President Obama has been on the prowl telling the World that U.S. Combat Operations will end on August 31. I welcome that as I continue to be concerned that 50,000 US troops will continue to remain. I have also continued to be disturbed by reports by commentators like Tariq Ali who note that the U.S. will continue to have a long-lasting presence not withstanding what the Adminstration leads us to believe.
The cost continues to rise ever more. I am frankly numb at the monies spent in Iraq. The daily counter featured in "outsiders" signifies the continued spending being done with no apparent end in sight. Yet, Iraqis are lucky to get a few hours of electricity every day and even luckier if they have running water. I won't even begin to discuss the job prospects, the continued uncertainty in Kurdistan and the fact that there is not even a Government in place. As always, the Economist' Kal said it best:
When the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army notes that the Iraqi Army is not ready, it seems that the Adminstration must step up and take notice. When there is no Government, though, there is not much that can be done. The Iraqiya Group and the State of law group continue to bicker as the bombings and killings continue to go on. What was quite startling was how the story was quickly suppressed.
Moving on to Afghanistan, things continue to be in a state of flux. General Petraus has begun making the rounds making the case that the July 2011 withdrawal date is not practical. One of the "happy talk" we have been fed has been the rise of the Afghan National Army. On a campaign they apparently undertook north of Kabul, they got slammed to say the least. Nato and US troops had to rush in to bail them out. There is also the story of "New Ansari" that appeared in the New York Times this past week. New Ansari is basically a money dealer that was under investigation for money laundeering by agents trained by the United States. The problem was that it got too close to associates of Karzai and he ended up putting his own people in charge. One has to wonder with such friends, who really needs enemies.
The country and the World seems to be fed with the fiction that these two campaigns are ultimately winnable. With all the treasure and blood spent, it is a very big question mark especially as America has to deal with the day after when soldiers do come home.
As the Third Year of "Outsiders" unfolds, I continue to remain hopeful. I continue to believe that we have to embrace change in its' every instance. I believe in true consesus building ideas so that we can all emerge stronger and more vibrant. There needs to be a sense of history and realization of what is at hand.
Just like many others, I was following the World Cup with great interest. As I write this, Spain has won the FIFA World Cup 2010. They were the underdogs and have confounded all skeptics--including myself who routed for the Dutch that the Spaniards defeated. I also congratulate South Africa for what it was able to achieve despite all that was stacked against it. I was glad to see Nelson Mandela sharing in the greatest moment during the final match. The question is how South Africa will be able to continue to transform itself as a result of this experience. The rift between the rich and the poor, Crime and a sense of hopelessness will continue to be the challenges faced by the South African Government.
As I was enjoying the partying in South Africa, my thought turned to the World. Life continues on. Afghanistan has a new Commander, but without a radical shift in policy. The past few days has seen more soldiers die as General Casey, the Former Iraq War Commander and current Army Chief of Staff, told the Aspen Ideas Conference of a minimum 10-year committment of war by the United States. What is clear is that this idea of a withdrawal is frankly a fiction to score political points. In the meantime, people continue to die while a very tiny minority continues to become ever more richer. What I find sickening is how the useless Karzai is held in such high esteem.
Afghanistan's problems are truly bothersome to me. I have to wonder when will the power brokers wake up to how bad things are? The problem is that there seems to be no one else to replace him. Also, what's the difference between the Good Taliban and the bad Taliban? One also has to truly ask what has been happening to the Civilian Side? How many schools have been built? How many hospitals have been built? As for the Afghan Army and Police, do we truly know how many of these guys can actually be counted on? I wonder.
Moving on to Pakistan, the war is continuing on in the tribal areas. I was horrified when I saw the reports of over 100 people being killed at a recent suicide bombing. The Pakistan Army took the flight to the Taliban and yet somehow elements within Pakistan support the Laskhar-e-Taybai and the Haqqani Network. Pakistan has been the creator and chief backer of the Taliban, yet some of the very Taliban did turn against Pakistan. While Pakistan continues the war, the Pakistani Main Street continues to suffer ever more. There is hardly an education system. The Economy is close to collapse. The Political Class continues to be ever more in the pocket of the United States while the Country continues to somehow be held together through sheer repression.
