Temporary Halt in Blogging - Off to Afghanistan . . Again

I will be taking a temporary halt in blogging. Once again I am returning to Afghanistan on another contract which will last several months. Upon my return to the states I will resume blogging. Stay safe everyone!

Villagers in Panjwai District Form Uprising Against Taliban

Villagers in the district of Panjwai located in Kandahar province have staged a local uprising or revolt against the Taliban. This is a significant event as Panjwai is in the heartland of the Taliban movement and has long been a thorn in the side of ISAF. Brutal fighting has taken place in this district (and surrounding districts) over the past several years. The catalyst for the formation of the uprising was the resentment the local villagers had against the bullying and harassment by the Taliban. Scores of civilians have been killed by the Taliban either directly or as a result of the many mines and IEDs planted by the Taliban. Although there are other documented instances of local uprisings in Afghanistan this is the first time that an uprising of this magnitude has happened in Kandahar. The uprising coincides with several other factors to include a strong District Chief of Police (DCoP), more capable Afghan police and army units, and a diminished capacity of the Taliban to exert influence in the area due to shortages of recruits and money. Read more on the Panjwai uprising in "Villagers Take on Taliban in Their Heartland", The New York Times, March 20, 2013.

Mining a Source of Income for Afghanistan - But it is Years Away

Afghanistan has rich resources in minerals and there is great promise for the future of the country's economy because of these minerals. However, getting the minerals out of the ground and to the consumer is years away due to the lack of equipment, infrastructure, railways, and security. Read more about the abundant mineral resources and the huge problems in exploitation of the minerals. See "Excavating a future in Afghanistan", Stars and Stripes, March 24, 2103.

Camp Julien Transferred to Afghans

Another base in the Kabul, Afghanistan area has been transferred to the Afghans. Camp Julien, long a training site used by coalition troops to train Afghan army and police is now in the hands of the ANSF. The camp at one time was a main base for the Canadian contingent in the early years of the Afghan War (it was named for a Canadian soldier who fought in Korea). Camp Julien was transferred to the Afghans in November 2005 but then later re-opened in 2007 as the location for the COIN Academy. The COIN Academy has now been transferred over to the ANSF. As ISAF slowly decreases its force levels in Afghanistan and functions of training and equipping the Afghan security forces are turned over to the Afghans the numerous bases around Afghanistan will slowly dwindle. Read more in "ANSF accepts Camp Julien in transfer ceremony", DVIDS, March 20, 2013.

Romanian Army Female Engagement Team (FET)

Females from PRT at FOB Shank, Logar province celebrate
International Women's Day (Photo MAJ Joel Anderson)

The use of Female Engagement Teams (FETs) in Afghanistan has grown over the past few years. The concept was originally started by the Marines in southwest Afghanistan. The Marines recognized that 50% of the Afghan population were women but because of the cultural aspects of Afghan society the male members of the Marines could not talk to Afghan women. This prevented the Marines from being able to interact with Afghan women, ask questions for information, and properly search and segregate women during military operations. The FETs provided a greater military capability. In addition, many times the FETs are used to build relationships with women villagers - especially in support of humanitarian or economic development projects that centered on advancing the economic status of women in a certain area. The FET concept soon spread to U.S. Special Forces with its training and fielding of Cultural Support Teams (CSTs) Then the U.S. Army fielded its Female Engagement Teams. Now other ISAF partners are fielding FETs as well - to include the Romanian Army. Read more about the Romanian Female Engagement Team (FET) operating in concert special operations forces in Logar province, Afghanistan in "Romanian FET hosts event for International Women's Day", DVIDS, March 20, 2013.

Afghanistan Slowly Being Deforested

Afghanistan does not have much forest - it is a barren land of rock and sand. What little "green area" you can find are in the river valleys and mountain areas. The mountains of eastern Afghanistan have many of the remaining trees left in Afghanistan. One province in particular, Kunar, provides much of the lumber that is exported through Pakistan to world markets. Unfortunately, there is a finite amount of trees that can be harvested. Read more in "Afghanistan's Forests A Casualty of Timber Smuggling", NPR, March 18, 2013.

Nuristan - Remote Province of Afghanistan Ignored by ISAF and Kabul

Nuristan province, Afghanistan is at the top and end of the world. It is one of the most mountainous provinces of Afghanistan with few roads and very little government presence. The Taliban have free reign and freedom of movement throughout the province. The province is plagued with poverty, corruption, and almost no government services. Read more in "Afghanistan's Nuristan province 'at mercy of the Taliban'", BBC News Asia, March 20, 2013.

Afghanistan and Central Asian States Sign Railroad Agreement

Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have signed a agreement to start the construction of a railway that will link the three countries. The 400-kilometer railroad will connect the three countries with construction starting in July in Turkmenistan. The railway will help with economic development in the three countries. News source: "Turkmen, Tajik, Afghan Presidents Sign Railroad Agreement", Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, March 21, 2013.

Deal Reached on Bagram Prison Transfer to Afghans

A deal has finally been reached on the Bagram detention / prison transfer from the United States military to the Afghan military. The transfer had been held up because of fears that Afghanistan would release prisoners who the U.S. feels are enduring threats to Afghanistan and ISAF. In the past, the Karzai regime has released hardened Taliban fighters with many of them rejoining the Taliban shortly afterwards. In addition, there are concerns about the treatment that prisoners receive under the Afghan prison system - with widespread reports of abuse and torture. The prison transfer had become an "issue of national pride" to Karzai and has been a major focus of negotiations for some weeks. Read more in "U.S. and Afghans Reach Deal on Bagram Prison Transfer", The New York Times, March 23, 2013.

Insider Attacks Affect Afghan Security Forces As Well

Insider attacks were a common occurrence last year (2012) in Afghanistan and garnered a lot of attention from military and government officials among the ISAF troop contributing nations (TCNs). There have been some attacks against ISAF in the early part of 2013 (most recent were in Jalrez district). However, it is sometimes not noted in the media that the Afghan security forces also experience insider attacks. The most recent one was by a member of the ALP in Badghis province. Read more in "Afghan Local Police Member Kills 5 Colleagues", Time.com, March 22, 2013.

Law Enforcement Professionals (LEPs) Aid Afghans

Law Enforcement Professionals or LEPs have been operating in Afghanistan for a long time. Their role has been critical - as conventional infantry units are not always well-versed in some of the aspects of counterinsurgency (such as working with the local police) as is required. The LEPs provide the expertise to ensure that evidence-based operations are conducted so that warrants can be issued and evidence collected that results in insurgents being properly targeted and prosecuted. Read more in "Law enforcement professionals aid in Afghan evidence-based operations", DVIDS, March 20, 2013.

