and a woman and her three children.
Eyewitnesses said the collision, which partially destroyed the coach, occurred due to rash driving of the truck driver, who managed to flee the scene. Police said case had been registered and investigations were on to arrest the driver.
Dr Abdullah, chief of the Mir Bachakot district emergency hospital, said the injured including a woman, had been shifted to Kabul for immediate treatment. Some of them have received serious injuries while others have their legs and arms broken, said the doctor.
Javid, an eyewitness, told Pajhwok Afghan News the speedy truck coming from Kabul side, first hit a tractor and then rammed into the passenger coach coming from the opposite direction. He said the tractor driver was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Kalakan police chief Colonel Mohammad Yaqoob Zalmai, who was on the scene immediately, told this scribe the truck driver had made good his escape. However, police was combing the area to arrest him.
Translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6462
By Ahmad Khalid Moahid
The destroyed passenger coach and the truck near Kalakan, north of Kabul
KABUL, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Eight people were killed and six others sustained injuries following a head-on collision between a speedy truck and a passenger coach (Town Ace) Saturday morning.
The tragedy happened when a speedy truck bearing registration number 22973-Kabul collided with a passenger coach, registration number 472 near Kalakan district, some 35 kilometres north of here. The ill-fated passenger coach was coming from Kapisa to Kabul.
The accident was so horrific that eight passenger died on the spot while six others were rushed to hospital with broken legs and arms. The dead also included driver of the coach and a woman and her three children.
Eyewitnesses said the collision, which partially destroyed the coach, occurred due to rash driving of the truck driver, who managed to flee the scene. Police said case had been registered and investigations were on to arrest the driver.
Dr Abdullah, chief of the Mir Bachakot district emergency hospital, said the injured including a woman, had been shifted to Kabul for immediate treatment. Some of them have received serious injuries while others have their legs and arms broken, said the doctor.
Javid, an eyewitness, told Pajhwok Afghan News the speedy truck coming from Kabul side, first hit a tractor and then rammed into the passenger coach coming from the opposite direction. He said the tractor driver was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Kalakan police chief Colonel Mohammad Yaqoob Zalmai, who was on the scene immediately, told this scribe the truck driver had made good his escape. However, police was combing the area to arrest him.
Translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6462
154 policemen complete training in Kandahar
By Mohib Rokhan
KANDAHAR CITY, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Another batch of 154 policemen from different southern provinces completed their month-long training in the Kandahar National Police Academy.
This was the 14dth batch which has completed training in the academy thus far. Graduation certificates were distributed among the policemen during a simple ceremony.
Commander of the National Police Academy Colonel Nasrullah Zarifi told Pajhwok Afghan News policemen from Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul completed the month-long training on Friday.
He said they were trained in keeping the law and order situation in control and coping with any emergency. Unable to tell the exact number of graduates so far completed training in the academy, Zarifi hoped the training would enable the policemen to ensure security in their respective areas.
Jh/mhh/amm
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6475
By Mohib Rokhan
KANDAHAR CITY, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Another batch of 154 policemen from different southern provinces completed their month-long training in the Kandahar National Police Academy.
This was the 14dth batch which has completed training in the academy thus far. Graduation certificates were distributed among the policemen during a simple ceremony.
Commander of the National Police Academy Colonel Nasrullah Zarifi told Pajhwok Afghan News policemen from Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul completed the month-long training on Friday.
He said they were trained in keeping the law and order situation in control and coping with any emergency. Unable to tell the exact number of graduates so far completed training in the academy, Zarifi hoped the training would enable the policemen to ensure security in their respective areas.
Jh/mhh/amm
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6475
Five sustain burn injuries as fire erupts in marriage party
By Fareedullah
ASADABAD, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Five people including the bride groom suffered burn injuries as fire erupted during a marriage party in the Mazar Dara area of Noor Gul district of the eastern Kunar province on Friday.
The fire broke out as a man tried to sprinkle petrol on burning woods. The injured were rushed to Nangarhar hospital for medical treatment.
Provincial police chief Colonel Abdul Ghafar confirming the incident said it happened due to the carelessness of those cooking the food.
Dr Mohammad Naeem of the Nangarhar hospital said two of the injured had been discharged after receiving first-aid while two others were under treatment.
He added condition of the fifth injured was serious and the medical staff were trying to save his life.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6494
By Fareedullah
ASADABAD, August 27 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Five people including the bride groom suffered burn injuries as fire erupted during a marriage party in the Mazar Dara area of Noor Gul district of the eastern Kunar province on Friday.
The fire broke out as a man tried to sprinkle petrol on burning woods. The injured were rushed to Nangarhar hospital for medical treatment.
Provincial police chief Colonel Abdul Ghafar confirming the incident said it happened due to the carelessness of those cooking the food.
Dr Mohammad Naeem of the Nangarhar hospital said two of the injured had been discharged after receiving first-aid while two others were under treatment.
He added condition of the fifth injured was serious and the medical staff were trying to save his life.
http://www.pajhwak.com/en/news/viewStory.asp?lng=eng&id=6494
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200508/2...828_204976.html
August 28, 2005
Parliamentary candidate killed in southern Afghanistan
An Afghan parliamentary candidate was killed by Taliban in southern Afghanistan Saturday, an official said Sunday.
Haji Atiqullah, the candidate who had worked for last year's presidential elections, was killed in Tarin Kot district of Uruzgan province, the provincial governor Jan Mohammad Khan told Xinhua.
He condemned Taliban for being behind the killing to derail the upcoming elections.
August 28, 2005
Parliamentary candidate killed in southern Afghanistan
An Afghan parliamentary candidate was killed by Taliban in southern Afghanistan Saturday, an official said Sunday.
Haji Atiqullah, the candidate who had worked for last year's presidential elections, was killed in Tarin Kot district of Uruzgan province, the provincial governor Jan Mohammad Khan told Xinhua.
He condemned Taliban for being behind the killing to derail the upcoming elections.
NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 27, 2005
Release Number: 05-08-27
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOREIGN TERRORIST FACILITATOR KILLED IN MOSUL GUN BATTLE
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed Abu Khallad, a major facilitator of foreign fighters and suicide bombers into northern Iraq, during operations in Mosul on Aug. 25. Multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens led multi-national forces to a location in Mosul where known foreign fighter facilitator Khallad, a Saudi national, was located. Upon arrival at that location, multi-national forces stopped his vehicle, a gunfight immediately ensued, and Khallad and an unidentified terrorist were shot and killed.
Recent detainees have alleged that Khallad had contacted recruiters in Saudi Arabia to coordinate the movement of foreign fighters and suicide bombers into Northern Iraq. Once in Mosul, he allegedly directed the distribution of the foreign fighters and suicide bombers to the various terrorist cells operating in Mosul.
He was also allegedly active in support of the foreign fighters smuggled into the Mosul area. According to detainee reports, Khallad supplied them with money, weapons and bomb-making materials. Detainees further stated these resources were from donations from the same Saudi contacts who recruited and sent the foreign fighters to Mosul.
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/news_re...se=20050827.txt
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 27, 2005
Release Number: 05-08-27
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOREIGN TERRORIST FACILITATOR KILLED IN MOSUL GUN BATTLE
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed Abu Khallad, a major facilitator of foreign fighters and suicide bombers into northern Iraq, during operations in Mosul on Aug. 25. Multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens led multi-national forces to a location in Mosul where known foreign fighter facilitator Khallad, a Saudi national, was located. Upon arrival at that location, multi-national forces stopped his vehicle, a gunfight immediately ensued, and Khallad and an unidentified terrorist were shot and killed.
Recent detainees have alleged that Khallad had contacted recruiters in Saudi Arabia to coordinate the movement of foreign fighters and suicide bombers into Northern Iraq. Once in Mosul, he allegedly directed the distribution of the foreign fighters and suicide bombers to the various terrorist cells operating in Mosul.
He was also allegedly active in support of the foreign fighters smuggled into the Mosul area. According to detainee reports, Khallad supplied them with money, weapons and bomb-making materials. Detainees further stated these resources were from donations from the same Saudi contacts who recruited and sent the foreign fighters to Mosul.
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/news_re...se=20050827.txt
NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 27, 2005
Release Number: 05-08-28
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANP DETAIN 5 ENEMY IN EASTERN AFGHANISTAN
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police detained five enemy in the Omna district of Paktika province during a door-to-door search Aug. 22.
Backed up by Coalition forces and acting on intelligence they’d received about a cell that built improvised explosive devices, ANP forces established a cordon and found the enemy.
The ANP reported detaining two IED cell leaders and three crew members. The men had AK-47s, Taliban propaganda, and IED-making material to include wires, batteries, blasting caps and explosives.
“The highlight of this operation was that the ANP truly took ownership in conducting a thorough search and apprehending these individuals,” said Capt. Josh SeGraves, Commander Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment. “The ANP took responsibility of their country by actively searching for and delaying these men and in turn did their part in serving and protecting their fellow Afghan citizens.”
The detained men are currently in custody of the ANP.
“Afghan forces have once again proved their commitment and allegiance to their fellow Afghans by weeding out these terrorists who are plaguing the well-being and future progress of Afghanistan ,” said Brig. Gen. James G. Champion, Combined Joint Task Force-76 deputy commanding general (operations).
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/news_re...se=20050828.txt
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 27, 2005
Release Number: 05-08-28
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANP DETAIN 5 ENEMY IN EASTERN AFGHANISTAN
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police detained five enemy in the Omna district of Paktika province during a door-to-door search Aug. 22.
Backed up by Coalition forces and acting on intelligence they’d received about a cell that built improvised explosive devices, ANP forces established a cordon and found the enemy.
The ANP reported detaining two IED cell leaders and three crew members. The men had AK-47s, Taliban propaganda, and IED-making material to include wires, batteries, blasting caps and explosives.
“The highlight of this operation was that the ANP truly took ownership in conducting a thorough search and apprehending these individuals,” said Capt. Josh SeGraves, Commander Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment. “The ANP took responsibility of their country by actively searching for and delaying these men and in turn did their part in serving and protecting their fellow Afghan citizens.”
The detained men are currently in custody of the ANP.
“Afghan forces have once again proved their commitment and allegiance to their fellow Afghans by weeding out these terrorists who are plaguing the well-being and future progress of Afghanistan ,” said Brig. Gen. James G. Champion, Combined Joint Task Force-76 deputy commanding general (operations).
http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/news_re...se=20050828.txt
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_n...05082824811.xml
Kabul condemns ‘lenient’ US military verdicts
Web posted at: 8/28/2005 2:48:11
Source ::: AFP
KABUL: Afghanistan yesterday condemned as too lenient the jail terms of up to three months each for two US soldiers whose abuse of Afghan detainees led to the prisoners’ deaths.
“We think the punishments given to those who have severely violated human rights are very light and unexpectedly lenient,” said President Hamid Karzai’s spokesman Karim Rahimi. “They should have been given severe punishments.” The two soldiers were tried in a US military court in Texas, leading to the first judicial sentences handed to any American soldier for prisoner abuse in Afghanistan since 2001.
“We’re disappointed,” Rahimi said. The courts-martial occurred in the past few weeks at Fort Bliss in Texas, where the soldiers were charged in relation to the deaths of two Afghans in detention at Bagram, the main US base in Afghanistan, in late 2002.
One of the two victims was a 22-year-old taxi driver known only as Dilawar. The other was Mullah Habibullah, who was aged about 30.
The Army has publicly acknowledged the two deaths and announced in October that up to 28 US soldiers may face charges as a result.
Afghanistan’s Independent Human Rights Commission said that, while the convictions were a step in the right direction, the punishments were not in line with the magnitude of the crime.
“We welcome the recent developments on the prosecution of the two soldiers, but we are disappointed with the sentences given to them,” Ahmad Nader Nadery, a spokesman for the commission, said .
According to Human Rights Watch, which said it has obtained unreleased Army reports about the deaths, the men were chained to the ceiling while standing, one at the waist and one by the wrists, while their feet remained on the ground.
One of them was beaten over a five-day period until the tissue in his legs was severely damaged, the New York-based rights group has said.
An autopsy performed by a medical examiner and cited by the Army had shown that Dilawar’s legs were so badly damaged by blows that amputations would have been necessary, according to an Army report dated July 6, 2004.
The second man, Habibullah, had died of a pulmonary embolism apparently caused by blood clots formed in his legs from the beatings, according to a June 1, 2004, military report.
Rights groups have heavily criticised the US military for abusing detainees in Afghanistan — at least eight of whom have died while in custody.
Kabul condemns ‘lenient’ US military verdicts
Web posted at: 8/28/2005 2:48:11
Source ::: AFP
KABUL: Afghanistan yesterday condemned as too lenient the jail terms of up to three months each for two US soldiers whose abuse of Afghan detainees led to the prisoners’ deaths.
“We think the punishments given to those who have severely violated human rights are very light and unexpectedly lenient,” said President Hamid Karzai’s spokesman Karim Rahimi. “They should have been given severe punishments.” The two soldiers were tried in a US military court in Texas, leading to the first judicial sentences handed to any American soldier for prisoner abuse in Afghanistan since 2001.
