Commentator on "Right Thing to Do"

Captain Robert Newson, a Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) officer has penned an article about "doing the right thing" for our Afghan allies. Specifically, the Afghan interpreters who risked their lives assisting the U.S. military during combat operations. He calls for the U.S. Congress to pass comprehensive visa legislation to increase the number of authorized visas for Afghan interpreters, expanding the application window, and to fully fund its execution to include rapid processing and resettlement. He also proposes new legislation to enhance the "Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI). MAVNI is a program that would benefit the former interpreters (gives them a job) and provides the U.S. military with talented personnel useful in counterinsurgency environments (insurgencies are NOT going away). Read more in "In the Last Days of Afghanistan, To Many Shadows of Vietnam", Defense in Depth Blog, Council on Foreign Relations, December 17, 2014.

Pakistan's Ties to Militant Groups

While Pakistan is suffering from attacks from Taliban militants it is - at the same time - supporting Taliban militants attacking Afghanistan. The Pakistanis are outraged when over 100 people are killed in a Pakistani schoolhouse (rightly so). Yet Pakistan is strangely silent when a suicide bomber belonging to a Taliban group supported by Pakistan kills over 80 people (some children) at a volleyball match in Afghanistan. Read more in "Pakistan's ties to militant groups complicates its terrorism fight", Los Angeles Times, December 19, 2014.

Women on Front Lines - "A Politically-Correct Mistake"

Some British military figures have condemned the move to allow women to fight on the front line as a "politically-correct mistake". Some question whether women have the 'killer instinct' and others point out that 99% of women lack the upper body strength to pass the physical fitness tests that males must successfully pass. Read more in a news article in The Independent (Dec 19, 2014).

ISAF Legal Update on BSA and NATO SOFA

The ISAF legal office has published an online update and Fact Sheet on the Bilateral Security Agreement and NATO SOFA as it applies to contractors.

"Office of Legal Advisor gives update on BAS, NATO SOFA implementation", ISAF News, December 19, 2014.
www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-news/office-of-legal-advisor-gives-update-on-bsa-nato-sofa-implementation.html

ISAF / USFOR-A BAS/SOFA FAQs (Dec 14, 2014).
www.isaf.nato.int/images/media/PDFs/141214bsasofafaq.pdf

McCain: A-10 to Stay Awhile

Senator McCain, the incoming Armed Services Committee chairman, says that the A-10 will be around for a little while longer. Certainly this is good news for the Army; which, although it wants to leave counterinsurgency fights behind it, will certainly find itself engaged in COIN efforts like Afghanistan in the future. The A-10, besides being an extremely effective tank killer, provides great close air support. This, of course, is bad news for the Air Force leadership. The Air Force likes their very expensive shiny new toy (F-35) and wants to free up funds buy a lot more of them. Read more in "McCain vows A-10 fleet has a long life ahead", The Hill, December 19, 2014.

Review of London Conference

William Bryd, a development economist and senior expert on Afghanistan at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) has wrote an article (Dec 19, 2014) about the London Conference recently held in the United Kingdom. This conference was an important event for the future of Afghanistan. While the results of the conference were diminished because the Afghan government had not yet been formed; many positive gains were made and negative events averted. Read more in "Afghanistan: Struggling for Momentum in London".

Good News on Afghanistan

It is easy to be pessimistic about Afghanistan. We have spent tons of money and many of our military members have lost their lives or suffered life-long injuries. And for all of that we still have an enduring insurgency, outrageous corruption, a thriving drug trade, and Afghan security forces that don't understand counterinsurgency. However,  . . . a lot of good has come out of our very long stay in Afghanistan. Read more in "The good news in Afghanistan's Marshall Plan", by Mike Corones in Reuters, December 19, 2014.

Bergdahl Investigation Complete

The final results of the Army's review of the investigation into the capture (desertion) of SGT Bowe Bergdahl is complete. The investigation, concluded in October, was to determine whether he had deserted his post prior to his capture by the Taliban in 2009. The Army has reviewed the investigation and should be briefing DoD (SECDEF?) soon. The investigation was conducted by MG Kenneth Dahl. (The Hill, December 19, 2014).

Pakistan's False Narrative

The United States has spent over $28 billion in aid to Pakistan in an effort to assist the Pakistani government and military to confront the Taliban operating in their country. Unfortunately, despite protestations otherwise, the Pakistani's are very selective on which Taliban groups they attack. Read more in "America's $28-Billion Failure in Pakistan", The Atlantic, December 19, 2014.

European Union and Terrorism

Since 9/11 the European Union has worked hard to strengthen anti-terrorist laws and increase cooperation among member nations in the counter-terrorist fight. Read more in "US-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism - Analysis", Eurasia Review, December 19, 2014.

