CRS Report on Afghanistan. Kenneth Katzman, a specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs for the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has wrote a report entitled Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy, August 17, 2015. The report (PDF) is 80 pages long and has numerous charts, references, pictures, and more.
www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL30588.pdf
Kabul Attacks Up Since Last Year. A spokesman for Resolute Support Headquarters, RS Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications BG Wilson Shoffner, said last week that insurgent attacks have increased in Kabul compared to the past year. Read more in a news report by Tolo News, August 23, 2015.
3 Abducted ABP Found Dead in Ghazni. Three Afghan Border Police (ABP) officers kidnapped by insurgents in mid-August were killed. They were enroute to their base after a visit to families when captured. Read more in a news report by The New York Times, August 23, 2015.
Taliban Kill Uprising Civilians in Andar District. For a while there was hope that 'local uprisings' would spread throughout Afghanistan along the model of the Anbar Uprising that occurred in Iraq. However that hope soon fizzled out as ISAF had a hands-off approach and the Karzai regime played politics with the issue (only supporting those groups that advanced his political and corrupt agenda). The 'local uprising' groups have not fared well. Andar district was once highlighted by the press and others as an example of how to keep the Taliban in check at the local level. Without good support from ISAF (now RS HQs), the ANDSF, and the NDS these groups slowly melted away or were decimated by the Taliban. The insurgents recently killed 7 members of an Andar district, Ghani province group. (Note: sometimes uprising groups and the Afghan Local Police are lumped together in news reports). Read a news report by Khaama Press, August 29, 2015.
Policewoman Shot in Parwan. Unidentified gunmen killed a policewoman in Parwan province. See report in Tolo News, August 29, 2015.
Taliban Squabbles. Mullah Mansoor, the successor to Mullah Omar, is reported to have sent over 600 of his men to fight Mullah Dadullah in Zabul province. It appears that Dadullah favors the son of Mullah Omar as the leader of the Taliban. Read more in a news report by Khaama Press, August 2015.
Chart Depicting Taliban Leadership Crisis. Radio Free Europe has posted a diagram detailing the Taliban's leadership struggle. www.rferl.mobi/a/27183381.html
Warduj District Requests Assistance. The central government of Afghanistan is being urged to launch a military operation with air support to defeat Taliban insurgents in the Warduj district of Badakhshan province. Read more in a news report by Khaama Press, August 29, 2015.
Report on Afghan Journalists. The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) released its six-month report in a press conference on August 27th. In the first six months of 2015 the AJSC recorded 39 cases of threat and violence against journalists. One journalist was killed and another 4 wounded. This is a 43% decline compared to the first six months of 2014.
Provincial Ulema Council Head Dies in Ambush in Uruzgan. At least three people were killed in an ambush by insurgents in central Uruzgan province on Saturday morning. See report by Tolo News, August 29, 2015.
4 Bomb Makers Killed by Own Explosives. The PCoP of Khost province says that four militants who were making bombs were killed by their own explosives. Two others were wounded. (Khaama Press, Aug 27, 2015).
Taliban in Northern Afghanistan Swear Allegiance to New Emir. According to a posting by The Long War Journal (August 27, 2015) ". . . hundreds of heavily armed Taliban fighters gathered in the open in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz to pledge an oath of allegiance to Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, the new emir of the group". Read the news report.
Afghan Interpreter Killed. The Taliban killed a 22-year-old Afghan interpreter who worked several years for British forces. Read "Betrayal of the brave", Daily Mail, August 28, 2015. Read also "Britain curmudgeonly and ungraceful for abandoning Afghan interpreters", The Telegraph, August 24, 2015.
6 Policemen Disappear in Garamser District. At least six policemen have mysteriously disappeared from a checkpoint in Garamser district, Helmand province. A cook serving with the policemen was found dead. Read news report by Khamma Press, August 29, 2015.
22 ALP Members Reported Killed in Faryab. According to one Afghan news outlet 22 members of the Afghan Local Police or ALP were killed in Faryab province during an ambush. Read a news report in Afghanistan Times, August 28, 2015.
Attack on Gen Dostum Foiled. Three suicide bombers were arrested before they could attack the First Vice President of Afghanistan - who is sometimes referred to as General Dostum. They were arrested in the vicinity of Dostum's residence in Qaisar district.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Development News
Paper on Economic Management in Afghanistan. Afghanistan's economy remains weak and its fiscal situation dire. A new paper for the Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN) by William A. Byrd provides some thoughts on how the international community should approach the Afghan economy. Byrd is a senior expert at the US Institute of Peace where he has been working on Afghanistan since April 2012. From 2002 to 2006 he was stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan where he served as the World Bank's country manager for Afghanistan and then as economic advisor. Read AAN's introduction to his paper. You can read online or download the full paper posted on the AAN website.
Economic Management in Afghanistan: What worked, what didn't, and why, August 2015.
Humanitarian Situation in Faryab Province. A top United Nations official has met with provincial officials in Faryab to assess the humanitarian situation of the conflict-ridden population. Read more in a news update by UNAMA.
USAID and the Kajaki Dam. USAID has provided a photo update report of the installation of Turbine Generator Unit 2 at the Kajaki Dam Hydropower Plant in southern Afghanistan. Photos are posted on flickr.com. (no date given).
Paper on American Foreign Aid & Foreign Policy in Afghanistan. Anders Nandrup Rylander has wrote his Master thesis on this topic. He attempts to develop a better understanding of the relationship between American foreign aid, policy, and traditions by examining American actions in this sector for the years 2007-2012. Posted August 2015 on website of University of Oslo.
www.duo.uio.no/handle/10852/44857
USAID Funded Assistance for Deaf Afghans. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided funding for a program that helps deaf Afghans communicate via the Internet. Read Deaf, But Not Silenced in Afghanistan, USAID, August 2015.
Economic Management in Afghanistan: What worked, what didn't, and why, August 2015.
Humanitarian Situation in Faryab Province. A top United Nations official has met with provincial officials in Faryab to assess the humanitarian situation of the conflict-ridden population. Read more in a news update by UNAMA.
USAID and the Kajaki Dam. USAID has provided a photo update report of the installation of Turbine Generator Unit 2 at the Kajaki Dam Hydropower Plant in southern Afghanistan. Photos are posted on flickr.com. (no date given).
Paper on American Foreign Aid & Foreign Policy in Afghanistan. Anders Nandrup Rylander has wrote his Master thesis on this topic. He attempts to develop a better understanding of the relationship between American foreign aid, policy, and traditions by examining American actions in this sector for the years 2007-2012. Posted August 2015 on website of University of Oslo.
www.duo.uio.no/handle/10852/44857
USAID Funded Assistance for Deaf Afghans. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided funding for a program that helps deaf Afghans communicate via the Internet. Read Deaf, But Not Silenced in Afghanistan, USAID, August 2015.
Governance News
Afghan-Turkmenistan Accords. President Ashraf Ghani met with his Turkmenistan counterpart on Thursday, August 27th to discuss a number of issues and witness the signing of bilateral agreements ranging from education to energy supply. Read more in "Afghan-Turkmenistan Accords Signed in Kabul", Tolo News, August 27, 2015.
Troubles for the Hazaras. Kidnapping, infertile land, and poor aid distribution are only some of the troubles the Hazaras face in Afghanistan. They face threats by militants, the Taliban and (in the future if they make gains) the Islamic State. The Hazarajat is where the ethnic Hazara live - in central and mountainous Afghanistan. Read more in "Peril and Persecution in Afghanistan", Foreign Policy, August 27, 2015.