SFAAT Phalanx Advises 4th CSK on Soldier Skills

The vast majority of the activities U.S. forces are now conducting in Afghanistan is in support of the Security Force Assistance (SFA) mission. The primary unit conducting SFA is the Security Force Assistance Advisory Team or SFAAT. One such team - SFAAT Phalanx - is advising the 4th Combat Support Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 201st Corps at Combat Outpost Fortress, Kunar province in RC East. The SFAAT is conducting training and providing advise and assistance in a number of areas to include basic Soldier skills, logistics, and operations. Read more about SFAAT Phalanx in "Afghan soldiers succeed with training", Regional Command East, March 23, 2013. Read more news about SFAATs in Afghanistan.

2nd Cavalry Regiment Trains with RQ-11 Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at JMRC

RQ-11 Raven UAV
(photo SPC Josh Edwards)

2nd Cavalry Regiment is currently training in a Mission Readiness Exercise (MRE) at JMRC in Hoehenfels, Germany in preparation for a deployment to Afghanistan. Part of this training encompasses proficiency with unique pieces of equipment. One of these unique pieces of equipment is the RQ-11 Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV. UAV's are also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Systems or UASs. In the civilian world and in some military circles as well, UAVs are referred to as drones. The Raven assists in surveillance activities providing information about what is happening on the battlefield. The Raven is particularly useful for small Military Advisor Teams or MATs (sometimes referred to as SFAATs). Learn more about 2CR's training with the RQ-11 Raven UAV (or UAS, or drone, or . . . ) in "2CR Troops use Raven to patrol skies", DVIDS, March 18, 2013.

2nd Cavalry Regiment Prepares for SFAAT Mission at JMRC, Hohenfels, Germany

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, based in Germany, is currently at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany training up for its Security Force Assistance mission in Afghanistan. The SFA mission will require the 2CR to train, advise, and assist Afghan national security forces - units of the Army and police. The regiment has task organized itself so that it can support a number of small Security Force Assistance Advisor Teams or SFAATs. These advisor teams - Military Advisor Teams (MATs) if advising the Afghan National Army (ANA) or Police Advisor Teams (PATs) if advising the Afghan National Police (ANP) - are to advise and assist the Afghans with intelligence, operations, logistics, communications, personnel, medical, and fires. Read more about the 2CR SFAATs in "Germany-based US troops to advise and assist Afghans through 2014", DVIDS, March 18, 2013.

District Stability Operations (DSO) In Afghanistan

The concept of Village Stability Operations or VSO has been around for a year or two. VSO is a very successful program run by the Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan (SOJTF-A) - with the lead agency being the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A). VSO integrates the parallel and complimentary efforts of security, development, and governance to further the reach of the Afghan government and security organizations at the district level. The implementation involves committing a special operations team (SFODA, MARSOC, or SEAL) against a village to first establish security (primarily through the ALP) and then governance and development.

To assist the ODA (or Marines or Seals) SOJTF-A usually assigns one or two individuals to work as a District Augmentation Team (DAT) or Provincial Augmentation Team (PAT) to help coordinate and facilitate the governance and development lines of operations. The DAT or PAT works within the framework of the district or province headquarters coordinating with Afghan governmental, ministry, and security officials as well as other enablers present such as the State Department, DEA, NGOs, and others.

One Special Forces Warrant Officer presents the case that Special Forces should transition from Village Stability Operations (VSO) to District Stability Operations (DSO). His suggests that in certain regions of Afghanistan (RC East) DSO would be more effective. Read his online article in "VSO versus DSO", Small Wars Journal, March 19, 2013.

Progress in Kandahar Province

An article posted on the Brookings website wrote by Michael O'Hanlon and Michele Flournoy paints a positive picture of the military situation in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. They cite a decrease in violence, an Afghan army and police assuming more of the security role, the diminishing of the criminal patronage network of Karzai's brother (now deceased), a bustling economy, and other factors. Read their article in "Kandahar and Hope", Brookings, March 21, 2013.

Agreement May be Reached on Bagram Detention Transfer Soon

The disagreement between Karzai and ISAF over the Bagram detention facility continues although there are hints that it may be resolved soon. The stumbling block appears to be a small group of hard-core Taliban fighters. The US wants assurances from Karzai that they will not be released. Karzai isn't making any promises on that point - therefore the delay in the detention facility transfer. Read more in "US, Afghan detainee deal done by next week, says ISAF", The Hill Blog, March 20, 2013.

Afghan Special Forces at Work in Panjwai District

The Afghan Army Special Forces are deeply involved in the progress being made in Panjwai district, Kandahar province. Panjwai has recently been an area where local uprisings against the Taliban have occurred. The ANASF are ideally suited to capitalize on this event and are working many lines of effort to solidify the gains made - not only in security but also in development and governance. Read about some of the benefits the ANASF bring to the community in "Afghan National Army special forces, villagers complete well project", DVIDS, March 22, 2013.

4th Infantry 10th Mountain SFAAT Advises Afghan Counterparts

More and more SFABs and their SFAATs are deploying to Afghanistan. One of the latest SFABs is 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Division. Read more in "SFAAT Assist Counterparts", DVIDS, March 21, 2013.

ISAF Manages (and spins) Wardak Situation Successfully

It would appear that ISAF has successfully managed its way out of the Wardak mess. Karzai had ordered all Special Forces out of the province as a result of claims by Afghans living in Wardak that the Special Forces teams and/or their advised units were abusing the local population. It seems that the alleged transgressions (ISAF denies any wrongdoing on the part of the SF teams) are narrowed to the Nerkh district (see similar reports under the Wardak label). As a result of weeks long negotiations the SF team in Nerkh district will soon depart that location and be replaced by an ANSF unit (hopefully an Afghan Special Forces detachment). The other SF teams in Wardak will slowly transition out in accordance with an agreed upon security transition plan with ANSF officials.

To be sure, there has been lots of behind the scenes maneuvering. Many tie this Wardak situation to Karzai wanting the Bagram detention center situation resolved in his favor (so he attacks on one front to gain ground on another). Other considerations include Karzai positioning himself as an Afghan nationalist standing up to the occupying western forces, the political parties that are gaining strength in Wardak and looking towards parliamentary and presidential elections, and the inroads that the Taliban have made in Wardak through its information operations campaign (and terror tactics).

Despite all of this the messaging coming out of ISAF seems to be coherent and upbeat - according to LTG Nick Carter of USAF the situation in Wardak will be an interesting look ahead to how transition takes place in other troubled provinces of Afghanistan in the future (smooth!). See "Wardak Could Be Early Test of Transition Success", Official Says", American Forces Press Service, March 20, 2013.