Daily News Snippets (Dec 21, 2014)

Rumor has it that President Ghani has ordered the security ministries (MoI, NDS, and MoD) to report to the national security advisor (Hanif Atmar) and not to the office of the president.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has received a briefing on the security challenges, political landscape, and drug trade in Afghanistan. The briefing was conducted by the Chief of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) - Mr. Nicholas Haysom. Read more in a news report by Afghanistan Times (Dec 18, 2014).

Many Afghans seeking medical attention will travel to India. However, it is a journey that only some Afghan citizens can afford. The cost of medical care in India is rising - some say due to rising fees and others due to extortion practices. Some of the money goes to interpreters. Read more in "High Costs Burden Afghan Medical Patients in India", Tolo News, December 19, 2014.

Army Learning Concept 2015. The Army is changing up the learning experience for its Soldiers. Students will be learning about new concepts, immerse himself in the concept, and then shares that experience with others. There is a YouTube video posted by Military Review that explains the Army Learning Concept published on December 19, 2014.

According to the United Nations civilian deaths in Afghanistan have reached a new high. At least 3,188 Afghan civilians have been killed in the war with the Taliban in 2014 - making it the deadliest year on record for non-combatants. (The Huffington Post, Dec 19, 2014).

A news report says that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is moving in to compete with al Qaeda and the Taliban in the legendary region of Khorasan - which comprises Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Read "ISIS Targets Afghanistan Just as the U.S. Quits", The Daily Beast, December 19, 2014.

"Leaving Afghanistan: A Look Back in Photos" by Stars and Stripes.
www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/afghanistan

View pictures of Afghans working the saffron fields of Herat, Afghanistan (The Guardian, December 19, 2014).

Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN) has published its "Thematic Dossier VII: Detentions in Afghanistan - Bagram, Transfer and Torture", December 20, 2014 available here.

Stars and Stripes  has posted an article entitled "Rising casualty count takes toll on Afghanistan's veterans", December 19, 2014. Care for wounded veterans needs to improve.

The United Nations is reporting that casualties among Afghan civilians is up nearly 20 per cent in 2014 (UN News Centre, Dec 19, 2014).

Airstrikes targeting Pakistan Taliban continue in response to school massacre (The Washington Post, Dec 20, 2014).

Guest Bloggers Wanted

The Afghan War News Blog and the Afghan War News website are constantly striving to keep its blog, daily newsletter, and website factual, current, and relevant. If you have a link to a website or document you feel should be shared with the greater community then please send it to us. In addition, we are looking for individuals with some knowledge, experience, and expertise in Afghanistan on a wide range of topics to contribute blog posts and articles to our blog and add content to our website. And naturally, if you see errors, outdated information, or broken links please let us know.

staff@afghanwarnews.info

Every Day Newsletter

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DoD IG Report - ANA Logistics

The Department of Defense Inspector General has issued a report (December 19, 2014) entitled Assessment of U.S. Government and Coalition Efforts to Develop the Logistics Sustainment Capability of the Afghan National Army, Report No. DODIG-2015-047. The primary focus of the report was to evaluate the progress made by U.S. and Coalition forces to train, advise, and assist in the development of an enduring logistics sustainment capability for the ANA. The specific objective was to assess the planning and execution of logistical processes developed and implemented by the U.S. and Coalition Force in Afghanistan for the ANA.

The report contains 14 observations resulting in 28 recommendations. Some of the issues identified include the lack of ANA logistics planning capability, ANA equipment disposal processes, issues with the unity of effort among the Coalition staff, obtaining the required number of logistic advisors with the right experience and expertise, and planning for post-2014 contractor support.

There were a number of recommendations to include ensuring functional Security Force Assistance teams have the capability and resources required to continue effective development of ANA logistics, assist the ANA in procurement of contractor support, and providing oversight on the Regional Military Training Centers.

Read or download the report at the link below (Adobe Acrobat, 114 pages, 5 MBs).

www.dodig.mil/pubs/documents/DODIG-2015-047.pdf

CIA Analysis of HVT

According to a 2009 CIA analysis (it was secret until released by WikiLeaks) raids, drones strikes, and other types of military operations against high value Taliban targets had little overall effect. This was, in part, due to the militants ability to replace leaders. Some criticized the 'High Value Target" (HVT) operations as "whack-a-mole"; as soon as you hit one target, another pops up. In addition to the ease that the Taliban enjoyed in replacing leaders was the inability of the Afghan government to expand its counterinsurgency efforts throughout the country effectively. Perhaps the HVT operations would be more effective if done within the context of a successful COIN environment? Read more in "CIA analysis: 'high-value targeting' had limited effect against Taliban", The Washington Post, December 18, 2014.

New Afghan Control Center to Coordinate Security

A new security control center has been (or will be?) established to coordinate security forces and stop the upsurge in insurgent attacks in Kabul. The new control center will have the authority to command and coordinate a joint response by Afghanistan's army, police, and intelligence organizations in the event of an attack. Read more in "New control center to fight rise in attacks in Afghan capital", Reuters, December 18, 2014.