Council of Jihadi Party. Afghanistan's former president Sebghatullah Mojaddedi announced the establishment of a new political party - the Council of Jihadi. The aim of the new organization is to put pressure on the National Unit Government (NUG) to bring about reform. Read more in "Council of Jihadi Party Launched in Kabul", Tolo News, August 27, 2015.
Troubles for the Hazaras. Kidnapping, infertile land, and poor aid distribution are only some of the troubles the Hazaras face in Afghanistan. They face threats by militants, the Taliban and (in the future if they make gains) the Islamic State. The Hazarajat is where the ethnic Hazara live - in central and mountainous Afghanistan. Read more in "Peril and Persecution in Afghanistan", Foreign Policy, August 27, 2015.
Council of Jihadi Party. Afghanistan's former president Sebghatullah Mojaddedi announced the establishment of a new political party - the Council of Jihadi. The aim of the new organization is to put pressure on the National Unit Government (NUG) to bring about reform. Read more in "Council of Jihadi Party Launched in Kabul", Tolo News, August 27, 2015.
Commentary
Afghanistan, Choose Your Enemies Wisely. Jeff Eggers, a senior fellow at New America, an adjunct senior fellow with the RAND Corporation, and a former Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, provides us with his view on how political accommodation can help prevent conflict escalation and how that concept can still be applied to Afghanistan. The lumping together of terrorists and insurgents in Afghanistan has hampered reconciliation efforts with the Taliban. He worries that a skewed view of accommodation will prevent the Afghan government (and the U.S.) in taking one last opportunity for a negotiated settlement. Read his paper Afghanistan, Choose Your Enemies Wisely, The RAND Blog, August 2015.
Why Afghanistan Matters for U.S. James B. Cunningham and Ryan Crocker (both former U.S. ambassadors to Afghanistan) tell us that Afghanistan needs a sustained U.S. and partner support. They say that despite the success of the transition of security to Afghanistan there have been some setbacks and disappointments and that many challenges remain. Read their views in a CNN political op-ed published on August 25, 2015.
Building Partner Capacity. A host of writers have collaborated in a publication entitled What Works Best When Building Partner Capacity in Challenging Contexts?, RAND Corporation, August 2015. The report explores what the United States can do when conducting BPC in challenging contexts to maximize prospects for success. Some of the key findings include "Many Challenges Stem from U.S. Policy or Practice", "The Partner Nation (PN) Itself Must Be Willing to Engage Fully", "PN Ministerial Capacity Can Be Extremely Important", and "Consistency is Key". The paper also provides several recommendations.
www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR937.html
Paper - Resistance to Government & Modernization in Afghanistan. Mohammad Attar Abkenar in his PhD thesis examines two epochs of reform and resistance to the government in Afghanistan's modern history. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the internal and external factors that terminated the government's efforts in consolidating the central authority and modernizing the country. Resistance to the Government in Afghanistan's Modern History: a Case Study Approach, April 2015.
Does Security Assistance Reduce Terrorism? Matthew Saintsing states that no large-scale quantitative studies finds a positive correlation between U.S. security assistance and a reduction in terrorism - although there are some notable successes (as in USSF in Philippines). Some ". . . studies find a positive correlation between assistance to aid sectors other than police and military of partner nations and a reduction in terrorism." Read his article posted on Small Wars Journal, August 26, 2015.
Pick Our Battles Carefully. Joshua Foust examines the military actions of the United States in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere and explains "Why the Mightiest Superpower on Earth Hasn't Won a Won in Decades", Playboy, August 23, 2015. Sorry, no pictures of scantily-clad ladies in this article. Foust provides food for thought but it is difficult to agree with some of his observations and conclusions.
Why Afghanistan Matters for U.S. James B. Cunningham and Ryan Crocker (both former U.S. ambassadors to Afghanistan) tell us that Afghanistan needs a sustained U.S. and partner support. They say that despite the success of the transition of security to Afghanistan there have been some setbacks and disappointments and that many challenges remain. Read their views in a CNN political op-ed published on August 25, 2015.
Building Partner Capacity. A host of writers have collaborated in a publication entitled What Works Best When Building Partner Capacity in Challenging Contexts?, RAND Corporation, August 2015. The report explores what the United States can do when conducting BPC in challenging contexts to maximize prospects for success. Some of the key findings include "Many Challenges Stem from U.S. Policy or Practice", "The Partner Nation (PN) Itself Must Be Willing to Engage Fully", "PN Ministerial Capacity Can Be Extremely Important", and "Consistency is Key". The paper also provides several recommendations.
www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR937.html
Paper - Resistance to Government & Modernization in Afghanistan. Mohammad Attar Abkenar in his PhD thesis examines two epochs of reform and resistance to the government in Afghanistan's modern history. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the internal and external factors that terminated the government's efforts in consolidating the central authority and modernizing the country. Resistance to the Government in Afghanistan's Modern History: a Case Study Approach, April 2015.
Does Security Assistance Reduce Terrorism? Matthew Saintsing states that no large-scale quantitative studies finds a positive correlation between U.S. security assistance and a reduction in terrorism - although there are some notable successes (as in USSF in Philippines). Some ". . . studies find a positive correlation between assistance to aid sectors other than police and military of partner nations and a reduction in terrorism." Read his article posted on Small Wars Journal, August 26, 2015.
Pick Our Battles Carefully. Joshua Foust examines the military actions of the United States in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere and explains "Why the Mightiest Superpower on Earth Hasn't Won a Won in Decades", Playboy, August 23, 2015. Sorry, no pictures of scantily-clad ladies in this article. Foust provides food for thought but it is difficult to agree with some of his observations and conclusions.
SOF News
Paper - SOF and Human Domain Mapping. "One way to develop ways and methods to prepare for the evolutionary change in warfare is to operationalize social network analysis through human domain mapping. This will " . . . provide a richer and more in depth understanding of the societies in which we will inevitably operate." . . . "Some examples include identifying key influencers or brokers, providing early intelligence on the fundamental composition of insurgent networks, or detecting marginalized elites or disenfranchised social groups sympathetic to U.S. strategies". The author, Major Derek Raymond, is with the 5th Special Forces Group and holds a Master's of Science from the Naval Postgraduate School. Read his report in "Human Domain Mapping in 21st Century Warfare", Small Wars Journal, August 22, 2015.
Memorial for SFC McKenna. A memorial was held on Camp Integrity for a Green Beret who died in a recent insurgent attack on Camp Integrity (SOJTF-A) in mid-August.
Manhunting Machine. Sean Naylor provides us with a brief history of special operations - from Panama to the 'Global War on Terror' with his article "Inside the Pentagon's Manhunting Machine", The Atlantic, August 28, 2015.
SOJTF-A Challenge Coin. All good SOF units have a "Commander's Challenge Coin" and the Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan is no exception. Read more at the link below.
https://commanderschallenge.wordpress.com/tag/major-general-scott-miller/
SF Grooming Afghan Troops. Michael Phillips has penned an article on how special operations units are trying to get their local counterparts ready for combat in "Treading the Line Between War and Peace, U.S. Special Forces Groom Afghan Troops", The Wall Street Journal, August 28, 2015.
Paper - "Advising the Command." Todd C. Helmus, a RAND Corporation researcher, has penned a report that presents best practices from the Special Operations advisory experience in Afghanistan.
www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR900/RR949/RAND_RR949.pdf
Paper - "The Dawn of SOWT." This paper examines the rise of Special Operations Weathermen during World War II, from the founding of the Weather Bureau of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The Dawn of SOWT: OSS Weathermen in the Balkans, 1944, 2015. Posted on Marshall Digital Scholar, Marshall University.