“We’re disappointed,” Rahimi said. The courts-martial occurred in the past few weeks at Fort Bliss in Texas, where the soldiers were charged in relation to the deaths of two Afghans in detention at Bagram, the main US base in Afghanistan, in late 2002.
One of the two victims was a 22-year-old taxi driver known only as Dilawar. The other was Mullah Habibullah, who was aged about 30.
The Army has publicly acknowledged the two deaths and announced in October that up to 28 US soldiers may face charges as a result.
Afghanistan’s Independent Human Rights Commission said that, while the convictions were a step in the right direction, the punishments were not in line with the magnitude of the crime.
“We welcome the recent developments on the prosecution of the two soldiers, but we are disappointed with the sentences given to them,” Ahmad Nader Nadery, a spokesman for the commission, said .
According to Human Rights Watch, which said it has obtained unreleased Army reports about the deaths, the men were chained to the ceiling while standing, one at the waist and one by the wrists, while their feet remained on the ground.
One of them was beaten over a five-day period until the tissue in his legs was severely damaged, the New York-based rights group has said.
An autopsy performed by a medical examiner and cited by the Army had shown that Dilawar’s legs were so badly damaged by blows that amputations would have been necessary, according to an Army report dated July 6, 2004.
The second man, Habibullah, had died of a pulmonary embolism apparently caused by blood clots formed in his legs from the beatings, according to a June 1, 2004, military report.
Rights groups have heavily criticised the US military for abusing detainees in Afghanistan — at least eight of whom have died while in custody.
There it is... growing fighting from within the borders.
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/...0901&ID=5080317
September 01, 2005 06:12 PM ET
Afghanistan surge in violence 'not al-Qaeda's work'
US and allied intelligence agencies believe that the recent surge in violence in Afghanistan is not related to a reinvigorated offensive by the remnants of the al-Qaeda and Taliban insurgency but rather is the work of "disparate elements" that are unconnected and unco-ordinated.
General James Jones, Nato's supreme commander who was in Afghanistan to gauge security ahead of this month's parliamentary elections, said intelligence briefings had led him to believe the rise in attacks was largely due to domestic issues rather than external anti-coalition forces.
"The reasons for the attacks are clearly disparate," he told a small group of reporters travelling with him. "Some are religious fundamentalists, some are drug-related or narco-trafficking related, some just criminals. This is not a co-ordinated threat we think could lead to any greater insurrection."
Recent months have seen one of the most violent periods in Afghanistan's postwar history, with more than 1,000 deaths including 75 US soldiers occurring since the start of the year, the most in any year since the Taliban was deposed in 2001.
The upsurge in violence has led to speculation that remaining al-Qaeda and Taliban elements, which continue to engage in cross-border raids from Pakistan's frontier provinces, have become bolder, more numerous or better trained.
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/...0901&ID=5080317
September 01, 2005 06:12 PM ET
Afghanistan surge in violence 'not al-Qaeda's work'
US and allied intelligence agencies believe that the recent surge in violence in Afghanistan is not related to a reinvigorated offensive by the remnants of the al-Qaeda and Taliban insurgency but rather is the work of "disparate elements" that are unconnected and unco-ordinated.
General James Jones, Nato's supreme commander who was in Afghanistan to gauge security ahead of this month's parliamentary elections, said intelligence briefings had led him to believe the rise in attacks was largely due to domestic issues rather than external anti-coalition forces.
"The reasons for the attacks are clearly disparate," he told a small group of reporters travelling with him. "Some are religious fundamentalists, some are drug-related or narco-trafficking related, some just criminals. This is not a co-ordinated threat we think could lead to any greater insurrection."
Recent months have seen one of the most violent periods in Afghanistan's postwar history, with more than 1,000 deaths including 75 US soldiers occurring since the start of the year, the most in any year since the Taliban was deposed in 2001.
The upsurge in violence has led to speculation that remaining al-Qaeda and Taliban elements, which continue to engage in cross-border raids from Pakistan's frontier provinces, have become bolder, more numerous or better trained.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005400621,00.html
Kidnapping in Afghanistan
By CORINNE ABRAMS
Sun Online
A BRITISH engineer and his local interpreter have been kidnapped in western Afghanistan, it emerged today.
Militants seized the duo after attacking the convoy in which they were travelling, killing at least three policemen.
The Briton, who has not yet been identified, works for a foreign company building a highway from the city of Kandahar to the western city of Herat, local police chief Allah Uddin Noorzi said.
A Filipino employee managed to escape the attack and was found hiding under a bridge, Mr Noorzi added.
It was not immediately clear who had kidnapped the pair.
A spokesman for the British Embassy in Kabul said there had been "an incident involving a British citizen" in Afghanistan.
Kidnapping in Afghanistan
By CORINNE ABRAMS
Sun Online
A BRITISH engineer and his local interpreter have been kidnapped in western Afghanistan, it emerged today.
Militants seized the duo after attacking the convoy in which they were travelling, killing at least three policemen.
The Briton, who has not yet been identified, works for a foreign company building a highway from the city of Kandahar to the western city of Herat, local police chief Allah Uddin Noorzi said.
A Filipino employee managed to escape the attack and was found hiding under a bridge, Mr Noorzi added.
It was not immediately clear who had kidnapped the pair.
A spokesman for the British Embassy in Kabul said there had been "an incident involving a British citizen" in Afghanistan.
Coalition forces give medical assistance to hundreds across Afghanistan
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition service members and medical personnel provided medical and dental assistance Sunday to Afghans in Khakeran, Zabol province.
The village medical outreach visit, or VMO, treated 414 people; 242 men, 58 women, and 114 children. Dental teams treated 86 men, nine women and 24 children. They performed 43 tooth extractions.
Veterinarians with the group treated farm animals and distributed enough medication for 2,900 animals. The medicine will help fight against worms, the most common illness for the animals here.
This group of service members included American medical and veterinary personnel, Romanian soldiers and dentists, and a security element of Afghan National Army and Coalition soldiers.
“The people in remote villages have little or no visibility of the efforts of the Afghan government to improve and stabilize their country,” said Capt. Paul Larson, commander Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion 503rd Infantry (Airborne). “So when they see this level of goodwill coming from their own authorities, along with Coalition forces, it leaves a lasting impression; and that impression is nothing but good.”
In Khowst province, Afghan medics and a U.S. medic team conducted VMOs in five separate villages, as well as a refugee camp. During the seven-day mission, which started Aug. 24, they treated 3,832 Afghans, including 2,630 children, and some 1,579 animals.
These VMOs are not only opportunities for Afghan doctors and medics to work with U.S. medics to help Afghan citizens receive medical treatment; they are also opportunities to learn from each other.
“As Afghan doctors, our experience working side-by-side with the Americans helps us to improve our techniques and learn new methods of treatment,” said Dr. Rasool Habibi, an Afghan doctor from Khowst City . “It also helps to calm any fears the residents may have when they can see an Afghan doctor working with the Americans.”
“We find ourselves engaged in a fight in which success is measured by the population’s belief that their local leaders and security forces are strong and committed to protecting and serving them,” said Brig. Gen. James Champion, Combined Joint Task Force-76 Deputy Commanding General. “Conducting these types of village medical operations fosters confidence in the government and further commits the population to supporting their government and its’ programs.”
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/09_05/7.htm
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition service members and medical personnel provided medical and dental assistance Sunday to Afghans in Khakeran, Zabol province.
The village medical outreach visit, or VMO, treated 414 people; 242 men, 58 women, and 114 children. Dental teams treated 86 men, nine women and 24 children. They performed 43 tooth extractions.
Veterinarians with the group treated farm animals and distributed enough medication for 2,900 animals. The medicine will help fight against worms, the most common illness for the animals here.
This group of service members included American medical and veterinary personnel, Romanian soldiers and dentists, and a security element of Afghan National Army and Coalition soldiers.
“The people in remote villages have little or no visibility of the efforts of the Afghan government to improve and stabilize their country,” said Capt. Paul Larson, commander Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion 503rd Infantry (Airborne). “So when they see this level of goodwill coming from their own authorities, along with Coalition forces, it leaves a lasting impression; and that impression is nothing but good.”
In Khowst province, Afghan medics and a U.S. medic team conducted VMOs in five separate villages, as well as a refugee camp. During the seven-day mission, which started Aug. 24, they treated 3,832 Afghans, including 2,630 children, and some 1,579 animals.
These VMOs are not only opportunities for Afghan doctors and medics to work with U.S. medics to help Afghan citizens receive medical treatment; they are also opportunities to learn from each other.
“As Afghan doctors, our experience working side-by-side with the Americans helps us to improve our techniques and learn new methods of treatment,” said Dr. Rasool Habibi, an Afghan doctor from Khowst City . “It also helps to calm any fears the residents may have when they can see an Afghan doctor working with the Americans.”
“We find ourselves engaged in a fight in which success is measured by the population’s belief that their local leaders and security forces are strong and committed to protecting and serving them,” said Brig. Gen. James Champion, Combined Joint Task Force-76 Deputy Commanding General. “Conducting these types of village medical operations fosters confidence in the government and further commits the population to supporting their government and its’ programs.”
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/09_05/7.htm
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachus...fghan_fighting/
Ranger fatally shot in Afghan fighting
By Chase Davis, Globe Correspondent | September 4, 2005
At first glance, First Lieutenant Derek Hines always seemed a little small: 5 feet 6 inches tall, 165 pounds, certainly not the typical hulking member of the hockey teams he captained, or the Army Ranger unit he joined.
Ranger fatally shot in Afghan fighting
By Chase Davis, Globe Correspondent | September 4, 2005
At first glance, First Lieutenant Derek Hines always seemed a little small: 5 feet 6 inches tall, 165 pounds, certainly not the typical hulking member of the hockey teams he captained, or the Army Ranger unit he joined.
Hello and welcome to the Afghan Christian Radio, Word of Life website, www.AfghanRadio.net!
The Afghan Christian Radio "Kalam-e-Hayat" (Word of Life) in the Hazaragi language is a part of the Radio programs in many languages of Afghanistan called "Payam-e-Hayat" (Message of Life).
This website is a part of the massive internet outreach to the people of Afghanistan which started in 1996 in the Afghan languages of Dari and Hazaragi, thus pioneered web ministry for Afghanistan.
Started with 5 simple pages and 12 real audio files with 12 mb of disk space with Dari and Hazaragi songs, God has blessed this ministry through the years where now with 18 website and a massive 58 Gigabits of multimedia files are available 24 hours a day for Afghan/Iranian/Tajik and other Muslims and Christians to download and hear the "Powerful Good News of Jesus Christ the Lord."
For a complete detail of our website please visit:
www.AfghanSearch.com
Being attacked by Muslims hackers multiple times due to its Powerful appearance and messages, God has been gracious to give strength, wisdom and ability to serve Him for which we stand.
Philippians 2:16, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
Through these years, God has used these ministries to draw people to His Kingdom and a huge electronic mail response is a clear encouragement for us to make sure this ministry grows from glory to glory in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and for His sake alone.
As you visit this website, we pray that God will bless you and that your visit may result in changing your life and that you will come to closer relationship with your Creator and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ.
Have fun.
The Afghan Christian Radio, Television and The Internet Team.
http://www.afghanradio.net/
The Afghan Christian Radio "Kalam-e-Hayat" (Word of Life) in the Hazaragi language is a part of the Radio programs in many languages of Afghanistan called "Payam-e-Hayat" (Message of Life).
This website is a part of the massive internet outreach to the people of Afghanistan which started in 1996 in the Afghan languages of Dari and Hazaragi, thus pioneered web ministry for Afghanistan.
Started with 5 simple pages and 12 real audio files with 12 mb of disk space with Dari and Hazaragi songs, God has blessed this ministry through the years where now with 18 website and a massive 58 Gigabits of multimedia files are available 24 hours a day for Afghan/Iranian/Tajik and other Muslims and Christians to download and hear the "Powerful Good News of Jesus Christ the Lord."
For a complete detail of our website please visit:
www.AfghanSearch.com
Being attacked by Muslims hackers multiple times due to its Powerful appearance and messages, God has been gracious to give strength, wisdom and ability to serve Him for which we stand.
Philippians 2:16, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
Through these years, God has used these ministries to draw people to His Kingdom and a huge electronic mail response is a clear encouragement for us to make sure this ministry grows from glory to glory in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and for His sake alone.
As you visit this website, we pray that God will bless you and that your visit may result in changing your life and that you will come to closer relationship with your Creator and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ.
Have fun.
The Afghan Christian Radio, Television and The Internet Team.
http://www.afghanradio.net/
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1764148,00.html
September 04, 2005
Afghan Briton found dead
Nick Fielding
COALITION forces in Afghanistan have found a body thought to be that of a British engineer captured by rebels last Wednesday.
David Addison, who was working on a road project, was abducted with his interpreter by suspected Taliban fighters in an ambush in the west of the country.
Kim Howells, the Foreign Office minister, said Addison had been found dead yesterday morning.
Howells said that, at the request of the British government, coalition forces had launched an operation “to locate and, if necessary, to rescue David Addison. With great sadness I have to report that in the course of the operation they found a body, which is presumed to be that of David”.
