Things Get Tougher for Special Operations in Afghanistan

Things are going to get tougher for the Special Operations Forces (SOF) that will inherit the mess that is now Afghanistan in 2014. The recent events that have taken place (urinating on bodies, Koran burning, Panjwai killings, etc.) are testing the limits of trust between ISAF and Afghan security forces and the Afghan population's acceptance of an occupation force. Read one man's assessment of the situation - Dan Cox is an associate professor of political science for the U.S. Army School of Advanced Studies (SAMS). See "The Test Case in Afghanistan for Special Operating Forces", Small Wars Journal, March 12, 2012.

One Small Anti-Corruption Victory in Afghanistan by U.S. Special Forces

Corruption is everywhere in Afghanistan.  So it is refreshing to read about an anti-corruption victory from time to time. Read about one anti-corruption operation that recently took place in Laghman Province conducted by U.S. Special Forces (USSF) and the Provincial Response Company (PRC) in February 2012.  See "U.S. Special Forces Take Down Corrupt Afghan Officials, One At A Time", AOL Defense, March 13, 2012.

Time to Wind Down in Afghanistan?

An editorial looks at what we have accomplished in Afghanistan and what the future will likely bring us. It's conclusion is that the right strategy is to wind down our involvement in Afghanistan. Read more in "Afghanistan on edge", LA Times, March 13, 2012.

Afghanistan: Time to Go? One Columnist Says Yes.

Many leading officials in government, the military, and in Congress are conducting a reassessment of what we have accomplished in ten years and what we could hope to accomplish by 2014. That reassessment is not optimistic. Some are advocating cutting our losses. Some sources say we have lost 1,800 U.S. military with 15,000 wounded. The war has cost us about $400 billion and much of it unaccounted for due to Afghan government corruption. Read Michael Hirsh's column where he says administration officials and members of Congress are thinking "It is time to go". See "The Coming Upheaval in U.S. Afghanistan Strategy", National Journal, March 12, 2012.

One Viewpoint: U.S. Leaders Not Setting Achievable Objectives for Afghanistan

Jeremi Suri, a professor of history and public affairs at the University of Texas, provides his viewpoint on the situation in Afghanistan. He tells us that the last month has been very difficult for U.S. forces in Afghanistan (Quran burning, Panjwai massacre, etc.), that there are parallels to Vietnam in 1968 (My Lai), and that it is difficult to do nation-building at the same time that you are drawing down troop levels and implementing an exit strategy. Read his column in "America's self-defeating cycle in Afghanistan", CNN Opinion, March 12, 2012.

Call for New U.S. Strategy - By Anthony Cordesman

The recent events of the Quran burning and killing spree in Panjwai have caused many observers to comment on the current strategy we have for Afghanistan - and changes to that strategy we should consider. Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) provides us the Afghan perspective and the U.S. perspective of the situation in Afghanistan and with three strategy options. The first strategy he calls "exit by denial", the second is "honest exit", and the third is "real transition". Read more on his thoughts on strategy in "New U.S. strategy needed in Afghanistan", CNN World, March 13, 2012.

Billions of Dollars Leave Afghanistan Every Year for Foreign Banks

Billions of dollars leave Afghanistan every year for foreign bank accounts. The uncertain future and insecurity in the country has been a deciding factor in the movement of large amounts of money from Afghanistan to places like Dubai where the Afghan elite have purchased expensive villas. With its weak financial institutions, rampant corruption, and poor oversight of aid money provided to the Afghan government it is very easy to move money out of the country. Read more in "Insecurity threatens Afghanistan with economic crisis", Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2012.

Book - "No Way Out" by Mitch Weiss and Kevin Maurer

A new book has been published about a Special Forces team caught in an ambush in Shok Valley in 2008. The book is titled "No Way Out: A Story of Valor in the Mountains of Afghanistan". The authors are Kevin Maurer and Mitch Weiss; Maurer and Weiss are journalists who have experience in Afghanistan. Ten members of the Special Forces team earned Silver Stars during the day-long fire fight in the Shok Valley in the mountains of northeastern Afghanistan. Learn more about the book and purchase it online a Amazon.com No Way Out: A Story of Valor in the Mountains of Afghanistan.  Read more about the Battle of Shok Valley and the book.