Memorial for SFC McKenna. A memorial was held on Camp Integrity for a Green Beret who died in a recent insurgent attack on Camp Integrity (SOJTF-A) in mid-August.
Manhunting Machine. Sean Naylor provides us with a brief history of special operations - from Panama to the 'Global War on Terror' with his article "Inside the Pentagon's Manhunting Machine", The Atlantic, August 28, 2015.
SOJTF-A Challenge Coin. All good SOF units have a "Commander's Challenge Coin" and the Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan is no exception. Read more at the link below.
https://commanderschallenge.wordpress.com/tag/major-general-scott-miller/
SF Grooming Afghan Troops. Michael Phillips has penned an article on how special operations units are trying to get their local counterparts ready for combat in "Treading the Line Between War and Peace, U.S. Special Forces Groom Afghan Troops", The Wall Street Journal, August 28, 2015.
Paper - "Advising the Command." Todd C. Helmus, a RAND Corporation researcher, has penned a report that presents best practices from the Special Operations advisory experience in Afghanistan.
www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR900/RR949/RAND_RR949.pdf
Paper - "The Dawn of SOWT." This paper examines the rise of Special Operations Weathermen during World War II, from the founding of the Weather Bureau of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The Dawn of SOWT: OSS Weathermen in the Balkans, 1944, 2015. Posted on Marshall Digital Scholar, Marshall University.
Islamic State
Airpower and ISIS. A.C. Hall, a member of the special operations community, has penned a paper calling for battlefield innovation from tactical leaders in the employment of airpower against ISIS. Read his paper posted on Small Wars Journal, August 27, 2015.
Paper - U.S. Policy in Afghanistan and ISIS. Thomas F. Lynch, III has wrote a paper entitled "After ISIS: Fully Reappraising U.S. Policy in Afghanistan", The Washington Quarterly, August 3, 2015. The author contends that the residual U.S. military presence in Afghanistan should be scoped to ". . . a size and posture able to address the intractable dilemmas that remain."
Central Asian Groups & Global Jihad. Two different Central Asian jihadist groups are at odds with each other. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) have been allied with al Qaeda in the past but are now ". . . taking different sides in the ongoing struggle between the Islamic State and al Qaeda for the leadership of the global jihad." Read more in "Central Asian groups split over leadership of global jihad", The Long War Journal, August 24, 2015.
Airpower & Afghan Air Force
Russian Gunships for AAF. Russia is prepared to supply the Afghan Air Force with Mi-35 attack helicopters. Read more in a news report by Khaama Press, August 26, 2015.
Profile of AE Tech Sgt. A North Carolina Air Guardsman brings a diverse background to Bagram Air Fields aeromedical evacuation mission. Read a news report by DVIDS, August 24, 2015.
Reapers & Predators in Afghanistan. According to one Air Force report Reapers and Predators are responsible for about 90% of ISR for Afghanistan. Read more in "Reapers, Predators on the prowl in Afghanistan", U.S. Air Force News, August 24, 2015.
Lack of Legal Justification for Drone Attacks in Pakistan. "This article focuses on the justification and legal position of Drone attacks within the boundaries of a sovereign state. It examines the legality of drone attacks under international law and the US domestic law." "US Drone Attacks in Pakistan: An International Law Perspective", International Journal of Business and Social Science, Vol. 6, No. 6., June 2015.
http://ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_6_No_6_June_2015/14.pdf
Intel & CT News
Asymmetric Conflict and the Human Domain. The nature of warfare has changed in the world. For the United States its opponents are less likely to be nations like Russia or China and more likely to be non-state actors or state-sponsored insurgents or terrorists. The strategic prize is not control of terrain but of the human domain. Some call this asymmetric warfare. Read one persons views on this in "The Heart of the Common Man: The Battleground of Asymmetric Conflict", Indian Defence Review (IDR), August 19, 2015.
Paper - "Socio-Cultural Intelligence and National Security". In his article, Robert T. Tomes reviews, assesses, and makes recommendations relating to the provision and use of socio-cultural intelligence in support of national security policy. He details responses to gaps in socio-cultural intelligence during the 2000s, and reinforces the importance of this issue in future conflicts. He recommends expansion of the Foreign Area Officers program, improving the military's cross-cultural understanding, increase the language proficiency of Special Operations Forces, and more. Read his article in Parameters, Summer 2015.
Paper - "Using Target Audience Analysis to Aid Strategic Level Decisionmaking", By Dr. Steve Tatham, Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, August 25, 2015.
www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?pubID=1288
Terrorist Designation for Haqqani Brother. The U.S. Department of State has designated Abdul Aziz Haqqani as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224. He is a senior member of the Haqqani Network and the brother to Haqqani Network leader Sirjuddin Haqqani. Read more in a media note published on August 25, 2015.
Military Officials Skewing Intelligence Estimates? Say it isn't true. The IO campaign by ISAF HQs is one example of putting a silver lining on a dark cloud. Now the same can be said for Central Command (CENTCOM). It appears that the Pentagon's inspector general is investigating allegations of officials providing a more optimistic account of progress against ISIS than is warranted. No kidding. Read more in "Inquiry Weighs Whether ISIS Analysis Was Distorted", The New York Times, August 25, 2015. See also "Spies: Obama's Brass Pressured Us to Downplay ISIS Threat", The Daily Beast, August 26, 2015.
Report on Intel Community and Contractors. Elaine Halchin has authored a paper entitled The Intelligence Community and Its Use of Contractors: Congressional Oversight Issues, Congressional Research Service (CRS), August 18, 2015. Posted on Federated American Scientists website.
www.fas.org/sgp/crs/intel/R44157.pdf
OSINT Explained. There are lots of "INTs" in the intelligence field. HUMINT, MASINT, SIGINT, etc. A more recent "INT" is "Open Source Intelligence" or OSINT. Read more in "Spy Agencies Are Like Old-School Porn - But That's Changing", VICE News, August 25, 2015.
POPINT, HUMINT, and Information Operations. The concept of POPINT - understanding group behavior - is described by Cdr (rtd) Steve Tatham - in an interview posted on Small Wars Journal, August 26, 2015.
"Flat Communications". One of the experiences I had when working along side folks who spent time with JSOC is their obsession with "Flat Communications". This, of course, consisted on an excessive amount (I thought at the time) of VTCs (video teleconferences) with an enormous amount of people plugged in across theater. But as it turned out I became a "reluctant fan" of the approach. Learn how JSOC used "better information sharing plus empowered people" to develop a smarter, faster force that could soon outmaneuver insurgents and terrorists in "How JSOC Harnessed Networks to Take on Terrorists", by Chris Fussel, Defense One, August 27, 2015.
RAVEN UAV Gets Upgrade. It appears that the Army will be upgrading the sensor gimbal on its Raven hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems. Read more in a news update by C4ISR & Networks, August 27, 2015.Intelligence & National Security Summit. AFCEA and INSA are hosted a summit about the state of U.S. intelligence and the priorities, plans and partnerships for the Intel community. It will be held in Washington, D.C. on September 9-10, 2015. www.intelsummit.org. Learn more about other defense, national security, terrorism, and intelligence summits and conferences at the link below:
www.securityinfonet.com/Security_Conferences_and_Seminars.htm
Handling Classified Material. If there is something that can get you in trouble quickly it is making a mistake in handling classified material and not following the rules. Two well known cases illustrate this aptly. It would seem that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton broke the rules when she transmitted classified information through her private email using an unclassified server. In another instance, former ISAF commander and Director of the CIA David Petraeus broke the rules when he handed over personal notebooks containing classified information to Paula Broadwell (his biographer). The two cases are similar (involving high ranking government officials) yet different (severity of the crime). Sending classified information over the Internet in today's world is stupid and dangerous. Passing personal notebooks containing information to a trusted person (who incidentally is a LTC in Military Intelligence with a Top Secret clearance) is a lesser offense (although the affair was plainly stupid). A former Navy SEAL looks at the complicated world of information classification in a news report by Business Insider, August 25, 2015.