Last night Addison’s family issued a statement through the Foreign Office, saying: “The family are very distressed and upset to learn of David’s death. David was a very loving husband and father and he will be sorely missed. We ask that our privacy is respected as we come to terms with this sad news.”
Addison was travelling with guards from US Protection and Investigation, a security company based in Houston, Texas, which has a contract to protect the Kandahar-Herat road reconstruction project. There was no reply from the company offices last night.
September 04, 2005
Afghan Briton found dead
Nick Fielding
COALITION forces in Afghanistan have found a body thought to be that of a British engineer captured by rebels last Wednesday.
David Addison, who was working on a road project, was abducted with his interpreter by suspected Taliban fighters in an ambush in the west of the country.
Kim Howells, the Foreign Office minister, said Addison had been found dead yesterday morning.
Howells said that, at the request of the British government, coalition forces had launched an operation “to locate and, if necessary, to rescue David Addison. With great sadness I have to report that in the course of the operation they found a body, which is presumed to be that of David”.
Last night Addison’s family issued a statement through the Foreign Office, saying: “The family are very distressed and upset to learn of David’s death. David was a very loving husband and father and he will be sorely missed. We ask that our privacy is respected as we come to terms with this sad news.”
Addison was travelling with guards from US Protection and Investigation, a security company based in Houston, Texas, which has a contract to protect the Kandahar-Herat road reconstruction project. There was no reply from the company offices last night.
Navy SEALs fight ‘quiet’ battles against terrorism
Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story Identification #: 2005924459
Story by Cpl. Paul Leicht
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2005) -- The front lines in the war on terror reach far and wide, taking U.S. forces to some of the most remote places of the world.
In late June 2005 in Afghanistan’s northeastern Kunar Province, a rugged and mountainous region bordering Pakistan, a four-man U.S. Navy SEAL reconnaissance team was hunting down al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists.
The SEAL team was spotted, engaged and encircled by perhaps as many as 50 Taliban insurgents while trying to identify their entry routes from Pakistan. Forming a 360-degree perimeter and fighting an unbelievable battle, the SEALs called in for help.
Special Operations Command headquarters, with the help of an unmanned aerial vehicle, saw that the enemy was too close for air support. With a weather front moving in on the battle, commanders agreed to send in a quick reaction rescue force by means of two CH-47 helicopters to fly through the mountains and extract the SEALs.
Flying at a low level, the CH-47s entered the mountains and approached their landing zone. The lead aircraft was hit by rocket propelled grenade fire from additional insurgents not engaged in the initial firefight with the four SEALs, but the pilot managed to keep the bird in the air. With no obvious place to land, the pilot attempted to put down on a mountain ledge, but the rotors were too much for the small landing zone and the weak ground. Rolling off the edge and onto its side, the CH-47 slid down into the mountain valley below and crashed, killing the aircraft’s crew and the 16 SEALs aboard before they could rescue their comrades. Unable to land in the hot LZ, the other CH-47 was called back to base.
With night falling and the weather turning for the worse, the four embattled SEALs kept their guns in the fight. During the firefight that went on for more than two hours, the SEALs took mortar fire, leaving one SEAL unconscious. When he woke up he was alone with two of his comrades dead nearby and the other missing.
The surviving SEAL later encountered an Afghan villager who protected him until he helped him meet up with U.S. forces hours away.
Ironically tragic events like this often garner public attention or media scrutiny, yet the battlefield success stories of America’s special forces in the global war on terrorism seldom see the light of day.
In his new book “Down Range: Navy SEALs in the War on Terrorism,” author Dick Couch, a former SEAL during the Vietnam War-era and a Central Intelligence Agency officer, transports the reader into the secret world of America’s “quiet professionals.” Based on field interviews he weaves a gripping tale of the men who are the first to go into combat and conduct the most specialized, dangerous and covert missions in the war on terrorism.
For SEALs, the goal is to be the best guns in the fight demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism, stealth, effectiveness and lethality. In seven chapters, Couch takes the reader into the secretive world of the SEAL brotherhood, from their initial training at Coronado to operations “down range’’ — what the SEALs call their area of operations.
Detailing their Close Quarter Defense, hand-to-hand combat techniques and how they have evolved into an effective tool in combating terrorists, Couch relates how CQD became the favorite technique for measured force in the early and mid-1990s after its formal adoption by the Naval Special Warfare Center in 1996. While conducting Visit Board Search and Seizure operations in the Persian Gulf in the 1990s, SEALs used CQD to great effect in stemming Saddam Hussein’s oil smuggling operations by Iraqi tankers.
The behind-the-scenes narrative also recounts how SEALs, working with European special operations forces such as the Polish GROM and the German KSK, spearheaded the Marines’ landing at Camp Rhino in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 attacks. During one operation — a historical first — SEALs worked with KSK to check out mountain cave complexes, waist-deep in snow, for al-Qaeda bad guys. It was the first time ever American and German units went into harm’s way together on the same side.
Couch provides insight into the nature of Iraq’s battleground and how SEALs are establishing cross-cultural relations between coalition forces and the Iraqi people. He also details how SEAL units are skillfully hunting and eliminating the remainder of the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
“Down Range” is a gripping book filled with first-hand accounts by “operators,” as the SEAL warrior community commonly refers to themselves, given by troops recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. The final chapters provide unique analysis of SEAL innovations and about their compounds in Baghdad where SEALs are assisting coalition forces in hostile and unpredictable urban environments.
In a deft narrative, Couch reveals how the SEALs continue to maintain their maritime traditions, although the war on terrorism keeps them active on land. By no means a full operational history, “Down Range” in the end is a representative account of what these highly dedicated and talented warriors have done and continue to do in defense of America against terrorism.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...85?OpenDocument
Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story Identification #: 2005924459
Story by Cpl. Paul Leicht
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2005) -- The front lines in the war on terror reach far and wide, taking U.S. forces to some of the most remote places of the world.
In late June 2005 in Afghanistan’s northeastern Kunar Province, a rugged and mountainous region bordering Pakistan, a four-man U.S. Navy SEAL reconnaissance team was hunting down al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists.
The SEAL team was spotted, engaged and encircled by perhaps as many as 50 Taliban insurgents while trying to identify their entry routes from Pakistan. Forming a 360-degree perimeter and fighting an unbelievable battle, the SEALs called in for help.
Special Operations Command headquarters, with the help of an unmanned aerial vehicle, saw that the enemy was too close for air support. With a weather front moving in on the battle, commanders agreed to send in a quick reaction rescue force by means of two CH-47 helicopters to fly through the mountains and extract the SEALs.
Flying at a low level, the CH-47s entered the mountains and approached their landing zone. The lead aircraft was hit by rocket propelled grenade fire from additional insurgents not engaged in the initial firefight with the four SEALs, but the pilot managed to keep the bird in the air. With no obvious place to land, the pilot attempted to put down on a mountain ledge, but the rotors were too much for the small landing zone and the weak ground. Rolling off the edge and onto its side, the CH-47 slid down into the mountain valley below and crashed, killing the aircraft’s crew and the 16 SEALs aboard before they could rescue their comrades. Unable to land in the hot LZ, the other CH-47 was called back to base.
With night falling and the weather turning for the worse, the four embattled SEALs kept their guns in the fight. During the firefight that went on for more than two hours, the SEALs took mortar fire, leaving one SEAL unconscious. When he woke up he was alone with two of his comrades dead nearby and the other missing.
The surviving SEAL later encountered an Afghan villager who protected him until he helped him meet up with U.S. forces hours away.
Ironically tragic events like this often garner public attention or media scrutiny, yet the battlefield success stories of America’s special forces in the global war on terrorism seldom see the light of day.
In his new book “Down Range: Navy SEALs in the War on Terrorism,” author Dick Couch, a former SEAL during the Vietnam War-era and a Central Intelligence Agency officer, transports the reader into the secret world of America’s “quiet professionals.” Based on field interviews he weaves a gripping tale of the men who are the first to go into combat and conduct the most specialized, dangerous and covert missions in the war on terrorism.
For SEALs, the goal is to be the best guns in the fight demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism, stealth, effectiveness and lethality. In seven chapters, Couch takes the reader into the secretive world of the SEAL brotherhood, from their initial training at Coronado to operations “down range’’ — what the SEALs call their area of operations.
Detailing their Close Quarter Defense, hand-to-hand combat techniques and how they have evolved into an effective tool in combating terrorists, Couch relates how CQD became the favorite technique for measured force in the early and mid-1990s after its formal adoption by the Naval Special Warfare Center in 1996. While conducting Visit Board Search and Seizure operations in the Persian Gulf in the 1990s, SEALs used CQD to great effect in stemming Saddam Hussein’s oil smuggling operations by Iraqi tankers.
The behind-the-scenes narrative also recounts how SEALs, working with European special operations forces such as the Polish GROM and the German KSK, spearheaded the Marines’ landing at Camp Rhino in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 attacks. During one operation — a historical first — SEALs worked with KSK to check out mountain cave complexes, waist-deep in snow, for al-Qaeda bad guys. It was the first time ever American and German units went into harm’s way together on the same side.
Couch provides insight into the nature of Iraq’s battleground and how SEALs are establishing cross-cultural relations between coalition forces and the Iraqi people. He also details how SEAL units are skillfully hunting and eliminating the remainder of the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
“Down Range” is a gripping book filled with first-hand accounts by “operators,” as the SEAL warrior community commonly refers to themselves, given by troops recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. The final chapters provide unique analysis of SEAL innovations and about their compounds in Baghdad where SEALs are assisting coalition forces in hostile and unpredictable urban environments.
In a deft narrative, Couch reveals how the SEALs continue to maintain their maritime traditions, although the war on terrorism keeps them active on land. By no means a full operational history, “Down Range” in the end is a representative account of what these highly dedicated and talented warriors have done and continue to do in defense of America against terrorism.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...85?OpenDocument
http://www.kfmb.com/stories/story.22326.html
Afghanistan Issues Warning to Aid Workers
Last Updated:
09-04-05 at 11:25AM
A spate of assaults by suspected Taliban rebels killed four policemen and wounded an election candidate, and Afghanistan warned Sunday that aid workers and other "soft" targets were in danger of attack ahead of elections this month.
The warning came after a string of kidnappings that left a British engineer and two Japanese teachers dead. Five Afghans, including a district governor and an election candidate, were also kidnapped last week. A purported Taliban spokesman claimed to have killed them, though the claim couldn't be independently confirmed.
Afghanistan Issues Warning to Aid Workers
Last Updated:
09-04-05 at 11:25AM
A spate of assaults by suspected Taliban rebels killed four policemen and wounded an election candidate, and Afghanistan warned Sunday that aid workers and other "soft" targets were in danger of attack ahead of elections this month.
The warning came after a string of kidnappings that left a British engineer and two Japanese teachers dead. Five Afghans, including a district governor and an election candidate, were also kidnapped last week. A purported Taliban spokesman claimed to have killed them, though the claim couldn't be independently confirmed.
Marines teach infantry tactics to Afghan National Army
Submitted by: Marine Forces Pacific
Story Identification #: 200561417158
Story by Lance Cpl. Bernadette L. Ainsworth
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES, PACIFIC, CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii (June 1, 2005) -- Three Marines stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, recently returned from a seven month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Although Marines deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq on a regular basis to fight the Global War on Terrorism, this deployment's mission was a little different.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Vincent Griffin, Sgt. Lucas Lavadour and Sgt. Arthur Anderson volunteered to join 13 other Marines from various units at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to form an Embedded Training Team. The team trained infantry tactics to a battalion of soldiers from the Afghan National Army.
"We were there to basically teach them the same thing Marines are taught at the School of Infantry," said 46-year-old Griffin.
The MARFORPAC Marines left the comforts of Hawaii for Afghanistan in October 2004 and returned in May 2005.
Although they knew they would be training the ANA, they weren't sure what to expect.
"We knew we were going to be working with the Afghan National Army. We had a list of tasks that Headquarters Marine Corps wanted the Afghans taught, but we didn't know specifics, like how much they already knew," said Lavadour.
The Afghani's training included map reading, compass use and basic weaponry.
When the team arrived in Afghanistan, they were introduced to the newly graduated battalion, designated 1/3, which the Marines would be training.
"The U.S. Army is doing the boot camp training, and then we take over from them when the boot camp training is done," said Griffin.
The battalion of 650 soldiers was broken down into five companies of approximately 150 soldiers. "There were about three Marines assigned to train each company," said Griffin.
Although there was a language barrier between the Marines and the Afghanis, there were two Afghan civilian translators for each company.
During the training, the ANA responded well to their Marine teachers.
"Once they understood what you wanted done and how to do it, they did their best. They were really eager to learn, and they were really easy to work with," said Lavadour.
Once the battalion completed two months of infantry training, the Marines deployed with the battalion to southern Afghanistan along the Pakistan border where they conducted daily patrols and provided security at different bases and local communities.
The Marines and ANA experienced mortar and rocket attacks from the neighboring country. Although alarming at first, the Marines soon realized the attacks were a common occurance, almost every day, according to Lavadour.