Karzai Continues his Anti-Western Rhetoric

President Karzai continues his inflammatory remarks directed against the United States and its other allies. In his latest volley he questions why NATO is still in Afghanistan. One would think that the reason would be abundantly clear to Karzai but it seems the reasoning eludes him. Read more of Karzai's latest remarks in "Afghan government hits back at NATO chief, says war aimless", Reuters, March 19, 2013.

2-227th Lobos At JRTC to Train for Afghanistan; Will Soon Support 4/10 Mtn SFAATs

Photo by SGT Christopher Calvert

The many Security Force Assistance Advisory and Assistance Teams (SFAATs) operating throughout Afghanistan require support from a host of units and organizations. Aviation support is critical; especially rotary wing. There are lots of different types of aviation support to include MEDEVAC, air movement, personnel rescue, and fires support. 2-227th "Lobos" will soon be in Afghanistan supporting 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Division SFAATs. 4th 10th is a Security Force Assistance Brigade or SFAB and its mission is supporting and enabling small 9, 12, and 18 man SFAATs. Read more on this topic in "2-227th Lobos depart for JRTC", DVIDS, March 18, 2013.

ISAF and Afghans Reach Agreement on Wardak

ISAF has released a news bulletin on the results of a meeting between General Dunford and President Karzai on March 20th. Essentially it says that security in Wardak will transition to the Afghans, that Special Forces teams will be withdrawn (starting with the one at Nerhk), and that ANSF will move into Nerhk district to assume security. You can read the entire text at the link below:

www.dvidshub.net/news/103772/isaf-and-afghan-government-reach-agreement-wardak

NATO Says Progress Being Made in Afghanistan

The NATO Secretary General, Anders Rasmussen, says that progress is being made in Afghanistan despite periodic setbacks. He says that ISAF has shifted to a train, advise, and assist role with the Afghans doing the brunt of the fighting. Read more in "NATO Secretary General Discusses Progress in Afghanistan", American Forces Press Service, March 18, 2013.

Agreement Reached with Karzai - Special Forces to Depart Nerkh District, Wardak Province

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Karzi government have completed negotiations over the ordered departure by Karzai of Special Forces from Wardak Province, Afghanistan. It seems there will be a phased withdrawal of Special Forces from the province. According to recent news reports the first SF team to depart will be the one stationed in Nerkh district. The SF operational detachment or SFODA has been working in a Village Stability Operations (VSO) mission; part of which is training and working with the Afghan Local Police (ALP). Some members of the Nerkh ALP were once members of the now defunct Afghan Public Protection Program or APPP (read more on APPP).

Nerkh district, Wardak province



Other Special Forces detachments will remain in Wardak according to some news sources. It is likely that the U.S. SFODA in Nerkh district will be replaced with an Afghan National Army Special Forces (ANASF) detachment. The ANASF detachments mirror the mission of the U.S. SFODA's - with less capability and training. The ANASF does have the advantage of language and cultural expertise. To read more about the Special Forces team departure from Nerkh district read "U.S., Afghans make deal on Wardak troop pullout", Army Times, March 20, 2013.

The IMU Targeted by ISAF in Northern Afghanistan

Map of Uzbekistan

As ISAF goes through its withdrawal process in northern Afghanistan its ability to affect the battlefield is being restricted more and more. Germany, the major player for ISAF in the north, is slowly withdrawing as well. However, the insurgents still have a presence. That includes the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan or IMU. The IMU is linked with al Qaeda and has been a persistent thorn in the side of ISAF for a number of years. Lately, ISAF has been paying more attention to the IMU. Read more on the topic in "ISAF targets IMU suicide bombing network following deadly attack", The Long War Journal, March 18, 2013. Read more news reports about the IMU.

Russia Concerned about Afghanistan's Future

Russia has a high stake in how the Afghanistan war turns out. There is a large Muslim population in the Central Asian nations (the 'stans) and within Russia's own borders. If Afghanistan falls to the Taliban after the 2014 withdrawal of ISAF then this Muslim population in Russia and adjacent Central Asian countries could possibly come under the influence of Taliban-supported radical groups.

In many ways, although Russia has been at odds with the United States on a number of issues, Russia has supported the United States occupation of Afghanistan. This includes use of its ports for shipping equipment and supplies, assisting the U.S. in basing rights in Central Asian states like Uzbekistan, and allowing the transit of cargo overland through the Volga region. This relieves the pressure of having to deal exclusively with Pakistan for the movement of supplies and equipment in and out of Afghanistan.

Read more about Russia's concern on the outcome of the Afghan conflict in "The Russian Stake in Afghanistan - Analysis", Eurasia Review, March 9, 2013.

Report - Afghanistan in Transition by World Bank (March 2013)

The World Bank has published a comprehensive document entitled "Afghanistan in Transition". The book explores the ramifications of the withdrawal of ISAF by 2014 on the economic and development fabric of Afghanistan. This book explores the relationship "between conflict, aid and development and how international responses to post-conflict state building and reconstruction may both help and hinder a countries transition out of conflict towards a more stable future". The book is available in print copy or downloaded as a PDF document at the links below.

Afghanistan in Transition
World Bank
March 2013

The book is available for purchase in print copy at the World Bank.
http://elibrary.worldbank.org/content/book/9780821398616

Or you can download the book as a Adobe Acrobat PDF file at ReliefWeb.org
http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/758480PUB0EPI0001300PUBDATE02028013.pdf

Video - Hawaiian Advisory Team Helps Afghan Police in Counter-IED Techniques

A video has been released by DVIDS which features a SFAAT from the Hawaiian National Guard deployed in Afghanistan assisting the ANP in counter-IED training. The advisory team was assisting the Qalat Reserve Kandak of Zabul province. View the video, produced March 16, 2013, here.

SFAT Trains the Trainer in Spin Boldac

SFAT 20 trains AUP on "train the trainer"
activities (photo 2LT Jennifer Frazer)

Security Force Assistance (SFA) has become one of the prime engines of transition - where Afghan police and army units are in the lead for security. One of the main aspects of SFA is the deployment of SFAATs - or Security Force Assistance Advisor Teams to align with Afghan police and army units and advise and assist with all aspects of operations. This includes getting the Afghans to the point where they are doing their own training. SFAATs are helping in this regard through "train the trainer" programs. Read of one such program taking place in Spin Boldac, Kandahar where SFAT 20 (RC South calls their SFAATs by the old term of SFATs) provides instruction to the Afghan Uniformed Police on developing training calendars and teaching classes. See "Train the trainer", DVIDS, March 16, 2013.

