Mining a Source of Income for Afghanistan - But it is Years Away

Afghanistan has rich resources in minerals and there is great promise for the future of the country's economy because of these minerals. However, getting the minerals out of the ground and to the consumer is years away due to the lack of equipment, infrastructure, railways, and security. Read more about the abundant mineral resources and the huge problems in exploitation of the minerals. See "Excavating a future in Afghanistan", Stars and Stripes, March 24, 2103.

Camp Julien Transferred to Afghans

Another base in the Kabul, Afghanistan area has been transferred to the Afghans. Camp Julien, long a training site used by coalition troops to train Afghan army and police is now in the hands of the ANSF. The camp at one time was a main base for the Canadian contingent in the early years of the Afghan War (it was named for a Canadian soldier who fought in Korea). Camp Julien was transferred to the Afghans in November 2005 but then later re-opened in 2007 as the location for the COIN Academy. The COIN Academy has now been transferred over to the ANSF. As ISAF slowly decreases its force levels in Afghanistan and functions of training and equipping the Afghan security forces are turned over to the Afghans the numerous bases around Afghanistan will slowly dwindle. Read more in "ANSF accepts Camp Julien in transfer ceremony", DVIDS, March 20, 2013.

Romanian Army Female Engagement Team (FET)

Females from PRT at FOB Shank, Logar province celebrate
International Women's Day (Photo MAJ Joel Anderson)

The use of Female Engagement Teams (FETs) in Afghanistan has grown over the past few years. The concept was originally started by the Marines in southwest Afghanistan. The Marines recognized that 50% of the Afghan population were women but because of the cultural aspects of Afghan society the male members of the Marines could not talk to Afghan women. This prevented the Marines from being able to interact with Afghan women, ask questions for information, and properly search and segregate women during military operations. The FETs provided a greater military capability. In addition, many times the FETs are used to build relationships with women villagers - especially in support of humanitarian or economic development projects that centered on advancing the economic status of women in a certain area. The FET concept soon spread to U.S. Special Forces with its training and fielding of Cultural Support Teams (CSTs) Then the U.S. Army fielded its Female Engagement Teams. Now other ISAF partners are fielding FETs as well - to include the Romanian Army. Read more about the Romanian Female Engagement Team (FET) operating in concert special operations forces in Logar province, Afghanistan in "Romanian FET hosts event for International Women's Day", DVIDS, March 20, 2013.

Afghanistan Slowly Being Deforested

Afghanistan does not have much forest - it is a barren land of rock and sand. What little "green area" you can find are in the river valleys and mountain areas. The mountains of eastern Afghanistan have many of the remaining trees left in Afghanistan. One province in particular, Kunar, provides much of the lumber that is exported through Pakistan to world markets. Unfortunately, there is a finite amount of trees that can be harvested. Read more in "Afghanistan's Forests A Casualty of Timber Smuggling", NPR, March 18, 2013.

Nuristan - Remote Province of Afghanistan Ignored by ISAF and Kabul

Nuristan province, Afghanistan is at the top and end of the world. It is one of the most mountainous provinces of Afghanistan with few roads and very little government presence. The Taliban have free reign and freedom of movement throughout the province. The province is plagued with poverty, corruption, and almost no government services. Read more in "Afghanistan's Nuristan province 'at mercy of the Taliban'", BBC News Asia, March 20, 2013.

Afghanistan and Central Asian States Sign Railroad Agreement

Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have signed a agreement to start the construction of a railway that will link the three countries. The 400-kilometer railroad will connect the three countries with construction starting in July in Turkmenistan. The railway will help with economic development in the three countries. News source: "Turkmen, Tajik, Afghan Presidents Sign Railroad Agreement", Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, March 21, 2013.

Deal Reached on Bagram Prison Transfer to Afghans

A deal has finally been reached on the Bagram detention / prison transfer from the United States military to the Afghan military. The transfer had been held up because of fears that Afghanistan would release prisoners who the U.S. feels are enduring threats to Afghanistan and ISAF. In the past, the Karzai regime has released hardened Taliban fighters with many of them rejoining the Taliban shortly afterwards. In addition, there are concerns about the treatment that prisoners receive under the Afghan prison system - with widespread reports of abuse and torture. The prison transfer had become an "issue of national pride" to Karzai and has been a major focus of negotiations for some weeks. Read more in "U.S. and Afghans Reach Deal on Bagram Prison Transfer", The New York Times, March 23, 2013.

