Helmand allocated $40m to curb poppy cultivation
KABUL, September 6 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Nearly 40 million dollars have been allocated to the southern Helmand province this year for a project aimed at providing growers with an alternative source of living, discouraging poppy cultivation and curbing narcotics smuggling.
An official announcement to the effect came here on Tuesday at a meeting attended by top officials from the central and provincial governments, the British ambassador as well as influential tribal elders.
Key ministers involved with the government's counter-narcotics campaign conferred on the strategy with the provincial governor and senior Helmand officials at the meeting held at the Intercontinental Hotel here.
Haji Hayatullah, deputy governor of the province, told Pajhwok Afghan News poppy cultivation could be banished from Helmand if the government keeps its promise of reconstructing roads, bridges, watercourses and giving growers improved seeds.
He added terrorism and drugs posed a great threat to society, which needed basic amenities including job opportunities. "Terrorism has been curbed to some extent and the menace of poppy growing could also be eliminated with public support," he observed.
Deputy Minister of Counter-Narcotics Abdul Baquee Khogaini, speaking on behalf of Minister of Counter-Narcotics Habibullah Qaderi who is on an official visit to Europe, briefed the participants on the government's strategy for dealing with the challenge.
Ministers for rural rehabilitation and development, agriculture, the deputy interior minister and British Ambassador Dr Rosalind Marsden spoke on the occasion.
The session came a week after the executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Antonio Maria Costa, announced the area under poppy cultivation in Afghanistan this year had decreased by 21 percent compared to last year.
Reported by Zubair Babakarkhel & translated by S. Mudassir Ali Shah
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=287
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
Western zone farmers set to get seeds, fertilizers
HERAT CITY, September 6 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Farmers in western Afghanistan would be provided fertilizers and improved crop seeds, an agriculture official said on Tuesday.
Bashir Ahmad Ahmadi told Pajhwok Afghan News the assistance including fertilizers and improved varieties of wheat, onion, carrot and potato seeds would be extended to farmers.
Funded by the UK and the United States, the drive for the distribution of improved seeds and fertilizer would benefit small farmers, who will get the farm inputs at cheaper rates after recommendation from the village council.
The agriculture department will charge the beneficiaries of the scheme for the inputs after the harvest and deposit the money with the village councils for welfare schemes.
The western Zone comprises Herat, Farah, Badghis and Ghor provinces. Arbab Shah, a 45-year-old farmer from Guzra district of the western Herat province, hoped the provision of the inputs on deferred payment would help boost crop harvest.
Agriculture officials in Herat province said the United States and Britain had donated $25 million to fund the campaign for providing agricultural inputs farmers across Afghanistan. Of the total assistance, more than three million dollars will to the western zone.
Ahmad Qureshi
sh/mhf/amm/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=286
HERAT CITY, September 6 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Farmers in western Afghanistan would be provided fertilizers and improved crop seeds, an agriculture official said on Tuesday.
Bashir Ahmad Ahmadi told Pajhwok Afghan News the assistance including fertilizers and improved varieties of wheat, onion, carrot and potato seeds would be extended to farmers.
Funded by the UK and the United States, the drive for the distribution of improved seeds and fertilizer would benefit small farmers, who will get the farm inputs at cheaper rates after recommendation from the village council.
The agriculture department will charge the beneficiaries of the scheme for the inputs after the harvest and deposit the money with the village councils for welfare schemes.
The western Zone comprises Herat, Farah, Badghis and Ghor provinces. Arbab Shah, a 45-year-old farmer from Guzra district of the western Herat province, hoped the provision of the inputs on deferred payment would help boost crop harvest.
Agriculture officials in Herat province said the United States and Britain had donated $25 million to fund the campaign for providing agricultural inputs farmers across Afghanistan. Of the total assistance, more than three million dollars will to the western zone.
Ahmad Qureshi
sh/mhf/amm/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=286
Afghan Instructors Teach Afghan Students
By U.S. Army Sgt. Mason T. Lowery Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan National Army’s Command and General Staff College graduated its sixth class Aug. 22 – the first class taught entirely by Afghan instructors.
French officers first taught the four-month course when the staff college opened in 2004. They selected top Afghan graduates from the second class to become instructors. The French gradually transferred authority to the ANA officers and assumed the role of advisors by April 2005.
The French officers will remain at the CGSC to teach new courses in artillery, engineering and logistics, and will again choose top Afghan students from those classes to become future instructors. In a year, the CGSC will have only three French instructors instead of the current eight, said French Army Lt. Col. Gaeton Sevin, chief of the CGSC French training team.
The CGSC trains senior ANA staff officers to serve in command positions at kandak (battalion) or higher levels. Afghan majors through colonels complete a wide-ranging instruction program that consists of training in staff operations and procedures, topography, tactics, computer skills and English language improvement. They also attend numerous conferences and training exercises intended to strengthen their expertise in staff officer operations.
“We are very proud to teach them and can see that the best of them are ready to teach on their own,” Sevin said. “Thanks to this school, we have good officers who will be good for the ANA.”
Afghan National Army Col. Abdul Halim, chief of tactical doctrine at the staff college, said the French prepared him to be an instructor, particularly with computer and language lessons. “We have been taught really well. The French were beside us, and when we taught independently, if there were problems, they helped us,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude to the French officers, ANA Maj. Gen. Gullbahar Salim, CGSC commander, said, “I am very thankful to the French for teaching our instructors the new tactics. They taught them very well.”
Salim said students will benefit from the CGSC’s new organization and was optimistic about the future. “I am very proud of my instructors. It is better for the students to learn from Afghans instead of through interpreters.” He explained that the course will remain four months long until all ANA positions are filled. At that time, the course will be modeled after American military institutions.
The culmination of the sixth class was a Command Post Exercise, said French Army Maj. Pascal Muller, CGSC artillery professor. In the CPX, three Afghan kandaks faced a fictitious enemy force in an Afghan province. The students acted as members of the different cells of the kandak command post (current operations, plans, artillery, engineers and logistics). The students reacted to incidents, reported to the division, proposed solutions and transmitted orders to subordinate units.
“This exercise was a great success and all visitors were strongly impressed by the quality of the job done by the (Afghan) teachers and the students from CGSC,” Muller said.
Honor graduate for the class, ANA Col. Esmatullah, praised the hands-on approach to learning practiced at the CGSC and compared it to his earlier military education. “(Previously) we would study but not apply. But here we learned how to prepare and present the operational plan to commanders.”
As the graduation ceremony ended, approximately 20 graduates and instructors performed the Attan Dance (also known as the Afghan National Dance). The dance is thousands of years old and is performed by soldiers before they start a mission – in this case, serving the people of Afghanistan .
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/09_05/11.htm
By U.S. Army Sgt. Mason T. Lowery Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan National Army’s Command and General Staff College graduated its sixth class Aug. 22 – the first class taught entirely by Afghan instructors.
French officers first taught the four-month course when the staff college opened in 2004. They selected top Afghan graduates from the second class to become instructors. The French gradually transferred authority to the ANA officers and assumed the role of advisors by April 2005.
The French officers will remain at the CGSC to teach new courses in artillery, engineering and logistics, and will again choose top Afghan students from those classes to become future instructors. In a year, the CGSC will have only three French instructors instead of the current eight, said French Army Lt. Col. Gaeton Sevin, chief of the CGSC French training team.
The CGSC trains senior ANA staff officers to serve in command positions at kandak (battalion) or higher levels. Afghan majors through colonels complete a wide-ranging instruction program that consists of training in staff operations and procedures, topography, tactics, computer skills and English language improvement. They also attend numerous conferences and training exercises intended to strengthen their expertise in staff officer operations.
“We are very proud to teach them and can see that the best of them are ready to teach on their own,” Sevin said. “Thanks to this school, we have good officers who will be good for the ANA.”
Afghan National Army Col. Abdul Halim, chief of tactical doctrine at the staff college, said the French prepared him to be an instructor, particularly with computer and language lessons. “We have been taught really well. The French were beside us, and when we taught independently, if there were problems, they helped us,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude to the French officers, ANA Maj. Gen. Gullbahar Salim, CGSC commander, said, “I am very thankful to the French for teaching our instructors the new tactics. They taught them very well.”
Salim said students will benefit from the CGSC’s new organization and was optimistic about the future. “I am very proud of my instructors. It is better for the students to learn from Afghans instead of through interpreters.” He explained that the course will remain four months long until all ANA positions are filled. At that time, the course will be modeled after American military institutions.
The culmination of the sixth class was a Command Post Exercise, said French Army Maj. Pascal Muller, CGSC artillery professor. In the CPX, three Afghan kandaks faced a fictitious enemy force in an Afghan province. The students acted as members of the different cells of the kandak command post (current operations, plans, artillery, engineers and logistics). The students reacted to incidents, reported to the division, proposed solutions and transmitted orders to subordinate units.
“This exercise was a great success and all visitors were strongly impressed by the quality of the job done by the (Afghan) teachers and the students from CGSC,” Muller said.
Honor graduate for the class, ANA Col. Esmatullah, praised the hands-on approach to learning practiced at the CGSC and compared it to his earlier military education. “(Previously) we would study but not apply. But here we learned how to prepare and present the operational plan to commanders.”
As the graduation ceremony ended, approximately 20 graduates and instructors performed the Attan Dance (also known as the Afghan National Dance). The dance is thousands of years old and is performed by soldiers before they start a mission – in this case, serving the people of Afghanistan .
http://www.centcom.mil/CentcomNews/Stories/09_05/11.htm
Gun Devils holds shuras to ease voting security concerns
Story by U.S. Army Pfc. Jon Arguello
Task Force Bayonet Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – In an effort to bolster election participation and resolve any concerns the Afghan population had regarding voting, Task Force Gun Devil organized a series of shuras to ensure the population that the Coalition would do everything in its power to provide a secure environment to vote in. They also said they would work with the Afghan government to progress in other areas.
Nearly 400 Afghans participated in the first shura in Maywand, in the western part of Kandahar province. A key speaker was Meinsef, an election official for Kandahar, who explained the voting process. Meinsef explained that yellow ballots were for district elections while blue were for parliament. He also explained that Kuchies, or nomadic tribes, may participate in parliamentary elections but not district elections.
The district leader, Habibualla, who also happens to be a district education leader from the Norzai tribe, spoke next and emphasized the importance of security. Habibullah said that only security would increase the return and involvement of non-governmental agencies. He also mentioned that corruption must end and that the government is working hard to solve the problem.
“The men here are true leaders because they never left, they stayed and did what was right for Afghanistan while the Taliban leaders hide in Pakistan and go dancing in clubs as their militants die fighting against Afghan soldiers,” Habibualla said.
The next day, on the far side of Kandahar, another shura hosting the elders of the Arghandab district took place. The focus there was on opium and illicit drug crops, as well as security.
“Opium and other drug crops need to stop,” said a village elder. “The world is helping us and we need to take this opportunity to end the problem or the world will turn against us.”
Gov. Assadullah who was attended both shuras expressed how proud he was of the people of Arghandab and that they had a distinguished history as defenders of Afghanistan.
“The people of Arghandab were the first to fight against the Russians, and it was all of the people of Arghandab,” said Asadullah. “Now we have good people and a good government. We have to get together and defend it as well.”
Assadullah said that Afghanistan did not have the power to make necessary progress over the last 25 years because of war, but now they are receiving that help from the Coalition.
“They have already helped us, and are continuing to help us,” Assadullah said. “Now it is our turn to help them.”
Lt. Col. Bertrand Ges, commander of TF Gun Devil, said the Coalition is at a critical juncture and that all progress made against the Taliban will be made through cooperation. He asked that the Afghan people help by not providing Taliban support and to let Coalition forces know when the enemy fighters come into their area.
Education and electricity were other important topics discussed at the shuras. One of the Arghandab representatives said there are 3,500 students in the district and they were trying to increase that along with the capacity of the schools in the district. A request for a girl’s school was also made.
The governor mentioned that electricity projects would increase in proportion with the security in the areas where the electricity was needed.
http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/default.asp?StoryID=317
Story by U.S. Army Pfc. Jon Arguello
Task Force Bayonet Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – In an effort to bolster election participation and resolve any concerns the Afghan population had regarding voting, Task Force Gun Devil organized a series of shuras to ensure the population that the Coalition would do everything in its power to provide a secure environment to vote in. They also said they would work with the Afghan government to progress in other areas.
Nearly 400 Afghans participated in the first shura in Maywand, in the western part of Kandahar province. A key speaker was Meinsef, an election official for Kandahar, who explained the voting process. Meinsef explained that yellow ballots were for district elections while blue were for parliament. He also explained that Kuchies, or nomadic tribes, may participate in parliamentary elections but not district elections.
The district leader, Habibualla, who also happens to be a district education leader from the Norzai tribe, spoke next and emphasized the importance of security. Habibullah said that only security would increase the return and involvement of non-governmental agencies. He also mentioned that corruption must end and that the government is working hard to solve the problem.
“The men here are true leaders because they never left, they stayed and did what was right for Afghanistan while the Taliban leaders hide in Pakistan and go dancing in clubs as their militants die fighting against Afghan soldiers,” Habibualla said.
The next day, on the far side of Kandahar, another shura hosting the elders of the Arghandab district took place. The focus there was on opium and illicit drug crops, as well as security.
“Opium and other drug crops need to stop,” said a village elder. “The world is helping us and we need to take this opportunity to end the problem or the world will turn against us.”
Gov. Assadullah who was attended both shuras expressed how proud he was of the people of Arghandab and that they had a distinguished history as defenders of Afghanistan.
“The people of Arghandab were the first to fight against the Russians, and it was all of the people of Arghandab,” said Asadullah. “Now we have good people and a good government. We have to get together and defend it as well.”
Assadullah said that Afghanistan did not have the power to make necessary progress over the last 25 years because of war, but now they are receiving that help from the Coalition.
“They have already helped us, and are continuing to help us,” Assadullah said. “Now it is our turn to help them.”
Lt. Col. Bertrand Ges, commander of TF Gun Devil, said the Coalition is at a critical juncture and that all progress made against the Taliban will be made through cooperation. He asked that the Afghan people help by not providing Taliban support and to let Coalition forces know when the enemy fighters come into their area.
Education and electricity were other important topics discussed at the shuras. One of the Arghandab representatives said there are 3,500 students in the district and they were trying to increase that along with the capacity of the schools in the district. A request for a girl’s school was also made.
The governor mentioned that electricity projects would increase in proportion with the security in the areas where the electricity was needed.
http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/default.asp?StoryID=317
Korean soldiers arrive in Afghanistan
9/2/2005
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The Republic of Korea Army replaced their 100th Construction Engineer Army Group with 147 new, fresh soldiers.
An advanced group of Korean Engineers arrived at Bagram Airfield Aug. 13 and the main body followed shortly after, arriving Aug. 25-29. They will keep the same name as the previous group -- the 100th Construction Engineer Army Group.
“We are well aware of the sufferings of the people caused by the cruelties of war. That is the very reason we’re here in Afghanistan, as a dependable comrade to our coalition forces and as a friendly nation to Afghanistan,” said Col Kwan Sou Choi, commander of the 100th Construction Engineer Army Group.
During their six-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, they will provide additional engineer capability to the Combined Joint Task Force-76 and the engineer task force, Task Force Sword. They continue improving the infrastructure and facilities of Bagram Airfield and supporting ongoing missions.
Working only at Bagram Airfield, these soldiers build concrete foundations for various facilities including an addition to the armor site, fencing on base and future construction of a Class IV (supply) yard.