Video - ALP Aids in Development and Stability in Baraki Barak

The Afghan Local Police (ALP) have provided a measure of stability and security in Baraki Barak district of Logar province, Afghanistan. With this increased security Afghan government officials have been able to introduce development and agricultural programs to help the residents of the district improve their lives through agricultural assistance programs. See the video here:

"Security Increases Lead to Development Initiatives in Baraki Barak"
CJSOTF-A DVIDS, March 16, 2013
www.dvidshub.net/video/284221/security-increases-lead-development-initiatives-baraki-barak

Anti-Taliban Uprising in Panjwai District (Kandahar)

A recent news report by Fox News provides details on an anti-Taliban local uprising of villagers in Panjwai district, Kandahar province. The district of Panjwai, along with other adjacent districts, has been a refuge and staging area for the Taliban insurgents for a number of years. This district is also the area where the Panjwai massacre of 17 civilians took place by a U.S. Army Soldier in the spring of 2012. In recent years there have been a number of local uprisings by villages against the Taliban but not as many as had been hoped for by ISAF. Some of these uprisings are supported by the Afghan government while others are not. Many observers feel that the local uprisings should be quickly supported by the Afghan government and ISAF with the formation of Afghan Local Police, and supplies of weapons, uniforms, and money. However some local uprisings are not necessarily favorably inclined toward the corrupt Afghan government. In addition, the Afghan government is more interested in the political landscape of a district rather than in its security. The Afghan government (that would be Karzai and his political appointees found in the provincial and district leadership) are more concerned with the interwoven issues of political patronage, criminal activity, corruption, and warlords being taken into account; and give secondary consideration to the security, governance, and development needs of the local population.

Panjwai District ALP Increasing in Strength

The Afghan Local Police (ALP) is growing in Panjwai district, Kandahar province. A recent graduation ceremony was held in Belambai Village in February celebrating the recent graduation of ALP members from a three-week long training course. Read more here about the new ALP members.

Rural Afghanistan: Where Bribes are the Cost for Public Services

Afghan society is one of the most corrupt in the world. Corruption in Afghanistan is found at all levels of society and government. No sector is untouched by corruption. Corruption is also prevalent in the rural areas of Afghanistan. Counterinsurgency experts will tell you that without the support of the population a government will be hard pressed to win against an insurgency. In a nation like Afghanistan, a country fighting insurgents, it is particularly important that government civil servants appear legitimate and provide services. When these government services are rendered only to those who can afford a bribe to obtain them then support for the local and central government erodes considerably. This lack of support for the government, in part caused by rampart corruption at the district and provincial level, makes it extremely unlikely that the central government will enjoy any large measure of support in rural Afghanistan. Thus ensuring that the insurgency survives over the long-term. Read more on this topic in "Addressing an Ignored Imperative: Rural Corruption in Afghanistan", by T.S. Allen in Small Wars Journal, February 19, 2013.

Karzai and U.S. in Dispute Over High-Risk Prisoners

President Karzai and the United States are in a serious dispute over the fate of some three dozen prisoners held by the U.S. in Afghanistan. The prisoners pose a considerable risk to the United States and to the military effort in Afghanistan. The fear of the U.S. is that Karzai will gain control over the prisoners and then release them in order to appease Taliban officials. Karzai is linking the prisoner dispute to other matters of concern that are currently being negotiated with the Afghans - such as the status of forces agreement and long-term security agreement post-2014. Learn more in "Dispute over high-risk prisoners threatens to disrupt U.S.-Afghan talks", The Washington Post, March 14, 2013.

Concerns Mount about Special Forces Withdrawal From Wardak

Concerns are mounting among Afghan members of Parliament and military leaders about Karzai's recent order for the removal of U.S. Special Forces from Wardak province. Many feel that the SF teams departure will leave a vacuum that the Taliban can exploit. There are senior officers in the ANA who feel that their forces are not quite ready yet to take on the Taliban in the province without the capabilities that the Special Forces advisers and their respective Afghan special operations forces (ALP, commandos, PRC, and ANASF) provide. Wardak province is adjacent to Kabul - the capital of Afghanistan. Read more in "Analysis: Afghan security vacuum feared along "gateway to Kabul", Reuters, March 13, 2013.

Photos of 4 BCT 1AD SFAATs

SFAAT team member providing medical training to AUP
at district center near COP McClain, Logar province (2012)

A video of photos of Security Force Assistance Advisor Teams (SFAATs) from 4th Brigade 1 Armor Division during their deployment to Afghanistan.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_au7Za5HidE

2nd Cavalry Regiment at Hohenfels, Germany

2nd ACR training at JMRC March 2013
prior to deployment to Afghanistan
 as SFAB (photo by SSG Ruth Harvie)

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment is currently at Hohenfels, Germany undergoing a mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC). The training will help ramp up the Stryker Brigade for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan as a Security Force Assistance Brigade or SFAB. The 2nd ACR is home-based in Vilseck, Germany. Read more in "Final Afghanistan-bound Stryker Brigade Trains for Deployment", American Forces Press Service, March 13, 2013.

New Silk Road - Comments by DoS Asst Secretary

The Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the Department of State recently addressed the Turkic American Convention in Washington, DC (on March 13, 2013). He spoke at length about the New Silk Road initiative taking place in Central Asia. In his remarks he indicated that the New Silk Road project will do a lot to improve the economy of the region as well as benefit Afghanistan.

Nintendo Medal on Hold (Distinguished Warfare Medal)

The newly minted Distinguished Warfare Medal - known affectionately by its critics as the "Nintendo Medal" - has come under scrutiny by the new Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. The medal is meant to recognize those that contribute to the war effort in a significant way but who did not serve in the combat zone. Critics say that it should not be ranked in precedence above the Bronze Star - which is only presented to those who serve in combat. Hagel, who was wounded in Vietnam twice, most likely is going to give this a thorough review. Read more in "Hagel to order review of drone medal precedence", Military Times, March 12, 2013.

Afghan Security Forces in RC South Improving Says U.S. General

Army MG Robert Abrams says the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in Regional Command South are steadily improving. He says the ISAF forces conducting Security Force Assistance have been helping the ANSF in the critical areas of counter IED, intelligence, air operations, fires, police work, medical support, and logistical sustainment. Read more in "U.S. Commander Praises Afghan Forces' Progress", American Forces Press Service, March 13, 2013.