Insider Attacks Affect Afghan Security Forces As Well

Insider attacks were a common occurrence last year (2012) in Afghanistan and garnered a lot of attention from military and government officials among the ISAF troop contributing nations (TCNs). There have been some attacks against ISAF in the early part of 2013 (most recent were in Jalrez district). However, it is sometimes not noted in the media that the Afghan security forces also experience insider attacks. The most recent one was by a member of the ALP in Badghis province. Read more in "Afghan Local Police Member Kills 5 Colleagues", Time.com, March 22, 2013.

Law Enforcement Professionals (LEPs) Aid Afghans

Law Enforcement Professionals or LEPs have been operating in Afghanistan for a long time. Their role has been critical - as conventional infantry units are not always well-versed in some of the aspects of counterinsurgency (such as working with the local police) as is required. The LEPs provide the expertise to ensure that evidence-based operations are conducted so that warrants can be issued and evidence collected that results in insurgents being properly targeted and prosecuted. Read more in "Law enforcement professionals aid in Afghan evidence-based operations", DVIDS, March 20, 2013.

SFAAT Phalanx Advises 4th CSK on Soldier Skills

The vast majority of the activities U.S. forces are now conducting in Afghanistan is in support of the Security Force Assistance (SFA) mission. The primary unit conducting SFA is the Security Force Assistance Advisory Team or SFAAT. One such team - SFAAT Phalanx - is advising the 4th Combat Support Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 201st Corps at Combat Outpost Fortress, Kunar province in RC East. The SFAAT is conducting training and providing advise and assistance in a number of areas to include basic Soldier skills, logistics, and operations. Read more about SFAAT Phalanx in "Afghan soldiers succeed with training", Regional Command East, March 23, 2013. Read more news about SFAATs in Afghanistan.

2nd Cavalry Regiment Trains with RQ-11 Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at JMRC

RQ-11 Raven UAV
(photo SPC Josh Edwards)

2nd Cavalry Regiment is currently training in a Mission Readiness Exercise (MRE) at JMRC in Hoehenfels, Germany in preparation for a deployment to Afghanistan. Part of this training encompasses proficiency with unique pieces of equipment. One of these unique pieces of equipment is the RQ-11 Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV. UAV's are also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Systems or UASs. In the civilian world and in some military circles as well, UAVs are referred to as drones. The Raven assists in surveillance activities providing information about what is happening on the battlefield. The Raven is particularly useful for small Military Advisor Teams or MATs (sometimes referred to as SFAATs). Learn more about 2CR's training with the RQ-11 Raven UAV (or UAS, or drone, or . . . ) in "2CR Troops use Raven to patrol skies", DVIDS, March 18, 2013.

2nd Cavalry Regiment Prepares for SFAAT Mission at JMRC, Hohenfels, Germany

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, based in Germany, is currently at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany training up for its Security Force Assistance mission in Afghanistan. The SFA mission will require the 2CR to train, advise, and assist Afghan national security forces - units of the Army and police. The regiment has task organized itself so that it can support a number of small Security Force Assistance Advisor Teams or SFAATs. These advisor teams - Military Advisor Teams (MATs) if advising the Afghan National Army (ANA) or Police Advisor Teams (PATs) if advising the Afghan National Police (ANP) - are to advise and assist the Afghans with intelligence, operations, logistics, communications, personnel, medical, and fires. Read more about the 2CR SFAATs in "Germany-based US troops to advise and assist Afghans through 2014", DVIDS, March 18, 2013.

District Stability Operations (DSO) In Afghanistan

The concept of Village Stability Operations or VSO has been around for a year or two. VSO is a very successful program run by the Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan (SOJTF-A) - with the lead agency being the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A). VSO integrates the parallel and complimentary efforts of security, development, and governance to further the reach of the Afghan government and security organizations at the district level. The implementation involves committing a special operations team (SFODA, MARSOC, or SEAL) against a village to first establish security (primarily through the ALP) and then governance and development.