“The Koreans greatly enhance the CJTF-76 mission by improving facilities and infrastructure on Bagram Airfield,” said Lt. Col. Mark Puhalla, Task Force Sword operations officer. “Their dedication and willingness to improve the airfield allows the other Coalition forces partners to focus on their efforts helping the Afghan forces rid their country of enemy threatening the security and stability of Afghanistan.”
http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/main/PressReleases.asp?id=478
9/2/2005
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The Republic of Korea Army replaced their 100th Construction Engineer Army Group with 147 new, fresh soldiers.
An advanced group of Korean Engineers arrived at Bagram Airfield Aug. 13 and the main body followed shortly after, arriving Aug. 25-29. They will keep the same name as the previous group -- the 100th Construction Engineer Army Group.
“We are well aware of the sufferings of the people caused by the cruelties of war. That is the very reason we’re here in Afghanistan, as a dependable comrade to our coalition forces and as a friendly nation to Afghanistan,” said Col Kwan Sou Choi, commander of the 100th Construction Engineer Army Group.
During their six-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, they will provide additional engineer capability to the Combined Joint Task Force-76 and the engineer task force, Task Force Sword. They continue improving the infrastructure and facilities of Bagram Airfield and supporting ongoing missions.
Working only at Bagram Airfield, these soldiers build concrete foundations for various facilities including an addition to the armor site, fencing on base and future construction of a Class IV (supply) yard.
“The Koreans greatly enhance the CJTF-76 mission by improving facilities and infrastructure on Bagram Airfield,” said Lt. Col. Mark Puhalla, Task Force Sword operations officer. “Their dedication and willingness to improve the airfield allows the other Coalition forces partners to focus on their efforts helping the Afghan forces rid their country of enemy threatening the security and stability of Afghanistan.”
http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/main/PressReleases.asp?id=478
Canadians assume command of Kandahar PRT
8/17/2005
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The Canadian military assumed responsibility of one of Afghanistan’s major provisional reconstruction teams located in Kandahar during a ceremony held there on 16 Aug.
The ceremony was attended by Canadian Army Col. Steve Bowes, incoming PRT commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Ball, outgoing PRT commander, Canadian Ambassador Christopher Alexander, Kandahar Governor Assadullah, Col. Kevin Owen, 173rd Airborne brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling, Combined Joint Task Force deputy commander (support), and Brig Gen. Richard Tabor, International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan.
“Reconstruction, along with security, is the top priority for coalition forces here in Afghanistan,” said Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling. “We welcome our brothers in arms from Canada. The Canadian forces are a world-class, fully capable, professional force and it will be a privilege to work alongside them as they extend the work began here in Kandahar by the U.S. PRT.
“This transfer of authority marks the beginning of a significant transition to what will ultimately be a NATO-led effort,” he said. “The U.S. remains committed to doing our part in the strengthening of democracy here in the Kandahar province and throughout Afghanistan.”
More than 1,500 Canadians are currently serving in the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. Of that number, more than 250 will serve at the Kandahar PRT.
http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/main/PressReleases.asp?id=452
8/17/2005
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The Canadian military assumed responsibility of one of Afghanistan’s major provisional reconstruction teams located in Kandahar during a ceremony held there on 16 Aug.
The ceremony was attended by Canadian Army Col. Steve Bowes, incoming PRT commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Ball, outgoing PRT commander, Canadian Ambassador Christopher Alexander, Kandahar Governor Assadullah, Col. Kevin Owen, 173rd Airborne brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling, Combined Joint Task Force deputy commander (support), and Brig Gen. Richard Tabor, International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan.
“Reconstruction, along with security, is the top priority for coalition forces here in Afghanistan,” said Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling. “We welcome our brothers in arms from Canada. The Canadian forces are a world-class, fully capable, professional force and it will be a privilege to work alongside them as they extend the work began here in Kandahar by the U.S. PRT.
“This transfer of authority marks the beginning of a significant transition to what will ultimately be a NATO-led effort,” he said. “The U.S. remains committed to doing our part in the strengthening of democracy here in the Kandahar province and throughout Afghanistan.”
More than 1,500 Canadians are currently serving in the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. Of that number, more than 250 will serve at the Kandahar PRT.
http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/main/PressReleases.asp?id=452
German team trains ANA drivers, maintainers
By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mack Davis
Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan – The Federal Republic of Germany continues its active role in the international community’s efforts to assist in the rebuilding of the Afghan National Army. Through its German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group here, Germany is providing technical maintenance training to the growing ANA.
The GAFTAG is a $1.9 million program designed to provide the Afghan Army with comprehensive, technical training in the areas of automotive maintenance and driver training. The program, which relies on help from Afghan civilian workers in addition to German military trainers, is scheduled to run through 2008.
German Army Maj. Andreas Möller, officer in charge of the GAFTAG mission, explained that his program is a separate entity from other German assistance provided to Afghanistan. “The group is not a part of the International Security Assistance Force,” said Möller, referring to another of his country’s major efforts in Afghanistan.
The GAFTAG’s automotive maintenance and driver training courses provide specialized training to members of the ANA. The first course trains Afghan soldiers to attain a high level of proficiency as automotive mechanics; the second is designed to teach the soldiers advanced driving techniques and also serves to recruit future instructors for the course. The GAFTAG annually trains 192 soldiers in basic automotive and 50 soldiers in driver training.
ANA soldiers participating in the maintenance training course are given a preliminary test to assess their knowledge and skill level in vehicle repair and maintenance. Soldiers whose proficiency does not meet minimum standards are placed into a three-month Basic Automotive Training Course.
Upon completion of the basic course, soldiers attend six weeks of specialty training in one of four areas: trucks, automobiles, vehicle electrical or bodywork. Germany provides a facility with modern maintenance equipment, allowing the soldiers a hands-on training experience they would not otherwise receive in areas such as overhauling engines and transmissions.
The GAFTAG’s driver training course lasts five weeks. It begins with one week of instruction on vehicle basics such as how to perform preventive maintenance checks and services. The remaining four weeks of instruction focus on cross-country driving and traffic regulations and include two weeks of actual driving time on public roads.
The course is a critical element in keeping the ANA’s personnel and equipment safe. According to German Army Master Sgt. Sascha Dosoudil, the GAFTAG’s lead driving instructor, more than half of the damages sustained by ANA vehicles are the result of driver error.
“Once our course is completed, the soldiers are tested by the Afghan Traffic Police. Those who pass the test receive a certificate from the GAFTAG as well as an Afghan civilian driver’s license,” said Dosoudil.
The GAFTAG also provides the Afghan Army with the capability to continue the training on its own through a “train-the-trainers” program. The top two graduates from each class are selected to attend a follow-on driving instructor training course.
A notable aspect of the GAFTAG program is that it uses the labor services of Afghan civilians in its operations. Many of these workers are former members of the Afghan Militia Forces who have been employed under the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration process.
“It is very good to see these workers make steps in the right direction,” said Möller.
The GAFTAG facility works closely with the Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan in its efforts to create a sustainable force for the Afghans. German Air Force Lt. Col. Volker Doehring, the German liaison officer to the Defense Operations Sector directorate at OMC-A, explained, “The facility provides unit-level and direct support maintenance for vehicle donations to the ANA from the U.S. and international community’s coalition partners.”
In addition to coordinating these and numerous other ANA equipment donations, personnel from OMC-A’s Defense Resource Sector directorate also provide the GAFTAG with assistance in coordinating maintenance support, providing technical advice, determining repair parts requirements and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
“With a program like this, everyone benefits,” said Möller. “My hope is that when the Germans and Americans leave, the Afghan people will be able to go their own way. That is why the GAFTAG is here … to bring the possibilities so they can take what we have given them and sustain themselves.”
http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/main/PressReleases.asp?id=299
By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mack Davis
Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan – The Federal Republic of Germany continues its active role in the international community’s efforts to assist in the rebuilding of the Afghan National Army. Through its German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group here, Germany is providing technical maintenance training to the growing ANA.
The GAFTAG is a $1.9 million program designed to provide the Afghan Army with comprehensive, technical training in the areas of automotive maintenance and driver training. The program, which relies on help from Afghan civilian workers in addition to German military trainers, is scheduled to run through 2008.
German Army Maj. Andreas Möller, officer in charge of the GAFTAG mission, explained that his program is a separate entity from other German assistance provided to Afghanistan. “The group is not a part of the International Security Assistance Force,” said Möller, referring to another of his country’s major efforts in Afghanistan.
The GAFTAG’s automotive maintenance and driver training courses provide specialized training to members of the ANA. The first course trains Afghan soldiers to attain a high level of proficiency as automotive mechanics; the second is designed to teach the soldiers advanced driving techniques and also serves to recruit future instructors for the course. The GAFTAG annually trains 192 soldiers in basic automotive and 50 soldiers in driver training.
ANA soldiers participating in the maintenance training course are given a preliminary test to assess their knowledge and skill level in vehicle repair and maintenance. Soldiers whose proficiency does not meet minimum standards are placed into a three-month Basic Automotive Training Course.
Upon completion of the basic course, soldiers attend six weeks of specialty training in one of four areas: trucks, automobiles, vehicle electrical or bodywork. Germany provides a facility with modern maintenance equipment, allowing the soldiers a hands-on training experience they would not otherwise receive in areas such as overhauling engines and transmissions.
The GAFTAG’s driver training course lasts five weeks. It begins with one week of instruction on vehicle basics such as how to perform preventive maintenance checks and services. The remaining four weeks of instruction focus on cross-country driving and traffic regulations and include two weeks of actual driving time on public roads.
The course is a critical element in keeping the ANA’s personnel and equipment safe. According to German Army Master Sgt. Sascha Dosoudil, the GAFTAG’s lead driving instructor, more than half of the damages sustained by ANA vehicles are the result of driver error.
“Once our course is completed, the soldiers are tested by the Afghan Traffic Police. Those who pass the test receive a certificate from the GAFTAG as well as an Afghan civilian driver’s license,” said Dosoudil.
The GAFTAG also provides the Afghan Army with the capability to continue the training on its own through a “train-the-trainers” program. The top two graduates from each class are selected to attend a follow-on driving instructor training course.
A notable aspect of the GAFTAG program is that it uses the labor services of Afghan civilians in its operations. Many of these workers are former members of the Afghan Militia Forces who have been employed under the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration process.
“It is very good to see these workers make steps in the right direction,” said Möller.
The GAFTAG facility works closely with the Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan in its efforts to create a sustainable force for the Afghans. German Air Force Lt. Col. Volker Doehring, the German liaison officer to the Defense Operations Sector directorate at OMC-A, explained, “The facility provides unit-level and direct support maintenance for vehicle donations to the ANA from the U.S. and international community’s coalition partners.”
In addition to coordinating these and numerous other ANA equipment donations, personnel from OMC-A’s Defense Resource Sector directorate also provide the GAFTAG with assistance in coordinating maintenance support, providing technical advice, determining repair parts requirements and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
“With a program like this, everyone benefits,” said Möller. “My hope is that when the Germans and Americans leave, the Afghan people will be able to go their own way. That is why the GAFTAG is here … to bring the possibilities so they can take what we have given them and sustain themselves.”
http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/main/PressReleases.asp?id=299
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/522...5DF49E9FDEA.htm
Afghan refugees attack UN office
Thursday 08 September 2005, 20:52 Makka Time, 17:52 GMT
Hundreds of Afghan refugees have attacked a United Nations refugee agency office in northwest Pakistan in protest at delays in repatriating them, police and officials said.
The protesters destroyed computers, iris checking machines, furniture and a UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) vehicle in the "sudden" anger late on Wednesday in Peshawar near the Afghan border, office chief Yaris Khan said.
Khan said police had to disperse the crowd of between 300 and 600 at the registration centre, which is processing thousands of refugees who have been ordered to leave Pakistan by mid-September.
"They did not give us any reason," he said.
But local police officer Usman Ali Shah said the riot happened after the wooden roof of a makeshift shed collapsed after heavy rains, injuring eight refugees including some women and children.
Afghan refugees attack UN office
Thursday 08 September 2005, 20:52 Makka Time, 17:52 GMT
Hundreds of Afghan refugees have attacked a United Nations refugee agency office in northwest Pakistan in protest at delays in repatriating them, police and officials said.
The protesters destroyed computers, iris checking machines, furniture and a UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) vehicle in the "sudden" anger late on Wednesday in Peshawar near the Afghan border, office chief Yaris Khan said.
Khan said police had to disperse the crowd of between 300 and 600 at the registration centre, which is processing thousands of refugees who have been ordered to leave Pakistan by mid-September.
"They did not give us any reason," he said.
But local police officer Usman Ali Shah said the riot happened after the wooden roof of a makeshift shed collapsed after heavy rains, injuring eight refugees including some women and children.
Ahmad Shah Masood remembered
KABUL, September 9 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A largely attended ceremony was held here on Friday to mark the fourth death anniversary of Afghan national hero Ahmad Shah Masood.
President Hamid Karzai, his cabinet members, representatives of the diplomatic corps here and civil and military officials participated in the event. On the occasion, speakers paid glowing tributes to the man who valiantly led his forces against occupation Soviet troops.
Floral wreaths were placed at a monument erected in this city to the great commander who had been killed in a suicide attack in 2001 in the Bahauddin region of the northeastern Takhar province.
Similar gatherings were also arranged in different provinces including Kunduz, where the government announcedd a two-day mourning. At a meeting arranged in his remembrance, a day earlier in Kabul, the title of 'Ghazi' was conferred on the late Masood.
Pajhwok Report
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=397
KABUL, September 9 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A largely attended ceremony was held here on Friday to mark the fourth death anniversary of Afghan national hero Ahmad Shah Masood.
President Hamid Karzai, his cabinet members, representatives of the diplomatic corps here and civil and military officials participated in the event. On the occasion, speakers paid glowing tributes to the man who valiantly led his forces against occupation Soviet troops.
Floral wreaths were placed at a monument erected in this city to the great commander who had been killed in a suicide attack in 2001 in the Bahauddin region of the northeastern Takhar province.
Similar gatherings were also arranged in different provinces including Kunduz, where the government announcedd a two-day mourning. At a meeting arranged in his remembrance, a day earlier in Kabul, the title of 'Ghazi' was conferred on the late Masood.
Pajhwok Report
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=397
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle...bcontinent&col=
Eight killed in Afghan fighting
Six policemen and two militants were killed after suspected Taleban rebels attacked a security checkpoint in central Afghanistan, officials say.
Fighting at the checkpoint in the district of Muqur in Ghazni province lasted for over an hour on Wednesday.
The violence is the latest in a string of incidents ahead of next week's provincial and parliamentary elections.
Eight killed in Afghan fighting
Six policemen and two militants were killed after suspected Taleban rebels attacked a security checkpoint in central Afghanistan, officials say.
Fighting at the checkpoint in the district of Muqur in Ghazni province lasted for over an hour on Wednesday.
The violence is the latest in a string of incidents ahead of next week's provincial and parliamentary elections.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle...bcontinent&col=
Bodies of five including kidnapped candidate found in Afghanistan
(AFP)
9 September 2005
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Afghan police have found the bodies of a parliamentary candidate, a district chief and three others after an intensive search in southern Afghanistan, a governor said on Friday.
“We found the five sprayed with bullets in the mountains of Ghorak district after a massive search operation by Afghan police some days ago,” Assadullah Khalid, the governor of strife-torn Kandahar province, told AFP.
“The bodies were buried,” he added.
Haji Mohammed Nawab, who was standing in landmark elections on September 18, was abducted with the new district chief of Ghorak, Mohammed Yaqoob, and three policemen northwest of Kandahar city on September 1.