Movie - "Rock the Kasbah"
Hollywood's latest attempt to portray Afghanistan in the movies is called "Rock the Kasbah". A comedy starring Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Zooey Deschanel, Leem Lubany, Danny McBride, and Scott Caan. The plot involves a washed up music manager who takes his last act to Afghanistan, falls into one bad situation after another, and then discovers an Afghan singing wonder. It will be released in October 2015. Hopefully the movie will be as funny as the trailer (see link below).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtvcb5N_kek
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtvcb5N_kek
Afghan War News Snippets
New BSA for Contractors in Afghanistan. Existing provisions of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) will take full effect in September 2015 which will impact DoD and NATO coalition contractors working in Afghanistan. These provisions include visa and business license requirements. There are approximately 35,000 contractors in Afghanistan. Read more in a news article on Army.mil, August 27, 2015.
Paper - "Professionalizing Ministerial Advising". A former advisor to Afghan ministries provides us his input on advising at the ministry level. Posted on PKSOI website.
Human Rights Key to Success Against Insurgents. The director of Resolute Support Essential Function Three, U.S. Army BG Mitchell Chitwood, recently attended a shura at Forward Operating Base Fenty in Jalalabad, Nangarhar province attended by members of Train, Advise, Assist Command - East (TAAC-East) and members of the ANDSF. The shura was organized by TAAC-East. BG Chitwood says that this was a first - a shura with coalition members and ANDSF coming together to discuss human rights. If that is a true statement then the meeting was a long time coming - as in 14 years! Surely the general was misquoted. Read more in "Human rights: a key to security in Afghanistan", RS News, August 2015.
Pay Raise for U.S. Military? It appears that President Obama will attempt to increase the pay of federal workers and military member by 1 percent effective in 2016. Congress can come up with its own plan (and it sometimes does). Read more in a news report by The Hill, August 28, 2015.
Afghan Journalists Under Fire. A news report by the Asia Division Deputy Director for Human Rights Watch details the occupational hazards of Afghan journalism. Human Rights Watch, August 27, 2015.
Life of a Guardian Angel. View a 3 minute long video by Resolute Support entitled "Life on Forward Operating Base Camp Connelly", YouTube.com, August 27, 2015. A few years back there were three SFAATs, a U.S. company, an ANA kandak, and other combat enablers. Now it is a temporary camp for TAAC-East advisors and their support (as in GAs).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvzmmDXgFos
Afghan Asylum Seekers Deported from UK. The UK is deporting Afghans back to Afghanistan - but there is a court order that prohibits deportation to most of the provinces in Afghanistan. Of the 34 provinces only three qualify. (The Guardian, Aug 26, 2015).
Crackdown in Pakistan on Afghan Refugees. Almost 90,000 Afghan refugees have returned home in recent months from Pakistan. There is a December 31 deadline for a return on all Afghan refugees. (Gandhara Blog, Aug 25, 2015).
Afghans and Pakistan. "Many Afghans associate the Taliban with neighboring Pakistan and blame Islamabad for their misery and decades-long armed conflict in their country." Read more in "Whay are the Afghans wary of Pakistan?", Deutsche Welle, December 24, 2015.
Ghani Issues Order to Curb CIVCAS. Afghanistan's president Ashraf Ghani has issues orders to government officials and the Afghan security forces to curb civilian casualties in the ongoing war. Read more in a news report by Tolo News, August 28, 2015.
What are the Troop Numbers for RS? Did you ever wonder which nations are contributors to Afghanistan's defense and training? Resolute Support HQs has a 'placemat' that will answer that question. See "Troop numbers and contributions".
Video - Airspace Management Advisor TAAC-East. In this video from Resolute Support headquarters an advisor, Ellyn Grosz, talks about what it means to advise the 201st ANA Corps and Operation Iron Triangle. Training involved working with the Afghan Army ATACs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0mS_SoRaIY
China's Leadership Role in Afghanistan. Two writers believe the China needs to step up and play a stronger role in Afghanistan's affairs. Read more in "Can China Assert Itself in Afghanistan?", The Diplomat, August 28, 2015.
Oshkosh Wins Major Contract. The Wisconsin truck-maker has won a large contract ($30 billion?) to make the U.S. Army's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) that will replace the Humvees. (Defense One, Aug 25, 2015).
950th Engineer Company Deployment Ends. The Wisconsin Army National Guard's 950th Engineer Company is back in the United States after its deployment to Afghanistan. Their primary mission was route clearance operations and providing security for the Kandahar Airfield and Forward Operating Base Oqab. The unit previously deployed to Iraq in 2003 and 2010. Duluth News Tribune, August 27, 2015.
Book on Battle of Wanat now Digital. The Combat Studies Institute has enhanced the well-known work titled "Wanat: Combat Action in Afghanistan, 2008" with the iBook format. Read more in "Well-Known Combat Studies Institute Book Charges Headlong into the Digital Age", TRADOC Newsletter, August 26, 2015.
Pentagon Upset at French for Speedy Awards to U.S. Servicemembers. The bureaucratic pencil pushers at the Pentagon a chafing with the news that the U.S. military members have received a prestigious French award for their preventing a terrorist attack on a European train in August 2015. Read more in "Pentagon Angered at Speed of French Military Awards System", DuffelBlog, August 27, 2015.
Corruption in Balkh. Read why "Corruption is a Huge Challenge for Balkh Residents", Tolo News, August 26, 2015. A survey was done by the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) of twelve provinces of Afghanistan including Balkh.
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Sunday, August 23, 2015
Report on Panjwai Massacre of March 2012
RS HQs Advise and Assist Cells
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| ACC-SW with ANA 215th Corps G3 Photo by Lt. Sharon Mulholland |
In late July 2015 the Resolute Support Advise and Assist Directorate deployed a small team to a remote region of Afghanistan (we used to call this RC Southwest where thousands of U.S. Marines, Brits, Danes, and others were stationed). The ACC's advising mission was interrupted by the 215th Corps responding to a district in Helmand province that was under attack. Now Zad district was the scene of heavy fighting. The ACC had the opportunity to see the 215th ANA Corps battle staff in action.
The head of the Advise and Assist Directorate (ADD) in Kabul, BG Paul Lebidine, is quoted in the news release as saying that the ANA knows how to fight and that they have courage; but that the ANA really needs advise in gaining long term sustainability - therefore RS HQs is concentrating advising efforts on the detailed processes necessary to run a large scale army. The ANA lost the battle for Now Zad district and as of mid-August the Taliban flag was flying over the district center.
Two Females Graduate from Ranger Course
Advocates for women taking a greater role in combat arms of the military will point to these two women as evidence that women can cut it in combat units. The test of time will tell if allowing women into infantry squads and Ranger companies is a good idea. Certainly there is a role for women in combat - this has been proven time and again over the past decade in Iraq and Afghanistan. One need only point out their value in programs such as the Female Engagement Teams or FETs (that supported Marine and Army infantry units) and the Cultural Support Teams or CSTs (that supported special operations forces) to recognize their importance in the fight. The Navy has come out with news that the SEALs will open up their training to females. Demi Moore is vindicated!