"Near the border you tend to get mortared and rocketed a lot, but it's not really accurate or overly dangerous," said Lavadour. "The Afghani's and Marines were very discipline during the attacks, none of them panicked."
Prior to their deployment, the Marines received 30 hours of language classes before they left for Afghanistan. Along with the language classes the Marines had classes in defensive driving, close quarters shooting, cold weather operations training and customs and culture of Afghanistan.
Overall, the Marines considered the deployment a success.
"We did some really good things while we were there," said Griffin. "I was happy to be a part of this and would do it again in a heartbeat."
Lavadour agreed that being part of an ETT would be something he'd like to do again in the future.
"This was a really good deployment and I'd definitely do it again if I had the chance. I feel good about what we accomplished in Afghanistan, the Afghani's have a lot of good soldiers and they have come a very long way from where they were."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...hlight=2,afghan
Submitted by: Marine Forces Pacific
Story Identification #: 200561417158
Story by Lance Cpl. Bernadette L. Ainsworth
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES, PACIFIC, CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii (June 1, 2005) -- Three Marines stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, recently returned from a seven month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Although Marines deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq on a regular basis to fight the Global War on Terrorism, this deployment's mission was a little different.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Vincent Griffin, Sgt. Lucas Lavadour and Sgt. Arthur Anderson volunteered to join 13 other Marines from various units at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to form an Embedded Training Team. The team trained infantry tactics to a battalion of soldiers from the Afghan National Army.
"We were there to basically teach them the same thing Marines are taught at the School of Infantry," said 46-year-old Griffin.
The MARFORPAC Marines left the comforts of Hawaii for Afghanistan in October 2004 and returned in May 2005.
Although they knew they would be training the ANA, they weren't sure what to expect.
"We knew we were going to be working with the Afghan National Army. We had a list of tasks that Headquarters Marine Corps wanted the Afghans taught, but we didn't know specifics, like how much they already knew," said Lavadour.
The Afghani's training included map reading, compass use and basic weaponry.
When the team arrived in Afghanistan, they were introduced to the newly graduated battalion, designated 1/3, which the Marines would be training.
"The U.S. Army is doing the boot camp training, and then we take over from them when the boot camp training is done," said Griffin.
The battalion of 650 soldiers was broken down into five companies of approximately 150 soldiers. "There were about three Marines assigned to train each company," said Griffin.
Although there was a language barrier between the Marines and the Afghanis, there were two Afghan civilian translators for each company.
During the training, the ANA responded well to their Marine teachers.
"Once they understood what you wanted done and how to do it, they did their best. They were really eager to learn, and they were really easy to work with," said Lavadour.
Once the battalion completed two months of infantry training, the Marines deployed with the battalion to southern Afghanistan along the Pakistan border where they conducted daily patrols and provided security at different bases and local communities.
The Marines and ANA experienced mortar and rocket attacks from the neighboring country. Although alarming at first, the Marines soon realized the attacks were a common occurance, almost every day, according to Lavadour.
"Near the border you tend to get mortared and rocketed a lot, but it's not really accurate or overly dangerous," said Lavadour. "The Afghani's and Marines were very discipline during the attacks, none of them panicked."
Prior to their deployment, the Marines received 30 hours of language classes before they left for Afghanistan. Along with the language classes the Marines had classes in defensive driving, close quarters shooting, cold weather operations training and customs and culture of Afghanistan.
Overall, the Marines considered the deployment a success.
"We did some really good things while we were there," said Griffin. "I was happy to be a part of this and would do it again in a heartbeat."
Lavadour agreed that being part of an ETT would be something he'd like to do again in the future.
"This was a really good deployment and I'd definitely do it again if I had the chance. I feel good about what we accomplished in Afghanistan, the Afghani's have a lot of good soldiers and they have come a very long way from where they were."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...hlight=2,afghan
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/internationa...0in020000c.html
Some UN staff urged to leave Afghanistan ahead of elections amid security fears
KABUL, Afghanistan -- Some United Nations agencies are encouraging their staff to leave Afghanistan ahead of legislative elections this month amid widespread violence by Taliban-led rebels intent on subverting the polls, officials said Sunday.
The move comes after a spate of kidnappings and attacks on foreigners across the country. A British engineer and two Japanese teachers were killed in the latest violence.
The U.N. Development Program, one of the main U.N. agencies, has urged its staff to take vacation.
"We have been encouraged to take R&R (rest and recreation), but it's not mandatory," Emma Sutcliffe, a UNDP communications associate, told The Associated Press. "For those who remain behind, there'll be minimal movement. They won't be able to go to restaurants."
Adrian Edwards, spokesman for the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, said there had been no change in the official U.N. alert level, but he said some agencies were taking their own security measures.
"The United Nations continues to monitor the security situation," he said. "The heads of some offices can choose whether they want staff to take leave at that time. But we haven't issued any guidelines for a reduction in staff levels."
"Some nonessential staff may have been encouraged to go," he added.
The news comes after Interior Ministry spokesman Latfullah Mashal warned that the Taliban was expected to attack "soft" targets, including aid workers, ahead of the Sept. 18 polls.
More than 1,100 people have been killed across Afghanistan in the past six months, and U.S. and Afghan officials say the violence may still worsen. (AP)
September 4, 2005
Some UN staff urged to leave Afghanistan ahead of elections amid security fears
KABUL, Afghanistan -- Some United Nations agencies are encouraging their staff to leave Afghanistan ahead of legislative elections this month amid widespread violence by Taliban-led rebels intent on subverting the polls, officials said Sunday.
The move comes after a spate of kidnappings and attacks on foreigners across the country. A British engineer and two Japanese teachers were killed in the latest violence.
The U.N. Development Program, one of the main U.N. agencies, has urged its staff to take vacation.
"We have been encouraged to take R&R (rest and recreation), but it's not mandatory," Emma Sutcliffe, a UNDP communications associate, told The Associated Press. "For those who remain behind, there'll be minimal movement. They won't be able to go to restaurants."
Adrian Edwards, spokesman for the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, said there had been no change in the official U.N. alert level, but he said some agencies were taking their own security measures.
"The United Nations continues to monitor the security situation," he said. "The heads of some offices can choose whether they want staff to take leave at that time. But we haven't issued any guidelines for a reduction in staff levels."
"Some nonessential staff may have been encouraged to go," he added.
The news comes after Interior Ministry spokesman Latfullah Mashal warned that the Taliban was expected to attack "soft" targets, including aid workers, ahead of the Sept. 18 polls.
More than 1,100 people have been killed across Afghanistan in the past six months, and U.S. and Afghan officials say the violence may still worsen. (AP)
September 4, 2005
Marines provide security for upcoming elections
Sgt. Robert M. Storm
Asadabad, Afghanistan- With an eye towards the future, Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii conducted security operations with the Afghan National Army in the Korengal Valley Aug. 10 - 20.
Marines and ANA soldiers, part of Task Force Koa, conducted Operation Whalers to take away enemy safe havens in the Kunar Province and Korengal Valley and to ensure next month’s elections will be secure for Afghans to vote.
The Korengal Valley is 400-square kilometers and is well known for the constant attacks against military forces that venture there. Enemy forces can easily attack Afghan and Coalition forces from a distance and hide amongst the steep, jagged mountains.
The Marines sent one company to enter from the north end of the valley and another company to enter from the south and yet another to set up blocking positions to deny enemy reinforcements and to trap enemy forces in the valley.
Afghan soldiers and Marines were continuously engaged during the operation. Fox Company was engaged in a sustained firefight against an estimated 100 insurgents and Echo Company Marines were victims of a platoon ambush.
Despite the constant harassing attacks, the Marines displayed unwavering resolve in their efforts to help the people of Afghanistan.
“Our goal going into the operation was to disrupt the insurgents’ ability to interfere with the upcoming elections. We clearly accomplished that goal,” said Lt. Col. James Donnellan, commanding officer, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines. “We also worked for the first time at the battalion level with our ANA counterparts, which was a tremendous experience that will serve us well in future operations. We showed the enemy that we can operate in the rugged mountainous terrain as well as on the valley floors. The Marines, soldiers and sailors performed exceptionally, and the insurgents now know that Task Force Koa will be relentless in pursuing them, wherever they many hide.”
Marine and Afghan commanders also met with elders at numerous villages and received information on village needs and to build a trusting relationship—a difficult task.
“These people don’t trust us, and we just have to do our best to show them that we’re here to help them. They’ll learn that we’re better for them than the Taliban,” said Lance Cpl. Peter D. Jones, infantryman, from St. Louis, Missouri. “They always tell us that there are no insurgents yet we’re always getting attacked every time we come here.”
Insurgents use intimidation, fear and violence to control Afghan villagers in the area, according to the some villagers. One village reported the deaths of twelve citizens after they denied assistance to enemy forces.
However, according to local elders and officials, Operation Whalers disrupted enemy activity and continues to undermine the will of the populace who support enemy forces.
During Operation Whalers the ANA and Marines fought side by side in 29 separate engagements. Afghan security forces report these engagements resulted in over 40 enemy killed and many more wounded. One Marine was killed and one ANA soldier were also killed during the operation.
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/09_05/1.htm
Sgt. Robert M. Storm
Asadabad, Afghanistan- With an eye towards the future, Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii conducted security operations with the Afghan National Army in the Korengal Valley Aug. 10 - 20.
Marines and ANA soldiers, part of Task Force Koa, conducted Operation Whalers to take away enemy safe havens in the Kunar Province and Korengal Valley and to ensure next month’s elections will be secure for Afghans to vote.
The Korengal Valley is 400-square kilometers and is well known for the constant attacks against military forces that venture there. Enemy forces can easily attack Afghan and Coalition forces from a distance and hide amongst the steep, jagged mountains.
The Marines sent one company to enter from the north end of the valley and another company to enter from the south and yet another to set up blocking positions to deny enemy reinforcements and to trap enemy forces in the valley.
Afghan soldiers and Marines were continuously engaged during the operation. Fox Company was engaged in a sustained firefight against an estimated 100 insurgents and Echo Company Marines were victims of a platoon ambush.
Despite the constant harassing attacks, the Marines displayed unwavering resolve in their efforts to help the people of Afghanistan.
“Our goal going into the operation was to disrupt the insurgents’ ability to interfere with the upcoming elections. We clearly accomplished that goal,” said Lt. Col. James Donnellan, commanding officer, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines. “We also worked for the first time at the battalion level with our ANA counterparts, which was a tremendous experience that will serve us well in future operations. We showed the enemy that we can operate in the rugged mountainous terrain as well as on the valley floors. The Marines, soldiers and sailors performed exceptionally, and the insurgents now know that Task Force Koa will be relentless in pursuing them, wherever they many hide.”
Marine and Afghan commanders also met with elders at numerous villages and received information on village needs and to build a trusting relationship—a difficult task.
“These people don’t trust us, and we just have to do our best to show them that we’re here to help them. They’ll learn that we’re better for them than the Taliban,” said Lance Cpl. Peter D. Jones, infantryman, from St. Louis, Missouri. “They always tell us that there are no insurgents yet we’re always getting attacked every time we come here.”
Insurgents use intimidation, fear and violence to control Afghan villagers in the area, according to the some villagers. One village reported the deaths of twelve citizens after they denied assistance to enemy forces.
However, according to local elders and officials, Operation Whalers disrupted enemy activity and continues to undermine the will of the populace who support enemy forces.
During Operation Whalers the ANA and Marines fought side by side in 29 separate engagements. Afghan security forces report these engagements resulted in over 40 enemy killed and many more wounded. One Marine was killed and one ANA soldier were also killed during the operation.
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/09_05/1.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-09...elections_x.htm
Posted 9/6/2005
Ex-Taliban seek Afghan legislative seats
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Four years ago, Mohammed Khaksar was the Taliban's deputy interior minister, a powerful post in a regime feared for its Islamic fundamentalist policies, mistreatment of women and support for al-Qaeda. Now, he is one of at least four former senior Taliban officials running in U.S.-backed Sept. 18 elections for a new national legislature, seen as a key step in building Afghanistan's democracy after a quarter century of fighting.
Their candidacies come as holdouts from the Taliban's old regime pursue a reinvigorated insurgency that is seeking to undermine the vote; their rebellion has caused more than 1,100 deaths the past six months and left large chunks of the country off-limits to aid workers.
Having publicly renounced the movement that was ousted by American-led forces in late 2001, the ex-Taliban officials running for office say it is better to pursue their goals peacefully.
"We need a strong government. We need (Islamic) Shariah law," Khaksar told The Associated Press in an interview. "But I am no longer a member of the Taliban. I only want good things for this country."
Still, many Afghans who suffered during the Taliban's reign are troubled.
"These Taliban candidates were decision-makers in the regime. They were involved in policy that resulted in serious human rights violations," said Ahmad Nader Nadery at the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. "I hope people will not vote for them. We have to keep them out of the parliament."