Bodies of five including kidnapped candidate found in Afghanistan
(AFP)
9 September 2005
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Afghan police have found the bodies of a parliamentary candidate, a district chief and three others after an intensive search in southern Afghanistan, a governor said on Friday.
“We found the five sprayed with bullets in the mountains of Ghorak district after a massive search operation by Afghan police some days ago,” Assadullah Khalid, the governor of strife-torn Kandahar province, told AFP.
“The bodies were buried,” he added.
Haji Mohammed Nawab, who was standing in landmark elections on September 18, was abducted with the new district chief of Ghorak, Mohammed Yaqoob, and three policemen northwest of Kandahar city on September 1.
http://www.wfsb.com/Global/story.asp?S=3831444&nav=1VGmeMhm
PANJSHIR VALLEY, Afghanistan (AP) - A helicopter carrying Afghanistan's army chief and a Cabinet minister crashed shortly after takeoff Saturday, but all on board managed to escape the burning wreckage.
The pilot and Sediqa Balkhi, the minister for the disabled, were slightly injured, according to an Associated Press photographer who witnessed the crash.
The Afghan army chopper had just taken off when it suddenly turned on its side and plunged back to the ground before bursting into flames.
PANJSHIR VALLEY, Afghanistan (AP) - A helicopter carrying Afghanistan's army chief and a Cabinet minister crashed shortly after takeoff Saturday, but all on board managed to escape the burning wreckage.
The pilot and Sediqa Balkhi, the minister for the disabled, were slightly injured, according to an Associated Press photographer who witnessed the crash.
The Afghan army chopper had just taken off when it suddenly turned on its side and plunged back to the ground before bursting into flames.
Warlords in Afghan Vote Concerns Groups
Updated 2:07 PM ET September 12, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8cis7rg0&src=ap
By DANIEL COONEY
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Human rights groups accuse his fighters of killing civilians, raping women and plundering at will during Afghanistan's civil war, yet Abdul Rasul Sayyaf will be among several reputed warlords running in Sunday's parliamentary elections.
Twenty-one other candidates were disqualified Monday for allegedly having continued ties with militias, but rights activists fear the presence of Sayyaf and others on the ballot means the key step toward democracy may be undermined by the very men it is trying to marginalize.
"It's like a recurring cancer," said Saman Zia-Zarifi, deputy Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch. "The international community and the Afghan government have wasted a great opportunity for this country to move away from the rule of the gun."
Electoral law bars anyone with links to armed groups from competing in the election and a total of 32 candidates have been struck off the ballot for that reason.
But with nearly 2,800 candidates, activists say many of the warlords involved in the bloodshed of the past quarter-century have slipped through a U.N.-backed review they call woefully inadequate.
"The most powerful people in the provinces are the ones with money and arms, and they are the ones running to be members of parliament," said Kazim Malwan, deputy secretary-general of the National Assembly, which has an administrative structure but no legislators yet. "A big percentage of the candidates are still linked to armed groups."
Some Afghans worry that warlords elected to the legislature may grant themselves immunity from prosecution for past abuses.
"These people are a threat to the future National Assembly. They may impose their own interpretation of the laws and will promote impunity," said Ahmad Nader Nadery, spokesman for the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. "We are very concerned."
Top U.N. envoy Jean Arnault admitted in an interview with The Associated Press that the vetting process had not been perfect.
"There are, as anybody would expect after 25 years of war, a number of people who will be running that should not be running under the law," he said. "This will not be a perfect election. ... But overall we feel fairly confident the process meets some basic requirements."
Zia-Zarifi, from Human Rights Watch, blamed the review's weakness on a lack of U.S. pressure on the Afghan government and the United Nations.
He said the U.S.-led military coalition relies on many local militia leaders in its battle to quash a reinvigorated insurgency by Taliban-led rebels in the south and east.
"There is a lack of appetite in Washington to take on these militias," Zia-Zarifi told the AP.
But even alleged warlords not involved in the fight against the Taliban are being permitted to compete in the elections.
Sayyaf was a powerful leader of guerrillas who helped drive out a Soviet occupation army in the 1980s, and his militia, Ittihad-e Islami, then was heavily involved in the 1990s civil war. He has denied having current links to armed groups, but declined requests for an interview.
Sayyaf "is directly implicated in the abductions and the indiscriminate and intentional targeting of civilians," a Human Rights Watch report charged in July. "There is clear and compelling evidence ... Ittihad forces specifically engaged in widespread killing."
Zia-Zarifi went further: "Sayyaf's name is a symbol for atrocities." He said Sayyaf still commands a militia force based just west of Kabul.
Sayyaf also is an ally of President Hamid Karzai, which worries rights activists. They say the review commission relied on evidence provided by a government-backed disarmament agency, raising questions that those in power used the process to remove rivals from the election.
None of the 21 candidates knocked off the ballot Monday are known to have close ties to Karzai.
The disqualifications, announced by Grant Kippen, chairman of the Electoral Complaints Commission, sparked an immediate denial _ and a threat _ from one of the candidates, Qumandan Didar.
"My supporters will protest and will sabotage the election process," Didar said. "I have no weapons. I have completely disarmed and have no links to armed groups. But I still have thousands of supporters."
Didar was a militia commander during the civil war in the early 1990s but is believed to have fled to Pakistan when the Taliban took control of much of the country later in the decade.
Updated 2:07 PM ET September 12, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8cis7rg0&src=ap
By DANIEL COONEY
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Human rights groups accuse his fighters of killing civilians, raping women and plundering at will during Afghanistan's civil war, yet Abdul Rasul Sayyaf will be among several reputed warlords running in Sunday's parliamentary elections.
Twenty-one other candidates were disqualified Monday for allegedly having continued ties with militias, but rights activists fear the presence of Sayyaf and others on the ballot means the key step toward democracy may be undermined by the very men it is trying to marginalize.
"It's like a recurring cancer," said Saman Zia-Zarifi, deputy Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch. "The international community and the Afghan government have wasted a great opportunity for this country to move away from the rule of the gun."
Electoral law bars anyone with links to armed groups from competing in the election and a total of 32 candidates have been struck off the ballot for that reason.
But with nearly 2,800 candidates, activists say many of the warlords involved in the bloodshed of the past quarter-century have slipped through a U.N.-backed review they call woefully inadequate.
"The most powerful people in the provinces are the ones with money and arms, and they are the ones running to be members of parliament," said Kazim Malwan, deputy secretary-general of the National Assembly, which has an administrative structure but no legislators yet. "A big percentage of the candidates are still linked to armed groups."
Some Afghans worry that warlords elected to the legislature may grant themselves immunity from prosecution for past abuses.
"These people are a threat to the future National Assembly. They may impose their own interpretation of the laws and will promote impunity," said Ahmad Nader Nadery, spokesman for the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. "We are very concerned."
Top U.N. envoy Jean Arnault admitted in an interview with The Associated Press that the vetting process had not been perfect.
"There are, as anybody would expect after 25 years of war, a number of people who will be running that should not be running under the law," he said. "This will not be a perfect election. ... But overall we feel fairly confident the process meets some basic requirements."
Zia-Zarifi, from Human Rights Watch, blamed the review's weakness on a lack of U.S. pressure on the Afghan government and the United Nations.
He said the U.S.-led military coalition relies on many local militia leaders in its battle to quash a reinvigorated insurgency by Taliban-led rebels in the south and east.
"There is a lack of appetite in Washington to take on these militias," Zia-Zarifi told the AP.
But even alleged warlords not involved in the fight against the Taliban are being permitted to compete in the elections.
Sayyaf was a powerful leader of guerrillas who helped drive out a Soviet occupation army in the 1980s, and his militia, Ittihad-e Islami, then was heavily involved in the 1990s civil war. He has denied having current links to armed groups, but declined requests for an interview.
Sayyaf "is directly implicated in the abductions and the indiscriminate and intentional targeting of civilians," a Human Rights Watch report charged in July. "There is clear and compelling evidence ... Ittihad forces specifically engaged in widespread killing."
Zia-Zarifi went further: "Sayyaf's name is a symbol for atrocities." He said Sayyaf still commands a militia force based just west of Kabul.
Sayyaf also is an ally of President Hamid Karzai, which worries rights activists. They say the review commission relied on evidence provided by a government-backed disarmament agency, raising questions that those in power used the process to remove rivals from the election.
None of the 21 candidates knocked off the ballot Monday are known to have close ties to Karzai.
The disqualifications, announced by Grant Kippen, chairman of the Electoral Complaints Commission, sparked an immediate denial _ and a threat _ from one of the candidates, Qumandan Didar.
"My supporters will protest and will sabotage the election process," Didar said. "I have no weapons. I have completely disarmed and have no links to armed groups. But I still have thousands of supporters."
Didar was a militia commander during the civil war in the early 1990s but is believed to have fled to Pakistan when the Taliban took control of much of the country later in the decade.
Afghan cabinet approves MDGs
KABUL, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The Afghan cabinet Monday approved the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) drafted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
A statement released from the presidential office said the step showed Afghanistan's commitment towards implementation of the international programme.
The MDGs specify policy guidelines regarding eradication of poverty and hunger, promotion of gender equality, empowerment of women, reduction in rate of child mortality and achievement of universal primary education.
The Millennium Declaration inked in September 2000 was an unprecedented commitment of the world leaders to work together to ensure peace and social justice across the globe.
Waheed Rahmani
by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=563
KABUL, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The Afghan cabinet Monday approved the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) drafted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
A statement released from the presidential office said the step showed Afghanistan's commitment towards implementation of the international programme.
The MDGs specify policy guidelines regarding eradication of poverty and hunger, promotion of gender equality, empowerment of women, reduction in rate of child mortality and achievement of universal primary education.
The Millennium Declaration inked in September 2000 was an unprecedented commitment of the world leaders to work together to ensure peace and social justice across the globe.
Waheed Rahmani
by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=563
20 tons of grapes exported to India, UAE from Kandahar
KANDAHAR CITY, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Twenty tons of grapes were exported this week from the southern Afghan city to India and the United Arab Emirates, a provincial official said on Monday.
Noorullah Habib, chief of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce, told Pajhwok Afghan News 62 tons of grapes had been dispatched to the two countries during the last one month and a half.
As a result of the exports, Habib added, grape prices had gone up in the local market, but Kandahar fruit merchants and farmers were happy over the shipments abroad.
Heavy rains earlier in the year had fueled fears that fresh fruit rates could slump, he recalled, but the exports to foreign countries went a long way in assuaging such apprehensions.
Ghulam Mohiuddin, a Kandahar-based fruit merchant, told this scribe grape prices had soared this year. He linked the higher rates to exports to foreign markets, where fruits like melons and grapes are in high demand.
Reported by Mohib Rokhan & translated by Mudassir
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=560
KANDAHAR CITY, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Twenty tons of grapes were exported this week from the southern Afghan city to India and the United Arab Emirates, a provincial official said on Monday.
Noorullah Habib, chief of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce, told Pajhwok Afghan News 62 tons of grapes had been dispatched to the two countries during the last one month and a half.
As a result of the exports, Habib added, grape prices had gone up in the local market, but Kandahar fruit merchants and farmers were happy over the shipments abroad.
Heavy rains earlier in the year had fueled fears that fresh fruit rates could slump, he recalled, but the exports to foreign countries went a long way in assuaging such apprehensions.
Ghulam Mohiuddin, a Kandahar-based fruit merchant, told this scribe grape prices had soared this year. He linked the higher rates to exports to foreign markets, where fruits like melons and grapes are in high demand.
Reported by Mohib Rokhan & translated by Mudassir
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=560
http://www.azdailysun.com/non_sec/nav_incl...?storyID=115294
Soldiers try to kill Afghan defense minister as U.S. warns of rebel plots
09/11/2005
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghan soldiers botched a brazen attempt to assassinate the defense minister at the capital's airport Saturday, while fighting in southern Afghanistan left 30 suspected militants dead, officials said.
The violence came as U.S. military commanders warned in an interview with The Associated Press that Taliban insurgents might try to disrupt the Sept. 18 legislative elections with "spectacular" assaults using car bombs and suicide attackers.
But Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya, the top operational commander in Afghanistan, said he was confident that enough American troops and other forces were in place to ensure the balloting succeeds.
"We are in a posture to disrupt, pre-empt and discourage enemy actions," he said.
Asked if the election would be successful, Kamiya said, "I am 100 percent confident."
Meanwhile, a helicopter carrying Afghanistan's army chief and three Cabinet ministers crashed and burst into flames while taking off, but all on board escaped with only minor injuries. The government called it an accident.
Nine Afghan soldiers were arrested in the attempt to shoot Defense Minister Rahim Wardak at the airport, said ministry spokesman Gen. Mohammed Saher Azimi.
Four bullets hit his convoy as the vehicles left the airport, but Wardak and several other ministers had gotten out, he said. One bullet hit "the exact place where the defense minister had been sitting in the car," and a ministry staffer was wounded, Azimi said.
"It is clear that it was an assassination attempt on the defense minister," he said.
The motive for the shooting was not announced. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, said the soldiers were angry over a pay dispute.
Soldiers try to kill Afghan defense minister as U.S. warns of rebel plots
09/11/2005
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghan soldiers botched a brazen attempt to assassinate the defense minister at the capital's airport Saturday, while fighting in southern Afghanistan left 30 suspected militants dead, officials said.
The violence came as U.S. military commanders warned in an interview with The Associated Press that Taliban insurgents might try to disrupt the Sept. 18 legislative elections with "spectacular" assaults using car bombs and suicide attackers.
But Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya, the top operational commander in Afghanistan, said he was confident that enough American troops and other forces were in place to ensure the balloting succeeds.
"We are in a posture to disrupt, pre-empt and discourage enemy actions," he said.
Asked if the election would be successful, Kamiya said, "I am 100 percent confident."
Meanwhile, a helicopter carrying Afghanistan's army chief and three Cabinet ministers crashed and burst into flames while taking off, but all on board escaped with only minor injuries. The government called it an accident.
Nine Afghan soldiers were arrested in the attempt to shoot Defense Minister Rahim Wardak at the airport, said ministry spokesman Gen. Mohammed Saher Azimi.
Four bullets hit his convoy as the vehicles left the airport, but Wardak and several other ministers had gotten out, he said. One bullet hit "the exact place where the defense minister had been sitting in the car," and a ministry staffer was wounded, Azimi said.
"It is clear that it was an assassination attempt on the defense minister," he said.
The motive for the shooting was not announced. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, said the soldiers were angry over a pay dispute.
US ambassador visits Paktia, inspects telephone system
GARDEZ, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The US ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald Neumann Monday said his country wanted Afghanistan a strong, stable and economically developed country.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to the southern Paktia province, the US ambassador expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements there. He said both the coalition and Afghan forces were closely working to ensure foolproof security during the elections.
Regarding his trip to the volatile province, Neumann said his travel to Paktia was part of the process to review security arrangements ahead of the September 18 polls.
He confessed a number of problems existed in the province. But the United States, he said, had constructed schools, clinics and roads in the past and would continue to do so in future, he added.
"Some people believe in pledges but I will not make any promise that I can't fulfill," said the ambassador.
Earlier, he paid visit to a modern telephone and wireless system, Code Davison Multiple Access (CDMA), in the province.
Lou Fintor, press officer of US embassy in Kabul told Pajhwok Afghan News the project was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Abdul Baseer, a CDMA staffer said about 200 people had got telephone connections over the past two weeks. The new system will work under billing system, which the customers will pay on monthly basis.
Regarding the security arrangements, Paktia Governor Hakim Taniwal said the coalition forces had given them 44 vehicles to ensure peace during the elections. He added different tribes were also supporting the government and law enforcement agencies in this regard.