Some of the Special Mission Units (SMUs) have integrated women into their training and operations for many years - in fact, many feel that special operations has been in the forefront (in a quiet way) for integrating women into their units. (Learn about "Project Diane" and the OSS on the USASOC website). Women as shooters on a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha? Hmmmm. It probably won't be long before the Army announces the entrance of women into Special Forces units at the combat level. While Ranger training is two (very hard) months, Special Forces training at the entry level is in excess of one year - and depending on the military occupational specialty - almost two years. Once again, time will tell. Now that MG Scotty Miller (heading up the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning) has "led the way" to getting women integrated into Ranger training the spotlight moves onto LTG Ken Tovo (USASOC cdr) and MG Kraft (Special Forces Command) at Fort Bragg.
If a female does attend and complete the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) then she won't be the first. That ground (or camouflage ceiling) was broken years ago - in 1980 (or 1981?). Captain Kathleen Wilder, a military intelligence officer assigned to an Intel position in Special Forces found that there was nothing in the regulation against women attending the Special Forces Officer Course. She pressed Department of the Army to attend (a little Congressional help was instrumental I believe) and was able to attend the Special Forces Officer Course (SFOC). Back then SFOC was different than the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). SFOC was for officers and SFQC was for enlisted. The officer course was way easy compared to SFQC. Wilder's graduation from SFOC changed all of that. Shortly after her graduation the potential SF officers had to go through the training with the enlisted. One of the best things that ever happened to SF!
The Army put on quite a show for the Ranger class graduation. You can watch a one hour long video of a press conference published on YouTube.com on August 21, 2015 by US Army TRADOC.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzKN1ZzFiAI
For me, I take comfort in knowing that I was in the last HARD RANGER CLASS! Desert Legion!
www.benning.army.mil/infantry/rtb/Graduates/images/8-83.jpg
Paper - COIN and Strategic Development
Commentary
Is Airpower More Important and Effective than Landpower? Two military flyers would have us believe that the Defense Department should redirect funding from the U.S. Army (a land power component of our national defense) to the Air Force and Naval aviation (an air power component of our national defense). They believe " . . . that resorting to U.S. ground forces as a military option has frequently produced costly failures that we should not be eager to repeat." They conclude, in their article, that "In the irregular wars America has actually fought, and remains likely to fight, a combined effort of airpower, special operations forces, and the intelligence community is simply a better instrument for American policymakers than conventional landpower." This article, of course, is deserving of a vigorous "Haarruuummmpphh". Read more in "Airpower May Not Win Wars, But It Sure Doesn't Lose Them", War on the Rocks, August 19, 2015.
Article - "Shedding Light on the Gray Zone: A New Approach to Human-Centric Warfare", Army Magazine, August 17, 2015. LTG Charles Cleveland (retired cdr of USASOC), and two LTCs (both with extensive SOF experience) provide us with their thoughts on the future of warfare.
www.armymagazine.org/2015/08/17/shedding-light-on-the-gray-zone/Failings of America's Military Academies. William J. Astore, a retired USAF LtCol and former academy instructor, shares his views about the U.S. military academies in "70 Years of Military Mediocrity", The Huffington Post Politcs Blog, August 18, 2015.
Backsliding in Afghanistan. One writer, Hannah Bloch, worries that we might be taken our eye off the ball in Afghanistan - and that it will soon once again be America's "forgotten war". Read more in Is Afghanistan Backsliding?, WGBH News, August 17, 2015.
Quiet Demise of the Human Terrain System
Peace Talks
Peace Talks in Doubt? Bruce Riedel did 30 years service at the Central Intelligence Agency including postings in the Middle East. He was a senior advisor on South Asia to the last four administrations. Currently he is with the Brookings Institute. Read his article about the diminished hopes for peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in "The Taliban Affirm their alliance with al-Qaida: Afghan peace talks in doubt", Brookings.edu, August 20, 2015.
Post Mullah Omar Musings
Analysts continue to explore the future of the Taliban movement without its long-time leader Mullah Omar. One writer, Kambaiz Rafi, feels that the death of Mullah Omar will lead to the slow disintegration of what we once knew as the Taliban. He believes that most Afghan Islamist groups have been mostly individual-driven than programmatic. With the demise of a charismatic leader most Afghan groups have withered away. I guess hope springs eternal. Read more in "The Afghan Government Should Let the Taliban Destroy Itself", The Diplomat, August 12, 2015.The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has released a report entitled The Death of Mullah Omar and the Rise of ISIS in Afghanistan, August 18, 2015.
http://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/death-mullah-omar-and-rise-isis-afghanistan
Pakistan: U.S. Finally Growing a Pair?
On a related note - the man known by many as the "Godfather of the Taliban" has died. Hamid Gul, the former head of the Pakistan ISI has died of a brain hemorrhage. He was an Islamist ideologue until his death and leaves behind a dangerous legacy. Afghans have called him "the butcher of the Afghans". Read more in a news report by Deutsche Welle dated August 21, 2015.
Pakistan Border Shelling. The artillery fire by Pakistani forces into Afghanistan continues. Afghanistan has summoned Pakistan's ambassador to explain a battle between the security forces of the two countries that killed up to eight Afghan border police. Read more in "Kabul Summons Pakistani Ambassador as Afghans Mark Independence Day", Radio Free Europe, August 19, 2015.
Cross-Border Ops? In a twist to the recent rise in tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan we learn that the Chief Executive Office (Afghanistan) has warned Pakistan that if it fails to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries that it will - with the help of the international community - directly hit militant hideouts on the other side of the Durand Line. This could make things interesting! Read more in "CEO's Office Warns Pakistan Against Protecting Insurgents", Tolo News, August 21, 2015.
Security News
U.S. Embassy Emergency Message. The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan has issued an emergency message on August 15th for U.S. citizens about a possible attack in mid-August by Taliban insurgents. http://kabul.usembassy.gov/em_081515.html
German Aid Worker Kidnapped. GIZ - the German overseas development agency - has temporarily suspended all its operations in Kabul after one of its key female staff members was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday (Aug 18th). Read more in a news report by Tolo News, Aug 18, 2015.
IMU a Threat in Northern Afghanistan. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan or IMU is on the offensive against the Kabul government. Learn more in "Islamic State Ally Emerges as Threat to Afghanistan, Central Asia", The Wall Street Journal, August 18, 2015.
Dostum Convoy Ambushed. Vice President Dostum's convoy was ambushed on Friday (Aug 21) by the Taliban in Faryab province on the Ghormach-Qaisar highway. Initial reports are that the outcome was not favorable for the Taliban (8 KIA, 13 captured). Read more in "Afghan Vice President Survives Ambush", Gandara Blog, August 21, 2015.
Food Shortage in Parmir Region Due to Insurgents. Nearly 90 percent of the population of the Parmir mountain region in Badakhshan province are facing major food shortages as the insurgents have blocked off key supply routes. See a news report on this topic in Tolo News, August 20, 2015.
Now Zad District Update. The Taliban fly their flag over the district center of Now Zad in Helmand province a few weeks back and reports indicate that it is still flying. Afghan government officials say that they have taken the district back from the Taliban. Of course, it is easy to say you control the district (in Afghanistan this means the few buildings found within the compound walls of the district center) when you move the district governor's office to a different location! Robert Gates, a former Department of Defense Secretary noted in his book Duty (see caption of 10th picture starting at page 306) that he wondered if the heavy cost in U.S. Marine casualties was worth the taking of Now Zad from the Taliban. Read more in a news report by Reuters, August 18, 2015.
Insider Attack Investigation. A year ago MG Harold Greene was killed in an insider attack at an Afghan training facility. An investigation has revealed some facts of the incident. Read "Completely betrayed: An investigation into the insider attack that killed a 2-star general", Stars and Stripes, August 19, 2015. Read more about the insider threat.