Posted 9/6/2005
Ex-Taliban seek Afghan legislative seats
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Four years ago, Mohammed Khaksar was the Taliban's deputy interior minister, a powerful post in a regime feared for its Islamic fundamentalist policies, mistreatment of women and support for al-Qaeda. Now, he is one of at least four former senior Taliban officials running in U.S.-backed Sept. 18 elections for a new national legislature, seen as a key step in building Afghanistan's democracy after a quarter century of fighting.
Their candidacies come as holdouts from the Taliban's old regime pursue a reinvigorated insurgency that is seeking to undermine the vote; their rebellion has caused more than 1,100 deaths the past six months and left large chunks of the country off-limits to aid workers.
Having publicly renounced the movement that was ousted by American-led forces in late 2001, the ex-Taliban officials running for office say it is better to pursue their goals peacefully.
"We need a strong government. We need (Islamic) Shariah law," Khaksar told The Associated Press in an interview. "But I am no longer a member of the Taliban. I only want good things for this country."
Still, many Afghans who suffered during the Taliban's reign are troubled.
"These Taliban candidates were decision-makers in the regime. They were involved in policy that resulted in serious human rights violations," said Ahmad Nader Nadery at the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. "I hope people will not vote for them. We have to keep them out of the parliament."
Training ignites first Afghan Army demining operation
By U.S. Army Capt. Cenethea Harraway Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL , Afghanistan — The Afghan National Army recently put their training to use as they successfully conducted the first ANA-led demining operation in Afghanistan . The mission highlighted not only the expanding military capabilities of the ANA, but the government’s commitment to achieve a mine-free Afghanistan for future generations.
With the approval of the Afghan Ministry of Defense, the ANA leadership took charge and organized two days of real-world demining operations at the Area Military Depot of Pol-e-Charkhi. HALO Trust, a British-based non-governmental organization dedicated to humanitarian mine clearing, identified the area as containing mines.
“Getting the soldiers to work in a real minefield immediately after training was essential to instill the courage and confidence needed to do their job,” said French Army Capt. Thierry Sagon, the primary instructor for demining training.
The demining operation consisted of three main areas: the entry control point, the demining zone and the company area of operations.
At the entry control point, each two-man demining buddy team received a safety briefing and protective gear. They were also listed on an accountability roster by name and blood type.
Each buddy team was comprised of a first-degree and a second-degree deminer. A first-degree rating qualifies deminers to search for mines and provide initial detection. Second-degree deminers, who are also rated as instructors are qualified to identify and determine which neutralization method is best for disabling each mine or munition. The ANA company leadership provided the overall command and control for the operation.
Safety was emphasized over speed, with the operation occurring in a secured environment under daylight conditions. A medical evacuation team was on site as well.
In the demining zone, three two-man buddy teams took positions 50 meters apart and worked in corridors 80 centimeters wide. Since manual demining can be tedious, repetitive and dangerous, the teams were rotated every 20 minutes as a safety precaution.
During the second day of the operation, the Afghan demining teams discovered an improvised explosive device and a Russian anti-personnel mine.
Applying their knowledge and training, the deminers quickly assessed the situation and determined that the IED could be safely detonated in place. They marked the anti-personnel mine’s location and left it in place for later destruction.
The Afghan demining teams cheered and applauded their first live detonation. Yet their confidence and elation did not distract them from the gravity of their work.
Only two months prior, 90 members of the engineer company from the 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps’ 4th Combat Support Kandak (Battalion) completed advanced demining training and earned their first and second-degree ratings.
Members of the French Army’s Engineer Mobile Training Team conducted the training as part of Operation Epidote, the name France has given to its entire training mission in Afghanistan .
“It was very necessary for the Afghan Army to be involved today and to show that they can learn and execute technical skills,” said Lt. Col. Gaetan Sevin, chief of the French training team. “We do not alter our standards of training. The Afghan soldiers are trained just as we are in France . We are very pleased with the outcome and have much confidence in the abilities of the soldiers.”
The 4th Kandak’s Engineer Company was the first ANA unit to complete the comprehensive two-month demining training. According to the French instructors, they trained in realistic, difficult situations to master the drills and procedures needed to work in a live minefield.
The training focused on mine identification, detection, clearance, neutralization and removal methods. The students learned to identify 60 types of munitions and 35 different mines.
“I am very happy our soldiers were able to get professional demining training,” said Lt. Col. Aminjan, commander of the 4th Kandak. “Last year, our unit deployed to the Ghazni province and could do nothing when we faced real minefields and explosive materials. Thanks to the French trainers and Coalition forces, we now have the skills and moral courage to locate and neutralize the mines to help protect our people.”
The French instructors lead the way in ANA demining training with support and donations from Coalition forces and other non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan .
Despite progress made by mine action organizations, Afghanistan still remains heavily contaminated by mines and other explosive remnants from years of war. These mines continue to have a devastating effect on the Afghan people and impede economic development.
“Today was not about just finding mines or munitions, but rather their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world environment,” Sagon said. “They organized and executed the operation in entirety. They did a great job.”
The demining mission marked a huge step and a new direction in operational abilities for the ANA.
“The training and today’s demining operation will help us in our military duties,” said Capt. Shenwari Hanifullah, the ANA engineer company commander. “More importantly, it will help us to protect the people of Afghanistan .”
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/08_05/38.htm
By U.S. Army Capt. Cenethea Harraway Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL , Afghanistan — The Afghan National Army recently put their training to use as they successfully conducted the first ANA-led demining operation in Afghanistan . The mission highlighted not only the expanding military capabilities of the ANA, but the government’s commitment to achieve a mine-free Afghanistan for future generations.
With the approval of the Afghan Ministry of Defense, the ANA leadership took charge and organized two days of real-world demining operations at the Area Military Depot of Pol-e-Charkhi. HALO Trust, a British-based non-governmental organization dedicated to humanitarian mine clearing, identified the area as containing mines.
“Getting the soldiers to work in a real minefield immediately after training was essential to instill the courage and confidence needed to do their job,” said French Army Capt. Thierry Sagon, the primary instructor for demining training.
The demining operation consisted of three main areas: the entry control point, the demining zone and the company area of operations.
At the entry control point, each two-man demining buddy team received a safety briefing and protective gear. They were also listed on an accountability roster by name and blood type.
Each buddy team was comprised of a first-degree and a second-degree deminer. A first-degree rating qualifies deminers to search for mines and provide initial detection. Second-degree deminers, who are also rated as instructors are qualified to identify and determine which neutralization method is best for disabling each mine or munition. The ANA company leadership provided the overall command and control for the operation.
Safety was emphasized over speed, with the operation occurring in a secured environment under daylight conditions. A medical evacuation team was on site as well.
In the demining zone, three two-man buddy teams took positions 50 meters apart and worked in corridors 80 centimeters wide. Since manual demining can be tedious, repetitive and dangerous, the teams were rotated every 20 minutes as a safety precaution.
During the second day of the operation, the Afghan demining teams discovered an improvised explosive device and a Russian anti-personnel mine.
Applying their knowledge and training, the deminers quickly assessed the situation and determined that the IED could be safely detonated in place. They marked the anti-personnel mine’s location and left it in place for later destruction.
The Afghan demining teams cheered and applauded their first live detonation. Yet their confidence and elation did not distract them from the gravity of their work.
Only two months prior, 90 members of the engineer company from the 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps’ 4th Combat Support Kandak (Battalion) completed advanced demining training and earned their first and second-degree ratings.
Members of the French Army’s Engineer Mobile Training Team conducted the training as part of Operation Epidote, the name France has given to its entire training mission in Afghanistan .
“It was very necessary for the Afghan Army to be involved today and to show that they can learn and execute technical skills,” said Lt. Col. Gaetan Sevin, chief of the French training team. “We do not alter our standards of training. The Afghan soldiers are trained just as we are in France . We are very pleased with the outcome and have much confidence in the abilities of the soldiers.”
The 4th Kandak’s Engineer Company was the first ANA unit to complete the comprehensive two-month demining training. According to the French instructors, they trained in realistic, difficult situations to master the drills and procedures needed to work in a live minefield.
The training focused on mine identification, detection, clearance, neutralization and removal methods. The students learned to identify 60 types of munitions and 35 different mines.
“I am very happy our soldiers were able to get professional demining training,” said Lt. Col. Aminjan, commander of the 4th Kandak. “Last year, our unit deployed to the Ghazni province and could do nothing when we faced real minefields and explosive materials. Thanks to the French trainers and Coalition forces, we now have the skills and moral courage to locate and neutralize the mines to help protect our people.”
The French instructors lead the way in ANA demining training with support and donations from Coalition forces and other non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan .
Despite progress made by mine action organizations, Afghanistan still remains heavily contaminated by mines and other explosive remnants from years of war. These mines continue to have a devastating effect on the Afghan people and impede economic development.
“Today was not about just finding mines or munitions, but rather their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world environment,” Sagon said. “They organized and executed the operation in entirety. They did a great job.”
The demining mission marked a huge step and a new direction in operational abilities for the ANA.
“The training and today’s demining operation will help us in our military duties,” said Capt. Shenwari Hanifullah, the ANA engineer company commander. “More importantly, it will help us to protect the people of Afghanistan .”
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/08_05/38.htm
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/...0509060140.html
EDITORIAL/ Perilous Afghanistan: It is not a suitable destination for a summer holiday.
09/06/2005
The confirmation that two teachers from Onomichi city, Hiroshima Prefecture, have been killed in Afghanistan causes us much sorrow. The bullet-riddled bodies of Jun Fukusho and Shinobu Hasegawa were found last week near the city of Kandahar, southern Afghanistan. This is an awful tragedy and we cannot find enough words to convey our condolences to their respective families.
Fukusho and Hasegawa entered Afghanistan overland by way of Pakistan early last month. They were apparently shot at close range. No insurgent group has claimed responsibility for the slayings, so it is likely they were murdered by bandits.
Fukusho was fond of taking photographs of children and he had visited Afghanistan many times. In Japan, he was fond of showing his pupils photographs of children attending reconstructed schools in Afghanistan. He enjoyed explaining what life was like for Afghan children. Decades of conflict resulted in many schools being destroyed. Only now are they being rebuilt.
Although Hasegawa had been overseas before, it was her first visit to Afghanistan. It is important for teachers to see the world so that they can gain a broader perspective and share their experiences with children.
While we admire the zeal of the two teachers, we wish to issue some words of caution. Afghanistan is still not a destination where foreign travelers can move around freely. After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, U.S. troops invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime that sheltered the al-Qaida network.
Terrorists and Taliban forces are known to be hiding out in lawless border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, still depends on international security forces to maintain order.
The disarming of warlords has resulted mostly in numerous heavy armaments being handed in, including artillery equipment and tanks. Afghan men traditionally walk around armed with a rifle. Automatic weapons are especially popular and abundant all over the country.
Since there is not even a rudimentary financial system, people cannot use credit cards. Foreigners have to carry hard currency when they travel. So it's no surprise that bandits lay around in wait.
Because of the harsh conditions, the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo recommends that people postpone plans to visit major cities there and for those living in other areas to evacuate. The United Nations and other countries have adopted similar precautions.
In the run-up to elections in Afghanistan on Sept. 18, there is an increased danger of terrorist acts and kidnappings. As a result, U.N. officials as well as staff members of nongovernmental organizations are leaving temporarily.
It was under these circumstances that Fukusho and Hasegawa left Quetta, western Pakistan, by car for Kandahar in southern Afghanistan.
EDITORIAL/ Perilous Afghanistan: It is not a suitable destination for a summer holiday.
09/06/2005
The confirmation that two teachers from Onomichi city, Hiroshima Prefecture, have been killed in Afghanistan causes us much sorrow. The bullet-riddled bodies of Jun Fukusho and Shinobu Hasegawa were found last week near the city of Kandahar, southern Afghanistan. This is an awful tragedy and we cannot find enough words to convey our condolences to their respective families.
Fukusho and Hasegawa entered Afghanistan overland by way of Pakistan early last month. They were apparently shot at close range. No insurgent group has claimed responsibility for the slayings, so it is likely they were murdered by bandits.
Fukusho was fond of taking photographs of children and he had visited Afghanistan many times. In Japan, he was fond of showing his pupils photographs of children attending reconstructed schools in Afghanistan. He enjoyed explaining what life was like for Afghan children. Decades of conflict resulted in many schools being destroyed. Only now are they being rebuilt.
Although Hasegawa had been overseas before, it was her first visit to Afghanistan. It is important for teachers to see the world so that they can gain a broader perspective and share their experiences with children.
While we admire the zeal of the two teachers, we wish to issue some words of caution. Afghanistan is still not a destination where foreign travelers can move around freely. After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, U.S. troops invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime that sheltered the al-Qaida network.
Terrorists and Taliban forces are known to be hiding out in lawless border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, still depends on international security forces to maintain order.
The disarming of warlords has resulted mostly in numerous heavy armaments being handed in, including artillery equipment and tanks. Afghan men traditionally walk around armed with a rifle. Automatic weapons are especially popular and abundant all over the country.
Since there is not even a rudimentary financial system, people cannot use credit cards. Foreigners have to carry hard currency when they travel. So it's no surprise that bandits lay around in wait.