Zubair Babakarkhail
US ambassador visits Paktia, inspects telephone system
GARDEZ, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The US ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald Neumann Monday said his country wanted Afghanistan a strong, stable and economically developed country.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to the southern Paktia province, the US ambassador expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements there. He said both the coalition and Afghan forces were closely working to ensure foolproof security during the elections.
Regarding his trip to the volatile province, Neumann said his travel to Paktia was part of the process to review security arrangements ahead of the September 18 polls.
He confessed a number of problems existed in the province. But the United States, he said, had constructed schools, clinics and roads in the past and would continue to do so in future, he added.
"Some people believe in pledges but I will not make any promise that I can't fulfill," said the ambassador.
Earlier, he paid visit to a modern telephone and wireless system, Code Davison Multiple Access (CDMA), in the province.
Lou Fintor, press officer of US embassy in Kabul told Pajhwok Afghan News the project was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Abdul Baseer, a CDMA staffer said about 200 people had got telephone connections over the past two weeks. The new system will work under billing system, which the customers will pay on monthly basis.
Regarding the security arrangements, Paktia Governor Hakim Taniwal said the coalition forces had given them 44 vehicles to ensure peace during the elections. He added different tribes were also supporting the government and law enforcement agencies in this regard.
Zubair Babakarkhail
GARDEZ, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The US ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald Neumann Monday said his country wanted Afghanistan a strong, stable and economically developed country.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to the southern Paktia province, the US ambassador expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements there. He said both the coalition and Afghan forces were closely working to ensure foolproof security during the elections.
Regarding his trip to the volatile province, Neumann said his travel to Paktia was part of the process to review security arrangements ahead of the September 18 polls.
He confessed a number of problems existed in the province. But the United States, he said, had constructed schools, clinics and roads in the past and would continue to do so in future, he added.
"Some people believe in pledges but I will not make any promise that I can't fulfill," said the ambassador.
Earlier, he paid visit to a modern telephone and wireless system, Code Davison Multiple Access (CDMA), in the province.
Lou Fintor, press officer of US embassy in Kabul told Pajhwok Afghan News the project was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Abdul Baseer, a CDMA staffer said about 200 people had got telephone connections over the past two weeks. The new system will work under billing system, which the customers will pay on monthly basis.
Regarding the security arrangements, Paktia Governor Hakim Taniwal said the coalition forces had given them 44 vehicles to ensure peace during the elections. He added different tribes were also supporting the government and law enforcement agencies in this regard.
Zubair Babakarkhail
US ambassador visits Paktia, inspects telephone system
GARDEZ, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The US ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald Neumann Monday said his country wanted Afghanistan a strong, stable and economically developed country.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to the southern Paktia province, the US ambassador expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements there. He said both the coalition and Afghan forces were closely working to ensure foolproof security during the elections.
Regarding his trip to the volatile province, Neumann said his travel to Paktia was part of the process to review security arrangements ahead of the September 18 polls.
He confessed a number of problems existed in the province. But the United States, he said, had constructed schools, clinics and roads in the past and would continue to do so in future, he added.
"Some people believe in pledges but I will not make any promise that I can't fulfill," said the ambassador.
Earlier, he paid visit to a modern telephone and wireless system, Code Davison Multiple Access (CDMA), in the province.
Lou Fintor, press officer of US embassy in Kabul told Pajhwok Afghan News the project was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Abdul Baseer, a CDMA staffer said about 200 people had got telephone connections over the past two weeks. The new system will work under billing system, which the customers will pay on monthly basis.
Regarding the security arrangements, Paktia Governor Hakim Taniwal said the coalition forces had given them 44 vehicles to ensure peace during the elections. He added different tribes were also supporting the government and law enforcement agencies in this regard.
Zubair Babakarkhail
Campaign in Herat, Badakhshan turns a beauty contest
FAIZABAD, HERAT CITY, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Three young female candidates in western Herat and northern Badakhshan provinces are likely to grab seats in the next set up owing to their sheer facial beauty and attractive photographs.
Hundreds of supporters, who have never come in direct contact with the three females, are buying their pictures for as much as 150 afghani. Many more have pasted the photographs on their shops and cars without having any information about them.
However, the three aspirants, Qaeda Afif from Herat and Fauzia Gilani and Fauzia Kofabi from Badakhshan said they had never intended to get voter's support through their looks. "We want to serve our country and our people and the electorates should support us for our future plans rather than opting to vote for our photographs," said the three aspirants.
Their rivals, on the other hand, charged them of exploiting their beauty to create support for themselves. Jamshida Ahmadi, a candidate for the lower house, without specifically naming any one, told Pajhwok Afghan News some female candidates were trying to attract people by using their photographs.
Mohammad Karim, a shopkeeper at Herat City, who has pasted several posters of Qaida Afif at the wall of his shop, said: "I shall vote for that lady because I like her. "We know none of them but we are determined to vote for the most beautiful," said the smiling Karim.
A taxi driver Faridoon Mohammadi said posters of Qaida Afif and Fauzia Gilani were being sold both in Faizabad and Herat City for as much as 150 Afghani three dollars.
But the 28-year-old Qaida Afif spurned all such allegations, saying people favoured her for being young, educated and energetic. The smiley-faced and dark-eyed Qaida Afif is considered one of the hot favourites among election candidates in Herat. As many as 49 females are in the run for the five seats reserved for women in Herat.
Safiullah (40), resident of Faizabad, capital of the northern Badakhshan, said Fauzia Kofabi's photographs had been sold at 50 afghani in the city.
Mohammad Azim, a baker in Faizabad, whose shop was pasted with Fauzia's posters, said a number of young men wished to purchase the pictures but he did not sell it.
Shabana, one of Fauzia Kofabi's election campaign deputies, when contacted by this scribe, expressed ignorance about the selling of posters like hot cakes. "We don't care about what people say," said the campaigner, adding let people express their will.
Kofabi, 30, is a UNICIF staffer who also served with the organisation during the rule of the hardliner regime in Kabul. She also served as an English teacher in the province.
A regional official of the Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) Syed Murtaza said no one had lodged a complaint with them about the sale of posters.
Khlida Khursand & Maniza Rasuli
sh/r/amm/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=526
FAIZABAD, HERAT CITY, September 12 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Three young female candidates in western Herat and northern Badakhshan provinces are likely to grab seats in the next set up owing to their sheer facial beauty and attractive photographs.
Hundreds of supporters, who have never come in direct contact with the three females, are buying their pictures for as much as 150 afghani. Many more have pasted the photographs on their shops and cars without having any information about them.
However, the three aspirants, Qaeda Afif from Herat and Fauzia Gilani and Fauzia Kofabi from Badakhshan said they had never intended to get voter's support through their looks. "We want to serve our country and our people and the electorates should support us for our future plans rather than opting to vote for our photographs," said the three aspirants.
Their rivals, on the other hand, charged them of exploiting their beauty to create support for themselves. Jamshida Ahmadi, a candidate for the lower house, without specifically naming any one, told Pajhwok Afghan News some female candidates were trying to attract people by using their photographs.
Mohammad Karim, a shopkeeper at Herat City, who has pasted several posters of Qaida Afif at the wall of his shop, said: "I shall vote for that lady because I like her. "We know none of them but we are determined to vote for the most beautiful," said the smiling Karim.
A taxi driver Faridoon Mohammadi said posters of Qaida Afif and Fauzia Gilani were being sold both in Faizabad and Herat City for as much as 150 Afghani three dollars.
But the 28-year-old Qaida Afif spurned all such allegations, saying people favoured her for being young, educated and energetic. The smiley-faced and dark-eyed Qaida Afif is considered one of the hot favourites among election candidates in Herat. As many as 49 females are in the run for the five seats reserved for women in Herat.
Safiullah (40), resident of Faizabad, capital of the northern Badakhshan, said Fauzia Kofabi's photographs had been sold at 50 afghani in the city.
Mohammad Azim, a baker in Faizabad, whose shop was pasted with Fauzia's posters, said a number of young men wished to purchase the pictures but he did not sell it.
Shabana, one of Fauzia Kofabi's election campaign deputies, when contacted by this scribe, expressed ignorance about the selling of posters like hot cakes. "We don't care about what people say," said the campaigner, adding let people express their will.
Kofabi, 30, is a UNICIF staffer who also served with the organisation during the rule of the hardliner regime in Kabul. She also served as an English teacher in the province.
A regional official of the Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) Syed Murtaza said no one had lodged a complaint with them about the sale of posters.
Khlida Khursand & Maniza Rasuli
sh/r/amm/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=526
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4237900.stm
13 September 2005
Day in Afghanistan: At-a-glance
The BBC News website is reporting in detail on events in Afghanistan throughout the day, to try to convey the fullest picture we can of life there ahead of Sunday's parliamentary and local elections.
NEWS 1500: Several thousand extra Nato troops are needed in Afghanistan's volatile south, British Defence Secretary John Reid says.
He tells journalists in London that from next April, Nato forces will be moved from their present locations in the north of the country to a new base in Helmand province in the south.
Mr Reid acknowledges that the deployment will be hazardous. "The Taleban are still active in the area. So are drug traffickers. We must be prepared to support, even defend, the provincial reconstruction team," he says.
13 September 2005
Day in Afghanistan: At-a-glance
The BBC News website is reporting in detail on events in Afghanistan throughout the day, to try to convey the fullest picture we can of life there ahead of Sunday's parliamentary and local elections.
NEWS 1500: Several thousand extra Nato troops are needed in Afghanistan's volatile south, British Defence Secretary John Reid says.
He tells journalists in London that from next April, Nato forces will be moved from their present locations in the north of the country to a new base in Helmand province in the south.
Mr Reid acknowledges that the deployment will be hazardous. "The Taleban are still active in the area. So are drug traffickers. We must be prepared to support, even defend, the provincial reconstruction team," he says.
Lightning, floods claim 20 lives in Kunar
ASADABAD/JALALABAD, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): At least 20 people died in two natural disasters in the eastern Kunar province, residents and officials said on Sunday.
In the first incident, 10 of a family were killed as lightning hit a house in the Drin of the Ghaziabad district on Sunday afternoon.
Said Azim (40), a resident of the area, told Pajhwok Afghan News the lightening was followed by a heavy downpour which washed away the house of Baram Said. Seven bodies had been recovered while three members of the ill-fated family were still missing, Azim added.
He said the heavy rains had also damaged several other houses in the area besides destroying standing crops.
Confirming the tragic incident, Kunar Governor Asadullah Wafa said a relief team had been dispatched in the area to help the calamity-hit people.
Meanwhile, heavy flooding in Ghaziabad have washed away 10 people, with seven bodies found overnight, officials said on Sunday.
Zahidullah, spokesman for the provincial governor, told Pajhwok Afghan News floods - induced by torrential rains - also hit other districts Saturday night, damaging farmlands.
A search is going on in Kunar for the bodies of the three missing people who are believed to have died. Several people were killed last week in similar floods in the neighboring Nangarhar province.
Faridullah and Ezatullah Zawab
dk/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=498
ASADABAD/JALALABAD, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): At least 20 people died in two natural disasters in the eastern Kunar province, residents and officials said on Sunday.
In the first incident, 10 of a family were killed as lightning hit a house in the Drin of the Ghaziabad district on Sunday afternoon.
Said Azim (40), a resident of the area, told Pajhwok Afghan News the lightening was followed by a heavy downpour which washed away the house of Baram Said. Seven bodies had been recovered while three members of the ill-fated family were still missing, Azim added.
He said the heavy rains had also damaged several other houses in the area besides destroying standing crops.
Confirming the tragic incident, Kunar Governor Asadullah Wafa said a relief team had been dispatched in the area to help the calamity-hit people.
Meanwhile, heavy flooding in Ghaziabad have washed away 10 people, with seven bodies found overnight, officials said on Sunday.
Zahidullah, spokesman for the provincial governor, told Pajhwok Afghan News floods - induced by torrential rains - also hit other districts Saturday night, damaging farmlands.
A search is going on in Kunar for the bodies of the three missing people who are believed to have died. Several people were killed last week in similar floods in the neighboring Nangarhar province.
Faridullah and Ezatullah Zawab
dk/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=498
Dozens of insurgents killed, 60 rounded up in Helmand
KANDAHAR CITY, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Anti-insurgency operations conducted in Girishk district of the southern Helmand province have led to the killing of a large number of miscreants and arrest of 60.
Haji Mohammad Wali, secretary to the Helmand governor, told Pajhwok Afghan News on Sunday a Quick Reaction Force contingent - comprising 350 soldiers backed by 35 military vehicles - conducted the operation in the restive district.
The swoops on militants in the Girishk district was still going on, he said, adding the force was poised to launch similar operations in Sangin district, another hotbed of insurgents.
Saeed Zabuli
jh/hb/amm
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=457
KANDAHAR CITY, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Anti-insurgency operations conducted in Girishk district of the southern Helmand province have led to the killing of a large number of miscreants and arrest of 60.
Haji Mohammad Wali, secretary to the Helmand governor, told Pajhwok Afghan News on Sunday a Quick Reaction Force contingent - comprising 350 soldiers backed by 35 military vehicles - conducted the operation in the restive district.
The swoops on militants in the Girishk district was still going on, he said, adding the force was poised to launch similar operations in Sangin district, another hotbed of insurgents.
Saeed Zabuli
jh/hb/amm
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=457
Where most schools have no buildings
GHAZNI CITY, September 10 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Majority of students in the Deh Yak district of the southern Ghazni province are getting education in makeshift schools and mosques as 11 of the 14 schools have no buildings.
Muhammad Suleman, district education officer of Deh Yak, told Pajhwok Afghan News only three schools had proper buildings which hardly accommodate the students.
Suleman said the girl students were also studying in mosques as there were no buildings for them. He added the district needed four more schools to accommodate the increasing number of students.
Fatima Mushataq, another officer of the education department, said schools in the entire Ghazni province needed proper buildings. She complained of lack of funds with the department to construct new buildings.
Reported by Sher Ahmad Haidar
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=461
GHAZNI CITY, September 10 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Majority of students in the Deh Yak district of the southern Ghazni province are getting education in makeshift schools and mosques as 11 of the 14 schools have no buildings.
Muhammad Suleman, district education officer of Deh Yak, told Pajhwok Afghan News only three schools had proper buildings which hardly accommodate the students.
Suleman said the girl students were also studying in mosques as there were no buildings for them. He added the district needed four more schools to accommodate the increasing number of students.
Fatima Mushataq, another officer of the education department, said schools in the entire Ghazni province needed proper buildings. She complained of lack of funds with the department to construct new buildings.
Reported by Sher Ahmad Haidar
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=461
Five more Taliban commanders surrender in Kunar
Pajhwok Report
ASADABAD, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): In line with an ongoing national reconciliation policy, five more former Taliban commanders have surrendered to the government in the eastern Kunar province.
Kunar Governor Asadullah Wafa told Pajhwok Afghan News on Sunday the commanders joining the government were Badshah, Mohammad Amin, Israel, Abdul Ghafoor and Sadullah.
Wafa added it was a moment of jubilation for the government that Taliban commanders continued to switch sides and abjure violence while accepting to the government's offer of reconciliation.
"We are trying our best to help such commanders live a comfortable and honorable life in their homeland," promised the governor, who was confident that more and more supporters of Taliban.
On behalf of the commanders, Saadullah vowed they would not hesitate to cooperate with the government in ameliorating the lot of the masses. He said they would take part in the reconstruction effort and work for bringing peace to their war-battered country.
jh/amm/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=462
Pajhwok Report
ASADABAD, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): In line with an ongoing national reconciliation policy, five more former Taliban commanders have surrendered to the government in the eastern Kunar province.