To assist the ODA (or Marines or Seals) SOJTF-A usually assigns one or two individuals to work as a District Augmentation Team (DAT) or Provincial Augmentation Team (PAT) to help coordinate and facilitate the governance and development lines of operations. The DAT or PAT works within the framework of the district or province headquarters coordinating with Afghan governmental, ministry, and security officials as well as other enablers present such as the State Department, DEA, NGOs, and others.

One Special Forces Warrant Officer presents the case that Special Forces should transition from Village Stability Operations (VSO) to District Stability Operations (DSO). His suggests that in certain regions of Afghanistan (RC East) DSO would be more effective. Read his online article in "VSO versus DSO", Small Wars Journal, March 19, 2013.

Progress in Kandahar Province

An article posted on the Brookings website wrote by Michael O'Hanlon and Michele Flournoy paints a positive picture of the military situation in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. They cite a decrease in violence, an Afghan army and police assuming more of the security role, the diminishing of the criminal patronage network of Karzai's brother (now deceased), a bustling economy, and other factors. Read their article in "Kandahar and Hope", Brookings, March 21, 2013.

Agreement May be Reached on Bagram Detention Transfer Soon

The disagreement between Karzai and ISAF over the Bagram detention facility continues although there are hints that it may be resolved soon. The stumbling block appears to be a small group of hard-core Taliban fighters. The US wants assurances from Karzai that they will not be released. Karzai isn't making any promises on that point - therefore the delay in the detention facility transfer. Read more in "US, Afghan detainee deal done by next week, says ISAF", The Hill Blog, March 20, 2013.

Afghan Special Forces at Work in Panjwai District

The Afghan Army Special Forces are deeply involved in the progress being made in Panjwai district, Kandahar province. Panjwai has recently been an area where local uprisings against the Taliban have occurred. The ANASF are ideally suited to capitalize on this event and are working many lines of effort to solidify the gains made - not only in security but also in development and governance. Read about some of the benefits the ANASF bring to the community in "Afghan National Army special forces, villagers complete well project", DVIDS, March 22, 2013.

4th Infantry 10th Mountain SFAAT Advises Afghan Counterparts

More and more SFABs and their SFAATs are deploying to Afghanistan. One of the latest SFABs is 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Division. Read more in "SFAAT Assist Counterparts", DVIDS, March 21, 2013.

ISAF Manages (and spins) Wardak Situation Successfully

It would appear that ISAF has successfully managed its way out of the Wardak mess. Karzai had ordered all Special Forces out of the province as a result of claims by Afghans living in Wardak that the Special Forces teams and/or their advised units were abusing the local population. It seems that the alleged transgressions (ISAF denies any wrongdoing on the part of the SF teams) are narrowed to the Nerkh district (see similar reports under the Wardak label). As a result of weeks long negotiations the SF team in Nerkh district will soon depart that location and be replaced by an ANSF unit (hopefully an Afghan Special Forces detachment). The other SF teams in Wardak will slowly transition out in accordance with an agreed upon security transition plan with ANSF officials.

To be sure, there has been lots of behind the scenes maneuvering. Many tie this Wardak situation to Karzai wanting the Bagram detention center situation resolved in his favor (so he attacks on one front to gain ground on another). Other considerations include Karzai positioning himself as an Afghan nationalist standing up to the occupying western forces, the political parties that are gaining strength in Wardak and looking towards parliamentary and presidential elections, and the inroads that the Taliban have made in Wardak through its information operations campaign (and terror tactics).

Despite all of this the messaging coming out of ISAF seems to be coherent and upbeat - according to LTG Nick Carter of USAF the situation in Wardak will be an interesting look ahead to how transition takes place in other troubled provinces of Afghanistan in the future (smooth!). See "Wardak Could Be Early Test of Transition Success", Official Says", American Forces Press Service, March 20, 2013.

Karzai Continues his Anti-Western Rhetoric

President Karzai continues his inflammatory remarks directed against the United States and its other allies. In his latest volley he questions why NATO is still in Afghanistan. One would think that the reason would be abundantly clear to Karzai but it seems the reasoning eludes him. Read more of Karzai's latest remarks in "Afghan government hits back at NATO chief, says war aimless", Reuters, March 19, 2013.