U.S. Drawdown Proceeds as Afghan Forces Become More Competent

The Regional South Commander, MG Abrams, recently stated that U.S. troop levels in the south are going down as the ISAF forces move from joint operations with the Afghan National Security Forces to an advise and assist role (SFA). Read more in "U.S. Troops Advise Afghan Forces as Drawdown Proceeds", American Forces Press Service, March 13, 2013.

Uzbekistan to be Confronted by IMU after 2014

Many Central Asian observers fear that the 'stans - in particular Uzbekistan - will be at risk after the U.S. and other Western nations pull out completely in Afghanistan. The general consensus is that the Taliban will still control significant areas in eastern and southern Afghanistan. The insurgent sanctuaries offered by Pakistan will still exist. Insurgent groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan or IMU will grow stronger and resume their insurgent fight in Uzbekistan. Read more on this topic in "After the Afghan Pullout, the Dangers for Central Asia", Radio Free Europe, February 17, 2013.

Jalrez District Wardak Province Insider Attack Attack Update - Fatalities Identified

More details have emerged on the recent insider attack by a suspected member of the Afghan Local Police that killed two U.S. servicemen and several members of the Afghan National Security Force in Jalrez district, Wardak province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense has released names of the two U.S. fatalities in the attack - CPT Andrew Pedersen-Keel and SSG Rex Schad. See "DoD Identifies Army Casualties", DoD News, March 13, 2013. USASOC has also released a press release on the death of CPT Pedersen-Keel - a Special Forces detachment commander. In a separate press release the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A) stated that Afghan National Army Special Operations Command (ANASOC) dispatched elements of the 6th Special Operations Kandak (SOK) to the Jalrez district immediately after the incident to help secure the district.

COMISAF Issues Threat Advisory In Light of Karzai Verbal Attacks on the United States

A cautionary advisory has been issued to troops in Afghanistan by the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) because of recent anti-U.S. statements by President Karzai. Karzai has been coming out in recent weeks with several inflammatory statements and orders concerning the presence and operations of ISAF troops in Afghanistan. the ISAF commander is clearly concerned that there will be acts of violence (possibly insider attacks) against members of ISAF as a result of the Karzai remarks. Read more in "U.S. General Puts Troops on Security Alert After Karzai Remarks", The New York Times, March 13, 2013.

Blowback Against Karzai for Anti-U.S. Remarks

President Karzai is experiencing some push-back due to recent anti-U.S. remarks he has made in the past few weeks. Lawmakers on capital hill have spoke out against him as well as leading politicians in Afghanistan.

ANA Improves on Their Skills with Artillery Employment

The Afghan National Army (ANA) is slowly improving in their ability to employ their organic artillery (D-30 howitzer). This steady improvement can be seen in 1st Brigade 201st ANA Corps in the North of Kabul (NoK) region of Regional Command East. The process of fielding the 122-mm D-30 howitzers started very late considering the U.S. involvement in the Afghan war has been going on for the last decade; however within the last year much progress has been made. The ANA brigades are slowly coming up to speed on their ability to fire the artillery and are now integrating artillery fires plans into their overall operations. Members of 4th Brigade Combat Team 1st Cavalry Division (based at FOB Gamberi) have been mentoring the Afghans in artillery employment for the last several months. 4-1 CD deployed several months ago as a Security Force Assistance Brigade or SFAB. Read more in a news release by 4/1 CD public affairs entitled "ANA shoots to sustainable success", DVIDS, March 12, 2013.

Instability in Maidan Wardak

The status of the Special Forces teams deployed in Wardak Province is still up in the air. The deadline that Karzai ordered for the teams removal (Monday, 11 March) has passed and they are still there. ISAF is hoping to reverse Karzai's inane decision with a revised "security transition plan" for Wardak province which will allow the SF teams to stay a little longer. The situation is further complicated by the recent insider attack in Jalrez district (in Wardak province) where two U.S. Soldiers were killed by a member of the Afghan Local Police (apparently).

Karzai is responding to reports that U.S. Special Forces and the Afghan units they are advising are conducting atrocities and harassing the local population. Subsequent investigations by the Afghan police, military, and ISAF have found no evidence of this happening. What is probably more to the truth is that a very effective information operations campaign by the Taliban have prompted the local population to mobilize against the ISAF special operations forces units. See "Fear and loathing in Afghanistan", The Independent, March 12, 2013 for more on unrest in the province.

Karzai has reacted to this unrest in the province, probably not because the allegations are true, but most likely in a political move to position himself as challenging ISAF and the western nations that have kept him in power for the last ten years in an effort to be seen as independent of the west. See "Karzai Bets on Vilifying U.S. to Shed His Image as a Lackey", The New York Times, March 12, 2013.

ALP Provides Increased Security to Baraki Barak District

The formation of an Afghan Local Police or ALP element in Baraki Barak district (Logar province) has increased security in the surrounding area allowing government programs to take place which will provide increased development and governance. The ALP are advised by U.S. Special Forces mentors as well as a team from the Afghan National Army Special Forces or ANASF. Read a recent news release from the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A) on how the increased security brought to the district by the ALP have helped workers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL) provide vocational training on growing apples in the orchards of Baraki Barak district. See "Increases in security lead to development programs in Baraki Barak district", DVIDS, March 12, 2013.

Afghan Women Stilling Fighting for Rights

The plight of Afghan women has improved considerably in the past decade as a result of Western intervention, demise of the Taliban (at least in many parts of the country), an increase in medical clinics, more schools open for girls, and some segments of Afghan society becoming more protective of women. However there is much work that needs to be done. There is a great fear that the hard-won advances will slip away once the Afghan government starts peace talks in earnest with the Taliban. One stumbling block in providing additional protection to Afghan women is the difficulty in reconciling laws enacted by the Afghan parliament with Sharia law. The Afghan constitution says that all laws have to comply with Sharia or Islamic law. This has caused immense problems for supporters of women in passing laws that would protect women. For instance, there is wide support to pass a law stating that women cannot be forced to marry younger than age 16 yet this conflicts with Sharia law that says a father can give his daughter away in marriage at any age. Read more about the conflicts between any proposed Afghan parliamentary laws and Sharia law in "The Afghan Battle Over a Law to Protect Women", National Public Radio, February 20, 2013.

Insider Attack at Special Forces Camp in Jalrez District Wardak Province

Two U.S. Soldiers were killed and a number of other U.S. Soldiers wounded during a green-on-blue attack by a member of the Afghan Local Police at a Special Forces camp located in Jalrez district, Wardak province, Afghanistan. The camp held a Special Forces operational detachment and additional U.S. Soldiers augmenting the SF team. Their mission was to conduct a Village Stability Operations (VSO) mission. The primary aim of VSO is the establishment of governance, development and security at the district level. Part of the security line of operations is the formation and training of a contingent of the Afghan Local Police or ALP. Apparently, it was a member of the ALP who turned on his U.S. counterparts. Also killed in the exchange of fire were some Afghan policemen with several more Afghan police wounded as well.