Kunar Governor Asadullah Wafa told Pajhwok Afghan News on Sunday the commanders joining the government were Badshah, Mohammad Amin, Israel, Abdul Ghafoor and Sadullah.
Wafa added it was a moment of jubilation for the government that Taliban commanders continued to switch sides and abjure violence while accepting to the government's offer of reconciliation.
"We are trying our best to help such commanders live a comfortable and honorable life in their homeland," promised the governor, who was confident that more and more supporters of Taliban.
On behalf of the commanders, Saadullah vowed they would not hesitate to cooperate with the government in ameliorating the lot of the masses. He said they would take part in the reconstruction effort and work for bringing peace to their war-battered country.
jh/amm/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=462
Dismissed army soldiers stage another demo in Kabul
KABUL, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Around 1,000 dismissed officers of the Afghan army staged a demonstration in this capital city to press for the payment of their outstanding salaries and reinstatement.
The rally was taken out at around 8:30am from the Eidgah Mosque and terminated at Pashtunistan Square, opposite the presidential palace, in the city center.
It was the latest in a series of demonstrations by the army officials, sacked in early 2002 under a defence ministry reforms programme aimed at bringing in newly-trained and professional soldiers.
The sacked army soldiers have since been demanding their unpaid salaries and the announcement of the result of a test given earlier to determine who among the dismissed officials deserved reinstatement.
One of the demonstrators, Naseer Ahmad kept shouting: "We want our right; we have served the government for years. Our children want food from us, but we have no money. Ultimately, we will have to resort to robberies if things don't change."
Shah Wali, another protestor who hails from Sarobi district, said: "We have no other way of seeking our right from the defence ministry; holding demonstrations is the only option open to us."
Zubair Babakarkhel
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=469
KABUL, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Around 1,000 dismissed officers of the Afghan army staged a demonstration in this capital city to press for the payment of their outstanding salaries and reinstatement.
The rally was taken out at around 8:30am from the Eidgah Mosque and terminated at Pashtunistan Square, opposite the presidential palace, in the city center.
It was the latest in a series of demonstrations by the army officials, sacked in early 2002 under a defence ministry reforms programme aimed at bringing in newly-trained and professional soldiers.
The sacked army soldiers have since been demanding their unpaid salaries and the announcement of the result of a test given earlier to determine who among the dismissed officials deserved reinstatement.
One of the demonstrators, Naseer Ahmad kept shouting: "We want our right; we have served the government for years. Our children want food from us, but we have no money. Ultimately, we will have to resort to robberies if things don't change."
Shah Wali, another protestor who hails from Sarobi district, said: "We have no other way of seeking our right from the defence ministry; holding demonstrations is the only option open to us."
Zubair Babakarkhel
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=469
Afghans view dilapidated roads as 3rd biggest problem
KABUL, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Most Afghan people have termed view dilapidated roads as their third biggest national problem after security and economy, reveals a survey conducted by the Center for International Journalism (CIJ).
CIJ surveyed a total of 2, 554 people on problems facing them under a government that has received billion of dollars in aid for the reconstruction of the country. Most of them opined rebuilding the lousy road network should figure prominently on the government's priority list.
A lady (32) from Takhar province linked increasingly fatal accidents to bumpy and unpaved roads. Because of the tortuous routes, patients - especially pregnant women - suffered a great deal before reaching hospitals, she reasoned.
Muhammad Gul (38), hailing from Wama district in Takhar, pointed out the northern province had extremely poor road links with the rest of the country.
Irrespective of who were elected to parliament in the September 18 polls, he stresses the would-be public representatives must raise the issue in the lower house as well as provincial councils.
Ubaidullah, belonging to Dargai in Khost, also demanded of the government to reconstruct roads at the earliest possible. He too referred to the agony of patients dying on the way to hospitals.
The problem was not confined to the countryside, he said, explaining the situation in urban areas was no better. The 25-year-old urged the government to pay special head to the rebuilding of highways and arteries.
A resident of Badghis province, Syed Noor Muhammad listed uneven routes as a huge concern for dwellers of the region. "If asphalted or paved, the roads will also help boost security," he believed.
More than two decades of war had destroyed - root and branch - highways, much to the inconvenience of people, said Amirudin Salik, advisor to the Public Works Ministry. "Regrettably, there is no one to address this major public concern on humanitarian grounds," he remarked.
Ghulam Nabi (32), resident of Farkhar district in Takhar province, said voters had asked election candidates, if returned to parliament, to make concerted efforts for resolving the pestering problem.
Daikundi inhabitant Hussain Wali complained patients in remote villages had to ride donkeys for three days before they reach the city centre for treatment.
Taxi driver Majidullah recalled during the Taliban era he would reach Kabul from Kandahar in 15 hours. "But now after the reconstruction of the highway, I take my breakfast in Kandahar and lunch in Kabul.
In a similar survey conducted by ICJ last year, 3,000 people had described a good road network as their fourth biggest problem. This year, it has gone a notch higher.
Pajhwok Report
rh/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=494
KABUL, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Most Afghan people have termed view dilapidated roads as their third biggest national problem after security and economy, reveals a survey conducted by the Center for International Journalism (CIJ).
CIJ surveyed a total of 2, 554 people on problems facing them under a government that has received billion of dollars in aid for the reconstruction of the country. Most of them opined rebuilding the lousy road network should figure prominently on the government's priority list.
A lady (32) from Takhar province linked increasingly fatal accidents to bumpy and unpaved roads. Because of the tortuous routes, patients - especially pregnant women - suffered a great deal before reaching hospitals, she reasoned.
Muhammad Gul (38), hailing from Wama district in Takhar, pointed out the northern province had extremely poor road links with the rest of the country.
Irrespective of who were elected to parliament in the September 18 polls, he stresses the would-be public representatives must raise the issue in the lower house as well as provincial councils.
Ubaidullah, belonging to Dargai in Khost, also demanded of the government to reconstruct roads at the earliest possible. He too referred to the agony of patients dying on the way to hospitals.
The problem was not confined to the countryside, he said, explaining the situation in urban areas was no better. The 25-year-old urged the government to pay special head to the rebuilding of highways and arteries.
A resident of Badghis province, Syed Noor Muhammad listed uneven routes as a huge concern for dwellers of the region. "If asphalted or paved, the roads will also help boost security," he believed.
More than two decades of war had destroyed - root and branch - highways, much to the inconvenience of people, said Amirudin Salik, advisor to the Public Works Ministry. "Regrettably, there is no one to address this major public concern on humanitarian grounds," he remarked.
Ghulam Nabi (32), resident of Farkhar district in Takhar province, said voters had asked election candidates, if returned to parliament, to make concerted efforts for resolving the pestering problem.
Daikundi inhabitant Hussain Wali complained patients in remote villages had to ride donkeys for three days before they reach the city centre for treatment.
Taxi driver Majidullah recalled during the Taliban era he would reach Kabul from Kandahar in 15 hours. "But now after the reconstruction of the highway, I take my breakfast in Kandahar and lunch in Kabul.
In a similar survey conducted by ICJ last year, 3,000 people had described a good road network as their fourth biggest problem. This year, it has gone a notch higher.
Pajhwok Report
rh/mud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=494
Tight poll-related security underlined
KANDAHAR CITY, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A Canadian-led provincial reconstruction team (PRT) based in the southern Kandahar province has stressed foolproof security for the parliamentary polls.
At a meeting with religious scholars here, PRT chief Lt-Col Stive Barlend said tight security was imperative for smooth holding of elections to the lower house and provincial councils.
Mullah Naqibullah, religious scholar and elder of the area, urged candidates to demonstrate fellow-feeling and brotherhood in the build-up to the vote. He also underlined the need for beefed-up security.
Another elder, Haji Muhammad Khan, complained polling stations were too few and people would have to walk for hours to cast votes. Setting up more polling stations will ensure a high turnout.
Captain Bob Ritchie, an official of the Canadian-led PRT, hoped the legislative polls would play a vital role in bringing true democracy to Afghanistan.
Mohibullah, an official of the Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB), told Pajhwok Afghan News they had set up polling stations across the province on the basis of voter registration.
Col Hussain Andiwal, representative of the interior ministry, told this news agency he would take up the issue of establishing more polling stations with UNAMA and JEMB.
Reported by Saeed Zabuli & translated by Rahman
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=501
KANDAHAR CITY, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A Canadian-led provincial reconstruction team (PRT) based in the southern Kandahar province has stressed foolproof security for the parliamentary polls.
At a meeting with religious scholars here, PRT chief Lt-Col Stive Barlend said tight security was imperative for smooth holding of elections to the lower house and provincial councils.
Mullah Naqibullah, religious scholar and elder of the area, urged candidates to demonstrate fellow-feeling and brotherhood in the build-up to the vote. He also underlined the need for beefed-up security.
Another elder, Haji Muhammad Khan, complained polling stations were too few and people would have to walk for hours to cast votes. Setting up more polling stations will ensure a high turnout.
Captain Bob Ritchie, an official of the Canadian-led PRT, hoped the legislative polls would play a vital role in bringing true democracy to Afghanistan.
Mohibullah, an official of the Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB), told Pajhwok Afghan News they had set up polling stations across the province on the basis of voter registration.
Col Hussain Andiwal, representative of the interior ministry, told this news agency he would take up the issue of establishing more polling stations with UNAMA and JEMB.
Reported by Saeed Zabuli & translated by Rahman
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=501
Candidates' appointment to govt slots to be reversed
KABUL, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Two election candidates recently appointed to senior government positions in the northern Baghlan province by President Hamid Karzai will lose their jobs under the electoral law, officials said on Sunday.
President Karzai reshuffled and appointed several people to key positions last week. They included reshuffling of Baghlan Governor Juma Khan Hamdard to Jauzjan province, appointment of Masuma Yaqin as new head of women's affairs department and Raees Abdul Bari as mayor of Pul-i-Khumri, capital of Baghlan. Both Masuma Yaqin and Raees Abdul Bari are candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Commenting on the issue, administrative head of the presidential office Javid Ludin said the two were inadvertently appointed to the slots. "Appointment of the two is instantly cancelled because the electoral law don't allow it," Ludin told Pajhwok Afghan News.
Sultan Ahmad Baheen, spokesman for the Joint Electoral Management Body, showing ignorance about the appointments, said if it was so, they had to quit their jobs.
Lailuma Sadid
nd/by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=502
KABUL, September 11 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Two election candidates recently appointed to senior government positions in the northern Baghlan province by President Hamid Karzai will lose their jobs under the electoral law, officials said on Sunday.
President Karzai reshuffled and appointed several people to key positions last week. They included reshuffling of Baghlan Governor Juma Khan Hamdard to Jauzjan province, appointment of Masuma Yaqin as new head of women's affairs department and Raees Abdul Bari as mayor of Pul-i-Khumri, capital of Baghlan. Both Masuma Yaqin and Raees Abdul Bari are candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Commenting on the issue, administrative head of the presidential office Javid Ludin said the two were inadvertently appointed to the slots. "Appointment of the two is instantly cancelled because the electoral law don't allow it," Ludin told Pajhwok Afghan News.
Sultan Ahmad Baheen, spokesman for the Joint Electoral Management Body, showing ignorance about the appointments, said if it was so, they had to quit their jobs.
Lailuma Sadid
nd/by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=502
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/09/1...reut/index.html
Taliban kill 7 after vote card find
Wednesday, September 14, 2005; Posted: 11:07 a.m. EDT (15:07 GMT)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Reuters) -- Taliban insurgents have killed seven people in Afghanistan after finding them with voter cards for Sunday's elections, according to a provincial governor.
The Taliban, battling U.S. and government forces since their 2001 overthrow, are opposed to the parliamentary and provincial polls and claim to have killed several candidates.
Speaking of the seven killed on Tuesday in Uruzgan province, governor Jan Mohammad Khan said on Wednesday: "They were killed because they were carrying voting cards."
He said the seven had been traveling in a remote district when the attack took place. He gave no further details.
Taliban kill 7 after vote card find
Wednesday, September 14, 2005; Posted: 11:07 a.m. EDT (15:07 GMT)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Reuters) -- Taliban insurgents have killed seven people in Afghanistan after finding them with voter cards for Sunday's elections, according to a provincial governor.
The Taliban, battling U.S. and government forces since their 2001 overthrow, are opposed to the parliamentary and provincial polls and claim to have killed several candidates.
Speaking of the seven killed on Tuesday in Uruzgan province, governor Jan Mohammad Khan said on Wednesday: "They were killed because they were carrying voting cards."
He said the seven had been traveling in a remote district when the attack took place. He gave no further details.
Afghanistan is still a third world country after 4 years. What has our $1 billion per month been spent on?
NYTimes article today:
U.S. May Start Pulling Out of Afghanistan Next Spring
By ERIC SCHMITT and DAVID S. CLOUD
Pentagon and military officials are discussing a proposal to cut troop levels in Afghanistan by as much as 20 percent next spring.
U.S. May Start Pulling Out of Afghanistan Next Spring
By ERIC SCHMITT and DAVID S. CLOUD
Pentagon and military officials are discussing a proposal to cut troop levels in Afghanistan by as much as 20 percent next spring.
A different story from above...
U.S. Said to Maintain Role in Afghanistan
Updated 11:08 AM ET September 14, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8ck3pp82&src=ap
By LOLITA C. BALDOR
BERLIN (AP) - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld pledged Wednesday that U.S. military forces "will continue to play a strong role" in Afghanistan even after NATO allies expand their peacekeeping operation across the country next year.
At the conclusion of a two-day NATO meeting, Rumsfeld took reporters' questions about the American presence there but stoutly avoided getting into any specifics about force levels.
"U.S. forces will of course continue to play a strong role," he said.
Asked about reports the Bush administration wants to slash the U.S. military presence there by as much as 20 percent, Rumsfeld told a news conference that "the only people who are going to increase or decrease U.S. forces in Afghanistan will be the president of the United States or me."
Rumsfeld said that U.S. officials are constantly assessing and reassessing troop levels and said that they have been raising or lowering the U.S. military presence as required and necessary.
"If and when there's any decision to decrease forces," he said, "I will announce it."
Both The New York Times and The Washington Post reported in Wednesday's editions that the administration was considering cutting the troop strength there by as much as 20 percent.
The alliance plans to expand slowly its peacekeeping role and eventually take primary responsibility for security in the country. Thirty-five countries have troops in Afghanistan, including a number of non-NATO nations.
"All allies are strongly committed to expanding NATO's role," Rumsfeld said.
Rumsfeld said NATO must continue to transform "at a good clip" in order to fight effectively against terrorism.
"This is a critical moment for NATO, but I personally am encouraged by the efforts under way to make the alliance an even more flexible and more capable force for decades to come," he said.
He said disagreements between some of the NATO nations about merging NATO's peacekeeping mission with combat operations all under one command are "much ado about nothing."
Officials from some countries, including France and Germany, have been vocal about their opposition.
A senior U.S. diplomat attending the meetings, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak for attribution, acknowledged that "a couple of countries that have political issues, they want to take this step by step, and I think NATO is taking it step by step."
On Tuesday, Rumsfeld said NATO should ultimately take over anti-terrorism operations and drug interdiction in Afghanistan, now handled by the U.S.-led coalition, but he refused to set a timetable for drawing down American troops.
More detailed talk was stifled by fears about increased violence accompanying parliamentary elections in Afghanistan scheduled for this coming weekend, as well as the upcoming elections in Germany, where some have openly opposed any increased combat missions for NATO.
During the meetings, Rumsfeld urged his defense counterparts to find ways to increase the military flexibility of NATO's forces and the financing for the alliance. Several countries put limits on the military activity their forces can engage in as part of NATO, such as limiting where they can go or what type of combat force they can use.
