Afghan Interpreters Betrayed

Interpreters Betrayed. When American troops conducted combat operations in Afghanistan their link to the Afghan population was the Afghan interpreter. The past few years - in the time of the 'train, advise, and assist mission' - the American advisors link to the Afghan security forces is the Afghan interpreter. However, with the huge drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan many of the interpreter were soon unemployed and . . . even worse . . . subject to persecution by the Taliban. Many former interpreters hope to find safety in the countries of the Soldier they served with but there are some bureaucratic obstacles that stand in the way. Read more in "The Long, Slow Betrayal of America's Interpreters", War is Boring, November 9, 2015.

Some Help Available. The U.S. has expanded a special immigrant visa program - a provision in the 2016 defense authorization bill would further expand the number of SIVs for Afghan interpreters to 7,000 a year, up from 4,000. One organization, called No One Left Behind, is helping out the interpreters. Read more in "Some struggling Afghan, Iraqi interpreters get help from charity", Military Times, November 14, 2015. Visit www.nooneleft.org

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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.

U.S. Airman helps Afghan Interpreter in U.S.

Afghan interpreters are a key part of the Coalition's success in Afghanistan. It is difficult to conduct combat operations, civil affairs projects, training or advising because of the language barrier. However, because of a few thousand brave Afghan interpreters this task became easier. It addition to the interpretation, Afghan interpreters functioned as cultural advisors and were an important part of the Force Protection plan for Coalition members. Now that the war for the U.S. and Coalition is winding down many of the interpreters employed for years by the U.S. military are in search of employment. In addition, some are at risk of retribution by the Taliban. Some Afghan interpreters have been fortunate enough to receive a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) from the U.S. State Department. A few of these interpreters have also benefited from the assistance of an American sponsor. Read the story of one interpreter and his family who are being helped out by a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant in "Academy Airman helps Afghan interpreter start new life in US", U.S. Air Force, January 10, 2015.

Afghan Interpreters Still Wait for VISAs

The State Department seems to be still having some difficulty in the issuing of visas to Afghans who worked for the military over the past decade. Although state did a better job in 2014 than in previous years there still is a backlog of interpreters waiting on their visas. In years past the State Department did a horrible job. "In 2009, the Afghan Allies Protection Act allocated 7,500 visas for Afghans employed by the US government, the majority as military interpreters. But, by 2011, the US embassy in Kabul had not processed a single visa". (Quote is from news article linked to below). Many interpreters who filed an application for a visa were denied because they were "blacklisted". One could get blacklisted for a number of minor reasons. Read more in "Afghan interpreters demand promised US visas", Yahoo.com, October 1, 2014.

Interpreters Try to Leave Afghanistan

There is a rush out the door for interpreters trying to leave Afghanistan. With the withdrawal of ISAF troops, future reductions in foreign aid, contracting of the Afghan economy, and the threat of the Taliban (they are not defeated and certainly are not going away) the interpreters are seeing job prospects diminish and their future uncertain. The U.S. State Department has a horrible record in its ability to provide VISAs to Afghan interpreters even though Congress provided authorization for thousands of VISAs. It is only recently (2014) that the State Department (after an internal review prompted by external criticism) has actually processed VISAs to an acceptable standard. Read more about the plight of Afghan interpreters in "As a U.S. War Winds Down, Afghans Look for a Way Out", Public Radio East, September 11, 2014. at this link.

Afghan Refugees & Interpreters

Culture Shock. Many Europeans and Americans (and the occasional Canadian, Australian, New Zealander, and others) are surprised during their first trip to Afghanistan by the culture of their temporary assignment. There are lots of things to observe and learn quickly (unless of course, you are a fobbit who doesn't venture into the real Afghanistan). Reverse that situation and think about what an Afghan visitor (refugee, migrant, etc.) faces when he first ventures into Europe. For instance, what goes through an Afghan man's mind when he adjusts to life in Germany where a women is the national leader, pork is the national dish, and beer and wine is prevalent everywhere? Read "Culture Shock in the Promised Land of Germany", The New York Times, November 18, 2015.

Night Letters. There are many compelling reasons to leave Afghanistan - economic, social, security, opportunity, and more. But it is not that easy to pick up and leave. And having left . . . you need a destination. Enter the fabricated 'night letter'. If you have threatening letter from the Taliban then you may be able to start a new life in Europe. Most such letters were tacked on the door (usually at night by Taliban) of government officials and, Afghan policemen, school teachers, and interpreters working for Coalition military units. However, if the Taliban didn't give you a night letter then you can buy one from someone who sells forged threat letters. Read more in "Afghans seeking asylum buy fake Taliban threat letters", Stars & Stripes, November 22, 2015.