Moving on to the Americas, there is Haiti. I warned about Haiti falling off the World's radar screen--and they have. One has to really dig to see what's going on in Haiti now. Haiti is now relegated to the CNN Television newsticker. Over the past 24 hours, I have seen reports of Child Slavery and rape being on the rise. Haiti is basically a country in name only. I am quite pleased to see that the Bush Haiti Relief Fund is still operating and hope that it continues on. Here is the link: Really Long Link
There is of course the continued debate over Climate Change. The Eastern Part of the United States has been burning. Things got so bad in Iran that the Government ordered all Government offices closed for two days!!! This is as California has seen some rather peculiar weather--inclunding Rain in July!!! I regard it as a welcome development especially after two years of horrendous fires. Just the past couple of weeks has to give even the most sceptical of sceptics a moment of pause.
The week ahead will be quite busy. President Obama has been hitting the campaign trial, the Gulf of Mexico continues to die before our eyes, States continues to deal with profound budget challenges, California continues to operate without a budget and the Republicans are continuing their Jihad against big government. What is clear is that Republican are succeeding in their messaging so far. People are worried about jobs and the scenes of people on street corners holding up signs seems to be ever more commonplace.
There is one thing that is for sure: The show goes on ......
Monday saw General Petraeus out and about town buying bread at a local bakery after a full day of meetings with his command staff and Afghan officials:
I had to break my break to report and comment on this rather explosive development. According to Al Jazeera, Karzai has held talks with Haqqani, the leader of one of the most violent Taliban factions in Afghanistan. What is even more shocking is that Pakistan's Army Chief of Staff and the head of the ISI, Pakistan's Intelligence Service supposedly accompanied him to the meeting with Karzai. This is as Mike Mullin, the head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff was in Afghanistan seeing the useless Karzai to assure him of the US committment.
This morning's New York Times featured a very moving story about the 1st Mountain Divison and the predicament each soldier is facing. There is growing concerns about the fact that there is no military solution. I do not want to seem to gloat, but what I have said is that the current policy is wrong and cannot simply be sustained. The stress on the troops is simply too great and the United States will pay a heavy price for it
It has been two days since General McChrystal has been relieved. There is no question that he would have had to tender his resignation. I caught a glimpse of Admiral Mullen how he was sick to his stomach. He was not alone in the tone of the Article. As Admiral Mullen noted his disgust, I continue to think about the Hannity/Colter conversation as the drama continued to unfold on Wednesday.
General Petraus has been given the Command. Ambassador Eickenberry has noted that time is at hand to move on. I agree. As for General Petraus, the man has been in War for five out of the past seven years. If he does this right, I would not be surprised if he may be in line for his fifth star. As I saw his uniform, he has run out of room to display all his ribbons. I have to question, though, how is he going to turn this situation around. He may go there and recommend to the President that the time is now to withdraw. In the meantime, People continue to die every day
Today is the day after the dramatic moments in Washington. General McChrystal submitted his resignation and General Petraues has been appointed to replace him as the Commander in Afghanistan. There is, of course, no change in the strategy.
Throughout the day, I surveyed the US Media to assess the reaction by the Media Talking Heads and the political luminaries. There was general consesus, apparently, that the decision had to be made. The General's position had become untenable. The only talking head that had a different view, of course, was Hannity. On his so-called show on Fox, he began by interviewing that great political pundit, Ann Coulter. They went at it noting that McChrytal did not do anything wrong and that somehow it was Obama's fault. I should not expect much from a network that has been the chief proponent of the Tea Party Crowd, the 912 Project and other so-called "New Conservative" causes. I wonder why Hannity just won't change his show's name to "the Obama Attack Hour". I suppose Hannity will take this personally by noting how he knows everything and those who dare to disagree with him are somehow misfits and fools. Right before, O'Reilly talked with Joe Lieberman and concluded his so-called interview by noting that this is the last chance before Obama loses the War
America is fighting a war in Afghanistan that is not going well. America has some 94,000 soldiers fighting in Afghanistan. If one adds the contractors and all the other coailition troops, there is over 500,000 people fighting a war in Afghanistan that is costing America over One Hundred Billion Dollars a Year for a country that has an estimated GDP of Ten Billion Dollars a year. In the midst of this, General McChrystal has ridiculed President Obama and the entire top echelon of the Civilian Leadership in a recent Rolling Stone Interview. I would be mad if I was in the President's shoes.