Afghan Clerics Speak Up. It appears that some of Afghanistan's Islamist leaders may be eager (a strong word probably) to undermine the appeal of insurgents by questioning their religious credentials and violent campaigns. Read more in "Afghan Clerics Vocal in Challenging Taliban Narrative", Gandhara Blog, August 20, 2015.
Afghan Children and Mines. The Daily Mail has published a news report about the harrowing plight of children maimed in Afghanistan by the thousands of landmines scattered across the country after decades of war. (Aug 21, 2015).
Women's Attire and the Taliban Landmine Planter. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) recently arrested a Taliban landmine planter dressed like a women in Paktia province. Hmmmm. Read a news report by Khaama Press, Aug 12, 2015.
Taliban Escalation - and Obama Backs Off. Hundreds of civilians have been killed in Afghanistan this month. Taliban attacks are increasing. Read more in "The Taliban Escalate as Obama Edges Out of Afghanistan", The Wall Street Journal, August 20, 2015.
Militias Fighting the Taliban - The Good, Bad and Ugly. Afghanistan has a rich history of militias for good and bad. In a country that has almost always had a decentralized form of government the existence of regional warlords (with their militias) has generally been a fact of life. The inability of the Afghan government and its Afghan National Defense Security Forces (ANDSF) to defeat the Taliban and other insurgent groups has resulted in some power brokers and regional actors to use local militias to provide security. This brings some good (local forces fighting the Taliban) and bad (militias not under government control victimizing the population) results. The First Vice President, Abdul Rashid Dostrum, is generating support for militias in northern Afghanistan (where he enjoys the most support). Read more in "Afghan Vice President Raises Concerns by Turning to Militias in Taliban Fight", The New York Times, August 18, 2015.
German Aid Worker Kidnapped. GIZ - the German overseas development agency - has temporarily suspended all its operations in Kabul after one of its key female staff members was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday (Aug 18th). Read more in a news report by Tolo News, Aug 18, 2015.
IMU a Threat in Northern Afghanistan. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan or IMU is on the offensive against the Kabul government. Learn more in "Islamic State Ally Emerges as Threat to Afghanistan, Central Asia", The Wall Street Journal, August 18, 2015.
Dostum Convoy Ambushed. Vice President Dostum's convoy was ambushed on Friday (Aug 21) by the Taliban in Faryab province on the Ghormach-Qaisar highway. Initial reports are that the outcome was not favorable for the Taliban (8 KIA, 13 captured). Read more in "Afghan Vice President Survives Ambush", Gandara Blog, August 21, 2015.
Food Shortage in Parmir Region Due to Insurgents. Nearly 90 percent of the population of the Parmir mountain region in Badakhshan province are facing major food shortages as the insurgents have blocked off key supply routes. See a news report on this topic in Tolo News, August 20, 2015.
Now Zad District Update. The Taliban fly their flag over the district center of Now Zad in Helmand province a few weeks back and reports indicate that it is still flying. Afghan government officials say that they have taken the district back from the Taliban. Of course, it is easy to say you control the district (in Afghanistan this means the few buildings found within the compound walls of the district center) when you move the district governor's office to a different location! Robert Gates, a former Department of Defense Secretary noted in his book Duty (see caption of 10th picture starting at page 306) that he wondered if the heavy cost in U.S. Marine casualties was worth the taking of Now Zad from the Taliban. Read more in a news report by Reuters, August 18, 2015.
Insider Attack Investigation. A year ago MG Harold Greene was killed in an insider attack at an Afghan training facility. An investigation has revealed some facts of the incident. Read "Completely betrayed: An investigation into the insider attack that killed a 2-star general", Stars and Stripes, August 19, 2015. Read more about the insider threat.
Afghan Clerics Speak Up. It appears that some of Afghanistan's Islamist leaders may be eager (a strong word probably) to undermine the appeal of insurgents by questioning their religious credentials and violent campaigns. Read more in "Afghan Clerics Vocal in Challenging Taliban Narrative", Gandhara Blog, August 20, 2015.
Afghan Children and Mines. The Daily Mail has published a news report about the harrowing plight of children maimed in Afghanistan by the thousands of landmines scattered across the country after decades of war. (Aug 21, 2015).
Women's Attire and the Taliban Landmine Planter. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) recently arrested a Taliban landmine planter dressed like a women in Paktia province. Hmmmm. Read a news report by Khaama Press, Aug 12, 2015.
Taliban Escalation - and Obama Backs Off. Hundreds of civilians have been killed in Afghanistan this month. Taliban attacks are increasing. Read more in "The Taliban Escalate as Obama Edges Out of Afghanistan", The Wall Street Journal, August 20, 2015.
Militias Fighting the Taliban - The Good, Bad and Ugly. Afghanistan has a rich history of militias for good and bad. In a country that has almost always had a decentralized form of government the existence of regional warlords (with their militias) has generally been a fact of life. The inability of the Afghan government and its Afghan National Defense Security Forces (ANDSF) to defeat the Taliban and other insurgent groups has resulted in some power brokers and regional actors to use local militias to provide security. This brings some good (local forces fighting the Taliban) and bad (militias not under government control victimizing the population) results. The First Vice President, Abdul Rashid Dostrum, is generating support for militias in northern Afghanistan (where he enjoys the most support). Read more in "Afghan Vice President Raises Concerns by Turning to Militias in Taliban Fight", The New York Times, August 18, 2015.
Governance News
Afghans Celebrate Independence Day. On Wednesday, August 19th Afghanistan celebrated its 96th anniversary of independence from Britain. Our Secretary of State, John Kerry, provides us with a statement - Afghan Independence Day, August 19, 2015.
Kabul Revenue Failings. In a country as cash-poor as Afghanistan the raising of revenue is critical. Especially in a time where international aid is being cut dramatically along with the reduction of foreign forces (and the significant decrease of money that brings). So it is troubling to learn that Afghanistan's capital city is having difficulty collecting funds owed. Read more in "Kabul Municipality Fails to Collect City Revenue", Tolo News, August 19, 2015.
Report: Countering Corruption & Revenue Loss. A recent report containing transparency recommendations is entitled Policy Recommendations to Counter Corruption and Revenue Loss in Afghanistan, available on the SOLLIMS website, dated June 18, 2015.
www.pksoi.org/index.cfm?disp=cdrview.cfm&cdrid=1392
NIC Update. The Afghan government has been slow to roll out their National Identity Card. The international community is threatening funding cuts because of the delays. Read more in "e-NIC Chief Urges Govt to Act on Roll Out", Tolo News, August 20, 2015.
Human Freedom Index. The Human Freedom Index (HFI) measures a broad range of human freedom, understood as the absence of coercive constraint. It uses 76 distinct indicators of personal and economic freedom in the following areas: Rule of law, security and safety, movement, religion, civil society, expression, relationships, size of government, legal system and property rights, access to sound money, freedom to trade internationally, and regulation of credit, labor, and business. The index ranked 152 countries. The top 10 freest countries were (in order): Hong Kong, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Sweden. The United States is ranked 20th. The ten countries with the lowest score were Chad, Venezuela, Ethiopia, Algeria, Central African Republic, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Iran. The word "Afghanistan" is no where to be found in the document. You can read the index online at The Human Freedom Index, Fraser Institute (CATO Institute, IED, Visio, and others), 2015.
UN Radio Series for Young Afghans. A United Nations radio series on youth in politics is expected to reach an audience of 800,000 Afghans across four northeastern provinces in the coming weeks. The series will encourage young people to participate in politics. Read more in a news update from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), August 16, 2015.
