The New Silk Road - Another Look at State Rhetoric?

The New Silk Road Strategy (NSRS) of the United States has had a rough start with its share of detractors. Here is another view of the NSRS and its implications for the politics of Central (and South) Asia. See "The U.S. In post-2014 Central Asia: New Silk Road or Geopolitics", The Bug Pit, Eurasianet.org, December 20, 2013.

UK Drone Base Shows Operation

A Britain drone base has opened its doors to provide insight on the operations. The base, located in Lincolnshire, operates unmanned aircraft in places like Afghanistan. The drone pilots use satellite links to fly missions in Afghanistan; where the drones take off and land from the Kandahar airfield in southern Afghanistan. Britain has hundreds of various types of drones; but most notably, five Reapers that are armed with Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs. Learn more about Britain's drone fleet and the operations center in Lincolnshire in "Britain's military drone base opens its doors for cameras for first time", The Telegraph, December 18, 2013.

Energy Projects in Afghanistan Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed grant agreements with the Afghan Ministry of Finance (MoF) for two energy projects that will finance expansion of the country's transmission network. Read more in this news story by the Energy Business Review published on December 17, 2013. Read more news on development in Afghanistan here.

MIT Study on Local Democracy in Afghanistan

In a recent study the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) examined the effect of local institutions and the quality of governance in Afghanistan. The study centered on the distribution of wheat and the effects of aid to villages needing the wheat. The study looked at the differences in distribution by elected councils (such as Community Development Councils), customary leaders, or newly created local councils. A news article on Foreign Policy discusses the study and its findings and the study itself is available on the Social Science Research Network here.

Report on ALP by USIP (Dec 2013)

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) has published a report entitled Counterinsurgency, Local Militias, and Statebuilding in Afghanistan dated December 18, 2013. The report is less than complimentary on the Afghan Local Police (ALP) initiative started a few years back by the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A). The study centers on the ALP in three provinces in Afghanistan - Wardak, Baghlan, and Kunduz - and concludes that the ALP program should not be expanded and instead, it should be absorbed into the Afghan National Police (ANP). Obviously, the study has to be somewhat flawed as it examined the three provinces where the ALP has been most problematic and not where it has been very successful. You can download the USIP report at the link below:

www.usip.org/publications/counterinsurgency-local-militias-and-statebuilding-in-afghanistan

Board States MAJ Brezler to be Separated from Marines

In a case that has captured the attention of the press and much of the military the U.S. Marine Reserve Board reviewing the case of MAJ Jason Brezler has decided to separate him from the Marine Corps. This is obviously unfortunate. The Marine officer had sent a classified document over the unclassified Internet detailing the abuses of an Afghan police officer (Sarwar Jan) who was newly assigned to a base in Southwest Afghanistan. The police chief had known Taliban ties and was a child abuser. The email warned fellow Marine officers of how dangerous this Afghan police chief was. Within 17 days of the email being sent the policeman's "tea boy" killed three Marines in an insider attack. Instead of worrying about a violation of classified material protocol perhaps the Marines should have worried more about the threat posed by the rogue Afghan policeman. With the separation of MAJ Brezler from the Marines it would seem that the Marines have lost a good Marine officer. Read more in "Brezler should be separated, board finds", Marine Corps Times, December 19, 2013.

New Websites on Drones and War on Terror

The organization known as "ProCon.org" has launched a new website about Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and their use in the War on Terror. Learn more in the news release published on December 19, 2013 and visit the drone website that provides facts, history, background, and opposing points of view on the value of the drones in the War on Terror. See http://drones.procon.org/ to view the website.

Ghazni Police Selling Ammo to Taleban

According to a recent report from the Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) some members of the Afghan police in Ghazni province are selling ammunition and other military equipment to the Taleban. Read more at the link below.

http://iwpr.net/report-news/afghan-police-arms-sales-taleban

Money Wasted on Afghan Projects at FOB Sharana

The U.S. Army spent over $5 million dollars on incinerators to dispose of waste at Forward Operating Base Sharana but never used them. The base has since been turned over to the Afghan forces and the Afghans have deconstructed the incinerators for scrap. A recent news article details this wasteful project. Read more in "SIGAR: Millions spent on incinerators in Afghanistan that were never used", Stars and Stripes, December 16, 2013.

Former Eagles Cheerleader Now with US Army

A former Eagles cheerleader, Rachael Washburn, has been a member of the United States Army for a number of years and has completed two deployments to Afghanistan. Her first deployment was as a member of a Cultural Support Team or CST attached to a Special Operations unit in Afghanistan. She has participated in the training and selection of women for the Female Engagement Teams or FETs that deploy to Afghanistan. Her current assignment is as a military intelligence officer. Her story was highlighted in a recent news story. See "Former Eagles Cheerleader now stars for the Army", USA Today, December 19, 2013. (Photo to left by DVIDS during a visit by Rachel to troops overseas).