Ten Years Later: Are Women Better Off in Afghanistan?

With the war in Afghanistan now lasting over ten years many observers (and critics) are looking back at the accomplishments (and failures) of the coalition involvement to judge the progress in many areas. An important area is the advancement of women's rights, status, and well-being.  A recent news article by CNN weighs in on the topic.  See "Are Afghan women better off after a decade of war?", CNN Opinion, March 8, 2012. The author of the article is Heather Barr - an Afghanistan Researcher for Human Rights Watch.  She has lived in Kabul, Afghanistan since 2007.

Paper - "Equal Rights, Unequal Opportunities" on Women's Participation in Afghanistans Elections

The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) has released a new paper that deals with women's rights in Afghanistan. It is entitled "Equal Rights, Unequal Opportunities: Women's Participation in Afghanistan's Parliamentary and Provincial Council Elections", by multiple authors, dated March 2012. The paper is available on the AREU website in Adobe Acrobat PDF format here. Learn more about women in Afghanistan. A brief description of the document (taken from the AREU website) is below:

"The establishment of a democratic system under Afghanistan’s 2004 constitution has without doubt led to an unprecedented expansion of political participation for its women. In the years that have followed, millions of women have turned out to vote in successive rounds of presidential, legislative and provincial elections. Thousands more have competed for positions in parliament and the provincial councils. A new AREU paper explores some of the dynamics of women’s participation as candidates and voters in these elections, drawing on conversations with successful and unsuccessful female candidates, along with men and women in six study communities spread across Balkh, Bamiyan and Kabul provinces."

Pentagon Officials Say Panjwai Gunman Acted Alone

Pentagon spokesmen have released a statement saying that the US Soldier who committed the killings of civilians in Panjwai district in Afghanistan acted alone.  See "Officials Believe Gunman Acted Alone, Press Secretary Says", American Forces Press Service, March 12, 2012.

Afghan Corruption and Graft Hampers U.S. Efforts

Afghan corruption and graft have severely hampered the efforts of the United States to defeat the Taliban and build government institutions in Afghanistan.  President Karzai, of course, is the principal culprit.  He provides protection to his political cronies who have been able to get rich on the billions of dollars that have been pumped into the government coffers of Afghanistan. Read more in "Intractable Afghan Graft Hampering U.S. Strategy", by Matthew Rosenberg and Graham Bowley in The New York Times, March 7, 2012.

Apologizing for Mistakes in Afghanistan

With all the mistakes being made in Afghanistan - killing sprees, Quran burnings, urinating on Taliban bodies - the President and others have been doing their fair share of apologizing.  There are different ways of apologizing and varying views on whether saying "I am sorry" is necessary or effective. Read more in "The Politics of Sorry", by Karl E. Meyer in Foreign Policy, March 12, 2012.

Insurgents Turn to Peace in Qala-e-Naw, Badghis Province - Reintegration at Work

A British war correspondent, Sean Rayment, visits Qala-e-Naw, Badghis Province, Afghanistan to view the Afghan governments reintegration program at work. The reintegration of insurgents back into society is aided by the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program or APRP.  While in northwestern Afghanistan the correspondent observed the APRP process and met with several Taliban to include a former Taliban commander. Read his in depth article on how the APRP process is working in this northwestern part of Afghanistan in "The drive to turn the Taliban to peace", The Telegraph, March 11, 2012.

Statement by SecDef Panetta on Panjwei Killing Spree

Statement by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta
on the Tragic Incident in Kandahar Province
(March 11, 2012)

“Today I spoke to President Karzai to offer my deepest condolences and profound regret for the tragic incident in Kandahar province that resulted in the loss of life and injuries to innocent Afghan civilians, including women and children.

“A full investigation is already underway. A suspect is in custody, and I gave President Karzai my assurances that we will bring those responsible to justice. We will spare no effort in getting the facts as quickly as possible, and we will hold any perpetrator who is responsible for this violence fully accountable under the law.