2-227th Lobos At JRTC to Train for Afghanistan; Will Soon Support 4/10 Mtn SFAATs

Photo by SGT Christopher Calvert

The many Security Force Assistance Advisory and Assistance Teams (SFAATs) operating throughout Afghanistan require support from a host of units and organizations. Aviation support is critical; especially rotary wing. There are lots of different types of aviation support to include MEDEVAC, air movement, personnel rescue, and fires support. 2-227th "Lobos" will soon be in Afghanistan supporting 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Division SFAATs. 4th 10th is a Security Force Assistance Brigade or SFAB and its mission is supporting and enabling small 9, 12, and 18 man SFAATs. Read more on this topic in "2-227th Lobos depart for JRTC", DVIDS, March 18, 2013.

ISAF and Afghans Reach Agreement on Wardak

ISAF has released a news bulletin on the results of a meeting between General Dunford and President Karzai on March 20th. Essentially it says that security in Wardak will transition to the Afghans, that Special Forces teams will be withdrawn (starting with the one at Nerhk), and that ANSF will move into Nerhk district to assume security. You can read the entire text at the link below:

www.dvidshub.net/news/103772/isaf-and-afghan-government-reach-agreement-wardak

NATO Says Progress Being Made in Afghanistan

The NATO Secretary General, Anders Rasmussen, says that progress is being made in Afghanistan despite periodic setbacks. He says that ISAF has shifted to a train, advise, and assist role with the Afghans doing the brunt of the fighting. Read more in "NATO Secretary General Discusses Progress in Afghanistan", American Forces Press Service, March 18, 2013.

Agreement Reached with Karzai - Special Forces to Depart Nerkh District, Wardak Province

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Karzi government have completed negotiations over the ordered departure by Karzai of Special Forces from Wardak Province, Afghanistan. It seems there will be a phased withdrawal of Special Forces from the province. According to recent news reports the first SF team to depart will be the one stationed in Nerkh district. The SF operational detachment or SFODA has been working in a Village Stability Operations (VSO) mission; part of which is training and working with the Afghan Local Police (ALP). Some members of the Nerkh ALP were once members of the now defunct Afghan Public Protection Program or APPP (read more on APPP).

Nerkh district, Wardak province



Other Special Forces detachments will remain in Wardak according to some news sources. It is likely that the U.S. SFODA in Nerkh district will be replaced with an Afghan National Army Special Forces (ANASF) detachment. The ANASF detachments mirror the mission of the U.S. SFODA's - with less capability and training. The ANASF does have the advantage of language and cultural expertise. To read more about the Special Forces team departure from Nerkh district read "U.S., Afghans make deal on Wardak troop pullout", Army Times, March 20, 2013.

The IMU Targeted by ISAF in Northern Afghanistan

Map of Uzbekistan

As ISAF goes through its withdrawal process in northern Afghanistan its ability to affect the battlefield is being restricted more and more. Germany, the major player for ISAF in the north, is slowly withdrawing as well. However, the insurgents still have a presence. That includes the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan or IMU. The IMU is linked with al Qaeda and has been a persistent thorn in the side of ISAF for a number of years. Lately, ISAF has been paying more attention to the IMU. Read more on the topic in "ISAF targets IMU suicide bombing network following deadly attack", The Long War Journal, March 18, 2013. Read more news reports about the IMU.

Russia Concerned about Afghanistan's Future

Russia has a high stake in how the Afghanistan war turns out. There is a large Muslim population in the Central Asian nations (the 'stans) and within Russia's own borders. If Afghanistan falls to the Taliban after the 2014 withdrawal of ISAF then this Muslim population in Russia and adjacent Central Asian countries could possibly come under the influence of Taliban-supported radical groups.

In many ways, although Russia has been at odds with the United States on a number of issues, Russia has supported the United States occupation of Afghanistan. This includes use of its ports for shipping equipment and supplies, assisting the U.S. in basing rights in Central Asian states like Uzbekistan, and allowing the transit of cargo overland through the Volga region. This relieves the pressure of having to deal exclusively with Pakistan for the movement of supplies and equipment in and out of Afghanistan.

Read more about Russia's concern on the outcome of the Afghan conflict in "The Russian Stake in Afghanistan - Analysis", Eurasia Review, March 9, 2013.