The attack follows several inflamatory actions and statements by Afghan President Karzai. In the past week he has accused Special Forces units of conducting atrocities in Wardak province. Both the Afghan police and military as well as ISAF have conducted investigations into these allegations and found Karzai to be incorrect. In addition, Karzai stated just a few days ago that the United States and the Taliban were conspiring together to de-stabilize Afghanistan. These perplexing statements by Karzai has confused many observers and angered leading military and political leaders of the United States. One becomes less confused when you factor in that Karzai is playing to the moderate elements of the Taliban in the realization that he will be dealing with them at the negotiating table in the next few years. So he is positioning himself as one who took a hard line against the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan.

Some Afghan Army Units Provide Hope for the Future

Commandos from 3rd Company, 7th Special Forces Kandak listen
to OPORD briefing in Washer district, Helmand province.
(photo by SGT Ben Tuck)

If there is a glimmer of hope associated with the performance of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) as ISAF withdraws from Afghanistan it resides in the highly-trained Afghan Special Operations forces. Among these forces the two formations that stand out the most are the Afghan National Army Special Forces (ANASF) and the Afghan Army Commandos. Both Afghan units have been formed, trained, and advised by the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A) headquartered at Bagram Air Field and with special operations teams of SEALs, Special Forces, and Marines scattered at COPs and FOBs throughout Afghanistan.

Karzai: Afghanistan's Erratic and Irrational Leader

Many of President Karzai's statements about the United States and ISAF have been highly questioned. The most recent bombshell was his charge that the United States and the Taliban were colluding to keep Afghanistan in a state of de-stabilization. This would provide an excuse for ISAF to remain in the country beyond 2014 as occupiers. Some of his more recent actions include ordering the removal of special operations Soldiers from Wardak province, forbidding his Army and police to call in ISAF close air support (CAS), and demanding the turnover of the Bagram detention center. All of these recent demands are counterproductive to helping the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) take over the lead in security operations. The ANSF continues to need ISAF air support (although their artillery is becoming more proficient), it's specialized units and the ALP need their SOF advisers, and the Afghan prison system is notorious for instances of abuse, torture, and the release of hardened Taliban fighters through corruption.

The new ISAF commander is in a difficult position. He needs to navigate the political minefield strewn about by Karzai very carefully. On one hand he needs to recognize the sovereignty of Afghanistan and on the other provide the military advise and assistance and conduct the military operations to keep the Taliban at bay until the ANSF is ready to take over 100% of the lead in security operations.

General Dunford has provided some insight into the perplexing Karzai problem in a recent news release by the U.S. Department of Defense. He cites the ongoing negotiations with the Afghans about the turnover of the detention facility in Parwan and the transition of security operations in Wardak to the Afghans that are taking place at the ministerial level. He states that ISAF relations are good with the Afghan Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Ministry of Defense (MoD).

Dunford has concerns about the Taliban information operations campaign - and indicates that ISAF has not done well in fighting the perception that the Western nations are occupiers in Afghanistan for the long-term and that ISAF is abandoning Afghanistan with it's withdrawal (two conflicting views but widely held). Dunford believes that there is a psychological aspect to the transition that has affected some of the Afghan leadership. You can read more of his comments on this topic in "Dunford: Uncertainty Poses Greatest Risk to Transition", American Forces Press Service, March 11, 2013.

It may be that the "uncertainty" cited by General Dunford is causing a "messaging problem" with the Afghan leader. However, a more likely story is that the irrational and erratic Karzai is conducting "appeasement operations" in hopes that the Taliban who do come to the negotiation table in the next few years will look favorably upon his hostile pronouncements against the Western allies. Other Afghan leaders have swung at the end of a rope from a Kabul lamp post after their foreign backers left and Karzai may not want that same fate.

Karzai Restricts Foreign Airstrikes

President Karzai will soon issue a decree forbidding Afghan National Army (ANA) forces from asking for air strikes or close air support from ISAF. This decree comes on the heels of an airstrike recently conducted in Shigal district, Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan where it is reported several civilians were killed. The restriction on use of foreign air strikes will limit the amount of support Afghan infantry will be provided during pitched battles with insurgents. The ANA will need to rely even more heavily on its newly developed and still learning Afghan artillery units. Read more in "Karzai to Forbid Afghan Forces From Requesting Foreign Airstrikes", The New York Times, February 16, 2013.

Two More U.S. Soldiers Killed in Insider Attack at Special Forces Base in Jalrayz district, Wardak Province

Map showing location of Wardak

Two Soldiers were reported killed in an apparent insider attack by members of the Afghan Local Police (ALP) at a Special Forces base in Jalrayz district, Wardak province, Afghanistan. ISAF has released a very short official statement on the attack. Initial reports indicate that a number of other U.S. Soldiers were wounded. There were Afghan police killed and wounded in the attack. The attack comes just a few days after President Karzai has demanded the removal of U.S. Special Forces from Wardak province because of alleged atrocities committed by the SF teams and the Afghans they work with. The allegations by Karzai are unfounded and have been refuted by ISAF based on Afghan and ISAF investigations that have turned up no evidence that the alleged actions took place. The attackers were killed by other U.S. Soldiers who responded to the attack. Very little additional details on the green-on-blue attack are known at this time.

Female Engagement Team in Afghanistan

A FET team member speaks with school children
in a village in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
(photo SSG Kristen Duus)

Female Engagement Teams or FETs have been in use in Afghanistan for a couple of years now. Fifty per cent of the Afghan population is female but cultural restrictions make it almost impossible for military men to talk to them - which limits the amount of information one can gather from the Afghan public. The FETs provide an opportunity for the military to engage with the women of Afghanistan - whether it be to gather information or atmospherics, provide medical care, promote economic activities to benefit women, or to conduct searches of Afghan women for security purposes. Learn more about the FETs in an online news report entitled "Life on COP Jannat: through a FET's eyes", DVIDS, March 2, 2013.

www.dvidshub.net/news/102809/life-cop-jannat-through-fets-eyes

Afghan Air Force - 379th Rotary Wing Squadron Now Operational

The Afghan Air Force is finally getting there - sort of. Plagued with a late start, incompetence, corruption, poor leadership, drug smuggling scandals, barely literate airmen, use of aircraft to move opium and VIPs instead of wounded Soldiers and much needed supplies, failed aircraft maintenance programs - the Afghan Air Force has been the laughing stock of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). So it is good to see some good news once in a while that showcases the Afghan air capability. In this case it is the Afghan Air Force's 379th Rotary Wing Squadron. It is working on operations with the Afghan Army Commandos. Read more in "Afghan air force conducts air assault with Afghan special ops", USAF, March 7, 2013.