“I condemn such violence and am shocked and saddened that a U.S. service member is alleged to be involved, clearly acting outside his chain of command. I told President Karzai that the American people share the outrage felt by President Karzai and his fellow citizens. This tragic incident does not reflect the commitment of the U.S. military to protect the Afghan people and help build a strong and stable Afghanistan.

“As we mourn today with the Afghan people, we are steadfast in our resolve to work hand in hand with our Afghan partners to accomplish the missions and goals on which we have been working together for so long. This terrible incident does not reflect our shared values or the progress we have made together. As I told President Karzai, I am fully committed to ensuring that our cooperation continues. It is essential to forging a more peaceful future for the citizens of both our nations.”

View the news release here.  Learn more about the Panjwei civilian killings by US Soldier.

High Peace Council Member Provides Insight on Negotiations with Taliban

A member of the Afghan High Peace Council, Maulvi Qalamuddin, provided an interview that gives some insight on the possible path that future negotiations with the Taliban may take.  Maulvi Qalamuddin is a former member of the Taliban and was the former deputy minister for the General Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Elimination of Vice during the Taliban regime.  He was appointed to the High Peace Council in September 2010 by President Karzai.  The High Peace Council is engaged in reaching out to Taliban leaders as well as overseeing the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program (APRP).  Read more in "A new kind of Taliban: An interview with Maulvi Qalamuddin", AFPAK Channel, March 8, 2012.

ISAF Press Release on Civilian Casualties of Shooting Spree in Panjwai District, Kandahar Province

The ISAF Deputy Commander has released a statement on the Panjwai District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan civilian casualties caused by a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant. The text is below:

KABUL, Afghanistan – The Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force, Lt. Gen. Adrian J. Bradshaw, released the following statement today:

“In my role as in-theatre commander of ISAF in Gen. Allen’s temporary absence on duty, I wish to convey my profound regrets and dismay at the actions apparently taken by one coalition member in Kandahar province. One of our soldiers is reported to have killed and injured a number of civilians in villages adjacent to his base. I cannot explain the motivation behind such callous acts, but they were in no way part of authorized ISAF military activity. An investigation is already underway and every effort will be made to establish the facts and hold anyone responsible to account. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with those caught in this tragedy. I wish once again, on behalf of Gen. Allen and all members of ISAF, to convey our deep regrets and sorrow at this appalling incident.

Learn more about this incident at Panjwai Civilian Shooting Spree by US Army Soldier.

Read the ISAF news release online here:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/85060/isaf-deputy-commander-statement-civilian-casualties-kandahar

US Soldier Kills Afghan Civilians in Panjwai District, Kandahar Province

A US Soldier has reportedly killed at least 16 Afghan civilians in the early morning hours of March 11, 2012 in the Panjwai district, Kandahar province. The deaths include women and children. The Soldier had reportedly suffered a breakdown before the attacks.  Read news accounts and learn more about the killing of Afghan civilians in Panjwai district.

Use of APPF for Security in Afghanistan Limiting Development Firms Operations

Some private firms that do development work for the United States government in Afghanistan are apprehensive of the security that will be provided by the Afghan Public Protection Force or APPF.  The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan has caused a reassessment of whether the development firms can continue their work. Billions of dollars of projects are at risk. At least two companies have decided to finish their current projects and then leave Afghanistan and other firms have slowed down the pace of the projects in order to protect their workers. The aid workers are very critical of the switch from private security firms to the Afghan Public Protection Force. They point out that the Afghan National Police (ANP) is one of the least effective institutions in the country rife with corruption and inefficiency and doubt that the APPF will do any better than the ANP. The Ministry of Interior has control of both organizations. Read more in "Security Fears Lead Groups to Rethink Work in Afghanistan", by Matthew Rosenberg and Graham Bowley, The New York Times, March 10, 2012.

An Analysis of the Afghan Koran Burning

Ricard Falk, an international law and international relations scholar, provides an in depth analysis of the recent Koran burning incident in Afghanistan by U.S. military members. He concludes that the United States government does not appreciate the seriousness of the incident.  See "Koran Burning in Afghanistan: Mistake, Crime, and Metaphor", Foreign Policy Journal, March 10, 2012.  Read more about the Koran burning incident.