IDLG Assessing Provincial Councils. The Independent Directorate of Local Governance announced that the organization will be assessing the working procedures, performance, and authority of the provincial councils. See a news report by Tolo News, August 16, 2015.
Kabul Revenue Failings. In a country as cash-poor as Afghanistan the raising of revenue is critical. Especially in a time where international aid is being cut dramatically along with the reduction of foreign forces (and the significant decrease of money that brings). So it is troubling to learn that Afghanistan's capital city is having difficulty collecting funds owed. Read more in "Kabul Municipality Fails to Collect City Revenue", Tolo News, August 19, 2015.
Report: Countering Corruption & Revenue Loss. A recent report containing transparency recommendations is entitled Policy Recommendations to Counter Corruption and Revenue Loss in Afghanistan, available on the SOLLIMS website, dated June 18, 2015.
www.pksoi.org/index.cfm?disp=cdrview.cfm&cdrid=1392
NIC Update. The Afghan government has been slow to roll out their National Identity Card. The international community is threatening funding cuts because of the delays. Read more in "e-NIC Chief Urges Govt to Act on Roll Out", Tolo News, August 20, 2015.
Human Freedom Index. The Human Freedom Index (HFI) measures a broad range of human freedom, understood as the absence of coercive constraint. It uses 76 distinct indicators of personal and economic freedom in the following areas: Rule of law, security and safety, movement, religion, civil society, expression, relationships, size of government, legal system and property rights, access to sound money, freedom to trade internationally, and regulation of credit, labor, and business. The index ranked 152 countries. The top 10 freest countries were (in order): Hong Kong, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Sweden. The United States is ranked 20th. The ten countries with the lowest score were Chad, Venezuela, Ethiopia, Algeria, Central African Republic, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Iran. The word "Afghanistan" is no where to be found in the document. You can read the index online at The Human Freedom Index, Fraser Institute (CATO Institute, IED, Visio, and others), 2015.
UN Radio Series for Young Afghans. A United Nations radio series on youth in politics is expected to reach an audience of 800,000 Afghans across four northeastern provinces in the coming weeks. The series will encourage young people to participate in politics. Read more in a news update from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), August 16, 2015.
IDLG Assessing Provincial Councils. The Independent Directorate of Local Governance announced that the organization will be assessing the working procedures, performance, and authority of the provincial councils. See a news report by Tolo News, August 16, 2015.
Development News
Four Reforms Necessary for Afghanistan's Economy. According to one observer Afghanistan's economy will be able to stand on its own feet if the Afghan government begins with four reforms. The author, Dr. Mohammad Hotak,is the president of the British-Afghan Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Read "From Aid to Trade", Foreign Policy, August 19, 2015.
Quality of Girl's Education in Afghanistan. Arne Strand examines the state of girls education in "Expanding and improving the quality of girls' education in Afghanistan", Brookings Institute, August 19, 2015.
Is IRD on the Upbound? The International Relief and Development (IRD) firm has had a tough year but that might be over. Once the darling of USAID in Afghanistan it fell under investigation and for a while was barred from USAID contracts. But now it appears the firm is back in business. Read "IRD's return from the brink", DEVEX, August 20, 2015.
Teacher & Education Crisis in Afg. Two writers have penned a paper about a teacher crisis and the quality of education in Afghanistan. Read "Too Few, Badly Paid, and Unmotivated", Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN), August 22, 2015.
Is a "Special Representative" of the UN needed for Aid Workers? A recent news report by IRIN (Aug 18, 2015) informs us of a movement for the establishment of a United Nations Special Representative to advance the safety of humanitarian workers around the globe. Read "On World Humanitarian Day, a new idea to protect aid workers".
Quality of Girl's Education in Afghanistan. Arne Strand examines the state of girls education in "Expanding and improving the quality of girls' education in Afghanistan", Brookings Institute, August 19, 2015.
Is IRD on the Upbound? The International Relief and Development (IRD) firm has had a tough year but that might be over. Once the darling of USAID in Afghanistan it fell under investigation and for a while was barred from USAID contracts. But now it appears the firm is back in business. Read "IRD's return from the brink", DEVEX, August 20, 2015.
Teacher & Education Crisis in Afg. Two writers have penned a paper about a teacher crisis and the quality of education in Afghanistan. Read "Too Few, Badly Paid, and Unmotivated", Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN), August 22, 2015.
Is a "Special Representative" of the UN needed for Aid Workers? A recent news report by IRIN (Aug 18, 2015) informs us of a movement for the establishment of a United Nations Special Representative to advance the safety of humanitarian workers around the globe. Read "On World Humanitarian Day, a new idea to protect aid workers".
AAF News
Airlift Contract for AAF. The Afghan Air Force will be supported by MAG DC Corp out of Woodbridge, Virginia. MAG DC was recently awarded a $12 million contract for airlift support for the Afghan Air Force. It has a completion date of August 2018.
Profile of USAF Chaplain Team for TAAC-Air. Learn about the chaplain team deployed to Afghanistan to support AAF advisors in "USAF chaplain team supports TAAC-Air, provides for diverse religious needs", DVIDS, August 22, 2015.
AAF and the VMTP. The Train, Advise, Assist Command - Air (TAAC-Air) has advisors and contractors working to refine Afghan Air Force logistics, reduce new acquisitions and programs and create a sustainable and capable air force to support the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in the coming years. The Vehicle Maintenance Training Program (VMTP) is one focus area that will get the AAF to this sustainable state. Read more in "Afghan Air Force trains to develop vehicle maintenance master instructors", DVIDS, August 20,2015.
SOF News
Comments on JSOC and Hitting the Taliban. Gary Owen of the Sunny in Kabul Blog has penned a piece examining the targeting killing of the Taliban leadership, its effectiveness, and more in "Yes, The Taliban are Worse than Ever", August 18, 2015.
Blackbird Technologies Contract. Raytheon Blackbird Technologies has won a U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) - Wide Mission Support (SWMS) contract to provide program management and technical services to special operations forces (SOF) around the world. Blackbird's core competencies are: persistent surveillance, reconnaissance products, cyber security,and global intelligence systems. (Military Embedded Systems, August 19, 2015.
Academi Contract for Afghanistan. The Academi Training Center, LLC from Moyock, North Carolina (used to be part of Blackwater) has been awarded an $8 million contract for facility service support and private security contract / armed security in Afghanistan. The estimated completion date is May 2018. Camp Integrity where the Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan (SOJTF-A) is based is an Academi facility rented by the U.S. military. It was recently attacked during a spate of bombings in Kabul - with one U.S. Green Beret KIA and several Afghan security contractors killed.
Aeromedical Evacuation and Camp Integrity. One Green Beret lost his life in mid-August during a Taliban attack on the hqs of the Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan (SOJTF-A) located near the Kabul International Airport. In addition, several Afghan security contractors died and there were numerous wounded. A recent news release provides more information on the medical evacuation of the wounded to regional medical facilities as well as onward to a medical facility in Germany. Read "455th EAES provides critical bridge between battlefields, higher-level care", DVIDS, August 17, 2015.
Blackbird Technologies Contract. Raytheon Blackbird Technologies has won a U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) - Wide Mission Support (SWMS) contract to provide program management and technical services to special operations forces (SOF) around the world. Blackbird's core competencies are: persistent surveillance, reconnaissance products, cyber security,and global intelligence systems. (Military Embedded Systems, August 19, 2015.