There will be a "unity of effort if not a unity of command," Rumsfeld said.
Afghanistan's elections come four years after the U.S. invaded the country to overthrow the Taliban. Insurgents have vowed to disrupt the balloting.
NATO has 11,000 mostly European troops providing security in northern and western Afghanistan. Around 19,000 U.S.-led troops cover the south and east.
Under the NATO plan, German troops will take the lead role in the north, Italians in the west, British in the south and Americans under NATO command in the east. French and Turkish troops will lead in Kabul _ working alongside Afghanistan's fledgling army and police.
Meanwhile, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said the U.S.-led coalition needs to reconsider the way it is fighting Taliban-led rebels. His comments came after six months of fierce battles that have left more than 1,200 dead. He suggested combating the problem where "terrorists are trained" but declined to elaborate.
Afghan officials say many insurgents train in secret bases in neighboring Pakistan, despite denials from Islamabad.
U.S. Said to Maintain Role in Afghanistan
Updated 11:08 AM ET September 14, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8ck3pp82&src=ap
By LOLITA C. BALDOR
BERLIN (AP) - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld pledged Wednesday that U.S. military forces "will continue to play a strong role" in Afghanistan even after NATO allies expand their peacekeeping operation across the country next year.
At the conclusion of a two-day NATO meeting, Rumsfeld took reporters' questions about the American presence there but stoutly avoided getting into any specifics about force levels.
"U.S. forces will of course continue to play a strong role," he said.
Asked about reports the Bush administration wants to slash the U.S. military presence there by as much as 20 percent, Rumsfeld told a news conference that "the only people who are going to increase or decrease U.S. forces in Afghanistan will be the president of the United States or me."
Rumsfeld said that U.S. officials are constantly assessing and reassessing troop levels and said that they have been raising or lowering the U.S. military presence as required and necessary.
"If and when there's any decision to decrease forces," he said, "I will announce it."
Both The New York Times and The Washington Post reported in Wednesday's editions that the administration was considering cutting the troop strength there by as much as 20 percent.
The alliance plans to expand slowly its peacekeeping role and eventually take primary responsibility for security in the country. Thirty-five countries have troops in Afghanistan, including a number of non-NATO nations.
"All allies are strongly committed to expanding NATO's role," Rumsfeld said.
Rumsfeld said NATO must continue to transform "at a good clip" in order to fight effectively against terrorism.
"This is a critical moment for NATO, but I personally am encouraged by the efforts under way to make the alliance an even more flexible and more capable force for decades to come," he said.
He said disagreements between some of the NATO nations about merging NATO's peacekeeping mission with combat operations all under one command are "much ado about nothing."
Officials from some countries, including France and Germany, have been vocal about their opposition.
A senior U.S. diplomat attending the meetings, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak for attribution, acknowledged that "a couple of countries that have political issues, they want to take this step by step, and I think NATO is taking it step by step."
On Tuesday, Rumsfeld said NATO should ultimately take over anti-terrorism operations and drug interdiction in Afghanistan, now handled by the U.S.-led coalition, but he refused to set a timetable for drawing down American troops.
More detailed talk was stifled by fears about increased violence accompanying parliamentary elections in Afghanistan scheduled for this coming weekend, as well as the upcoming elections in Germany, where some have openly opposed any increased combat missions for NATO.
During the meetings, Rumsfeld urged his defense counterparts to find ways to increase the military flexibility of NATO's forces and the financing for the alliance. Several countries put limits on the military activity their forces can engage in as part of NATO, such as limiting where they can go or what type of combat force they can use.
There will be a "unity of effort if not a unity of command," Rumsfeld said.
Afghanistan's elections come four years after the U.S. invaded the country to overthrow the Taliban. Insurgents have vowed to disrupt the balloting.
NATO has 11,000 mostly European troops providing security in northern and western Afghanistan. Around 19,000 U.S.-led troops cover the south and east.
Under the NATO plan, German troops will take the lead role in the north, Italians in the west, British in the south and Americans under NATO command in the east. French and Turkish troops will lead in Kabul _ working alongside Afghanistan's fledgling army and police.
Meanwhile, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said the U.S.-led coalition needs to reconsider the way it is fighting Taliban-led rebels. His comments came after six months of fierce battles that have left more than 1,200 dead. He suggested combating the problem where "terrorists are trained" but declined to elaborate.
Afghan officials say many insurgents train in secret bases in neighboring Pakistan, despite denials from Islamabad.
QUOTE(heritage @ Sep 14 2005, 09:23 AM)
Afghanistan is still a third world country after 4 years. What has our $1 billion per month been spent on?
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ..... things like permenant military bases, private mercenary operations, Halliburton type contractors..... and some may say.... working the opium drug cartel operations.... still. Oh sometimes they pave a road and build a little school to make it look legit.
[One NATO diplomat, who asked not to be identified, says the deployment into the south will be the highest intensity mission NATO has ever undertaken.
In her words: This is not a picnic down there. The countries going in know that, and they are getting ready for it.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld played down a report in the New York Times Wednesday that the United States plans to withdraw up to four thousand troops from Afghanistan next year as NATO assumes more responsibilities.]
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-09-14-voa29.cfm
NATO Agrees to Expand Mission in Afghanistan
By Michael Drudge
Berlin
14 September 2005
NATO defense ministers meeting in Berlin have agreed on expanding the alliance's mission in Afghanistan next year.
The NATO plan calls for troops from Britain, Canada and the Netherlands to deploy next year in southern Afghanistan, which has previously been patrolled by American forces.
Details emerged on the last day of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Berlin.
[One NATO diplomat, who asked not to be identified, says the deployment into the south will be the highest intensity mission NATO has ever undertaken.
In her words: This is not a picnic down there. The countries going in know that, and they are getting ready for it.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld played down a report in the New York Times Wednesday that the United States plans to withdraw up to four thousand troops from Afghanistan next year as NATO assumes more responsibilities.]
"The only people who are going to increase or decrease U.S. forces in Iraq or Afghanistan will be the president of the United States or me, and it will result from recommendations from the field commanders," he said.
Following the Berlin talks, U.S. officials said there are no plans to merge the commands of the NATO forces with the American-led counter-insurgency operation against al-Qaida terrorists and fighters from the former Taliban regime.
France and Germany argue against a joint command, saying it would expose NATO forces to more danger than they are prepared to take on.
In her words: This is not a picnic down there. The countries going in know that, and they are getting ready for it.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld played down a report in the New York Times Wednesday that the United States plans to withdraw up to four thousand troops from Afghanistan next year as NATO assumes more responsibilities.]
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-09-14-voa29.cfm
NATO Agrees to Expand Mission in Afghanistan
By Michael Drudge
Berlin
14 September 2005
NATO defense ministers meeting in Berlin have agreed on expanding the alliance's mission in Afghanistan next year.
The NATO plan calls for troops from Britain, Canada and the Netherlands to deploy next year in southern Afghanistan, which has previously been patrolled by American forces.
Details emerged on the last day of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Berlin.
[One NATO diplomat, who asked not to be identified, says the deployment into the south will be the highest intensity mission NATO has ever undertaken.
In her words: This is not a picnic down there. The countries going in know that, and they are getting ready for it.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld played down a report in the New York Times Wednesday that the United States plans to withdraw up to four thousand troops from Afghanistan next year as NATO assumes more responsibilities.]
"The only people who are going to increase or decrease U.S. forces in Iraq or Afghanistan will be the president of the United States or me, and it will result from recommendations from the field commanders," he said.
Following the Berlin talks, U.S. officials said there are no plans to merge the commands of the NATO forces with the American-led counter-insurgency operation against al-Qaida terrorists and fighters from the former Taliban regime.
France and Germany argue against a joint command, saying it would expose NATO forces to more danger than they are prepared to take on.
Well let's try the same article which has not been rearranged and without pieces being left out.
NATO Agrees to Expand Mission in Afghanistan
By Michael Drudge
Berlin
14 September 2005
NATO defense ministers meeting in Berlin have agreed on expanding the alliance's mission in Afghanistan next year.
The NATO plan calls for troops from Britain, Canada and the Netherlands to deploy next year in southern Afghanistan, which has previously been patrolled by American forces.
Details emerged on the last day of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Berlin.
One NATO diplomat, who asked not to be identified, says the deployment into the south will be the highest intensity mission NATO has ever undertaken.
In her words: This is not a picnic down there. The countries going in know that, and they are getting ready for it.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld played down a report in the New York Times Wednesday that the United States plans to withdraw up to four thousand troops from Afghanistan next year as NATO assumes more responsibilities.
"The only people who are going to increase or decrease U.S. forces in Iraq or Afghanistan will be the president of the United States or me, and it will result from recommendations from the field commanders," he said.
Following the Berlin talks, U.S. officials said there are no plans to merge the commands of the NATO forces with the American-led counter-insurgency operation against al-Qaida terrorists and fighters from the former Taliban regime.
France and Germany argue against a joint command, saying it would expose NATO forces to more danger than they are prepared to take on.
In a separate development, Secretary Rumsfeld expressed his gratitude to NATO for the assistance it is sending to the United States following hurricane Katrina.
"I certainly want to thank NATO and our friends across Europe and the world for their very generous outpouring of support for the people of the United States in the wake of hurricane Katrina," he said. "The American people are touched and grateful that so many of our friends have been so helpful."
NATO is airlifting and shipping tons of supplies, including cots, blankets and tents, to assist the many thousands of victims left homeless by the hurricane.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-09-14-voa29.cfm
NATO Agrees to Expand Mission in Afghanistan
By Michael Drudge
Berlin
14 September 2005
NATO defense ministers meeting in Berlin have agreed on expanding the alliance's mission in Afghanistan next year.
The NATO plan calls for troops from Britain, Canada and the Netherlands to deploy next year in southern Afghanistan, which has previously been patrolled by American forces.
Details emerged on the last day of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Berlin.
One NATO diplomat, who asked not to be identified, says the deployment into the south will be the highest intensity mission NATO has ever undertaken.
In her words: This is not a picnic down there. The countries going in know that, and they are getting ready for it.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld played down a report in the New York Times Wednesday that the United States plans to withdraw up to four thousand troops from Afghanistan next year as NATO assumes more responsibilities.
"The only people who are going to increase or decrease U.S. forces in Iraq or Afghanistan will be the president of the United States or me, and it will result from recommendations from the field commanders," he said.
Following the Berlin talks, U.S. officials said there are no plans to merge the commands of the NATO forces with the American-led counter-insurgency operation against al-Qaida terrorists and fighters from the former Taliban regime.
France and Germany argue against a joint command, saying it would expose NATO forces to more danger than they are prepared to take on.
In a separate development, Secretary Rumsfeld expressed his gratitude to NATO for the assistance it is sending to the United States following hurricane Katrina.
"I certainly want to thank NATO and our friends across Europe and the world for their very generous outpouring of support for the people of the United States in the wake of hurricane Katrina," he said. "The American people are touched and grateful that so many of our friends have been so helpful."
NATO is airlifting and shipping tons of supplies, including cots, blankets and tents, to assist the many thousands of victims left homeless by the hurricane.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-09-14-voa29.cfm
Pakistani analysts, politicians reject border fencing
ISLAMABAD, September 14 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Analysts and political leaders in Pakistan Wednesday rejected the fencing of Pak-Afghan border saying the step would create rifts between Pakhtuns living on both sides of the Durand Line.
President Musharraf suggested construction of security fence to end recriminations between the two countries over cross-border militant movement.
Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, analyst and former chief of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) Hamid Gul described the suggestion as impracticable.
Propping up his argument, Hamid Gul said the move would once again divide and alienate the Pakhtuns living on both sides of the frontier. "Despite being divided by the Durand Line, Pakhtuns on both sides have same culture, customs and traditions."
About the ongoing blame game between the two neighbours, Gul said although Afghan President did not specifically mention Pakistan, but he refer to it whenever talked of interference and militancy in his country.
Information secretary of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Sidiqul Farooq branded the suggestion as flawed. He said the step would not only draw chasm between the two countries but also harm Pakistan's interests in Afghanistan.
Pakistan's foreign office spokesman Naeem Khan, however, said the fencing would put a halt to the series of allegations and counter-allegations between the two countries.
Calling the fencing of the 2,400-kilometre porous border as an uphill task, Naeem Khan said only those areas should be fenced where maximum chances of militants' crossing into Afghanistan exist.
Reported by Pakhtun Sahar & translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=683
ISLAMABAD, September 14 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Analysts and political leaders in Pakistan Wednesday rejected the fencing of Pak-Afghan border saying the step would create rifts between Pakhtuns living on both sides of the Durand Line.
President Musharraf suggested construction of security fence to end recriminations between the two countries over cross-border militant movement.
Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, analyst and former chief of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) Hamid Gul described the suggestion as impracticable.
Propping up his argument, Hamid Gul said the move would once again divide and alienate the Pakhtuns living on both sides of the frontier. "Despite being divided by the Durand Line, Pakhtuns on both sides have same culture, customs and traditions."
About the ongoing blame game between the two neighbours, Gul said although Afghan President did not specifically mention Pakistan, but he refer to it whenever talked of interference and militancy in his country.
Information secretary of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Sidiqul Farooq branded the suggestion as flawed. He said the step would not only draw chasm between the two countries but also harm Pakistan's interests in Afghanistan.
Pakistan's foreign office spokesman Naeem Khan, however, said the fencing would put a halt to the series of allegations and counter-allegations between the two countries.
Calling the fencing of the 2,400-kilometre porous border as an uphill task, Naeem Khan said only those areas should be fenced where maximum chances of militants' crossing into Afghanistan exist.
Reported by Pakhtun Sahar & translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=683
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtl...al/12653736.htm
Posted on Thu, Sep. 15, 2005
Fort Bragg soldiers' searches in Afghanistan often frustrating
KEVIN MAURER
The Fayetteville Observer
GARDEZ, Afghanistan - As soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment were driving back to Forward Operating Base Salerno, guerrilla fighters shot a rocket-propelled grenade at their convoy.
It landed in front of Spc. Christopher Sims' armored Humvee.
"It shook the whole truck," he said, standing in a pile of spent ammunition.
No one was injured.
The paratroopers returned fire with rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers. Black Hawk helicopters dropped reinforcements on top of the mountains. For the next 10 hours, the soldiers searched for the fighters.
Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bartleson led a squad into the mountains to search a small village near the Khost-Gardez pass. Climbing the rocky slopes, the paratroopers and a squad of Afghan National Police knocked on the doors of several compounds cut into the side of the mountain. A short Afghan man with a thick white beard met the soldiers and police at the door of the first one.
"Tell them we were attacked a couple of hours ago," Bartleson said to his translator. "Ask them if they have any weapons."
The police searched the compound but turned up no evidence of weapons or fighters. Other searches also came up empty. Bartleson said the fighters were long gone.
"They either blended in with the population or they are hiding somewhere," he said.
The war in Afghanistan can change quickly. One minute soldiers may be conducting searches that turn up little, and the next they may find themselves in a situation that fills them with heart-pumping adrenaline.
The paratroopers' mission has become less about combat and more about chasing rumors and ghosts.
The soldiers rarely encounter more than a handful of fighters. When they do, the guerrillas never stand and fight. Like in Iraq, Afghan fighters have resorted to using roadside bombs and sporadic attacks in hopes of killing and wounding American soldiers from a distance.
"It gives the enemy the ability to have a lot of standoff. They don't want to face our weapons," said Capt. Jody Shouse, the commander of Charlie Company.
The tactics frustrate the paratroopers.