Detention Center in Afghanistan to Come Under Afghan Control

A U.S. run prison (detention center for combatants) will be turned over to the Afghanistan authorities in a phased planned that will span six months.  Many western military observers worry about the security of an Afghan-run prison system citing many human rights abuses and corruption.  Members of the Taliban have frequently been able to bribe their way out of detention in Afghan prisons.  Read more in "U.S. reaches agreement to turn over Afghan detention center", CNN.com, March 9, 2012 and "US gives up Afghan jail in deal to stay after 2014", The Sydney Morning Herald, March 11, 2012.

Danish Special Forces to Train Afghan Special Police Response Company

Soldiers from the Danish Navy SEALs and the Hunter Corps (Special Forces units within the Royal Danish Navy and the Royal Danish Army) have taken over responsibility for the training of the Afghan special police force in the city of Lashkar Gah, the capital of the Helmand province.

They will teach, advise, and mentor 125 Afghan policemen for the next two years. It is part of the overall plan to enable the Afghans to be in charge of security operations from 2014. Until now British soldiers have trained the rapid reaction force but from Monday, March 5th, the Danish soldiers from DANCON Team 13 will continue their work. The Afghan Response Company will react quickly to high-risk tasks in the entire province.

On this training mission, the Special Forces will be joined by several advisors from the Danish police and civil services. This will ensure that the Afghans are introduced to a comprehensive training programme that will also include evidence collection, planning of operations, etc.

Info taken from "Danish Special Forces train Afghan Special Police Force", Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, March 7, 2012.

Zabul, Afghanistan DAIL Representatives Take Lead in Agriculutural Seminars

The efforts of some US Agribusiness Development Teams (ADT) are paying off in Afghanistan.  The ADT from Minnesota has been working with representatives of the Zabul Province Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (DAIL) to take the lead in organizing agricultural events.  The job of the Zabul ADT is to partner with the Zabul Province DAIL staff and conduct agricultural outreach and activities throughout Zabul Province.  Read more of the Zabul ADT in "Afghan partners take lead role in Zabul province veterinary seminar", DVIDS, March 2, 2012.

British Ambassador Comments on Mistakes in Afghanistan

Sir William Patey, the British ambassador to Afghanistan, will be leaving his post soon. In a recent interview he provided some comments on the mistakes the coalition has made in the past and on future prospects for Afghanistan. Read more in "Our big mistake was to assume we had won, says British ambassador to Afghanistan", The Telegraph, March 10, 2012.

US Lawmaker Wants Karzai Investigated for Corruption

Representative Dana Rohrabacher has requested an investigation by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) to see if President Hamid Karzai is diverting foreign aid money to family and cronies. Rohrabacher is the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on oversight and investigations. Corruption in Afghanistan has been a huge problem and Karzai is responsible for much of the corruption that takes place. Read a news report on this topic at "US lawmaker wants Afghanistan's Karzai investigated", Google Hosted News, March 10, 2012.

Afghanistan's Railroads - The New Silk Road

There are rich mineral deposits in Afghanistan; however, to move the mineral raw materials to processing plants requires the building of railways.  Currently there are not that many railways in Afghanistan; in fact, almost none. Read a recent news article on the topic entitled "Afghanistan joins the railroad era - 100 years late", by Kay Johnson, Associated Press (hosted on Google News), March 10, 2012. Learn more about railroads in Afghanistan.

A German Perspective on Afghanistan War

A retired general officer of the German Bundeswehr (German Army) has wrote an article entitled "German Perspective On Lessons Learned From Afghanistan - Analysis", posted on Eurasia Review - News and Analysis, on March 10, 2102. The author is LtGen (Ret) Dr. Ulf von Krause, a retired officer of the German Bundeswehr. The article describes the scope of deployments of the Bundeswehr to Afghanistan ranging from 100 members of German Special Forces (GERSOF) in the early part of the war to over 5,000 troops to participate in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). At first German troops were stationed in and around Kabul but eventually the German forces moved into Northern Afghanistan and commanded Regional Command North (RC North). The author discusses the Rules of Engagement (ROE), types of missions, the multilateral aspect of German commitment to the Afghan conflict, German support of the NATO alliance, the difference in objectives of ISAF (stabilization and political reconciliation) and the US (combat operations), the German populations' perception of the war, parliamentary process and the escalation of the German participation, lessons learned, and the future of Afghanistan after 2014. A very good read. Access the article here.