"Karzai's Dangerous Game" (NY Times, 19 Dec 13)

The New York Times has an op-ed contributed by Anatol Lieven (published December 19, 2013) examining the stance Karzai has taken on the Bilateral Security Agreement with the United States. The author states that Karzai is trying to garner nationalist support (among his Pashtun brothers) and also keep some sort of leverage on the United States with the upcoming Afghan presidential elections scheduled for April 2014. However, states the author, Karzai runs the risk of losing United States (and other Coalition) support and funding for his very weak government past 2014.

You can read the entire article at the link below:
www.nytimes.com/2013/12/20/opinion/karzais-dangerous-game.html

Sandhurst in the Sand

The British are going to continue their involvement with the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) past 2014 but primarily in an instructor and advisory role. Much of their efforts will be centered on the Afghan National Army Officer Academy or ANA-OA. This academy will train cadets who will become officers in the ANA. The academy is modeled after the UK military academy called Sandhurst; the Afghan academy has been nicknamed 'Sandhurst in the Sand'. Learn more about Sandhurst in the Sand.

CASA-1000 and The New Silk Road (The Diplomat, Dec 18, 2013)

Eugene Imas has penned an article in The Diplomat entitled "The New Silk Road to Nowhere" published December 18, 2013. The thrust of the article is the pitfalls associated with the CASA-1000 electrical transmission line construction in Central Asia. The CASA-1000 is associated with the U.S. State Departments New Silk Road Strategy. This transmission line will stretch 759 miles and connect surplus hydroelectricity in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to customers in Afghanistan (and Pakistan). Ideally the project will provide some economic benefit to the Central Asian states as well as to Afghanistan; and with economic development hopefully comes additional stability for the area. Unfortunately there are political, economic and security realities that may threaten the realization and benefits of the expensive project. Learn more in the article at the link below.
http://thediplomat.com/2013/12/the-new-silk-road-to-nowhere/

Sangin District of Helmand Province Lost to Taliban?

Is it possible that the most recent district to fall to the Taliban could be a permanent loss? The district of Sangin in Helmand province, a Pashtun ethnic group area, has been a battleground for years. British and American forces have fought long and hard over the past several years and suffered many casualties. The district is in the heart of the poppy growing region of Afghanistan.

The Taliban opened up the 2013 fighting season targeting the Sangin district. Initially the Taliban were very successful in overrunning several ANSF checkpoints; however, the Afghans (backed by the Coalition) managed to counterattack and take some of these checkpoints back. ISAF painted a glowing picture of a triumphant ANSF taking the fight to the Taliban (see "Commander: Taliban Defeat Imminent in Helmand's Sangin District", American Forces Press Service, May 29, 2013).

However, the ANSF have taken severe casualties this past fighting season in Sangin; and in addition, this district has suffered a high desertion rate. The Afghans have an 'addiction to bases' in this region and do not actively patrol. As a result the Taliban have free reign over the district and can attack the ANSF outposts at will.

Now that the Coalition is no longer able to exercise operational reach into some of the remote and highly contested areas we may now be faced with the prospect of the ANA and ANP reaching an accommodation with the insurgents at the local level and controlling entire districts. Recent reports indicate that Sangin district may well be one of those places. Read more news reports about Sangin district the link below:

www.afghanwarnews.info/districts/sangin.htm

Women to Continue to Suffer in Afghanistan

Despite early gains for women in Afghanistan and ISAF's continuing Information Operations (IO) campaign stating the things are getting better for women there is concern among others close to the issue. Michael McDaniel spent 3 1/2 years as a Rule of Law advisor in Helmand province, Afghanistan with the British mission. He states that many of the advances made in the women's rights field will simply fade away once Coalition pressure subsides with withdrawal and the money flow for supporting programs is reduced. Read more in "Absent Social Change, Women Will Continue to Suffer in Afghanistan", TheLedger.com, December 17, 2013. Read more on the topic about women in Afghanistan.

Last Combat Troops from Australia Leave Afghanistan

The Australians have provided combat troops to the Coalition in Afghanistan since early in the war starting in 2001. Although Australia will leave some advisors (about 400) in place it has withdrawn the last of its combat troops. Much of the Australian effort was in the Uruzgan province in south central Afghanistan. Read more about the Australian withdrawal in this news report from BBC.

Karzai Playing Hardball . . . and Stupid

Karzai (the President of Afghanistan) is still playing hardball with the United States on the signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA). Despite overwhelming support for the BSA by the Loya Jirga that was recently held Karzai still is refusing to sign the agreement that will allow U.S. troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond December 2014. Read more in a recent news report by the Voice of America.

DoD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation

The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified five units that will provide elements to deploy to Afghanistan in the Spring of 2014. These units include 1st Brigade 82nd Airborne Division, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and the 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters. Read more about the upcoming deployments at the link below:

www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16423

"Out of Afghanistan"

I have returned from Afghanistan. My contract there has ended and I am now free to resume blogging. Stay tuned for news, insights, comments, and observations about the Afghan elections, state of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), the Security Force Assistance mission, the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA), and other important topics on Afghan conflict.

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