CIVCAS Incidents Down in Afghanistan according to UN

According to a United Nations report civilian casualties (CIVCAS) have declined for the first time in six years in Afghanistan. Many reasons were cited for the decline in civilians killed to include less kinetic actions, more Afghan troops doing the fighting, and intense efforts by ISAF to lower the number of civilian casualties. 81 per cent of the civilian casualties were caused by the Taliban. Read more in "U.N. Report Shows Fewer Killings of Afghan Civilians, Suggesting Shift in War", The New York Times, February 19, 2013.

The Life of an SFAAT in Afghanistan

A recent online post by RC East provides a glimpse at the life of an SFAAT. An SFAAT is a Security Force Assistance Advisory Team deployed to Afghanistan to advise and assist an Afghan police or army unit. The article is provided by a member of the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 10th Mountain Division at Forward Operating Base Sharana in Paktika province. View the article in "The life of an SFAAT", Regional Command East, March 10, 2013.

Karzai Slams U.S. - Says U.S. and Taliban are Conspiring

Karzai has once again come out with strong statements against the United States. This time he says that the Taliban and the United States are conspiring to keep Afghanistan in a state of turmoil. As silly as that sounds there are those out there that try to explain Karzai's outlandish behavior. For instance, The New York Times has a news article that says Karzai is offended and embarrassed by the stalled turnover of the Bagram detention facility in Parwan province and the U.S. insistence that special operations forces continue to operate in Afghanistan post-2014. The Times also points out that Karzai sees the Taliban as a real player post-2014 long after ISAF pulls out - so he has to say the right things to appease them. Read more in "Afghan Leader Says U.S. Abets Taliban's Goal", The New York Times, March 11, 2013.

Success Against Afghan Corruption - Once in a While a Small Success

Every once in a while we stumble across a good news story about defeating corruption in Afghanistan. Here is one that gives us a warm glow - if only for a little while. A National Guard Soldier (and his boss) from Iowa (got there in August 2012) uncovered a fuel corruption scheme in Mazar-I-Sharif that was making some Afghan officials rich and depriving the Army of needed fuel to conduct operations against the enemy. Read more of the story here in "Local National Guard Soldier Helps Uncover Corruption in Afghanistan", Oskaloosa News, February 18, 2013.

Bamyan Province is Safe Yet Vulnerable

Ruins in Bamyan province, Afghanistan
photo by SGT Christopher Bonebrake

The New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) mission will soon come to an end in Bamyan province, Afghanistan. While the province enjoys relative peace and safety when compared to other provinces in Afghanistan there is still cause for concern about the future. The province is poor and isolated in high mountains and although not far in miles from Kabul it seems to be remote in terms of services, aid, and in the number of Afghan security forces that are deployed there. Read more in "Bamyan: A province in the eye of a storm", DVIDS, March 8, 2013.

Romania and the New Silk Road

Romania, as a troop-contributing-nation of ISAF, has been a staunch ally of the United States in the Afghan conflict. Currently Romania has special operations forces and Military Advisor Teams (SFAATs) deployed in Afghanistan. Along with the fight in Afghanistan, Romania is also involved in the larger stabilization effort of the greater Central Asia region (which indirectly will benefit Afghanistan). Notable among these efforts is Romania's involvement with the New Silk Road. See more on this topic in "The New Silk Road - The Role of a U.S. Strategic Partner: Romania", George Marshall Fund, March 4, 2013.

Hagel Comments on Special Forces Removal from Wardak Province

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says that there is hope the U.S. and Afghanistan (that would be Karzai) will come to an agreement to keep U.S. Special Forces teams in Wardak province. A few weeks back President Karzai accused the SF teams of atrocities and ordered them out of Wardak province by Monday, March 11, 2013. Naturally there was no proof or evidence presented by the Afghans to prove this and subsequent ISAF investigations found there to be no such acts committed by the Special Forces Soldiers. This is just Karzai being Karzai, showing who is boss to the new COMISAF, playing domestic politics, and appeasing the moderate insurgents who will soon be at the negotiating table in the months to come. The U.S. and ISAF have worked at the highest levels (COMISAF and others) to get the order rescinded or revised. Read more in "Hagel optimistic on Afghan commando agreement", Army Times, March 9, 2013.

Base Closures in Afghanistan Continue as Withdrawal Proceeds toward 2014 - FOB Altimur Latest to Close

Bulldozer leveling FOB Altimur,
Logar province in early Jan 2013
as part of base closures in Afghanistan.
(photo SSG John Cockrell)

The closing of Combat Outposts (COPs) and Forward Operations Bases (FOBs) continue throughout Afghanistan. As the ISAF and U.S. troops withdraw, consolidate onto larger bases and go home many of the smaller COPs and FOBs are being vacated. In some instances they are being dismantled completely and in other instances part or all of the base is turned over to the Afghans. One of the latest to close is FOB Altimur located in the south of Logar province. FOB Altimur at various times in the last several years was home to either battalions or companies and the occasional SFAAT. Currently, with the closing of the U.S. side of the base, the primary tenant is an ANA kandak. The kandak is responsible for security in southern Logar province with companies located at Baraki Barak, Charkh, and Kherwar districts. Read more about the closing of FOB Altimur in "Afghan army assumes control of formerly joint base", DVIDS, March 9, 2013.

What is the Future of US in Central Asia After Afghanistan?

Some observers of Central Asia are speculating on what the United States commitment to the region will be once the Afghan war concludes (or at least when ISAF departs in 2014). There is concern that the U.S. will leave a gap by forgetting about Central Asia. The U.S. State Department has been promoting its future involvement through the New Silk Road Strategy (NSRS). Some academics and others have been wondering what this really means. Read on article on the topic in "The US in Central Asia: Beyond Afghanistan?", By Dr Stephen Blank, ISN.ethz.ch, March 8, 2013.

Traffic Police and Corruption

A look at how corruption works in the traffic department is indicative of the problem of corruption at large in Afghan society. Corruption takes place in Afghanistan at all levels and comes in all sizes. One reason the government enjoys very little support from the Afghan population is the large-scale corruption found in all government offices. Some Afghans feel a return to Taliban rule would be better than living under the current government. Read more in "To cut Afghan red tape, bribery is the norm", The Washington Post, February 17, 2013.