Leonie Industries Under Fire for Afghan Contract and Not Paying Taxes

Leonie Industries has been awarded a lucrative contract to conduct Information Operations in Afghanistan - to the tune of $20 million. However, the two principal owners owe $4 million in federal taxes. Two senators are interested in whether the defense department has tried to recoup the federal taxes.  Read more in "Two senators target government contractors with back taxes", USA Today, March 8, 2012.

Will USAID Workers Be at Greater Risk With Switch to APPF Security?

Officials in Washington are concerned about the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) assuming the security for USAID projects and workers.  President Karzai has mandated the use of APPF security personnel for all development projects.  Learn more about the APPF here and USAID's switch to the APPF for security here.

US to Handover Prisons to Afghans in Six Months

The U.S. and the Afghan governments have agreed that the U.S. will hand over control of the U.S. detention facilities to the Afghans. The detention facility in Parwan holds almost 3,000 war prisoners - mostly insurgents. The Parwan facility is next to Bagram Air Field just north of Kabul. While the transfer will be a good sign that Afghanistan is enjoying more sovereignty it will be troublesome for human rights activist who worry about the treatment the prisoners will soon be receiving. In addition to poor treatment of prisoners the coalition should also be concerned with poor security. Afghan prison officials and guards have an extremely poor record of keeping the prisoners in prisoner.  Last year over 500 Taliban escaped from a prison in Kandahar.

Read more in "US, Afghans reach deal on handover of prisons", Fox News, March 9, 2012.

Afghan Government Officials Hinder Afghan Air Force Drug Smuggling Investigation by U.S.

A recent news report says that Afghan defense officials are hindering an investigation that members of the Afghan Air Force are using pilots, crew, and aircraft to smuggling drugs across Afghanistan. The U.S. suspects that smuggling operations are happening in a section of the Kabul airport that only Afghan Air Force personnel have access to. Flight plans are not being filed for irregular flights, undocumented cargo is being unloaded, and many night-time flights are occurring with no apparent reason. In the last two years the United States has spent over $20 billion dollars to train and equip the Afghan security forces - to include its Air Force - but there is very little accountability on where this money has gone. Corruption in Afghanistan is rampant throughout the Afghan government and security forces. Many U.S. service personnel working in Afghanistan have come to the conclusion that the U.S. is being taken to the cleaners by the Afghans and we are letting it happen because we don't want to get Karzai mad at us. Maybe its time we dump Karzai. We probably need to send less combat troops and more contract accountants to follow the money. Read the news article here "Afghans Hinder Smuggling Inquiry", 2 U.S. Officials Say", The New York Times, March 9, 2012.

Afghan Local Police (ALP) Member Turns on His Own

A member of the Afghan Local Police or ALP is sought after being accused of allowing Taliban to enter a checkpoint located in Oruzgan Province and kill nine other Afghan police. Read more in "Afghan Officer Sought in Killing of 9 Colleagues", The New York Times, March 8, 2012. There are currently about 12,000 Afghan Local Police employed across Afghanistan who are under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior and advised and trained by US special operations forces.

Commanders Testify Before Congress About Afghanistan

"Two senior American military commanders spent the past two days putting into context recent negative news about the U.S. effort in Afghanistan. At the same time, they tried to get members of the Senate and House Armed Services committees to realize that U.S. units will remain in that country long after combat troops depart in 2014."

Read the rest of the article here at "Key commanders have their say on Afghanistan", The Washington Post, March 7, 2012.

APPF Signs Contracts with Three Companies for Security Services in Afghanistan

The Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) signed three contracts with International Relief and Development (IRD) for security services for development projects that IRD is performing for the U.S. Agency for International Development. The APPF also signed contracts with Louis Berger - Black and Veatch, and Afghan Fleet & Group Services (AFGS). AFGS is an Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA).  Read a news release on the signing of the APPF contracts -  "Afghan Public Protection Force signs first contracts", ISAF News Release, March 8, 2012.