Report - Afghanistan in Transition by World Bank (March 2013)

The World Bank has published a comprehensive document entitled "Afghanistan in Transition". The book explores the ramifications of the withdrawal of ISAF by 2014 on the economic and development fabric of Afghanistan. This book explores the relationship "between conflict, aid and development and how international responses to post-conflict state building and reconstruction may both help and hinder a countries transition out of conflict towards a more stable future". The book is available in print copy or downloaded as a PDF document at the links below.

Afghanistan in Transition
World Bank
March 2013

The book is available for purchase in print copy at the World Bank.
http://elibrary.worldbank.org/content/book/9780821398616

Or you can download the book as a Adobe Acrobat PDF file at ReliefWeb.org
http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/758480PUB0EPI0001300PUBDATE02028013.pdf

Video - Hawaiian Advisory Team Helps Afghan Police in Counter-IED Techniques

A video has been released by DVIDS which features a SFAAT from the Hawaiian National Guard deployed in Afghanistan assisting the ANP in counter-IED training. The advisory team was assisting the Qalat Reserve Kandak of Zabul province. View the video, produced March 16, 2013, here.

SFAT Trains the Trainer in Spin Boldac

SFAT 20 trains AUP on "train the trainer"
activities (photo 2LT Jennifer Frazer)

Security Force Assistance (SFA) has become one of the prime engines of transition - where Afghan police and army units are in the lead for security. One of the main aspects of SFA is the deployment of SFAATs - or Security Force Assistance Advisor Teams to align with Afghan police and army units and advise and assist with all aspects of operations. This includes getting the Afghans to the point where they are doing their own training. SFAATs are helping in this regard through "train the trainer" programs. Read of one such program taking place in Spin Boldac, Kandahar where SFAT 20 (RC South calls their SFAATs by the old term of SFATs) provides instruction to the Afghan Uniformed Police on developing training calendars and teaching classes. See "Train the trainer", DVIDS, March 16, 2013.

Video - ALP Aids in Development and Stability in Baraki Barak

The Afghan Local Police (ALP) have provided a measure of stability and security in Baraki Barak district of Logar province, Afghanistan. With this increased security Afghan government officials have been able to introduce development and agricultural programs to help the residents of the district improve their lives through agricultural assistance programs. See the video here:

"Security Increases Lead to Development Initiatives in Baraki Barak"
CJSOTF-A DVIDS, March 16, 2013
www.dvidshub.net/video/284221/security-increases-lead-development-initiatives-baraki-barak

Anti-Taliban Uprising in Panjwai District (Kandahar)

A recent news report by Fox News provides details on an anti-Taliban local uprising of villagers in Panjwai district, Kandahar province. The district of Panjwai, along with other adjacent districts, has been a refuge and staging area for the Taliban insurgents for a number of years. This district is also the area where the Panjwai massacre of 17 civilians took place by a U.S. Army Soldier in the spring of 2012. In recent years there have been a number of local uprisings by villages against the Taliban but not as many as had been hoped for by ISAF. Some of these uprisings are supported by the Afghan government while others are not. Many observers feel that the local uprisings should be quickly supported by the Afghan government and ISAF with the formation of Afghan Local Police, and supplies of weapons, uniforms, and money. However some local uprisings are not necessarily favorably inclined toward the corrupt Afghan government. In addition, the Afghan government is more interested in the political landscape of a district rather than in its security. The Afghan government (that would be Karzai and his political appointees found in the provincial and district leadership) are more concerned with the interwoven issues of political patronage, criminal activity, corruption, and warlords being taken into account; and give secondary consideration to the security, governance, and development needs of the local population.

Panjwai District ALP Increasing in Strength

The Afghan Local Police (ALP) is growing in Panjwai district, Kandahar province. A recent graduation ceremony was held in Belambai Village in February celebrating the recent graduation of ALP members from a three-week long training course. Read more here about the new ALP members.