"I haven't seen the enemy in five months," one soldier said as he climbed a mountain to search a compound. Just before dawn Tuesday, paratroopers, special operations soldiers and the Afghan National Army raided about a half dozen compounds in the villages around Gardez in eastern Afghanistan. The paratroopers believed that anti-coalition fighters were planning to disrupt Sunday's parliamentary elections.
Posted on Thu, Sep. 15, 2005
Fort Bragg soldiers' searches in Afghanistan often frustrating
KEVIN MAURER
The Fayetteville Observer
GARDEZ, Afghanistan - As soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment were driving back to Forward Operating Base Salerno, guerrilla fighters shot a rocket-propelled grenade at their convoy.
It landed in front of Spc. Christopher Sims' armored Humvee.
"It shook the whole truck," he said, standing in a pile of spent ammunition.
No one was injured.
The paratroopers returned fire with rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers. Black Hawk helicopters dropped reinforcements on top of the mountains. For the next 10 hours, the soldiers searched for the fighters.
Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bartleson led a squad into the mountains to search a small village near the Khost-Gardez pass. Climbing the rocky slopes, the paratroopers and a squad of Afghan National Police knocked on the doors of several compounds cut into the side of the mountain. A short Afghan man with a thick white beard met the soldiers and police at the door of the first one.
"Tell them we were attacked a couple of hours ago," Bartleson said to his translator. "Ask them if they have any weapons."
The police searched the compound but turned up no evidence of weapons or fighters. Other searches also came up empty. Bartleson said the fighters were long gone.
"They either blended in with the population or they are hiding somewhere," he said.
The war in Afghanistan can change quickly. One minute soldiers may be conducting searches that turn up little, and the next they may find themselves in a situation that fills them with heart-pumping adrenaline.
The paratroopers' mission has become less about combat and more about chasing rumors and ghosts.
The soldiers rarely encounter more than a handful of fighters. When they do, the guerrillas never stand and fight. Like in Iraq, Afghan fighters have resorted to using roadside bombs and sporadic attacks in hopes of killing and wounding American soldiers from a distance.
"It gives the enemy the ability to have a lot of standoff. They don't want to face our weapons," said Capt. Jody Shouse, the commander of Charlie Company.
The tactics frustrate the paratroopers.
"I haven't seen the enemy in five months," one soldier said as he climbed a mountain to search a compound. Just before dawn Tuesday, paratroopers, special operations soldiers and the Afghan National Army raided about a half dozen compounds in the villages around Gardez in eastern Afghanistan. The paratroopers believed that anti-coalition fighters were planning to disrupt Sunday's parliamentary elections.
Family feuds claim four lives in Laghman
MEHTARLAM, September 15 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Four people were killed in two separate incidents in the Daulat Shah district of the eastern Laghman province, officials and locals said on Thursday.
In the first incident, Malik Yahya was shot dead by his enemies in the Khalakhel area. Locals said the two sides had an old row over a land dispute.
Spokesman for the Laghman police Major Zalmai Mazloomyar told Pajhwok Afghan News another man received injuries in the attack. He said police had arrested the culprits.
In a second incident in the same district, two rockets were fired at a house killing three of the family. The victims included owner of the house, his wife and a youngster.
Daulat Shah police chief Qadir Khan confirming the attack said police raided the area but the assailant made good his escape. Saeed Khan, a resident of the area, alleged such incidents had become a routine due to the apathy of the local police.
However, police officer Qadir Khan said the criminals often escaped because police did not have enough strength to cover the whole district. Several people had lost their lives in a similar dispute leading to clash between tribes near the provincial capital last month.
Abdul Moeed Hashmi
jh/by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=721
MEHTARLAM, September 15 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Four people were killed in two separate incidents in the Daulat Shah district of the eastern Laghman province, officials and locals said on Thursday.
In the first incident, Malik Yahya was shot dead by his enemies in the Khalakhel area. Locals said the two sides had an old row over a land dispute.
Spokesman for the Laghman police Major Zalmai Mazloomyar told Pajhwok Afghan News another man received injuries in the attack. He said police had arrested the culprits.
In a second incident in the same district, two rockets were fired at a house killing three of the family. The victims included owner of the house, his wife and a youngster.
Daulat Shah police chief Qadir Khan confirming the attack said police raided the area but the assailant made good his escape. Saeed Khan, a resident of the area, alleged such incidents had become a routine due to the apathy of the local police.
However, police officer Qadir Khan said the criminals often escaped because police did not have enough strength to cover the whole district. Several people had lost their lives in a similar dispute leading to clash between tribes near the provincial capital last month.
Abdul Moeed Hashmi
jh/by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=721
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=...orld&id=3445399
Violence Precedes Afghanistan Elections
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Sept. 15, 2005 - Fighting across Afghanistan ahead of crucial legislative elections killed six people and wounded a female candidate while she was campaigning, officials said Thursday.
Despite the bloodshed, the government said it was confident of success in Sunday's polls.
"The enemy is making efforts to threaten people but they don't have the ability to stop the elections," Interior Minister Ali Ahmad Jalali said. "They may only be able to create a disturbance."
He said 55,000 police officers, 28,000 soldiers and about 20,000 militia troops and intelligence agents have fanned out across the country to safeguard voting. Some 20,000 troops from a U.S.-led coalition and a separate 11,000-member NATO-led force are also on alert.
Jalali said more than 100 militant plots to attack the polls have been thwarted, including suicide attacks and roadside bombs.
Taliban insurgents have stepped up attacks and vowed to subvert the elections, seen as a major step toward democracy and stability after a quarter-century of war. Fighting has killed more than 1,200 people in the past six months, including five candidates and four election workers.
In the latest violence, about 40 gunmen attacked a police post in the mountainous Char-Chilo district of Uruzgan province late Wednesday, provincial Gov. Jan Mohammed Khan said. Police killed three of the attackers and arrested one after a two-hour gunbattle, he said. The others escaped.
There were no casualties among 20 police manning the checkpoint, Khan said.
Khan also blamed the Taliban for the killings of seven men whose bodies were found in the province Tuesday along with their voter ID cards.
Also Wednesday, a bomb exploded along a road frequently traveled by U.S.-led and Afghan army forces near Tirin Kot, the provincial capital, blowing up a civilian vehicle and killing three passengers, he said.
Three other men and a child riding in the vehicle were seriously hurt, Khan said. He blamed both attacks on Taliban rebels, saying the roadside bomb was probably aimed at U.S.-led or Afghan forces.
Violence Precedes Afghanistan Elections
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Sept. 15, 2005 - Fighting across Afghanistan ahead of crucial legislative elections killed six people and wounded a female candidate while she was campaigning, officials said Thursday.
Despite the bloodshed, the government said it was confident of success in Sunday's polls.
"The enemy is making efforts to threaten people but they don't have the ability to stop the elections," Interior Minister Ali Ahmad Jalali said. "They may only be able to create a disturbance."
He said 55,000 police officers, 28,000 soldiers and about 20,000 militia troops and intelligence agents have fanned out across the country to safeguard voting. Some 20,000 troops from a U.S.-led coalition and a separate 11,000-member NATO-led force are also on alert.
Jalali said more than 100 militant plots to attack the polls have been thwarted, including suicide attacks and roadside bombs.
Taliban insurgents have stepped up attacks and vowed to subvert the elections, seen as a major step toward democracy and stability after a quarter-century of war. Fighting has killed more than 1,200 people in the past six months, including five candidates and four election workers.
In the latest violence, about 40 gunmen attacked a police post in the mountainous Char-Chilo district of Uruzgan province late Wednesday, provincial Gov. Jan Mohammed Khan said. Police killed three of the attackers and arrested one after a two-hour gunbattle, he said. The others escaped.
There were no casualties among 20 police manning the checkpoint, Khan said.
Khan also blamed the Taliban for the killings of seven men whose bodies were found in the province Tuesday along with their voter ID cards.
Also Wednesday, a bomb exploded along a road frequently traveled by U.S.-led and Afghan army forces near Tirin Kot, the provincial capital, blowing up a civilian vehicle and killing three passengers, he said.
Three other men and a child riding in the vehicle were seriously hurt, Khan said. He blamed both attacks on Taliban rebels, saying the roadside bomb was probably aimed at U.S.-led or Afghan forces.
Disqualified female candidate reinstated
BAMYAN CITY, September 16 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A female candidate from the central Bamyan province, who was disqualified on Tuesday, was reinstated on Friday.
Mr Greck, liaison officer of the Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) office in Bamyan, told journalists Fatima Kazemyan, candidate for the lower house from Hezb-i-Wahdat, had been restored after a review of the complaints filed against her.
"She has been reinstated after receiving verbal directives from our Kabul office," said Greck, adding: "Fatima's name was included in the list after reassessment of the complaints received against her."
She was disqualified for not resigning her official post as head of the department of women affairs. Without elaborating, the officer said it was the decision of the JEMB's central office.
Hadi Ghafari
by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=800
BAMYAN CITY, September 16 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A female candidate from the central Bamyan province, who was disqualified on Tuesday, was reinstated on Friday.
Mr Greck, liaison officer of the Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) office in Bamyan, told journalists Fatima Kazemyan, candidate for the lower house from Hezb-i-Wahdat, had been restored after a review of the complaints filed against her.
"She has been reinstated after receiving verbal directives from our Kabul office," said Greck, adding: "Fatima's name was included in the list after reassessment of the complaints received against her."
She was disqualified for not resigning her official post as head of the department of women affairs. Without elaborating, the officer said it was the decision of the JEMB's central office.
Hadi Ghafari
by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=800
US assures Afghanistan of long term security support
MEHTARLAM, September 16 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Commander of the US Joint Forces Command in Afghanistan Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry Friday pledged a long term support for the Afghan government in ensuring security in the country.
Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News during his visit to the eastern Laghman province, the US commander expressed satisfaction over the law and order situation and said security arrangements were far more effective than adopted at the time of presidential elections last year.
He was accompanied by advisor to president on national security Zalmai Rasul, commander of the central military corps Lt General Moeen Khan and deputy chief of the advisory committee on national security Engr Mohammad Daud.
General Eikenberry, along with Laghman Governor Shah Mahmood Sapi, chief of the provincial reconstruction team (PRT) in the province Colonel Srank Gutierrez and other officials, visited the Mehterlam Bazaar and exchanged views with the election candidates and citizens on the law and order situation.
The people expressed satisfaction over the security measures adopted ahead of the elections. But some people registered complaints about the deteriorating condition of roads.
Reported by Abdul Moeed Hashmi and translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=799
MEHTARLAM, September 16 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Commander of the US Joint Forces Command in Afghanistan Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry Friday pledged a long term support for the Afghan government in ensuring security in the country.
Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News during his visit to the eastern Laghman province, the US commander expressed satisfaction over the law and order situation and said security arrangements were far more effective than adopted at the time of presidential elections last year.
He was accompanied by advisor to president on national security Zalmai Rasul, commander of the central military corps Lt General Moeen Khan and deputy chief of the advisory committee on national security Engr Mohammad Daud.
General Eikenberry, along with Laghman Governor Shah Mahmood Sapi, chief of the provincial reconstruction team (PRT) in the province Colonel Srank Gutierrez and other officials, visited the Mehterlam Bazaar and exchanged views with the election candidates and citizens on the law and order situation.
The people expressed satisfaction over the security measures adopted ahead of the elections. But some people registered complaints about the deteriorating condition of roads.
Reported by Abdul Moeed Hashmi and translated by Daud
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=799
http://9news.com/acm_news.aspx?OSGNAME=KUS...47-c589c01ca7bf
U.N. urges Afghans to defy rebels and vote as 12 killed in election-eve violence
posted by: Dan Werner Web producer
Created: 9/17/2005 9:38 AM MDT - Updated: 9/17/2005 9:38 AM MDT
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) - The United Nations on Saturday urged Afghans to defy rebel violence and turn out in large numbers to vote in landmark legislative elections. Fierce battles near the capital and elsewhere killed nine militants and three policemen.
Security forces said they thwarted four rebel bombings, including an attempt to blow up a big dam, underscoring fears for Sunday's vote that many hope will marginalize insurgents and bolster a fragile democracy.
Top U.N. envoy Jean Arnault said extremists had failed to disrupt preparations for the polls despite fighting that has killed more than 1,200 people in the past six months, including seven candidates and four election workers.
U.N. urges Afghans to defy rebels and vote as 12 killed in election-eve violence
posted by: Dan Werner Web producer
Created: 9/17/2005 9:38 AM MDT - Updated: 9/17/2005 9:38 AM MDT
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) - The United Nations on Saturday urged Afghans to defy rebel violence and turn out in large numbers to vote in landmark legislative elections. Fierce battles near the capital and elsewhere killed nine militants and three policemen.
Security forces said they thwarted four rebel bombings, including an attempt to blow up a big dam, underscoring fears for Sunday's vote that many hope will marginalize insurgents and bolster a fragile democracy.
Top U.N. envoy Jean Arnault said extremists had failed to disrupt preparations for the polls despite fighting that has killed more than 1,200 people in the past six months, including seven candidates and four election workers.
Polling in Afghan legislative elections gets under way
S. Mudassir Ali Shah
KABUL, September 18 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Defying threats of attacks from insurgents, Afghans Sunday started voting in Afghanistan's landmark elections to Wolesi Jirga and provincial councils.
As the polling process was set in motion, Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) chairman Bismillah Bismil cast his vote at a polling station set up at Istiqlal High School in the heart of Kabul.
Fanned out across the country are close to 100,000 Afghan security personnel and 30,000 US-led coalition and ISAF troops to ensure security of voters and electoral workers.
Having assured all-out cooperation in peaceful holding of the elections, thousands of Pakistan Army soldiers beefed up border security to check the movement of militants, who have vowed to derail the polls.
Of the 6,000 polling stations set up across Afghanistan, some in remote regions are yet to receive ballots and ink. The non-delivery of the poll-related material means thousands of voters may not be able to exercise universal franchise in the election marking the culmination of the Bonn process.
A dozen of people including police personnel were killed in a spate of violent incidents on the eve of the legislative elections, an event President Karzai has described as a turning point in Afghanistan's efforts to chart its way to stability.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=886
S. Mudassir Ali Shah
KABUL, September 18 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Defying threats of attacks from insurgents, Afghans Sunday started voting in Afghanistan's landmark elections to Wolesi Jirga and provincial councils.
As the polling process was set in motion, Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) chairman Bismillah Bismil cast his vote at a polling station set up at Istiqlal High School in the heart of Kabul.
Fanned out across the country are close to 100,000 Afghan security personnel and 30,000 US-led coalition and ISAF troops to ensure security of voters and electoral workers.
Having assured all-out cooperation in peaceful holding of the elections, thousands of Pakistan Army soldiers beefed up border security to check the movement of militants, who have vowed to derail the polls.
Of the 6,000 polling stations set up across Afghanistan, some in remote regions are yet to receive ballots and ink. The non-delivery of the poll-related material means thousands of voters may not be able to exercise universal franchise in the election marking the culmination of the Bonn process.
A dozen of people including police personnel were killed in a spate of violent incidents on the eve of the legislative elections, an event President Karzai has described as a turning point in Afghanistan's efforts to chart its way to stability.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=886
Karzai calls for high voter turnout
S. Mudassir Ali Shah
KABUL, September 17 (Pajhwok Afghan News): President Hamid Karzai Saturday urged registered Afghan voters to exercise their universal suffrage in large numbers to make landmark parliamentary elections a rip-roaring success.
In a brief televised message to the Afghan nation, the US-backed leader described Sunday's vote as a "turning point" in the history of the post-conflict Central Asian country. He appealed for a higher voter turnout in the elections, marking the culmination of the Bonn process.