Because of the harsh conditions, the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo recommends that people postpone plans to visit major cities there and for those living in other areas to evacuate. The United Nations and other countries have adopted similar precautions.
In the run-up to elections in Afghanistan on Sept. 18, there is an increased danger of terrorist acts and kidnappings. As a result, U.N. officials as well as staff members of nongovernmental organizations are leaving temporarily.
It was under these circumstances that Fukusho and Hasegawa left Quetta, western Pakistan, by car for Kandahar in southern Afghanistan.
Midwives graduate from Nangarhar University
by Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Matsushige Task Force Devil Public Affairs
JALALABAD, Afghanistan - Afghanistan is a country plagued by death as it has one of the world’s highest rates of maternal and infant mortality. According to International Medical Corps statistics, one in 10 Afghan women die during child birth, and one-forth of the children do not live to see their fifth birthday.
Midwives represent a new hope for the survivability of infants and mothers. Many rural communities in Afghanistan rely on midwives as the only professional-care provider for pregnant women.
The Medical College of the University of Nangarhar, in Eastern Afghanistan, graduated 61 midwives and about 200 other students in other medical professions so far. This class of graduating midwives comes from Nangarhar, Konar, Laghman and Nuristan provinces.
The various speakers at the graduation ceremony include the Minister of Health and professors from different departments in the Medical College of Jalalabad. The school thanked the Jalalabad Provincial Reconstruction Team, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the other agencies for helping to graduate such a large number of midwives.
“These agencies and the Jalalabad PRT also provided supplies, instructors and facilities for the university and students,” said Capt. Mike Weber, a physician’s assistant with the PRT and one of the speakers at the graduation.
Amanda Rickman is a program manager for the midwives training. She works for the International Health Center, a subsidiary of International Medical Corps, a U.S. non-profit organization providing health care and training in Afghanistan.
Rickman revamped the two-year midwife course to a standards based program. From this revamp twenty-six different competencies were identified. Each area must be tested and students must score with a 70% or better to pass the class.
Procedural tasks such as handling a breach birth, positive identification of conditions that exist in the mother or unborn infant and surgical techniques such a suturing are among the competencies.
After Rickman arrived this past February and settled in to her new duties she extended the daily course work to a full day so competencies could be completed in a timely manner.
After putting in place the standards based evaluation she worked closely with the local hospital to give practical clinical time to these future mid-wives.
Before the training was over the class helped deliver a healthy baby and make sure the mother was fine.
Nearly all of the midwives will return to their village and use the practical skills and knowledge learned in this program. That newfound skill will greatly increase the survivability rate of Afghan children and mothers which has ranked as one of the lowest in the world.
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/07_05/24.htm
by Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Matsushige Task Force Devil Public Affairs
JALALABAD, Afghanistan - Afghanistan is a country plagued by death as it has one of the world’s highest rates of maternal and infant mortality. According to International Medical Corps statistics, one in 10 Afghan women die during child birth, and one-forth of the children do not live to see their fifth birthday.
Midwives represent a new hope for the survivability of infants and mothers. Many rural communities in Afghanistan rely on midwives as the only professional-care provider for pregnant women.
The Medical College of the University of Nangarhar, in Eastern Afghanistan, graduated 61 midwives and about 200 other students in other medical professions so far. This class of graduating midwives comes from Nangarhar, Konar, Laghman and Nuristan provinces.
The various speakers at the graduation ceremony include the Minister of Health and professors from different departments in the Medical College of Jalalabad. The school thanked the Jalalabad Provincial Reconstruction Team, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the other agencies for helping to graduate such a large number of midwives.
“These agencies and the Jalalabad PRT also provided supplies, instructors and facilities for the university and students,” said Capt. Mike Weber, a physician’s assistant with the PRT and one of the speakers at the graduation.
Amanda Rickman is a program manager for the midwives training. She works for the International Health Center, a subsidiary of International Medical Corps, a U.S. non-profit organization providing health care and training in Afghanistan.
Rickman revamped the two-year midwife course to a standards based program. From this revamp twenty-six different competencies were identified. Each area must be tested and students must score with a 70% or better to pass the class.
Procedural tasks such as handling a breach birth, positive identification of conditions that exist in the mother or unborn infant and surgical techniques such a suturing are among the competencies.
After Rickman arrived this past February and settled in to her new duties she extended the daily course work to a full day so competencies could be completed in a timely manner.
After putting in place the standards based evaluation she worked closely with the local hospital to give practical clinical time to these future mid-wives.
Before the training was over the class helped deliver a healthy baby and make sure the mother was fine.
Nearly all of the midwives will return to their village and use the practical skills and knowledge learned in this program. That newfound skill will greatly increase the survivability rate of Afghan children and mothers which has ranked as one of the lowest in the world.
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/07_05/24.htm
http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/4941389/detail.html
Hawaii-Based Marine Killed In Afghanistan
POSTED: 11:41 am HST September 6, 2005
HONOLULU -- A Marine based at Kaneohe died in Afghanistan Saturday, military officials announced Tuesday.
Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Nass, 21, of Franklin, Wisc., was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom operations. He died from a "non-hostile gunshot wound" at Camp Blessing, Afghanistan.
He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Military officials are investigating what happened.
Hawaii-Based Marine Killed In Afghanistan
POSTED: 11:41 am HST September 6, 2005
HONOLULU -- A Marine based at Kaneohe died in Afghanistan Saturday, military officials announced Tuesday.
Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Nass, 21, of Franklin, Wisc., was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom operations. He died from a "non-hostile gunshot wound" at Camp Blessing, Afghanistan.
He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Military officials are investigating what happened.
13 suspected Taliban killed, 44 held in Kandahar operation
KANDAHAR CITY, September 5 (Pajhwok Afghan News): At least 13 suspected Taliban fighters have been killed and 44 arrested in Ghorak district of the southern Kandahar province, a senior official claimed on Monday.
Kandahar Governor Asadullah Khalid told Pajhwok Afghan News the Afghan National Army and US forces launched a joint operation against the suspected Taliban after the kidnapping and killing of the election candidates by the insurgents.
He added Afghan air force, rarely taking part in crackdowns on insurgents, was also involved in the operation. The governor rejected reports of civilian casualties in the bombing of militant hideouts in the mountainous area.
Asadullah Khalid was unsure which group the detainees belonged to, saying they had been shifted to the provincial capital for investigation. He hoped the investigators would be able to establish identities of the arrested suspects.
The operation came hard on the heels of the kidnapping of the Ghorak district chief, a candidate and three other people by Taliban. On Saturday, Latifullah Hakimi said the five were executed, but Khalid told newsmen they had not yet found the abductees' bodies.
Meanwhile, Gen Mohammad Sarwar, deputy commander of the Kandahar army corps, said three Taliban suspects had been arrested in the neighboring Helmand province in a separate operation.
Regarding the two Japanese tourists whose bullet-riddled bodies were found in a desert over the weekend, the governor opined they had been killed elsewhere. Their bodies were later dumped in the arid area, the governor concluded.
Saeed Zabuli
jh/by/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=190
KANDAHAR CITY, September 5 (Pajhwok Afghan News): At least 13 suspected Taliban fighters have been killed and 44 arrested in Ghorak district of the southern Kandahar province, a senior official claimed on Monday.
Kandahar Governor Asadullah Khalid told Pajhwok Afghan News the Afghan National Army and US forces launched a joint operation against the suspected Taliban after the kidnapping and killing of the election candidates by the insurgents.
He added Afghan air force, rarely taking part in crackdowns on insurgents, was also involved in the operation. The governor rejected reports of civilian casualties in the bombing of militant hideouts in the mountainous area.
Asadullah Khalid was unsure which group the detainees belonged to, saying they had been shifted to the provincial capital for investigation. He hoped the investigators would be able to establish identities of the arrested suspects.
The operation came hard on the heels of the kidnapping of the Ghorak district chief, a candidate and three other people by Taliban. On Saturday, Latifullah Hakimi said the five were executed, but Khalid told newsmen they had not yet found the abductees' bodies.
Meanwhile, Gen Mohammad Sarwar, deputy commander of the Kandahar army corps, said three Taliban suspects had been arrested in the neighboring Helmand province in a separate operation.
Regarding the two Japanese tourists whose bullet-riddled bodies were found in a desert over the weekend, the governor opined they had been killed elsewhere. Their bodies were later dumped in the arid area, the governor concluded.
Saeed Zabuli
jh/by/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=190
Seven former commanders surrender in Kunar
ASADABAD, September 5 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Seven former commanders loyal to Gulbadin Hekmatyar and Maulvi Khalis have surrendered to the government in the eastern Kunar province while responding to an ongoing national reconciliation campaign.
Governor Asadullah Wafa told Pajhwok Afghan News on Monday commanders Maulvi Muhammad Hashim, Haji Sayed Ajan, Haji Wazir Muhammad, Amir Muhammad Abdullah, Syed Muhammad Khan, Maulvi Abdul Jalil and Khan Zarin had renounced violence.
The governor hailed the decision of the commanders while urging their comrades to join hands with the government and lay down arms. Wafa asked the commanders to help the government in the rebuilding and developing process.
"I am very happy that people like Muhammad Hashim are joining the government today," said the governor, who received a pledged from the commanders of cooperation with the government in all fields of life.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Hashim promised he would play an active role in the uplift and reconstruction of the country. Under the reconciliation drive, more than 50 former commanders have joined the government so far.
Faridullah
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=198
ASADABAD, September 5 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Seven former commanders loyal to Gulbadin Hekmatyar and Maulvi Khalis have surrendered to the government in the eastern Kunar province while responding to an ongoing national reconciliation campaign.
Governor Asadullah Wafa told Pajhwok Afghan News on Monday commanders Maulvi Muhammad Hashim, Haji Sayed Ajan, Haji Wazir Muhammad, Amir Muhammad Abdullah, Syed Muhammad Khan, Maulvi Abdul Jalil and Khan Zarin had renounced violence.
The governor hailed the decision of the commanders while urging their comrades to join hands with the government and lay down arms. Wafa asked the commanders to help the government in the rebuilding and developing process.
"I am very happy that people like Muhammad Hashim are joining the government today," said the governor, who received a pledged from the commanders of cooperation with the government in all fields of life.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Hashim promised he would play an active role in the uplift and reconstruction of the country. Under the reconciliation drive, more than 50 former commanders have joined the government so far.
Faridullah
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=198
I love how the Afghani's discribe these guys, don't you ghost? Miscreants, has a certain ring to it eh ghost?
Nine miscreants detained in Paktia operation
KABUL, September 5 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Afghan forces, backed by the US-led coalition, have arrested nine suspected 'enemy combatants' in an operation in the northern Paktia province.
Conducted between August 20 and September 2, the operation was aimed at maintaining a stable environment in the area, a military statement said Monday.
The statement added four suspected leaders and advisors of a criminal cell were detained in Spina village of Omna district along with propaganda audio tapes and ammunition.
Three more miscreants were arrested in Sharan district along with improvised explosive devices including electric wires and cell phones.
Commander of 1st Battalion, 508th infantry (Airborne) Lt. Col. Timothy P. McGuire said: "The detention of theses enemy forces by a combined forces of Afghan national police and Afghan national army represent a significant blow to the enemy in this region."
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=204
Nine miscreants detained in Paktia operation
KABUL, September 5 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Afghan forces, backed by the US-led coalition, have arrested nine suspected 'enemy combatants' in an operation in the northern Paktia province.
Conducted between August 20 and September 2, the operation was aimed at maintaining a stable environment in the area, a military statement said Monday.
The statement added four suspected leaders and advisors of a criminal cell were detained in Spina village of Omna district along with propaganda audio tapes and ammunition.
Three more miscreants were arrested in Sharan district along with improvised explosive devices including electric wires and cell phones.
Commander of 1st Battalion, 508th infantry (Airborne) Lt. Col. Timothy P. McGuire said: "The detention of theses enemy forces by a combined forces of Afghan national police and Afghan national army represent a significant blow to the enemy in this region."
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=204
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/internatio...m?id=1900362005
12m Afghans to vote amid ballot confusion and growing violence
ALFONSO DANIELS
IN KABUL
AMID growing violence, the future of Afghanistan hangs on the outcome of delayed parliamentary and local elections to be held later this month.
But in a country largely destroyed by 25 years of civil war, and with literacy levels of about 80 per cent, few Afghans know what or whom they are voting for. "What is a parliament?" Ahmad, 35, a doctor, asked. "I don't remember ever having one before."
The elections are meant to be the final phase of Afghanistan's transition to democracy, as envisaged by the United Nations-sponsored conference held in Bonn in December 2001 after the defeat of the Taleban by US-led coalition forces. They follow the presidential poll in October last year which Hamid Karzai won with 55 per cent of the vote.
Close to 12 million registered voters - nearly half of them women - will choose from 2,778 candidates vying for 249 seats in the lower house of parliament, and 3,027 candidates for seats on 34 provincial councils that will select the members of an upper house. A total of 583 candidates are women.
The design of the voting system, with people electing individuals rather than parties, is partly responsible for the confusion. The International Crisis Group think tank called the vote a "lottery", with pages-long ballot papers showing a multi-coloured array of candidates' photos and symbols.