Amnesty International Worries that U.S. Will Abandon Afghan Women

A recent blog post on the Amnesty International website expresses concern that the United States will abandon the cause of Afghan women in the interests of a political settlement with the Taliban at the negotiation table. Read more in "US: Don't Abandon Afghan Women", Human Rights Now Blog, March 8, 2012.

Karzai Endorses Clerics Ruling of Gender Segregation in Afghanistan

A council of Afghan clerics has recently issued restrictive guidelines for Afghan women and President Karzai has embraced these guidelines.  This has causes much concern for Afghan women. Read more in "Afghans lampoon clerics over women ruling", BBC News Asia, March 8, 2012.

Missouri National Guard Agribusiness Development Team to Deploy to Afghanistan

The Missouri National Guard Agribusiness Development Team (ADT) will deploy for Afghanistan soon.  The team has 54 members and will soon be in Nangarhar Province to assist Afghan farmers with agricultural practices.  The team is composed of agricultural specialists, engineers, instructors, legal advisers, and security force personnel. Read more in "Agribusinees Development Team leaves for Afghanistan March 9", digitalBURG.com, March 8, 2012.

DoD Announces Spring 2012 Unit Rotation to Afghanistan

The Department of Defense has announced three major units will be deploying to Afghanistan during the Spring 2012 scheduled rotation.  The deployment includes one corps headquarters (V Corps HQ in Wiesbaden, Germany), one division headquarters (1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas), and one Brigade Combat Team or BCT (4th BCT, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado).  See the news release dated March 8, 2012.

Agriculture Development Team One in Zabul Province, Afghanistan Has Success and Frustrations During One-Year Tour

Agriculture Development Team One deployed for one year to Zabul Province, Afghanistan in February 2010.  While there they worked with special operations teams and elements of the Romanian Army on agricultural projects in Zabul Province. Their work took them to all 13 districts of Zabul Province. They closely coordinated with the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, & Livestock or MAIL and the provincial Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, & Livestock or DAIL. The agricultural team was able to construct two "demonstration farms" that allowed the team members to show Afghan farmers different ways to improve their crop and farm animal yields.  The team also provided help in the way of agricultural seminars to various locations throughout Zabul Province.  Over their year-long tour they experienced quite a few successes. They also had the Taliban to deal with and the never-ending corruption of Afghan government officials. Read more about Agriculture Development Team One in "US military agriculture team succeeds despite Taliban", Western Farm Press, March 7, 2012.

Afghanistan: Moving Forward - Panel Discussion on Importance of Civilian Engagement

A roundtable discussion was held in Washington, D.C. on March 6, 2012 about the continued need for international aid for Afghanistan in the future.  Read more at the links below:

http://www.embassyofafghanistan.org/article/ambassador-hakimi-speaks-on-afghanistans-plan-for-transformation-beyond-2014

http://www.di-development-blog.com/regional/afghanistan-moving-forward

82nd Agribusiness Development Team to Help Afghan Farmers

The 82nd Agribusiness Development Team of the Wisconsin National Guard will be helping Afghan farmers to develop their agricultural sector.  Read more in "National Guard to train Afghans on ag", Green Bay Press Gazette, March 6, 2012.

Afghan Air Force Running Drugs in U.S. Bought Aircraft According to Allegations

U.S. authorities are looking into allegations that the Afghan Air Force is running drugs with their aircraft.  This would come as no surprise as Afghanistan provides 90% of the worlds opium and Afghanistan is cited by Transparency International as the second most corrupt nation in the world.  Read more in "U.S. probes allegations Afghan Air Force involved in drug running", Reuters, March 8, 2012.

Red Cross Warns that Health Gains in Afghanistan are at Risk

Medical clinics recently set up in Afghanistan may close due to lack of funding. As the international community begins to leave Afghanistan international donors are providing less aid.  Read more in "Health gains in Afghanistan at risk, warns Red Cross", Reuters, March 8, 2012.