Rural Afghanistan: Where Bribes are the Cost for Public Services

Afghan society is one of the most corrupt in the world. Corruption in Afghanistan is found at all levels of society and government. No sector is untouched by corruption. Corruption is also prevalent in the rural areas of Afghanistan. Counterinsurgency experts will tell you that without the support of the population a government will be hard pressed to win against an insurgency. In a nation like Afghanistan, a country fighting insurgents, it is particularly important that government civil servants appear legitimate and provide services. When these government services are rendered only to those who can afford a bribe to obtain them then support for the local and central government erodes considerably. This lack of support for the government, in part caused by rampart corruption at the district and provincial level, makes it extremely unlikely that the central government will enjoy any large measure of support in rural Afghanistan. Thus ensuring that the insurgency survives over the long-term. Read more on this topic in "Addressing an Ignored Imperative: Rural Corruption in Afghanistan", by T.S. Allen in Small Wars Journal, February 19, 2013.

Karzai and U.S. in Dispute Over High-Risk Prisoners

President Karzai and the United States are in a serious dispute over the fate of some three dozen prisoners held by the U.S. in Afghanistan. The prisoners pose a considerable risk to the United States and to the military effort in Afghanistan. The fear of the U.S. is that Karzai will gain control over the prisoners and then release them in order to appease Taliban officials. Karzai is linking the prisoner dispute to other matters of concern that are currently being negotiated with the Afghans - such as the status of forces agreement and long-term security agreement post-2014. Learn more in "Dispute over high-risk prisoners threatens to disrupt U.S.-Afghan talks", The Washington Post, March 14, 2013.

Concerns Mount about Special Forces Withdrawal From Wardak

Concerns are mounting among Afghan members of Parliament and military leaders about Karzai's recent order for the removal of U.S. Special Forces from Wardak province. Many feel that the SF teams departure will leave a vacuum that the Taliban can exploit. There are senior officers in the ANA who feel that their forces are not quite ready yet to take on the Taliban in the province without the capabilities that the Special Forces advisers and their respective Afghan special operations forces (ALP, commandos, PRC, and ANASF) provide. Wardak province is adjacent to Kabul - the capital of Afghanistan. Read more in "Analysis: Afghan security vacuum feared along "gateway to Kabul", Reuters, March 13, 2013.

Photos of 4 BCT 1AD SFAATs

SFAAT team member providing medical training to AUP
at district center near COP McClain, Logar province (2012)

A video of photos of Security Force Assistance Advisor Teams (SFAATs) from 4th Brigade 1 Armor Division during their deployment to Afghanistan.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_au7Za5HidE

2nd Cavalry Regiment at Hohenfels, Germany

2nd ACR training at JMRC March 2013
prior to deployment to Afghanistan
 as SFAB (photo by SSG Ruth Harvie)

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment is currently at Hohenfels, Germany undergoing a mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC). The training will help ramp up the Stryker Brigade for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan as a Security Force Assistance Brigade or SFAB. The 2nd ACR is home-based in Vilseck, Germany. Read more in "Final Afghanistan-bound Stryker Brigade Trains for Deployment", American Forces Press Service, March 13, 2013.

New Silk Road - Comments by DoS Asst Secretary

The Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the Department of State recently addressed the Turkic American Convention in Washington, DC (on March 13, 2013). He spoke at length about the New Silk Road initiative taking place in Central Asia. In his remarks he indicated that the New Silk Road project will do a lot to improve the economy of the region as well as benefit Afghanistan.

Nintendo Medal on Hold (Distinguished Warfare Medal)

The newly minted Distinguished Warfare Medal - known affectionately by its critics as the "Nintendo Medal" - has come under scrutiny by the new Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. The medal is meant to recognize those that contribute to the war effort in a significant way but who did not serve in the combat zone. Critics say that it should not be ranked in precedence above the Bronze Star - which is only presented to those who serve in combat. Hagel, who was wounded in Vietnam twice, most likely is going to give this a thorough review. Read more in "Hagel to order review of drone medal precedence", Military Times, March 12, 2013.

Afghan Security Forces in RC South Improving Says U.S. General

Army MG Robert Abrams says the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in Regional Command South are steadily improving. He says the ISAF forces conducting Security Force Assistance have been helping the ANSF in the critical areas of counter IED, intelligence, air operations, fires, police work, medical support, and logistical sustainment. Read more in "U.S. Commander Praises Afghan Forces' Progress", American Forces Press Service, March 13, 2013.