As I assess the fiasco with General McChrystal, I really feel sorry for the President. The wars have not been going well, The economy is not as vibrant as it seems. I have written about it repeatedly in my daily "write-ups". However, the President has to depend on his team to execute his strategy. What I find especially troubling is that it was McChrystal's strategy that the President bought off. How McChrystal brought himself to do this is something that I would want to understand too
The Past 24 hours has been quite exciting throughout the MIddle East. In Iran, the terrorist Rigi was executed. He was leading a Sunni Splinter group in Southern Iran who had used Pakistan's Baluchestan Region to launch raids into Iran and provide safe passage for drug runners who have used the nearly lawless Southern Iran for drugs coming through Afghanistan. There are some who may say that he was one of the brave ones who took on the regime in Iran because his group was behind the assassination of a number of Senior Revolutionary Guard Commanders . What his biggest crime was to perpetuate the regime because he played into the hands of the regime.
This is exactly the kind of fight that the current regime is vying for to rally the country. They have done it repeatedly throughout the last thirty years.
Iran and the World are continuing their cat and mouse game, too
Today is the day after June 12 in Iran. There was not much that happened especially in light of the continued repression in place in the country. The key leaders inside the Country have continued to resort to unconventional means. I also found the New York Times Story on June 12 quite startling in how they document the subtle protest efforts going on in Iran.
Karoubi, one of the opposition leaders, had gone on to Qum to visit a senior cleric, Ayatollah Sanei. For those who may not know who Sanei is, he is one of the key backers of the opposition movement and a movement was started to strip him of his religious title by calling him to the Special Court for the clergy. The Regime's thugs apparently laid siege to him when he was at Ayatollah Sanei's House. The question the regime does not seem to answer is this: If the opposition is not relevant, why do they need to lay siege to Karoubi? Why won't they even live up to their own Constitution
A recent story in the New York Times reported on a story that the Nation Magazine reported long ago: The United States has been indirectly subsidizing and sustaining the Taliban for quite some time. The front story of the Times details how the so-called security companies bribed and in some instances, were in with the folks who attacked them.
As this scandal has broken open, a bigger scandal awaits. I have just reviewed reports about the founder of Wikileaks cancelling an apperance in Las Vegas because the US Government is after him for publishing military secrets. Supposedly, the guy who fed him the information is in detention in Kuwait. There are supposedly thousands of documents that would be extremely embrassaing to the Obama Adminstration
The daring attack on Bagram continues to amaze me. As I wrote before, if the biggest NATO base can be attacked, then no one and no where is safe in Afghanistan. The U.S. Defense Department has announced that 5 U.S. Officers were among the dead.
I find talks between the Taliban and Afghan Government officials in the Maldives to be a bit of a refreshing development. The talks are going on, right now. As the war rages on, at least there is talking. I have repeatedly called for in my daily "write-ups". But, both sides have talked before and have not produced results. I remain hopeful
Karzai was fetted in Washington as America's Man to pull the Afghanistan out of the abyss. As I saw this spectacle, I truly wondered what would the crazies do to let the World know that they are around. Well, the answer came in droves yesterday.
The crazies pulled off a attack on the largest US base in Afghanistan, Bagram. Five US Service Members died. Although this was another attacked that was utlimately rebuffed, it shows that there is no true safe place in Afghanistan now. The "happy talk" pushed by the Adminstration on this matter is just that: Happy Talk
Hamid Karzai is making the rounds in Washington. After the relentless pursuit and criticism of him by the Obama Adminstration, now Karzai is being entertained and given the red carpet treatment by the entire Political Elite of the Country. I find it sickening, worrisome and frankly insulting.
Afghanistan continues to be in a state of flux. The top two election officials have just resigned. The reports I have just reviewed note that apparently a Karzai loyalist will be named as the head of the electoral body.