India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan

Most insurgencies are not ended through military means alone. When we evaluate the effectiveness of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in conducting coutnerinsurgency - it is unlikely that the Taliban will be defeated. Sure . . . the ANSF can "overmatch" the Taliban on the battlefield when supported by fires and air support ("overmatch" is a favorite phrase of the U.S. military to lead you to believe the ANSF are winning). However, the ANSF can't do effective COIN and are unlikely to defeat the Taliban.

One of two things need to occur to end an insurgency; and many times, both. The first is the root causes of the insurgency need to be identified and addressed and the second is that negotiations with the insurgents need to take place. Afghanistan, being one of the poorest and most corrupt nations in the world, is a long way from being able to provide essential governmental services and good government - therefore it probably can't address the root causes in the near future. The track record for negotiations with insurgents thus far has not been good. Additionally, because the insurgents enjoy the protection of Pakistan, the key to negotiations with the insurgents is Pakistan.

One observer of the South Asian region explains the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan; and further, how India and China are involved and what these two nations can do to aid the negotiation process. Read "Afghanistan should not make a false choice - analysis", Eurasia Review, December 18, 2014.

Border Problems with Turkmenistan

It appears that not all  is well along the Afghan-Turkmenistan border. Villagers in the northern Jowzjan province are concerned about encroachment of Turkmenistan border guards onto their agricultural lands. Read more in "Afghan Villagers Threaten to Attack Turkmenistan", Radio Free Europe, December 19, 2014.

DCGS-A TeT

The U.S. Army's Distributed Common Ground System - Army (DCGS-A) is a failed intelligence system that is slowly coming around as a result of very expensive modifications to the operating system and its software. In the past DCGS-A has been tagged as too complex and not fully operational by intelligence analysts working in the counterinsurgency environment in Afghanistan; and many preferred a less complicated and better suited commercially available system known as Palantir. To address the many deficits and training requirements of DCGS-A the Army is fielding "Tactical Engagement Teams" or "TeTs". The TeT is a team of subject matter experts from across the military intelligence corps who plan, coordinate, and execute training so that leaders and Soldiers understand the functionality of DCGS-A. The TeT training begins by focusing the intelligence professional on the tactics, techniques and procedures of employing and putting into action DCGS-A tools that specifically support the commander's decision-making cycle and processes. The entire concept is focused on supporting mission command. Read more in "Intelligence center develops DCGS-A tactical engagement teams to support mission command", Army.mil, December 16, 2014.

Daily News Snippets (Dec 20, 2014)

ISAF's deputy commander, LTG Carsten Jacobson, and other German soldiers visited a children's hospital in Kabul and presented a donation that will be used to finance daily operations and improvements to medical care. Read more in "German troops donate Ocktoberfest profits to Kabul children's hospital", ISAF News, December 17, 2014.

The war on terror is estimated to have cost the United States a lot of money. Read more in "Wars' Cost to U.S. Since the Sept. 11 Attacks: $1.6 trillion", Bloomberg News, December 19, 2014.

Pakistan is in close talks with Afghanistan to find ways to fight the Taliban. The government of Pakistan along with its military and intelligence services say they are in the lead in the fight against terror and insurgents. According to General Sher Mohammad Karimi, the Afghan chief of army staff, the Pakistani Army has assured Afghan leaders they want to fight against all terrorists. Read more in "Afghan Army Chief Sees Antiterror Cooperation with Pakistan", Gandhara Blog - Radio Free Europe, December 18, 2014.

Oh, . . . and in more news on that front you can read "Mumbai attacks 'mastermind' Lakhvi bailed in Pakistan", BBC News Asia, December 18, 2014. Read more about the Mumbai terror attacks.

Tolo News reports that there is more fighting in the Dawlat Shah district of Laghman province. 

Tolo News is also reporting on the continuing fight in Dangam district in Kunar province. Reportedly, villagers in the district rose up against the Taliban - but the struggle is continuing and the villagers are requesting government assistance. The commander of the 2nd ANA Brigade, 201st Corps - Afzal Khan - states that his brigade has taken control of vital areas and are offering assistance. Read more in "ANSF Must Use all Abilities, Efforts to Defeat Insurgency: Salangi" (December 19, 2014).

A car bomb killed a police officer in Kabul on December 18th. Three other people were injured and the Taliban have claimed credit. (LA Times, Dec 17, 2014).

At a gathering of community leaders in Farah province in western Afghanistan the topic of education and its ties to insurgency was discussed. There, according to participants, seems to be a link between illiteracy and easy recruitment into the Taliban. Read more in "Education Link to Afghan Insurgency", Institute for War & Peace Reporting, December 18, 2014.