A western diplomat told The Scotsman: "Karzai chose this ridiculous system because he doesn't like parties, so the most likely outcome is a fractured parliament with no majority either in favour or against the government. I foresee a maximum of 30 members for each parliamentary group, so Karzai will be forced to negotiate every single item which could dangerously paralyse Afghanistan's reconstruction."
Considering that parliament will have the power to legislate, and will be able to overrule Mr Karzai's decisions if there is a two-thirds majority, such fears appear well-founded.
Making matters worse, election officials think up to 50 per cent of candidates may be acting as "cover" for warlords, the mafia or unpopular parties such as the Communists.
Some warlords are even standing directly in the elections since, under the rules, only candidates with proven present links to armed groups can be excluded. Of particular concern is Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, a former mujahideen commander who was largely responsible for the destruction of Kabul during the 1990s civil war and who is contesting a seat in Kabul.
All this is taking place against a backdrop of growing violence. Taleban insurgents opposed to the election are launching daily attacks, which the government has been incapable of stopping, despite the presence of 20,000 US troops and 10,000 NATO-led peacekeepers. So far this year, more than 1,000 people have been killed, including 49 US soldiers, making it the bloodiest period since 2001.
On 15 September, the four-week campaign will be over, and there will be a two-day reflection period before polling starts. Most results will be known by late October.
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12m Afghans to vote amid ballot confusion and growing violence
ALFONSO DANIELS
IN KABUL
AMID growing violence, the future of Afghanistan hangs on the outcome of delayed parliamentary and local elections to be held later this month.
But in a country largely destroyed by 25 years of civil war, and with literacy levels of about 80 per cent, few Afghans know what or whom they are voting for. "What is a parliament?" Ahmad, 35, a doctor, asked. "I don't remember ever having one before."
The elections are meant to be the final phase of Afghanistan's transition to democracy, as envisaged by the United Nations-sponsored conference held in Bonn in December 2001 after the defeat of the Taleban by US-led coalition forces. They follow the presidential poll in October last year which Hamid Karzai won with 55 per cent of the vote.
Close to 12 million registered voters - nearly half of them women - will choose from 2,778 candidates vying for 249 seats in the lower house of parliament, and 3,027 candidates for seats on 34 provincial councils that will select the members of an upper house. A total of 583 candidates are women.
The design of the voting system, with people electing individuals rather than parties, is partly responsible for the confusion. The International Crisis Group think tank called the vote a "lottery", with pages-long ballot papers showing a multi-coloured array of candidates' photos and symbols.
A western diplomat told The Scotsman: "Karzai chose this ridiculous system because he doesn't like parties, so the most likely outcome is a fractured parliament with no majority either in favour or against the government. I foresee a maximum of 30 members for each parliamentary group, so Karzai will be forced to negotiate every single item which could dangerously paralyse Afghanistan's reconstruction."
Considering that parliament will have the power to legislate, and will be able to overrule Mr Karzai's decisions if there is a two-thirds majority, such fears appear well-founded.
Making matters worse, election officials think up to 50 per cent of candidates may be acting as "cover" for warlords, the mafia or unpopular parties such as the Communists.
Some warlords are even standing directly in the elections since, under the rules, only candidates with proven present links to armed groups can be excluded. Of particular concern is Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, a former mujahideen commander who was largely responsible for the destruction of Kabul during the 1990s civil war and who is contesting a seat in Kabul.
All this is taking place against a backdrop of growing violence. Taleban insurgents opposed to the election are launching daily attacks, which the government has been incapable of stopping, despite the presence of 20,000 US troops and 10,000 NATO-led peacekeepers. So far this year, more than 1,000 people have been killed, including 49 US soldiers, making it the bloodiest period since 2001.
On 15 September, the four-week campaign will be over, and there will be a two-day reflection period before polling starts. Most results will be known by late October.
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12 Taliban killed, 17 detained in Zabul operations
KANDAHAR CITY, September 6 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A dozen militants were killed and 17 suspects captured in fresh anti-insurgency operations in the southern Zabul province, officials said on Tuesday.
Zabul Governor's spokesman Gulab Shah Alikhel told Pajhwok Afghan News Afghan forces and US-led coalition forces swooped on Taliban insurgents in Shah Joi and Khak-i-Afghan districts, where the fighters were trying to create security problems and harass residents.
He added Afghan the National Army (ANA) and the coalition forces launched simultaneous operations in the districts late Monday, killing five Taliban in Khak-i-Afghan and seven others in Shah Joi.
Gulab Shah claimed the swoops also led to the arrest of 17 suspects, who were under investigation. "Security would be beefed up ahead of the election to eliminate Taliban from the area," he continued.
The Zabul operations, which were still in progress, came a day after the killing of 13 Taliban in Kandahar's Ghorak district, where Afghan police and the coalition troops rounded up 44 terror suspects.
Saeed Zabuli
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=238
KANDAHAR CITY, September 6 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A dozen militants were killed and 17 suspects captured in fresh anti-insurgency operations in the southern Zabul province, officials said on Tuesday.
Zabul Governor's spokesman Gulab Shah Alikhel told Pajhwok Afghan News Afghan forces and US-led coalition forces swooped on Taliban insurgents in Shah Joi and Khak-i-Afghan districts, where the fighters were trying to create security problems and harass residents.
He added Afghan the National Army (ANA) and the coalition forces launched simultaneous operations in the districts late Monday, killing five Taliban in Khak-i-Afghan and seven others in Shah Joi.
Gulab Shah claimed the swoops also led to the arrest of 17 suspects, who were under investigation. "Security would be beefed up ahead of the election to eliminate Taliban from the area," he continued.
The Zabul operations, which were still in progress, came a day after the killing of 13 Taliban in Kandahar's Ghorak district, where Afghan police and the coalition troops rounded up 44 terror suspects.
Saeed Zabuli
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=238
Big weapons cache seized in Kandahar City
KANDAHAR CITY, September 6 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Security officials seized an arms cache including landmines, missiles, hand grenades and other explosive materials in the southern Kandahar province on Tuesday.
Provincial police chief General Abdul Malik Wahidi told Pajhwok Afghan News they had found three anti-personnel landmines and as many missiles from a handcart in Kandahar city, close to the Kabul bus stop.
He said a cobbler in the area tipped off the police about the suspect handcart, covered with a thick sheet. "After the recovery of explosives from the cart, we mounted a search and found landmines and ammunition near a shop close to the bus terminal."
Thirteen anti-personnel landmines, a dozen hand grenades, 10 missile fuses and 300 kilograms of explosives were recovered from plastic water tanks buried behind the shop.
Saeed Zabuli
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=246
KANDAHAR CITY, September 6 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Security officials seized an arms cache including landmines, missiles, hand grenades and other explosive materials in the southern Kandahar province on Tuesday.
Provincial police chief General Abdul Malik Wahidi told Pajhwok Afghan News they had found three anti-personnel landmines and as many missiles from a handcart in Kandahar city, close to the Kabul bus stop.
He said a cobbler in the area tipped off the police about the suspect handcart, covered with a thick sheet. "After the recovery of explosives from the cart, we mounted a search and found landmines and ammunition near a shop close to the bus terminal."
Thirteen anti-personnel landmines, a dozen hand grenades, 10 missile fuses and 300 kilograms of explosives were recovered from plastic water tanks buried behind the shop.
Saeed Zabuli
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=246
US ambassador assures help in Bamyan reconstruction
BAMYAN CITY, September 5 (Pajhwok Afghan News): US Ambassador Ronald Neumann Monday inaugurated the construction of a 20-kilometer road costing $500,000 and linking this central city with the eastern Doab area.
Addressing a huge gathering, Ambassador Ronald said the US had given a total of $20 million for the reconstruction of the province, where huge Buddha statues were dynamited by Taliban some years back.
He added the US had not ignored the development of Bamyan and would soon prepare a master plan for its reconstruction. "The master plan's preparation has delayed the uplift process."
Earlier, at a meeting with Bamyan Governor Habiba Sarabi, the ambassador urged the need for early finalization of the master plan to step up the uplift process in the province.
However, residents complained of slow-placed development projects and the central government's indifferent attitude to the development of the culturally rich province.
People Council head Haji Dost Muhammad told Pajhwok Afghan News: "We expect more from the US envoy than what he had pledged."
Governor Habiba Sarabi welcomed the ambassador's trip as central to the development of the province. The master plan would bode well for reconstruction of Bamyan," she concluded.
Hadi Ghafari
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=229
BAMYAN CITY, September 5 (Pajhwok Afghan News): US Ambassador Ronald Neumann Monday inaugurated the construction of a 20-kilometer road costing $500,000 and linking this central city with the eastern Doab area.
Addressing a huge gathering, Ambassador Ronald said the US had given a total of $20 million for the reconstruction of the province, where huge Buddha statues were dynamited by Taliban some years back.
He added the US had not ignored the development of Bamyan and would soon prepare a master plan for its reconstruction. "The master plan's preparation has delayed the uplift process."
Earlier, at a meeting with Bamyan Governor Habiba Sarabi, the ambassador urged the need for early finalization of the master plan to step up the uplift process in the province.
However, residents complained of slow-placed development projects and the central government's indifferent attitude to the development of the culturally rich province.
People Council head Haji Dost Muhammad told Pajhwok Afghan News: "We expect more from the US envoy than what he had pledged."
Governor Habiba Sarabi welcomed the ambassador's trip as central to the development of the province. The master plan would bode well for reconstruction of Bamyan," she concluded.
Hadi Ghafari
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=229
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto.../International/
Afghan suicide bombing kills 4
Wednesday, September 7, 2005 Updated at 6:56 AM EDT
Associated Press
Kandahar, Afghanistan — A vehicle suspected to be carrying suicide attackers exploded in a southern Afghan town on Wednesday, killing three people inside and a passerby, an official said.
The vehicle, which appeared to have been carrying a large quantity of explosives, was destroyed in the blast near the bazaar of Greisht district of Helmand province, said Mohammed Wali, the spokesman for the provincial governor.
Afghan suicide bombing kills 4
Wednesday, September 7, 2005 Updated at 6:56 AM EDT
Associated Press
Kandahar, Afghanistan — A vehicle suspected to be carrying suicide attackers exploded in a southern Afghan town on Wednesday, killing three people inside and a passerby, an official said.
The vehicle, which appeared to have been carrying a large quantity of explosives, was destroyed in the blast near the bazaar of Greisht district of Helmand province, said Mohammed Wali, the spokesman for the provincial governor.
Japan announces another $5m for Afghan elections
KABUL, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Japan has announced an additional $5 million in emergency assistance through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the Afghanistan legislative elections.
A press statement issued here by the Japanese embassy said the funds would be handed over to the Afghan government within a week, ahead of the September 18 vote. The fresh aid increases Japan's financial assistance for the Afghan electoral political process to $30 million over the past four years.
The United Nations (UN) too has asked the international community to extend prompt assistance for elections that would cost around $150 million. Earlier, the European Union (EU) announced a grant of 9 million euros to help Kabul in holding the elections.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=297
KABUL, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Japan has announced an additional $5 million in emergency assistance through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the Afghanistan legislative elections.
A press statement issued here by the Japanese embassy said the funds would be handed over to the Afghan government within a week, ahead of the September 18 vote. The fresh aid increases Japan's financial assistance for the Afghan electoral political process to $30 million over the past four years.
The United Nations (UN) too has asked the international community to extend prompt assistance for elections that would cost around $150 million. Earlier, the European Union (EU) announced a grant of 9 million euros to help Kabul in holding the elections.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=297
Four killed in 'bungled suicide attack' in Helmand
KANDAHAR CITY, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Three occupants of a car and a passerby were killed and when their explosive-laden car exploded in Girishk district of the southern Helmand province Wednesday morning, officials said.
Helmand governor's spokesman Mohammad Wali Alizai told Pajhwok Afghan News the victims planned a suicide attack on US troops stationed in the area, but the huge amount of explosives went off before they could use it.
He said the huge explosion completely destroyed the car and body parts of the victims were scattered all over the place. Identification of the dead was impossible because their bodies were blown to bits, he added. Three passersby were wounded as a result of the blast.
The spokesman continued security measures had been tightened and an investigation was going on to determine who was behind the incident, coming a day after a dozen Taliban insurgents were killed in operations in the neighbouring Zabul province.
However, Helmand's deputy police chief Amanullah Khan gave a completely different version of the explosion. He said the explosives were placed on a bicycle near a Textile Factory in Girishk district. Two cars, one of them belonging to coalition forces, were damaged in the explosion.
Saeed Zabuli and Aziz Zahid
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=296
KANDAHAR CITY, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Three occupants of a car and a passerby were killed and when their explosive-laden car exploded in Girishk district of the southern Helmand province Wednesday morning, officials said.
Helmand governor's spokesman Mohammad Wali Alizai told Pajhwok Afghan News the victims planned a suicide attack on US troops stationed in the area, but the huge amount of explosives went off before they could use it.
He said the huge explosion completely destroyed the car and body parts of the victims were scattered all over the place. Identification of the dead was impossible because their bodies were blown to bits, he added. Three passersby were wounded as a result of the blast.