U.S. Drawdown Proceeds as Afghan Forces Become More Competent

The Regional South Commander, MG Abrams, recently stated that U.S. troop levels in the south are going down as the ISAF forces move from joint operations with the Afghan National Security Forces to an advise and assist role (SFA). Read more in "U.S. Troops Advise Afghan Forces as Drawdown Proceeds", American Forces Press Service, March 13, 2013.

Uzbekistan to be Confronted by IMU after 2014

Many Central Asian observers fear that the 'stans - in particular Uzbekistan - will be at risk after the U.S. and other Western nations pull out completely in Afghanistan. The general consensus is that the Taliban will still control significant areas in eastern and southern Afghanistan. The insurgent sanctuaries offered by Pakistan will still exist. Insurgent groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan or IMU will grow stronger and resume their insurgent fight in Uzbekistan. Read more on this topic in "After the Afghan Pullout, the Dangers for Central Asia", Radio Free Europe, February 17, 2013.

Jalrez District Wardak Province Insider Attack Attack Update - Fatalities Identified

More details have emerged on the recent insider attack by a suspected member of the Afghan Local Police that killed two U.S. servicemen and several members of the Afghan National Security Force in Jalrez district, Wardak province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense has released names of the two U.S. fatalities in the attack - CPT Andrew Pedersen-Keel and SSG Rex Schad. See "DoD Identifies Army Casualties", DoD News, March 13, 2013. USASOC has also released a press release on the death of CPT Pedersen-Keel - a Special Forces detachment commander. In a separate press release the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A) stated that Afghan National Army Special Operations Command (ANASOC) dispatched elements of the 6th Special Operations Kandak (SOK) to the Jalrez district immediately after the incident to help secure the district.

COMISAF Issues Threat Advisory In Light of Karzai Verbal Attacks on the United States

A cautionary advisory has been issued to troops in Afghanistan by the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) because of recent anti-U.S. statements by President Karzai. Karzai has been coming out in recent weeks with several inflammatory statements and orders concerning the presence and operations of ISAF troops in Afghanistan. the ISAF commander is clearly concerned that there will be acts of violence (possibly insider attacks) against members of ISAF as a result of the Karzai remarks. Read more in "U.S. General Puts Troops on Security Alert After Karzai Remarks", The New York Times, March 13, 2013.

Blowback Against Karzai for Anti-U.S. Remarks

President Karzai is experiencing some push-back due to recent anti-U.S. remarks he has made in the past few weeks. Lawmakers on capital hill have spoke out against him as well as leading politicians in Afghanistan.

ANA Improves on Their Skills with Artillery Employment

The Afghan National Army (ANA) is slowly improving in their ability to employ their organic artillery (D-30 howitzer). This steady improvement can be seen in 1st Brigade 201st ANA Corps in the North of Kabul (NoK) region of Regional Command East. The process of fielding the 122-mm D-30 howitzers started very late considering the U.S. involvement in the Afghan war has been going on for the last decade; however within the last year much progress has been made. The ANA brigades are slowly coming up to speed on their ability to fire the artillery and are now integrating artillery fires plans into their overall operations. Members of 4th Brigade Combat Team 1st Cavalry Division (based at FOB Gamberi) have been mentoring the Afghans in artillery employment for the last several months. 4-1 CD deployed several months ago as a Security Force Assistance Brigade or SFAB. Read more in a news release by 4/1 CD public affairs entitled "ANA shoots to sustainable success", DVIDS, March 12, 2013.

Instability in Maidan Wardak

The status of the Special Forces teams deployed in Wardak Province is still up in the air. The deadline that Karzai ordered for the teams removal (Monday, 11 March) has passed and they are still there. ISAF is hoping to reverse Karzai's inane decision with a revised "security transition plan" for Wardak province which will allow the SF teams to stay a little longer. The situation is further complicated by the recent insider attack in Jalrez district (in Wardak province) where two U.S. Soldiers were killed by a member of the Afghan Local Police (apparently).

Karzai is responding to reports that U.S. Special Forces and the Afghan units they are advising are conducting atrocities and harassing the local population. Subsequent investigations by the Afghan police, military, and ISAF have found no evidence of this happening. What is probably more to the truth is that a very effective information operations campaign by the Taliban have prompted the local population to mobilize against the ISAF special operations forces units. See "Fear and loathing in Afghanistan", The Independent, March 12, 2013 for more on unrest in the province.