Capability Set 13 (CS 13) - a Comms Package to Aid SFAATs in Afghan Mission

A new "on-the-move communications" network will deploy with soon-to deploy SFABs (BCTs) to Afghanistan. The comms package, called Capability Set 13 (CS 13) will allow Security Force Assistance Advisory Teams (SFAATs) to stay in contact with adjacent and higher units while staying mobile across the battlefield with their Afghan units they are advising. The first two BCTs to use the comms network will be 3rd and 4th Brigades of the 10th Mountain Division.

Learn more about CS-17 in "First unit readies for Afghanistan with new network", Army.mil, March 7, 2013. Learn more about the Capability Set 13 here: www.bctmod.army.mil/CS13/index.html.

Afghan Govt Stance on Peace Talks

There is a lot of discussion about what the Afghans want to accomplish in the stalled peace talks with the Taliban. This is difficult to ascertain based on conflicting statements and actions by Afghan government officials. One key document does shed light on the Afghan government approach. It is the "Peace Process Roadmap to 2015" released by the High Peace Council in November 2012. The document starts with a vision of what the political environment looks like in 2015, outlines a five-step approach to the peace talks to reach that vision, and provides some principles that need to be followed during the conduct of the peace talks. The insurgency will not be beaten by ISAF prior to its departure in December 2014. There is little hope that the Afghans security forces will be able to beat the Taliban in some of their strongholds in parts of the east and south (Kunar, Nuristan, Helmand, and Nangarhar). So the peace talks with the Taliban are key to resolving the conflict.

Patriot Brigade Prepares for SFAB and SFAAT Mission with Intensive Language Training

Patriot Brigade Soldiers in language training class
preparing for SFAAT mission in Afghanistan
(photo SSG Kulani Lakanaria Feb 2013)

The Patriot Brigade - more formally known as 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division - has been taking great steps in providing language training to selected members of its unit. The brigade will soon deploy to Afghanistan in the role of a Security Force Assistance Brigade or SFAB with the mission of supporting Security Forces Assistance Advisor Teams or SFAATs. In advising and assisting Afghan security forces it is widely recognized that a basic proficiency in language (Dari or Pashto) and knowledge of culture goes a long way to understanding the conflict, interacting with Afghan counterparts, and building rapport with the advised Afghan unit. The intensive language and cultural training is in synch with Security Force Assistance Principle Number 11 - "Do not allow cultural differences to divide us".

With the assistance of the Defense Language Institute (DLI) the brigade has been conducting a 16-week long language training course to prepare its Soldiers for the SFAAT mission. Read more in "Patriot soldiers learn critical language skills", DVIDS, March 6, 2013.

CI Training to Afghans Reduces Insider Threat Incidents

In testimony before the House Armed Services Committee Marine Corps Gen. Mattis said that "green-on-blue" attacks have decreased significantly in 2013 in Afghanistan. The attacks - called "insider attacks" - by ISAF have been reduced because the Afghan security forces have received a lot of training in counterintelligence and have become more vigilant in their efforts to spot disaffected members of the security force and Taliban infiltrators. Read more in "Training Reduces Insider Attacks", Mattis Says", American Forces Press Service, March 6, 2013. Read more news articles on insider threat.

Land, People, and the State in Afghanistan - AREU Feb 2013

The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) has released a new publication that deals with land governance in Afghanistan. The publication is entitled "Land, People, and the State in Afghanistan: 2002-2012". Liz Alden Wily is the author and a brief description of the document is provided in quotes below:

"This case study carefully documents the changes in land relations and land governance since the signing of the Bonn Agreement in December 2001. The decade began and ended with rhetoric against land grabbing. However, it now seems too entrenched, too tacitly supported politically, and too expedient for private wealth creation by elites, to be halted."

You can learn more about this document at the link below:
www.areu.org.af/EditionDetails.aspx?EditionId=622&ContentId=7&ParentId=7

Sequester Won't Affect Afghan Drawdown

The head of the U.S. Transportation Command told Congress that the budget sequester should not have an impact on the withdrawal of personnel and equipment from Afghanistan. His statement would seem to contradict early administration reports that troops in Afghanistan would have their tours lengthened due to sequestration. He did indicate that the budget cuts will have an overall general impact on his command. Read more in "Transcom Chief: Sequester Won't Affect Afghan Drawdown", American Forces Press Service, March 6, 2013.

Uzbekistan Offers Withdrawal Corridor from Afghanistan for ISAF - With a Some Strings Attached

The movement of immense amounts of military supplies, vehicles and equipment from Afghanistan will be time consuming and costly for the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF). Pakistan has been a pain in the rear - at times closing its land routes to the Pakistan seaports for as long a six months at a time. In addition, corruption, labor strikes, high costs, theft, and clogged seaports have hindered the movement of equipment and supplies over the years through Pakistan. Moving vast amounts of heavy equipment by air is costly (and we don't have enough air transport). One way out is through the land routes by truck and rail in central Asia across the 'stans along the Old Silk Road (or is it the New Silk Road?) into Europe and ultimately to seaports along the Baltic, Mediterranean, or Atlantic waters. However, movement through the 'stans has its own host of problems.

Uzbekistan has offered to help solve this difficult problem - with some give and take (or mostly taking on their part). They wouldn't terribly mind if along the way out we dropped off some military equipment such as armored vehicles, helicopters, etc. for Uzbekistan to keep. Read more in "As NATO Prepares for Afghan Withdrawal, Uzbekistan Seeks War's Leftovers", The New York Times, January 31, 2013.

No Evidence of Abuse by SF Teams in Wardak

According to a report by the Los Angeles Times there is no evidence of abuse by Special Forces teams working in Wardak province, Afghanistan. The U.S. has completed its investigations - as have the Afghans. No heads were cut off, five of the nine people reported "disappeared" are actually in an Afghan prison for insurgent activities, the one student who was killed by "someone" had ties to the Taliban and was killed in an inter-insurgent dispute, and the citizen complaints can be traced back to a Taliban information operations (IO) campaign. So the allegations are unfounded.

However, the real problem still remains. That problem is an incompetent President Karzai reacting to an very effective Taliban IO campaign to get Special Forces removed from one of the key provinces defending the roads into Kabul. The SF teams are doing great work with the Afghan forces there to include the ALP, ANASF, Commandos, and PRC.

The order to remove SF from Wardak has not been lifted. It remains to be seen if Karzai can be brought to his senses by his advisers or if ISAF folds under this latest attempt by Karzai to appease moderate Taliban forces that he will be negotiating with in the near future.

Read the LA Times article here: "Afghan dynamics altering U.S. efforts to wind down war", Los Angeles Times, March 5, 2013.