The spokesman continued security measures had been tightened and an investigation was going on to determine who was behind the incident, coming a day after a dozen Taliban insurgents were killed in operations in the neighbouring Zabul province.
However, Helmand's deputy police chief Amanullah Khan gave a completely different version of the explosion. He said the explosives were placed on a bicycle near a Textile Factory in Girishk district. Two cars, one of them belonging to coalition forces, were damaged in the explosion.
Saeed Zabuli and Aziz Zahid
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=296
Many of the relatively more enlightened US citizens who were quick to recognize the folly of the Iraqi War as a reasonable response to the threat of "Terriorism",
continue to rationalize the Bush Administration's decision to wage war in Afganistan
for revenge of the 9/11 attack. After all this time and all those dead bodies and
spent resources the results on the ground there don't look much different than
the mess the Soviets left before. The Chicken Hawks and other mighty warriors
just can't seem to learn that waging war creates the conditions additional war. Isn't
it time to start looking for alternative methods of problem solving?
continue to rationalize the Bush Administration's decision to wage war in Afganistan
for revenge of the 9/11 attack. After all this time and all those dead bodies and
spent resources the results on the ground there don't look much different than
the mess the Soviets left before. The Chicken Hawks and other mighty warriors
just can't seem to learn that waging war creates the conditions additional war. Isn't
it time to start looking for alternative methods of problem solving?
PRT sets up mobile clinic in Kandahar
KANDAHAR CITY, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A Canadian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) has set a mobile clinic in the southern province of Kandahar to help resolve medical problems of residents.
An official of civil-military team, Captain GMF Giroux told Pajhwok Afghan News on Wednesday the mobile clinic, having 20 doctors and nurses, would remain functional for 18 months.
He promised up to 300 patients would be examined daily at the clinic, which would provide free medicines and dispatch its staff to different districts. The clinic will have facilities for operating on patients.
Saeed Zabuli
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=338
KANDAHAR CITY, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A Canadian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) has set a mobile clinic in the southern province of Kandahar to help resolve medical problems of residents.
An official of civil-military team, Captain GMF Giroux told Pajhwok Afghan News on Wednesday the mobile clinic, having 20 doctors and nurses, would remain functional for 18 months.
He promised up to 300 patients would be examined daily at the clinic, which would provide free medicines and dispatch its staff to different districts. The clinic will have facilities for operating on patients.
Saeed Zabuli
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=338
Rules soon to control speed limit on highway
GHAZNI CITY, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Officials said Wednesday rules would be framed soon to check speeding vehicles on the 482-kilomter Kabul-Kandahar Highway in an effort to reduce accidents.
Gen. Najibullah Malakhel, commander of the highway protection brigade in Ghazni, told Pajhwok Afghan News speeding vehicles, driving licences and load limit would be checked at certain points. He added about 60 people had been killed and many wounded last month in accidents.
Drivers listed absence of road partition, two-way traffic and narrowness of the route as the main reasons for accidents. Ghulam Sakhi, one of the drivers, said inexperienced drivers and speed competitions often caused mishaps on the highway.
Rahmatullah (50), another driver, blamed the high number of tragedies on rash driving and unlimited load. He admitted drivers paid little heed to traffic rules.
Sher Ahmad Haidar
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=339
GHAZNI CITY, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Officials said Wednesday rules would be framed soon to check speeding vehicles on the 482-kilomter Kabul-Kandahar Highway in an effort to reduce accidents.
Gen. Najibullah Malakhel, commander of the highway protection brigade in Ghazni, told Pajhwok Afghan News speeding vehicles, driving licences and load limit would be checked at certain points. He added about 60 people had been killed and many wounded last month in accidents.
Drivers listed absence of road partition, two-way traffic and narrowness of the route as the main reasons for accidents. Ghulam Sakhi, one of the drivers, said inexperienced drivers and speed competitions often caused mishaps on the highway.
Rahmatullah (50), another driver, blamed the high number of tragedies on rash driving and unlimited load. He admitted drivers paid little heed to traffic rules.
Sher Ahmad Haidar
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=339
EC promises to continue supporting Afghanistan
KABUL, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Describing the September 18 legislative elections as a step toward bringing democracy to the war-ravaged country, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner hoped the EC and other donors would not withdraw their support from Afghanistan.
In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, the European Commissioner said the goal of democracy can not be achieved overnight. It will require time and the Afghans would learn how to run the parliament and pass laws.
Here are the excerpts:
Q: What is the purpose of your visit to Afghanistan?
A: Afghanistan is moving toward the landmark parliamentary polls, which is an important step for bringing democracy to the war-ravaged country. I am responsible for sending European Commission election observers to Afghanistan. The team will be headed by Emma Bonino, while I will extend support to the delegation. After successful legislative polls the Bonn Agreement will come to an end and I came to talk about issues that would be needed after completion of Bonn Agreement.
Q: Will you continue assistance for Afghanistan?
A: Our assistance will be based on EC future budget. Both Afghanistan and the European Union should show more responsibility.
Q: In which fields does the EC support Afghanistan?
A: We have constructed 120 clinics where treatment facilities have been extended to about 4000 people in one year. Besides renovation of over 60 schools, 80 million square metres of land has been cleared of anti-personnel mines since 2001. We have also provided assistance for construction of the Kabul-Jalalabad road. We have provided funds to NGOs for giving training to street children in skills like tailoring, painting etc. There are about 9,000 street children in Ashiana, while officials put the number at 38,000. We are the leading contributors of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) besides helping the government in giving salaries of Afghan police. We are also trying to strengthen the civil society and support democratic process in the country.
We are also supporting press freedom and plan to launch a magazine.
Q: What is the main purpose behind your trip to Kunduz?
A: I want to meet Austrian forces working in the Provincial Reconstruction Team there. Besides we are funding several projects in Kunduz and I will visit those projects as well. I will visit the JEMB regional office and also meet women candidates in Kunduz. Women have been extended 25 per cent representation in the next set up and they should recognize themselves as an important organ of the society.
Q: What do you think about the country's next parliament?
A: This will prove a step toward democracy. Afghan people will come to know how to elect their representatives. Apart from the common citizens, members of the parliament will also know how to work together and approve a law with majority votes.
Q: Do you think donors will continue their support for Afghanistan?
Q: Donors will not stop their support at once. It will be a gradual process as they want to see a stable government, elimination of poppy and an end to corruption. Rule of law and supremacy of judiciary should be ensured after the parliamentary elections.
Farida Nekzad
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=337
KABUL, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Describing the September 18 legislative elections as a step toward bringing democracy to the war-ravaged country, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner hoped the EC and other donors would not withdraw their support from Afghanistan.
In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, the European Commissioner said the goal of democracy can not be achieved overnight. It will require time and the Afghans would learn how to run the parliament and pass laws.
Here are the excerpts:
Q: What is the purpose of your visit to Afghanistan?
A: Afghanistan is moving toward the landmark parliamentary polls, which is an important step for bringing democracy to the war-ravaged country. I am responsible for sending European Commission election observers to Afghanistan. The team will be headed by Emma Bonino, while I will extend support to the delegation. After successful legislative polls the Bonn Agreement will come to an end and I came to talk about issues that would be needed after completion of Bonn Agreement.
Q: Will you continue assistance for Afghanistan?
A: Our assistance will be based on EC future budget. Both Afghanistan and the European Union should show more responsibility.
Q: In which fields does the EC support Afghanistan?
A: We have constructed 120 clinics where treatment facilities have been extended to about 4000 people in one year. Besides renovation of over 60 schools, 80 million square metres of land has been cleared of anti-personnel mines since 2001. We have also provided assistance for construction of the Kabul-Jalalabad road. We have provided funds to NGOs for giving training to street children in skills like tailoring, painting etc. There are about 9,000 street children in Ashiana, while officials put the number at 38,000. We are the leading contributors of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) besides helping the government in giving salaries of Afghan police. We are also trying to strengthen the civil society and support democratic process in the country.
We are also supporting press freedom and plan to launch a magazine.
Q: What is the main purpose behind your trip to Kunduz?
A: I want to meet Austrian forces working in the Provincial Reconstruction Team there. Besides we are funding several projects in Kunduz and I will visit those projects as well. I will visit the JEMB regional office and also meet women candidates in Kunduz. Women have been extended 25 per cent representation in the next set up and they should recognize themselves as an important organ of the society.
Q: What do you think about the country's next parliament?
A: This will prove a step toward democracy. Afghan people will come to know how to elect their representatives. Apart from the common citizens, members of the parliament will also know how to work together and approve a law with majority votes.
Q: Do you think donors will continue their support for Afghanistan?
Q: Donors will not stop their support at once. It will be a gradual process as they want to see a stable government, elimination of poppy and an end to corruption. Rule of law and supremacy of judiciary should be ensured after the parliamentary elections.
Farida Nekzad
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=337
Accidents and ire mount as Mahipar road stays closed
KABUL, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Slow-paced construction work on the Mahipar road is causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters traveling between Kabul and eastern parts of the country, especially Jalalabad and Torkham.
Traffic snarl-ups on the alternative Lataband route, layers of dust and sharp bends often lead to accidents, which have claimed dozens of lives since the closure of the Mahipar road.
Passengers and drivers fear if the Mahipar road was not opened for general traffic till the snowy Afghan winter, the already dilapidated Lataband route would witness more tragedies.
Several fatal accidents have so far happened owing to the closure of the Mahipar route since mid-May while the authorities concerned have conveniently ignored the serious problem.
The Public Welfare Ministry had earlier assured the 68-kilometre road would be opened for traffic next year. However, the snail-paced work suggests the ministry would not be able to meet the deadline as the whole area would be snow-bound in two months from now.
Police chief of the adjacent Sarobi district Sher Shah Yousafzai told Pajhwok Afghan News a number of bridges were yet to be constructed on the Mahipar route. He expressed dismay over the construction work, saying: "God knows whether the project will be completed till the advent of winter."
Eng. Amiruddin Salik, advisor to the Public Welfare Ministry, when approached for comments, said the ministry had planned to reopen the route ahead of the winter. He said if the company concerned, if it blew the deadline, would face the penalty as per rules of the contract.
The Mahipar road is being constructed with $26 million assistance from the European Union, while the contract has been assigned to a Chinese company.
Dwellers of the Sarobi district have criticised the company for the slow pace of work. Mualim Zahid, a motorist and resident of the area, said the gigantic task could not be completed with only eight hours work a day. He said it required round-the-clock work to meet the deadline.
Mohammad Ayub Akbari, a senior officer of the highway police in Sarobi, said 12 people had so far been killed and over 30 wounded in traffic accidents on Lataband route. Besides, eight oil tankers and a number of small vehicles have been damaged over the past four months.
The unpaved Lataband route is deteriorating with each passing day due to the load of heavy and light traffic. Road-related fatalities will mount if the Mahipar route was not opened till the beginning of the snowfall in Kabul and its outskirts.
Reported by Zubair Babakarkhail & translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=335
KABUL, September 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Slow-paced construction work on the Mahipar road is causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters traveling between Kabul and eastern parts of the country, especially Jalalabad and Torkham.
Traffic snarl-ups on the alternative Lataband route, layers of dust and sharp bends often lead to accidents, which have claimed dozens of lives since the closure of the Mahipar road.
Passengers and drivers fear if the Mahipar road was not opened for general traffic till the snowy Afghan winter, the already dilapidated Lataband route would witness more tragedies.
Several fatal accidents have so far happened owing to the closure of the Mahipar route since mid-May while the authorities concerned have conveniently ignored the serious problem.
The Public Welfare Ministry had earlier assured the 68-kilometre road would be opened for traffic next year. However, the snail-paced work suggests the ministry would not be able to meet the deadline as the whole area would be snow-bound in two months from now.
Police chief of the adjacent Sarobi district Sher Shah Yousafzai told Pajhwok Afghan News a number of bridges were yet to be constructed on the Mahipar route. He expressed dismay over the construction work, saying: "God knows whether the project will be completed till the advent of winter."
Eng. Amiruddin Salik, advisor to the Public Welfare Ministry, when approached for comments, said the ministry had planned to reopen the route ahead of the winter. He said if the company concerned, if it blew the deadline, would face the penalty as per rules of the contract.
The Mahipar road is being constructed with $26 million assistance from the European Union, while the contract has been assigned to a Chinese company.
Dwellers of the Sarobi district have criticised the company for the slow pace of work. Mualim Zahid, a motorist and resident of the area, said the gigantic task could not be completed with only eight hours work a day. He said it required round-the-clock work to meet the deadline.
Mohammad Ayub Akbari, a senior officer of the highway police in Sarobi, said 12 people had so far been killed and over 30 wounded in traffic accidents on Lataband route. Besides, eight oil tankers and a number of small vehicles have been damaged over the past four months.
The unpaved Lataband route is deteriorating with each passing day due to the load of heavy and light traffic. Road-related fatalities will mount if the Mahipar route was not opened till the beginning of the snowfall in Kabul and its outskirts.
Reported by Zubair Babakarkhail & translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=335
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