Karzai has reacted to this unrest in the province, probably not because the allegations are true, but most likely in a political move to position himself as challenging ISAF and the western nations that have kept him in power for the last ten years in an effort to be seen as independent of the west. See "Karzai Bets on Vilifying U.S. to Shed His Image as a Lackey", The New York Times, March 12, 2013.

ALP Provides Increased Security to Baraki Barak District

The formation of an Afghan Local Police or ALP element in Baraki Barak district (Logar province) has increased security in the surrounding area allowing government programs to take place which will provide increased development and governance. The ALP are advised by U.S. Special Forces mentors as well as a team from the Afghan National Army Special Forces or ANASF. Read a recent news release from the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A) on how the increased security brought to the district by the ALP have helped workers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL) provide vocational training on growing apples in the orchards of Baraki Barak district. See "Increases in security lead to development programs in Baraki Barak district", DVIDS, March 12, 2013.

Afghan Women Stilling Fighting for Rights

The plight of Afghan women has improved considerably in the past decade as a result of Western intervention, demise of the Taliban (at least in many parts of the country), an increase in medical clinics, more schools open for girls, and some segments of Afghan society becoming more protective of women. However there is much work that needs to be done. There is a great fear that the hard-won advances will slip away once the Afghan government starts peace talks in earnest with the Taliban. One stumbling block in providing additional protection to Afghan women is the difficulty in reconciling laws enacted by the Afghan parliament with Sharia law. The Afghan constitution says that all laws have to comply with Sharia or Islamic law. This has caused immense problems for supporters of women in passing laws that would protect women. For instance, there is wide support to pass a law stating that women cannot be forced to marry younger than age 16 yet this conflicts with Sharia law that says a father can give his daughter away in marriage at any age. Read more about the conflicts between any proposed Afghan parliamentary laws and Sharia law in "The Afghan Battle Over a Law to Protect Women", National Public Radio, February 20, 2013.

Insider Attack at Special Forces Camp in Jalrez District Wardak Province

Two U.S. Soldiers were killed and a number of other U.S. Soldiers wounded during a green-on-blue attack by a member of the Afghan Local Police at a Special Forces camp located in Jalrez district, Wardak province, Afghanistan. The camp held a Special Forces operational detachment and additional U.S. Soldiers augmenting the SF team. Their mission was to conduct a Village Stability Operations (VSO) mission. The primary aim of VSO is the establishment of governance, development and security at the district level. Part of the security line of operations is the formation and training of a contingent of the Afghan Local Police or ALP. Apparently, it was a member of the ALP who turned on his U.S. counterparts. Also killed in the exchange of fire were some Afghan policemen with several more Afghan police wounded as well.

The attack follows several inflamatory actions and statements by Afghan President Karzai. In the past week he has accused Special Forces units of conducting atrocities in Wardak province. Both the Afghan police and military as well as ISAF have conducted investigations into these allegations and found Karzai to be incorrect. In addition, Karzai stated just a few days ago that the United States and the Taliban were conspiring together to de-stabilize Afghanistan. These perplexing statements by Karzai has confused many observers and angered leading military and political leaders of the United States. One becomes less confused when you factor in that Karzai is playing to the moderate elements of the Taliban in the realization that he will be dealing with them at the negotiating table in the next few years. So he is positioning himself as one who took a hard line against the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan.

Some Afghan Army Units Provide Hope for the Future

Commandos from 3rd Company, 7th Special Forces Kandak listen
to OPORD briefing in Washer district, Helmand province.
(photo by SGT Ben Tuck)

If there is a glimmer of hope associated with the performance of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) as ISAF withdraws from Afghanistan it resides in the highly-trained Afghan Special Operations forces. Among these forces the two formations that stand out the most are the Afghan National Army Special Forces (ANASF) and the Afghan Army Commandos. Both Afghan units have been formed, trained, and advised by the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A) headquartered at Bagram Air Field and with special operations teams of SEALs, Special Forces, and Marines scattered at COPs and FOBs throughout Afghanistan.