Why is this signifcant? There is Parliamentary elections coming up, of course. Karzai probably took a page out of Iran's script. For those who remember what happened in Iran, the key arbitrer in the Electoral Process backed the incumbent and the world found out the result
Afghanistan's Karzai has been on the prowl. He worked up the gutts to go out to Kandahar, the spiritual home of the Afghan Taliban to talk to the elders over the week-end. From the reports I reviewed, he apparently got a tongue-lashing from the elders. It is about time!!!
The Tribal Elders told Karzai that his Government was useless and that they did not trust him. Karzai asked one of them to tell him what was in his heart. His response was, in effect, if I told you I would have be killed by the terrorists. I have to wonder if Karzai is getting the extent of the problems
As Easter is Celebrated throughout the world, the tragedy of Afghanistan goes on. On Good Friday, a U.S. Marine came home for the last time. His name was Lance Corporal Rick Centanni of Yorba Linda, California:
This past week was exciting and scary on the political scene. It all culminated with the passage of the Healthcare Legislation. The Obama Adminstration should right now feel pretty good about what they have been able to achieve so far.
It all began with Healthcare. The legislation passed . I was in awe as I saw Democracy in Action. The debate was vibrant and frankly hillarious at times. The Republicans committed to run on a slogan to "repeal and replace.' What I found especially ironic was a clip on This Past Sunday's Meet the Press from then-Minority Leader Gerald Ford
Kandahar is Afghanistan's second largest city. It is the home of the useless Karzai. Right now, there was another series of attacks. There were four attacks, one of them at the Police Chief's compound and one near Karzai's Brother. Over 30 people have been killed
Karzai the Fool showed his true colors. Over the last twenty four hours, what he has done is to issue a decree bringing the Electoral Commision of Afghanistan under his direct control. He would be appointing all members going forward. He may thought that he was taking the place of his mentor: Zahir Shah. My reaction to this was this: I TOLD YOU SO!!!!
The man is a useless idiot who is being propped up by over 100,000 NATO troops. He stole the election, he is corrupt and his outright power grab shows that he has no legitimacy. This is akin to the President of the United States issuing an Executive Order appointing the members of the Federal Elections Commision bypassing the U.S. Congress. This should not be allowed under any circumstances. What I fear is that he would get away with it as NATO troops and Afghan civilians continue to die
The campaign in Afghanistan is continuing right now. The reports I have reviewed reflects a sustained resistance effort by the Taliban. The war is being fought by the Americans and the British along with the Afghans.
Beyond the daily struggle, one thing that should be worrisome to NATO is the collapse of the Dutch Government. The Dutch have 2,000 troops fighting in Afghanistan. It is the symbolic nature of this collapse that is critical to understand. Canada has already committed to withdraw the troops as well. The question that is yet to be answered by the Obama Adminstration is if 2011 comes and goes, then what? In the meantime, the Dutch have to contend with a period of instability which in my view, they did not need
The NATO offensive in Afghanistan to flush out the Taliban has been moving along. The "official" line has been that it is an Afghan led operations. Besides the official circle, I wonder who else really believes this fiction. I do not believe it. I also was glad to see that the Al Jazeera Correspodent on the frontlines also seemed to validate the realities at hand.
I welcome the offensive because the fight has to be taken to the Taliban. But, the problem is that the offenseive was hyped up by the useless Karzai for months. From the reports I am seeing, the Taliban were apparently ready. NATO has the technology. But, the Taliban have the knowledge of the terrain and can easily blend in with the local population. I also sense that the Taliban have also taken a page out of Sun Tzu about evading and not confronting the troops directly. There needs to be a better way
There have been bombings in Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The bombings occured during a major religious ceremony. The idiocy of it all boggles the mind!!!
In Iraq, pilgrims were attacked at the Holy City of Karbala. Bombings caused deaths in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city. Public funerals are being planned right now. 31 people lost their lives. They were mostly women and children. After the first attack, a second attack occured at the hospital that the victims were taken too. Even worst, I am monitoring reports that a third bomb was defused by the Pakistani Authorities
I continue to be in a state of shock at the brazen attack by the Taliban at the Center of Kabul. Kabul is supposed to be the most secure city in Afghanistan. The center of town where the Afghan Presidential Palace, the Arg, is is supposed to be even more secure. The gunmen got really close and made a lot of noise. If that does scare and concern all major players in Afghanistan today, I don't know what will.