Afghans Prefer Taliban Justice Over Afghan Judicial System

Afghans prefer the Taliban justice system over the Afghan governments courts.  Citing corruption, requirements for bribes, and a slow process - many Afghans prefer to have their legal cases settled by tribal leaders or the Taliban. Read more in "Leery of courts, Afghans seek Taliban justice", Marine Corps Times, March 7, 2012. The rule of law has a long way to go in Afghanistan.

Harsh Winter May Relieve Drought Conditions in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's harsh winter may reverse years of drought when the snowfall in the mountains melt and flow into the river valleys watering agricultural areas.  Afghanistan has seen some dry growing seasons over the past year but farmers are hopeful for 2012.  Read more in "Harsh winter gives hope to Afghan farmers", Asia One News, March 2, 2012.

Radio In A Box - RIAB Essential Tool in Information Operations Fight in Afghanistan

The Radio in a Box or RIAB has proved to be one of the most useful tools the U.S. has deployed thus far in the counterinsurgency fight in Afghanistan. These RIABs are run by Afghans, are low-cost, and very sustainable to operate in harsh and remote areas. In addition, the Radio In A Box provides a method for ISAF and the Afghan government to get a positive message out to the Afghan population. Read more about the RIABs in the link below:

http://www.afghanwarnews.info/IO/RIAB.htm

SIGAR Hotline - Report Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Corruption in Afghanistan

The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has established a hotline to facilitate the reporting of fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and corruption in programs that are associated with Afghanistan reconstruction efforts that are funded by the U.S. taxpayer.

Learn more by visiting the SIGAR Hotline.
http://www.sigar.mil/hotline.asp

Afghan Forces Now Lead Night Raids in Afghanistan

The head of USSOCOM told U.S. senators that Afghan forces are now leading all U.S. special operations night raids.  The conduct of night raids has been a constant complaint of President Karzai and a topic of discussion during the negotiations between Karzai and the U.S. on the relationship of the two nations after 2014.  Admiral McRaven stated that Afghan forces are always the first through the door during a night raid.  McRaven said that the U.S. special operations forces in Afghanistan are working in two key areas. The first is the use of forces to conduct lethal and direct approach, often through night raids. The second is to build Afghan security, development, and governance through Village Stability Operations or VSO and working with programs such as the Afghan Local Police or ALP.   Read more on this topic in "Socom Commander Discusses Progress in Afghanistan", American Forces Press Service,
March 6, 2012.

SOLARA Course for Afghanistan July 2012

The George C. Marshal European Center for Security Studies will conduct a two-week course entitled "Stability Operations: Legal Aspects of ROE/RUF Afghanistan (SOLARA)" from July 23, 2012 to August 2, 2012 at the Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island.  You can learn more about this course here and by reading the course description below:

Stability Operations: Legal Aspects of ROE/RUF Afghanistan (SOLARA) (MASL P176017)

"The two-week SOLARA course focuses on the Legal Aspects of Rules of Engagement (ROE) and Rules for the Use of Force (RUF) relevant to stability operations. It is designed for forces that are deploying, continuing, or supporting deployments to Afghanistan.
The objective is to address the legal, operational, and policy aspects of rules of engagement in Afghanistan, through case studies and discussion of real-world incidents, including: the relevant law of armed conflict; coalition rules of engagement; and insurgent use of various improvised explosive devices. The resulting analysis explains the necessity to vary supplemental rules of engagement.
This course also examines the challenges and procedures for deploying forces to Afghanistan, working with public affairs, international human rights laws, fourth generation warfare, and counterinsurgency doctrine. It includes a review of ISAF Rule of Law Operations, combatant detention and detention scenarios, and the legal and operational challenges of concealment methods and techniques.
Participants visit New York City, where they have an opportunity to speak with anti-terrorism experts at the United Nations and in the New York area. They also take part in cultural familiarization activities in Newport, RI and New York City under the DIILS Field Studies Program (FSP)."

Military's Public Relations Struggle in Afghanistan

The U.S. military continues to provide positive reports about the war in Afghanistan.  However it is hard for the media to verify these reports.  Read more on this topic in "The PR challenge in Afghanistan", The Christian Science Monitor, March 5, 2012.