"Moderate Muslims" Left Behind - Interpreters Betrayed. A former serviceman with tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan wonders why the United States has abandoned the interpreters that helped the U.S. military accomplish its mission. He points out that the U.S. has an unfair and archaic visa process at the State Department. Read more in "The Moderate Muslims We Left Behind", The Blog - Huffington Post, by Eli Williamson, November 24, 2015.

An Interpreters Story. A former Afghan interpreter now resides in South Carolina courtesy of the Lutheran Services Carolinas. Read "From Afghanistan to South Carolina: A refugee's story", The Post and Courier, November 21, 2015.

CHF Afghanistan Factsheet. "The Afghanistan Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF) is a country-based financing mechanism for humanitarian organisations under the oversight of the Humanitarian Coordinator (HC). It is used to provide anticipated and timely funding towards jointly prioritised needs and critical gaps in the humanitarian response in Afghanistan." Read an updated CHF Factsheet (Nov 2015), posted on ReliefWeb, November 23, 2015.

UNHCR IDP Report. Read Durable Solutions for IDPs in Afghanistan, November 2015.
http://www.refworld.org/docid/5655550a4.html

Halting the Exodus. President Ghani is making pleas to his countrymen to stay in Afghanistan and help rebuild the nation. But many Afghans continue to leave for more security and better economic opportunity. Those that can't buy a passport, visa, and airline ticket turn into refugees fleeing Afghanistan via smuggling routes. Read more in "Afghan Leaders Try to Halt Exodus, but Pleas Ring Hollow", The New York Times, November 23, 2015.

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Refugees, Migrants, and Interpreters

Afghan Migrants. Many refugees from Afghanistan are making their way (via people smugglers) across Iran into Turkey where they hope to either find work (and a place to live) or a way to get to Europe. However, Europe has begun the process of closing its doors after being overwhelmed with refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and north Africa in 2015. Read more in "Afghans feel forgotten in Europe's migrant crisis", Reuters, March 6, 2016.

Young People Desperate to Leave Afghanistan. There is not a lot of opportunity for young Afghans. However Europe is no longer the promised land. Slovenia, Croatia, and Macedonia (long the transit nations for the migrant populations heading to Scandinavia and Germany) has been closing its borders. Economic migrants from Afghanistan are no longer welcome. Watch a video 1-minute long video entitled Determined to Leave Afghanistan, Even as Europe's Borders Close, Radio Free Europe, March 10, 2016.

Empty Promises for Migrants. Many Afghans making the treacherous journey to Europe are finding the promises made by human smugglers are not fulfilled. Read more in "European Dream Unfulfilled for Afghan Economic Migrants", Radio Free Europe, March 10, 2016.

CRS Report SIV. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) recently published a report on the Special Immigrant Visa program for Iraqi and Afghan interpreters (February 26, 2016).
www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=790970

Canada: Interpreters Wait While Refugees Accepted. I guess one has to wonder which government is treating former Afghan interpreters worse. Is it Canada or the United States. Neither government seems to give much priority to the Afghan interpreters to whom our military owes so much. Read more in "Refugees fast-tracked but interpreter forced to wait", Toronto Sun, March 8, 2016.

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Two Interpreters Finally Make it to U.S.

Afghan interpreters, who risked their lives to assist the U.S. military, are finding it difficult to get to the United States on a visa. Two interpreters finally did complete their journey but it was not easy. The two interpreters, with their families, have re-located to Alexandria, Virginia. But getting to the United States was a four-year-long ordeal. Read more in "Two Afghan interpreters, targeted for helping the US military, finally make it to America", Public Radio International, November 29, 2014.

News Snippets

CoC RS Commander.  March 2nd will be the change of command from General John Campbell to recently promoted General John Nicholson. Gen Campbell will retire from the Army. Read "Pentagon Sets Date for Change of Command in Afghanistan", Voice of America, February 18, 2016.

Social Media and Young Afghans. Younger Afghans are increasingly finding marriage partners online using social media. This method allows them to circumvent the strict segregation of the sexes in this deeply conservative society. Read more in "Afghans skirt strict rules to find love on social media", CNS News.com, February 14, 2016.