Academi Contract for Afghanistan. The Academi Training Center, LLC from Moyock, North Carolina (used to be part of Blackwater) has been awarded an $8 million contract for facility service support and private security contract / armed security in Afghanistan. The estimated completion date is May 2018. Camp Integrity where the Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan (SOJTF-A) is based is an Academi facility rented by the U.S. military. It was recently attacked during a spate of bombings in Kabul - with one U.S. Green Beret KIA and several Afghan security contractors killed.
Aeromedical Evacuation and Camp Integrity. One Green Beret lost his life in mid-August during a Taliban attack on the hqs of the Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan (SOJTF-A) located near the Kabul International Airport. In addition, several Afghan security contractors died and there were numerous wounded. A recent news release provides more information on the medical evacuation of the wounded to regional medical facilities as well as onward to a medical facility in Germany. Read "455th EAES provides critical bridge between battlefields, higher-level care", DVIDS, August 17, 2015.
Green Beret Getting Kicked Out of Army for Afghan Actions. An eleven-year veteran of the Army is getting axed by the Army for actions he took in Afghanistan in saving a 12-year old boy who was being raped by an Afghan police commander. He got into a physical altercation with the Afghan policeman over the issue and was relieved of his position and now is faced with discharge from the Army. Read more in "Army kicking out decorated Green Beret who stood up for Afghan rape victim", Fox News, August 21, 2015.
Afghan Interpreters
The United States Department of State failed miserably over the last decade in 'taking care' of its Afghan interpreters (denying visas for those wishing to relocate to the United States). In the past few years it appears that DoS is making a greater effort although sometimes it is difficult to motivate the bureaucracy. The U.S. is not the only nation with a poor track record of taking care of their Afghan interpreters. Other coalition nations have fell short as well.
Has the UK Abandoned its Afghan Interpreters? The United Kingdom has come under attack by critics but the UK Ministry of Defence has issued a clarification saying such claims are "completely erroneous". Read more in "HMG Policy on Afghan Interpreters", Defence in the Media Blog, GOV.UK, August 21, 2015.
New Zealand and Interpreters. A recent news report states that Afghan interpreters given residency after working with Kiwi troops are calling on the Government to allow them to bring their parents and siblings to New Zealand. Read more in a news report by 3 News, August 18, 2015.
UK Afghan Interpreter Slain by Taliban. An Afghan interpreter who was denied asylum by the UK has been captured and executed while trying to flee the Taliban. Read more in "Britain's shame: Afghan hero interpreter refused asylum is slaughtered by Taliban", Daily Express, August 18, 2015.
A Little History - Germans in Afghanistan WWI
Over one hundred years ago during World War I the Germans attempted to influence events in Afghanistan. Thomas Ruttig of the Afghanistan Analyst Network (AAN) provides us a glimpse of events long ago in two online articles:
"Afghanistan in World War I (1): Afghans in the Kaiser's jihad", July 27, 2014.
"Afghanistan in World War I (2): England must lose India - Afghanistan as a German bridgehead", August 19, 2015.
"Afghanistan in World War I (1): Afghans in the Kaiser's jihad", July 27, 2014.
"Afghanistan in World War I (2): England must lose India - Afghanistan as a German bridgehead", August 19, 2015.
Kabul Convoy Attack: 12 Dead, 3 U.S. Contractors
An insurgent targeted a convoy with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) in Kabul on Saturday, August 22nd. Twelve people were killed and at least 66 others wounded - including three American contractors. The explosives-laden Toyota Corolla attacked the convoy in the Macrorayan area of Kabul on Saturday afternoon. Some initial reports indicate that the three U.S. personnel were contractors for DynCorp.
www.cnn.com/2015/08/22/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html
www.cnn.com/2015/08/22/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html
Afghan War News Snippets
DIVIDEND$. The August 2015 monthly newsletter (really just a one page PDF) for the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan (CSTC-A) is now posted online. Topics include joint budgeting process, rule of law conference (attended by Afghans and EF3 advisors), and anti-corruption. http://www.rs.nato.int/images/media/150821augustdividends.pdf
COIN and FETs in Afghanistan. Gabrielle Cook has conducted an thorough analysis of the Female Engagement Teams (FETs) performance. Read Counterinsurgency and Female Engagement Teams in the War in Afghanistan. E-International Relations, August 16, 2015.
DoD Dir - Language & Culture Program. The Department of Defense has release a new directive entitled Defense Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Program (DLRECP), DoD Directive No. 5160.41E, August 21, 2015.
www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/516041p.pdf
www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/516041p.pdf
JMRC - A Lab for a Complex World. The Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) at Hohenfels, Germany has an excellent reputation for training up European Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams or OMLTs (and later the SFAATs) for their subsequent deployment to Afghanistan as advisors. (I observed two training rotations during 2013 and I was very impressed). Advisor training for NATO has shifted to the Joint Forces Training Center (JFTC) in Poland and JMRC has a change in focus. A recent article posted online provides us an update in "A Laboratory for Preparing Forces to Win in a Complex World", by William R. Orkins, Small Wars Journal, August 20, 2015.
"What Are We Still Doing in Afghanistan?" A combat tourist (okay, he is a news photojournalist) gives us his take on his recent trip to Afghanistan - photos and all. (Slate, August 19, 2015).
Expatriates Sticking it Out in Kabul. Despite the pullout of most international troops in 2013-2014, increased success of the Taliban on the battlefield, inability of the ANDSF to defeat the insurgency, and continued bombings and attacks in Kabul a determined group of expatriates have decided not to leave. Read more in "There's Something Here - The Expatriates Sticking it Out in Afghanistan", Radio Free Europe, August 20, 2015.
CoC of Army Field Support Battalion - Afghanistan. There was a change of command for the Army Field Support Battalion - Afghanistan held on August 5th. Read more in "Susnis hands over command of AFSBn-Afghanistan", DVIDS, August 19, 2015.
Australian Advisors. There are about 400 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed across Afghanistan in a variety of roles as part of Operation Highroad, supporting the NATO-led Resolute Support mission. Read about three of the advisors working in the EOD field in a very short news release by EPE, August 17, 2015. Not much text but some good photos.
EF5 from DCOS-SPT to DCOS-SA. The Essential Function 5 (Force Sustainment) advisors have transitioned from Deputy Chief of Staff - Support to Deputy Chief of Staff - Security Assistance.
DoD IG Audit. The DoD Inspector General's office will be conducting an audit in August 2015 to determine whether contracting officer's representatives were properly appointed and trained and were able to effectively perform their oversight responsibilities for contracts in Afghanistan. See a DoD IG letter announcing the audit.
PTSD and Women. Robert Gebelhoff has penned an article entitled "Military women are at the same risk of PTSD as men, study finds", The Washington Post, August 21, 2015.
Origins of the "Woobie". The Woobie or poncho liner was the greatest invention ever fielded by the U.S. Army. It is warm (even when wet), lightweight, easy to pack, multi-purposed and revered by infantrymen. The poncho liner has been a staple of deployed life since it was first introduced in Vietnam. I never called it a "Woobie" - just called it a poncho liner. Hmmm. Learn more in an article posted on Task & Purpose (August 18, 2015).
Afghan ANA Officer Missing in Australia. The ANA member was attending a training course at the Asia Pacific Center for Military Law. He was last seen in the foyer of his hotel in Sydney waiting for relatives. (Khaama Press, Aug 18, 2015).
JIEDDO Becomes JIDA. The Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization or JIEDDO has now morphed into the Joint Improvised Threat-Defeat Agency or JIDA. JIDA is charged with targeting threats that are improvised but not necessarily limited to explosive. Read more in "JIDA: The next chapter of anti-improvised weapons efforts", C4ISR & Networks, August 18, 2015.
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