He underscored the election of honest candidates committed to the reconstruction and prosperity of Afghanistan and imbued with a genuine desire for serving the war-weary nation, which is still struggling to chart its way to stability.
The president, who read out his short message both in Pashto and Dari, called for his compatriots to measure up to the occasion and come out in large numbers to elect people capable of uniting Afghanistan and coping with formidable challenges like widespread poverty and illiteracy.
While underlining the importance of the parliamentary election, Karzai reminded the Afghans it was a great opportunity for them to put their country on the road to democracy and progress. Frittering away the chance was least affordable, he observed, saying the Afghans must act to end their dependence on others.
On the eve of poling day, at least 12 people were killed in different parts of the country in militant-linked violence and dozens arrested with bombs and explosives. Seven candidates have perished and several sustained injuries in attacks in the bloody build-up to the first post-Taliban ballot.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=878
S. Mudassir Ali Shah
KABUL, September 17 (Pajhwok Afghan News): President Hamid Karzai Saturday urged registered Afghan voters to exercise their universal suffrage in large numbers to make landmark parliamentary elections a rip-roaring success.
In a brief televised message to the Afghan nation, the US-backed leader described Sunday's vote as a "turning point" in the history of the post-conflict Central Asian country. He appealed for a higher voter turnout in the elections, marking the culmination of the Bonn process.
He underscored the election of honest candidates committed to the reconstruction and prosperity of Afghanistan and imbued with a genuine desire for serving the war-weary nation, which is still struggling to chart its way to stability.
The president, who read out his short message both in Pashto and Dari, called for his compatriots to measure up to the occasion and come out in large numbers to elect people capable of uniting Afghanistan and coping with formidable challenges like widespread poverty and illiteracy.
While underlining the importance of the parliamentary election, Karzai reminded the Afghans it was a great opportunity for them to put their country on the road to democracy and progress. Frittering away the chance was least affordable, he observed, saying the Afghans must act to end their dependence on others.
On the eve of poling day, at least 12 people were killed in different parts of the country in militant-linked violence and dozens arrested with bombs and explosives. Seven candidates have perished and several sustained injuries in attacks in the bloody build-up to the first post-Taliban ballot.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=878
JEMB puts voter turnout at over 50 per cent
KABUL, September 19 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The Joint Electoral Management Body Monday announced of the 12.5 million registered voters across the country, abut six million used their right to vote.
Addressing a press conference, Peter Erben, operations chief of JEMB said the turnout was slightly over 50 per cent, 17 per cent lower than the last year's presidential votes. He said reports collected from 35 per cent polling stations showed the turnout just over 50 per cent.
He said voters showed less enthusiasm as compared to the presidential elections held 11 months back. Regarding the vote counting, Erben said it would take about two weeks.
He said ballot boxes had reached at the vote count centres in most of the northern provinces while in Balkh, Sur-i-Pul and Jozjan, 100 per cent task had been completed.
The task would take much time in the remote areas due to lack of proper transport facilities in the hard terrains such as northeastern Badakhshan and Nuristan.
About 120,000 ballot boxes will be shifted to regional centres from 6,200 polling stations across the country. After completion of counting at the regional centres, unofficial results will be announced but the final announcement will be not later than October 22.
Makia Monir
nd/by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=1023
KABUL, September 19 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The Joint Electoral Management Body Monday announced of the 12.5 million registered voters across the country, abut six million used their right to vote.
Addressing a press conference, Peter Erben, operations chief of JEMB said the turnout was slightly over 50 per cent, 17 per cent lower than the last year's presidential votes. He said reports collected from 35 per cent polling stations showed the turnout just over 50 per cent.
He said voters showed less enthusiasm as compared to the presidential elections held 11 months back. Regarding the vote counting, Erben said it would take about two weeks.
He said ballot boxes had reached at the vote count centres in most of the northern provinces while in Balkh, Sur-i-Pul and Jozjan, 100 per cent task had been completed.
The task would take much time in the remote areas due to lack of proper transport facilities in the hard terrains such as northeastern Badakhshan and Nuristan.
About 120,000 ballot boxes will be shifted to regional centres from 6,200 polling stations across the country. After completion of counting at the regional centres, unofficial results will be announced but the final announcement will be not later than October 22.
Makia Monir
nd/by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=1023
Elections represent defeat of terrorists: Karzai
Pajhwok Report
KABUL, September 18 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai Sunday greeted his countrymen on successful holding of elections - an event he hailed as a defeat of terrorism.
Addressing a news conference here after the voting closed, the president said his government would establish a lasting peace while trying to steer Afghanistan out of its present problems.
Pledging to purge his country of terrorism and militancy, Karzai remarked: "I congratulate all Afghans for the successful holding of elections. We have moved a step closer to peace and stability."
He insisted the ballot was successful, as scattered violence and small disruptive incidents could not be ruled out on such occasions in a country like Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald E. Neumann also called the elections a success. He said the rush at polling stations was less because a large number of centres had been set up this time around as compared to last year's presidential vote.
Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, at polling station at the Rahman Maina in the eighth district here, Neumann played down Sunday's incidents of violence.
Asked about the attack on UNAMA's office in Kabul, the ambassador replied firing two rockets was nothing significant as the insurgents had a lot of weapons. It also pointed to the fact that they had failed in disrupting the polls, added the ambassador.
He said his country had granted $40 million for the elections besides sending a large number of observers to monitor the landmark event in Afghanistan.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=997
Pajhwok Report
KABUL, September 18 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai Sunday greeted his countrymen on successful holding of elections - an event he hailed as a defeat of terrorism.
Addressing a news conference here after the voting closed, the president said his government would establish a lasting peace while trying to steer Afghanistan out of its present problems.
Pledging to purge his country of terrorism and militancy, Karzai remarked: "I congratulate all Afghans for the successful holding of elections. We have moved a step closer to peace and stability."
He insisted the ballot was successful, as scattered violence and small disruptive incidents could not be ruled out on such occasions in a country like Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald E. Neumann also called the elections a success. He said the rush at polling stations was less because a large number of centres had been set up this time around as compared to last year's presidential vote.
Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, at polling station at the Rahman Maina in the eighth district here, Neumann played down Sunday's incidents of violence.
Asked about the attack on UNAMA's office in Kabul, the ambassador replied firing two rockets was nothing significant as the insurgents had a lot of weapons. It also pointed to the fact that they had failed in disrupting the polls, added the ambassador.
He said his country had granted $40 million for the elections besides sending a large number of observers to monitor the landmark event in Afghanistan.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=997
EUP team calls Afghan legislative vote a success
Pajhwok Report
KABUL, September 19 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A six-member European Union Parliamentary (EUP) team Monday described Afghanistan's legislative election as a success and pledged long-term support to the Karzai-led government.
Robert Ewnis, head of EUP delegation that arrived here earlier in the week to observe the landmark parliamentary elections, made the observation at a meeting with President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace here.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, Robert Ewnis said the polls - held in a peaceful manner - were a success of the Afghan government. The six-member team, which visited a number of polling stations, said the elections were held in a free, fair and transparent fashion.
Karzai thanked the EUP delegation for its all-out support to his government in organising the legislative elections, which took place without any major disruptions despite threats of violence from insurgents.
Robert Ewnis assured Karzai of full assistance to the parliament coming into being as a result of the legislative ballot, in which more than 50 percent of Afghans turned out to vote.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=1056
Pajhwok Report
KABUL, September 19 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A six-member European Union Parliamentary (EUP) team Monday described Afghanistan's legislative election as a success and pledged long-term support to the Karzai-led government.
Robert Ewnis, head of EUP delegation that arrived here earlier in the week to observe the landmark parliamentary elections, made the observation at a meeting with President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace here.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, Robert Ewnis said the polls - held in a peaceful manner - were a success of the Afghan government. The six-member team, which visited a number of polling stations, said the elections were held in a free, fair and transparent fashion.
Karzai thanked the EUP delegation for its all-out support to his government in organising the legislative elections, which took place without any major disruptions despite threats of violence from insurgents.
Robert Ewnis assured Karzai of full assistance to the parliament coming into being as a result of the legislative ballot, in which more than 50 percent of Afghans turned out to vote.
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=1056
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-09/...ent_3516050.htm
KABUL, Sept. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- The counting of legislative polls would be postponed in Jalalabad, the capital city of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, as two rockets hit the city early Tuesday morning, an Afghan official said.
One rocket hit the culture and information department around 6:20 a.m. this morning, two policemen were injured during the blast, Khalilullah Ziaee, police chief of Nangarhar province, told Xinhua.
Another rocket exploded in a resident area but causing no casualty, he added.
Due to security reasons, the counting of legislative polls, which is set to start from Tuesday, would be postponed in the city, said the police officer.
KABUL, Sept. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- The counting of legislative polls would be postponed in Jalalabad, the capital city of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, as two rockets hit the city early Tuesday morning, an Afghan official said.
One rocket hit the culture and information department around 6:20 a.m. this morning, two policemen were injured during the blast, Khalilullah Ziaee, police chief of Nangarhar province, told Xinhua.
Another rocket exploded in a resident area but causing no casualty, he added.
Due to security reasons, the counting of legislative polls, which is set to start from Tuesday, would be postponed in the city, said the police officer.
Four cops among five killed in two separate accidents
KABUL, September 20 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Five people, including four policemen were killed and 10 others sustained injuries in two separate accidents in Kandahar and Ghazni, officials said on Tuesday.
The first accident occurred in the southern Kandahar when a police van shifting four arrested Taliban from Mianashin district to Kandahar city, turned turtle.
Two policemen and one Taliban died on the spot while seven cops and two Taliban wounded as a result. Officials said the injured were rushed to hospital where their condition is stated to be out of danger.
Interior Ministry's spokesman Dad Mohammad Rasa told Pajhwok Afghan News the four Taliban were arrested during an encounter in Kandahar's Mianashin district a day earlier.
In a separate road accident in Ghazni, two highway policemen perished and three wounded when their vehicle turned upside down in Gilan district.
Deputy chief of Ghazni's highway police Abdur Razaq told Pajhwok Afghan News the mishap occurred when the police party was on way from Gilan to Maqur district.
The wounded were rushed to a hospital in Gilan where their condition is stated to be out of danger.
Aziz Zahid and Sher Ahmad Haidar
jh/amm/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=1090
KABUL, September 20 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Five people, including four policemen were killed and 10 others sustained injuries in two separate accidents in Kandahar and Ghazni, officials said on Tuesday.
The first accident occurred in the southern Kandahar when a police van shifting four arrested Taliban from Mianashin district to Kandahar city, turned turtle.
Two policemen and one Taliban died on the spot while seven cops and two Taliban wounded as a result. Officials said the injured were rushed to hospital where their condition is stated to be out of danger.
Interior Ministry's spokesman Dad Mohammad Rasa told Pajhwok Afghan News the four Taliban were arrested during an encounter in Kandahar's Mianashin district a day earlier.
In a separate road accident in Ghazni, two highway policemen perished and three wounded when their vehicle turned upside down in Gilan district.
Deputy chief of Ghazni's highway police Abdur Razaq told Pajhwok Afghan News the mishap occurred when the police party was on way from Gilan to Maqur district.
The wounded were rushed to a hospital in Gilan where their condition is stated to be out of danger.
Aziz Zahid and Sher Ahmad Haidar
jh/amm/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=1090
http://www.centralchronicle.com/20050920/2009008.htm
'Osama arming Taliban into a deadlier force'
Agencies
New York, Sept 19 Osama bin Laden is allegedly helping the Taliban procure arms from Pakistan, Iran and Iraq, and deploying Arab instructors to train his army to build a fiercer force than ever, a media report said on Monday.
Afghanistan's Defense Minister Abdur Rahim Wardak was quoted as saying that Taliban forces are now larger, more aggressive, better armed and more organised than at any time since the end of 2001 and there are "strong indications" that al Qaeda has brought in a team of Arab instructors from Iraq to teach the latest insurgents techniques to the Taliban.
"Taliban have more men, equipment and money, better explosives and remote controlled detonators," said Wardak who a few days ago escaped a possible assassination attempt.
They are also being helped to procure arms from Pakistan, Iran and Iraq, the 'Newsweek' report said.
Meanwhile, a European diplomat told the magazine that they too have the information that the Taliban have received new weapons and explosive devices, "most probably because of increased financial support from abroad and some traffic between Iraq and Afghanistan through Iran."
A commander who commands the biggest Taliban force in Afghanistan says he wants to copy the tactics and spirit of the "glorious Iraqi resistance".
'Osama arming Taliban into a deadlier force'
Agencies
New York, Sept 19 Osama bin Laden is allegedly helping the Taliban procure arms from Pakistan, Iran and Iraq, and deploying Arab instructors to train his army to build a fiercer force than ever, a media report said on Monday.
Afghanistan's Defense Minister Abdur Rahim Wardak was quoted as saying that Taliban forces are now larger, more aggressive, better armed and more organised than at any time since the end of 2001 and there are "strong indications" that al Qaeda has brought in a team of Arab instructors from Iraq to teach the latest insurgents techniques to the Taliban.
"Taliban have more men, equipment and money, better explosives and remote controlled detonators," said Wardak who a few days ago escaped a possible assassination attempt.
They are also being helped to procure arms from Pakistan, Iran and Iraq, the 'Newsweek' report said.
Meanwhile, a European diplomat told the magazine that they too have the information that the Taliban have received new weapons and explosive devices, "most probably because of increased financial support from abroad and some traffic between Iraq and Afghanistan through Iran."
A commander who commands the biggest Taliban force in Afghanistan says he wants to copy the tactics and spirit of the "glorious Iraqi resistance".
Laghman to get seven more schools
MEHTARLAM, September 20 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A non-governmental organisation (NGO) started work on constructing seven schools in different parts of the eastern Laghman. The project will cost over $700,000.
Engineer Amiruddin, an official of the NGO Ihsan told Pajhwok Afghan News the schools would be constructed in Qargahayee, Alingar and Alishang districts. Each building would have 12 rooms, while there would be separate buildings for boys and girls, he added.
The amount has been donated by the embassy of Japan in Kabul. The buildings will be completed by November and enrolment of students will be started in the same month.
Shah Mohammad Sapi, Governor of Laghman, told this news agency the exemplary law and order situation in the province had attracted NGOs and donors to start rebuilding here.
Marzai, a female teacher in Basram girl school, described the step as a positive move towards country's progress. She said students were facing problems in severe cold and scorching heat because there were no buildings.
Director education Professor Asiruddin Hotak said the NGO had constructed 16 other buildings with aid given by a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).
Reported by Abdul Moeed Hashmi & translated by Rahman
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=1108
MEHTARLAM, September 20 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A non-governmental organisation (NGO) started work on constructing seven schools in different parts of the eastern Laghman. The project will cost over $700,000.
Engineer Amiruddin, an official of the NGO Ihsan told Pajhwok Afghan News the schools would be constructed in Qargahayee, Alingar and Alishang districts. Each building would have 12 rooms, while there would be separate buildings for boys and girls, he added.
The amount has been donated by the embassy of Japan in Kabul. The buildings will be completed by November and enrolment of students will be started in the same month.
Shah Mohammad Sapi, Governor of Laghman, told this news agency the exemplary law and order situation in the province had attracted NGOs and donors to start rebuilding here.
Marzai, a female teacher in Basram girl school, described the step as a positive move towards country's progress. She said students were facing problems in severe cold and scorching heat because there were no buildings.
Director education Professor Asiruddin Hotak said the NGO had constructed 16 other buildings with aid given by a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).
Reported by Abdul Moeed Hashmi & translated by Rahman
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=1108
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