Skiing in Afghanistan. Some day, many years from now, people will fly to Afghanistan to ski the mountains. But for now, the skiing opportunities are primarily limited to the central province of Bamyan. However, it is a work intensive sport. No ski lifts. So you trudge up a mountain for almost an hour for a couple of minutes of downhill pleasure. I will pass for now. Hopefully, if peace comes to Afghanistan . . . and if I live long enough . . . I too will ski the slopes of that picturesque country with beautiful mountains. But for now I must be content to watch this 3-minute long video entitled "Ski Afghanistan: A Challenge Unlike Any Other", Radio Free Europe, February 15, 2016.

Poker on Friday Nights. So how do the Resolute Support soldiers sequestered at "Camp Kabul" spend their free time? Evidently some try their hand at the card game of poker. Learn more by reading "Poker in Afghanistan: Strategy and Tactics at the NATO Base in Kabul", Poker News, February 15, 2016. The article also provides insight about life confined to a small base with lots of people.

Afghan Refugees / Migrants. According the the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Afghans represent 26% of the Mediterranean sea arrivals to Europe.
http://data.unhcr.org/mediterranean/regional.php

Child Soldiers. According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW) organization the Taliban are training Afghan children in Madrasas to fight and plant IEDs. Read Afghanistan Taliban Child Soldier Recruitment Surges, HRW, February 17, 2016.

Video - ANA's Med Ctr Gardez. Watch a 2-min YouTube video posted by Resolute Support HQs on the ANA's regional medical center located in the 203rd ANA Corps region. Not in English!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXiszHz1VP0

Corruption . . . and more Corruption. Transparency International (TI) has release a report about one of Afghanistan's most serious problems - corruption. Read National Integrity System Assessment Afghanistan 2015, February 16, 2016.

FORSCOM CG visits BAF. General Robert Abrams, the commander of Forces Command, visit Bagram Air Field.  Read more in a news release by DVIDS, February 12, 2016.

Bergdahl Probe. The Justice Department is considering whether to review allegations that the U.S. paid for SGT Beau Bergdahl's freedom and what the role the FBI played in his release. Read more in "Justice Department May Probe Alleged Bergdahl Ransom Payment", The Daily Beast, February 19, 2016.

Afghan Journalists Fleeing to Europe. So the people that report the news in Afghanistan have been making their way to Europe. Some are paying big money to make that dangerous trip. Many do it for economic reasons but some are in fear for their lives - as a result of their reporting corruption in Afghan society. Read more in "Hundreds of Afghan Journalists Have Fled to Europe", Gandhara Blog, February 18, 2016.

Afghan Interpreters - State Dept Folly. A recent rule change by the U.S. Department of State has left over 3,000 Afghan interpreters stranded in Afghanistan. These faithful interpreters who served the U.S. military in Afghanistan have already submitted their requests for U.S. visas so they can escape retaliation by the Taliban. However, the State Dept is once again doing everything they can to ensure they can't flee a dangerous situation. Read more in "Rule Change Dashes Hope for Afghan Military Allies Seeking Refuge in U.S.", Free Beacon, February 16, 2016.

Federal Court Rules on Afghan Interpreters. A federal district court in Washington, D.C. has ruled in favor of Iraqi and Afghan interpreters who are suing the U.S. Government over failure to act on visa applications. The decision reaffirms the government's obligations to thousands of U.S. allies trapped in life-threatening circumstances as a result of their service to the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read more in a news release by the Urban Justice Center (Feb 16, 2016).

Another Afghan War Film. As is the case with many conflicts as they start to wind down Hollywood begins to crank the movie machine up. There are good, bad, funny, sad, accurate, and inaccurate movies about almost every conflict the U.S. has been in. We are now starting to see an increase in the frequency of films being released about the Afghan War (or so it seems to me). Just last week I reviewed a Danish film about Afghanistan - see movie review of A War. A new film soon to be released is about an Afghan interpreter. These folks are the unsung heroes of the Afghan War - without them the U.S. military was very ineffective. Read more about the new film in "Why a US Army Vet Cast a Muslim-American Woman to Lead His Afghan War Movie", Defense One, February 15, 2016.

Soviet Union Departure - Anniversary. February 15th was the 27th anniversary of the exit of the former USSR Red Army from Afghanistan.

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Afghan Interpreters for New Zealand Finally get Residency

It seems that the U.S. State Department isn't the only organization having problems processing visas for Afghan interpreters. Evidently it has taken New Zealand over three years to process residency permits for some Afghan interpreters that worked for the New Zealand special operations forces. New Zealand has been a steady partner of the NATO forces in Afghanistan. Their special operations forces were operating in western Afghanistan conducting "rat patrols" through Shindand, Nimroz, and Helmand province in 2002. Later New Zealand forces stood up the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Bamyam. They also provided forces in other areas of Afghanistan as well. All these endeavors required the use of Afghan interpreters. Read more in "Afghan interpreters finally offered residency", 3 News, February 14, 2014.

The U.S. Should Process Visas for Afghan Interpreters

The United States Department of State is taking the low road in the implementation of granting visas to Afghan interpreters who served side-by-side (or Shona-ba-Shona) with their U.S. counterparts for a number of years. With the war winding down (at least for the U.S.) the need for employing the interpreters diminishes. In addition, many of these interpreters are at risk of retaliation from the insurgents because they assisted the United States. Congress approved a visa program for the interpreters but the State Department has dragged their feet. Evidently the problem resides within the U.S. Embassy in Kabul where a small committee of bureaucrats who spend much of their time sipping "tea" at the "duck and cover" are taking their sweet time processing visas. Many times they just stamped "rejected" on the application with no explanation of why the visa was rejected. This is definitely not the way we should treat loyal allies. Secretary Kerry needs to get involved and fix this mess. Read more in "Afghan translators deserve special visas - and fast", The Washington Post, January 2, 2014.

Interpreters Abandoned by U.S. State Dept

The U.S. State Department continues to receive admonishment for its abandonment of the loyal Afghan interpreters who served the U.S. military for many years in war-torn Afghanistan. Despite the State Department's best efforts at minimizing the public's negative perception of the visa backlog for Afghan interpreters the message from all corners is very clear. Members of Congress and the military want the State Department to take action instead of stonewalling the interpreters visa requests. Unfortunately the State Department appears to be abandoning the Afghan interpreters. Read more in "Tongue tied in Afghanistan", PBS Newshour, February 19, 2014.

"Afghan Interpreters Deserve Visas"

Congress will be making an important decision in the next month or so about Afghan interpreters. The interpreters served as the eyes and ears of the U.S. military in Afghanistan for years. Many wish to emigrate to the United States; some are in fear for their lives due to Taliban reprisals. The United States should keep faith with these loyal comrades and provide them visas. It is up to Congress to authorize these visas. Read more in "Afghan interpreters deserve visas", Columbia Daily Tribune, November 18, 2014.

Afghan Interpreters Still Getting Screwed Over by State Department

It appears that the State Department is not taking Congress and its critics seriously on the State Departments inability to process visas to deserving Afghan interpreters who have put their lives at risk to aid our military. The State Department has been heavily criticized the past year for not processing visas in a timely manner (if at all). One would think that with the heavy public pressure the State Department would respond to fix their failure but evidently they are so insulated from reality they are not aware of it - or maybe they just don't care about the Afghan interpreters. I have been told the problem resides within the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. Perhaps a little less time in the "Duck and Cover" and more time behind the computer would achieve better results. Read more on this topic in "U.S. backlog for visas leaves Afghan interpreters in limbo", Los Angeles Times, January 31, 2014.

Call for Extension of Visa Program for Interpreters

For the last several years the blame for the poor implementation of the Special Immigrant Visa Program for Afghan interpreters can easily be placed on the Department of State. Up until mid-2014 the State Department was doing everything it could to NOT provide visas to Afghan interpreters who wished to immigrate to the United States. Finally State saw the light after getting hammered by members of Congress and the media. Now it is Congress that is under the spotlight. The visa program needs to be extended so that up to 9,000 more Afghans can get visas. The program sunsets at the end of the year. There are two bills before Congress - one in the house and one in the Senate. The Senate bill is more generous. Read more in "Extend the special visa program for Afghan interpreters", The Washington Post, November 17, 2014.

Interpreters and New Zealand

It appears that sentiment toward aiding interpreters that served foreign military organizations in Afghanistan may be waning. Many nations have very restrictive regulations on how many (if any) former Afghan interpreters can enter their countries. The United States Department of State was notorious for their fool-hardy decisions in the past. It would appear that New Zealand is having some internal political disputes on this issue as well. See "No Asylum for Afghanistan's Interpreters: Defense Minister", New Zealand Times, October 15, 2014.

"Failure to Communicate" - How Interpreters Can Help or Hurt the Military's Efforts

Neil Shea has wrote an excellent article about the use of interpreters in Afghanistan.  He states that the interpreters are not properly screened, are sometimes not motivated, and that military NCOs and Officers are not properly trained to use interpreters.  Read more in "Failure to Communicate", Foreign Policy, August 23, 2010.

Mission Essential Personnel Providing Unqualified Interpreters for Afghan War Effort

A U.S. firm providing interpreters to the U.S. military is accused of providing interpreters who are not qualified.  Mission Essential Personnel is accused by a former worker of cheating on the lucrative contract.  Read more in "Whistleblower Claims Many US Interpreters Can't Speak Afghan Languages", ABC News, September 8, 2010.

Afghan War News Snippets

Pakistan Harboring Taliban Leaders? It would seem this is true based on recent statements by Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan's advisor for foreign affairs. In an unusually candid admission he said that Islamabad has considerable influence over the Taliban because its leaders live in the country. Read more in "Senior Official Admits Pakistan Housing Afghan Taliban Leaders", Gandhara Blog, March 2, 2016.

Pakistan and Durand Line. Former President Karzai recently said that Pakistani leadership wanted recognition of the imposed international border called the Durand Line in exchange for better relations with Afghanistan. Read a news report by Khaama Press, March 1, 2016.

Russia Seeking Role in Afghanistan. "More than two decades after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, Moscow is once again seeking to play a major role in the country by boosting military and economic cooperation with Kabul." Read more in "Russia's new role in Afghanistan", Deutsche Welle, March 2, 2016.

Peace Talks? Move Along . . . Nothing to See Here. It appears that all the talk about talking about an end to the conflict is just that . . . just a lot of talk. Read more in "Afghan Taliban refuse peace talks with government", Associated Press, March 5, 2016. See also "Afghan Peace Talks Face Uncertainty", Voice of America, March 4, 2016. And one more "Paying High Price for Peace: The Afghan High Peace Council Quagmire", Eurasia Review, March 5, 2016.

Curbing the Afghan Refugee Influx. The northern European nations started out welcoming refugees of all sorts (Syrian, Afghan, African, etc.) but they were soon overwhelmed - and now the tune has changed. Read more in "Rolling Up the Welcome Mat" Berlin Moves to Curb Afghan Refugees Influx", Spiegel Online International, March 2, 2016.

Young Boys as Refugees. There is a rise in the number of young Afghan boys who are now in Europe. Read more in "Afghan Boys: the New Face of Europe's Migrant Crisis", Associated Press, March 3, 2016.

UK Says Afghanistan "Safe". A United Kingdom court has ruled that Afghanistan is now safe enough to resume deportations of Afghan.

State Dept Fixes Blunder On SIV Visa. Some Afghan interpreters received a reprieve when the Department of State fixed a mistake in the government's management of a special visa program for Afghan interpreters. Some former interpreters had found out their applications had been denied through a faulty interpretation (or was it intentional?) by the State Department of a recent Congressional law. Read more in "State Department Fixes Unfair Visa Change", The New York Times, March 1, 2016.

Movie Review - "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot". Tina Feys new movie about a TV reporter on her first international assignment is getting mostly positive reviews. Read "Q. and A. With Tina Fey: Live Form Kabul, It's a Feminist Comedy", The New York Times, March 4, 2016.

Agricultural Research. Ongoing research on wheat and other crops in research farms across Afghanistan is contributing to better harvests and improved welfare among farmers. Read more in "Agricultural Research Gives Farmers a New Lease on Life", The World Bank, March 2, 2016.

Gender Stuff. The United Nations has released its 2015 report entitled The World's Women 2015: Trends and Statistics.

More on TAPI. "Afghanistan is preparing to start work on the key Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline project." The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum will be implementing the project. Of course, 735 kilometers of the pipeline will pass through Afghanistan . . . so what is the security plan? There is none other than some schemes and dreams on the part of the MoI and MoD. Read more in "Afghanistan Prepares to Start Work on TAPI", Tolo News, March 2, 2016.

India-Iran-Afghanistan Trilateral Transit Corridor. Afghanistan is attempting to revitalize its economy with a number of regional initiatives to revitalize trade and commerce. Of course, a huge factor is the establishment of security and stability in Afghanistan. Read more in "India-Iran-Afghanistan transit corridor talks in progress", Economic Times (India),  March 2, 2016.

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Afghan Interpreters - "No One Left Behind"

An organization calling itself "No One Left Behind" has been established to assist Iraqi and Afghan interpreters. The mission of the organization is to assist Iraqi and Afghan combat interpreters who have received Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) with resettlement in the United States. The charity focuses solely on Afghan and Iraqi SIVs recipients who served honorably alongside US forces in combat. The goal of the charity is to provide targeted, short term housing and cultural adaptation aid and to quickly transition them to self-sufficiency through various employment programs. Learn more about "No One Left Behind" here - www.nooneleft.org.