As I noted in my daily write-up, the parallels with Vietnam are so profound. The U.S. and the South Vietnamese did defeat the Viet Cong. But, the defeat came at a heavy price. Seven years later, the humiliation of the Ambassador leaving is something that should concern all policy makers right now. I have seen reports that security within Government Buildings was not compromised. But, that was not the point that the Taliban made. With a handful of suicide bombers, they were able to strike at the heart of Kabul. There is no confidence no matter what the Afghan political players insist
Right now, I am monitoring an Al Jazeera Report about a major attack by the Taliban. There have been large explosions throughout the City. According to Al Jazeera's Correspodent, some of the explosions were being held near the Presidential Palace. They have been using AK-47's and grenades. The City apparently is under lockdown as we speak. Some of the gunmen are on the roof of the Afghan National Bank Building!!!!
This is just like what the Viet Cong did in 1968. The Viet Cong were defeated. But, the stage was set for the eventual demise of South Vietnam in 1975. What I find troubling is that If The Taliban can attack at will as they have, what does that do to the Policy that the Obama Adminstration is trying to pull off. No one and no where in Afghanistan is safe. I will be anxious to see what the useless Karzai's spin on this latest daring attack by the Taliban. Richard Holbrooke noted how credible Karzai was even though the Parliament voted down more than 10 of his cabinet nominees just yesterday before he left Kabul. I wonder what he would say now
I have just been reviewing reports of an Afghan Official being killed by a sniper while visiting a US forward operating base in Helmand. This Official was killed while on the base!!! This tells me that there is no place safe in Afghanistan today. What is bothersome is how the Obama Adminstration continues to believe that it can turn this around. I am really keen to see how the useless Karzai sitting in his "Arg" will explain this one away.
President Obama reported to the Nation and the World on the result of the review he ordered. I listened to his statement and reviewed the unclassified summary detailing the failures. It is indeed very disturbing reading that after all the country has done after 9/11, a lot more still has to be done.
Of all the mistakes, what I found especially sad was the fact that the man's name was misspelled. Now, the President accepted responsiblity and John Brennan accepted responsiblity. What is clear is that there is no clear lines of accountability after all the billions spent
As I wrote about the carnage in Afghanistan, I nearly fell off my chair when I reviewed an analysis done by General Flynn of the US Army. This is available at Really Long Link
What General Flynn has outlined is another total disconnect in the way the intelligence agencies have operated and the absolute misunderstanding of the realities on the ground. The fact that General Flynn had the courage to speak up for the way things are right now should be another wake-up call. Although I was disappointed that the Pentagon Spokesman expressed "shock", this should be another sign that things have to change and change very quickly if there is even a slight chance of "success
Now that the euphoria of the New Year has passed, it is back to reality!!!!
I have been reviewing reports about the carnage in Afghanistan. It turns out that the suicide bomber in Afghanistan that killed seven CIA operatives was a triple agent. He was a 36 year old Doctor who was apparently picked up in Jordan, was supposedly turned to target the Al Qaeda Number 2. According to Richard Engel of NBC News a Jordanian Agent was also killed who happened to be a distant relative of the King of Jordan. My reaction to this report was simply this: OMG
I have been reviewing the reports from Afghanistan. The Afghan Parliament has rejected 17 of the useless Karzai's nominees for the cabinet. They seem to know something that a few of us have been saying about how totally inept the man is. Between the Taliban and now the Parliament the man is in real trouble. The Parliament even had the courage to reject one of the "big man" in Afghanistan today: Ismail Khan. I anxiously await for the other shoe to drop. They should not forget the cost
President Obama has spoken. The whole world has been talking about it and analyzing it to death. I purposefully withheld commenting because I had already noted in my previous write-ups that the President will commit additional resources after the intense 90-day government-wide review culminated in the West Point Speech Tuesday Evening.
What I have found fascinating is how the President has gotten it from both sides of the debate. The so-called progressives have been vehemently opposed to any escalation. The Conservatives have been noting that it simply is not enough. Buck McKeon, the Senior Republican on the U.S. House Armed Services, told this as much to Neil Cavuto of Fox in the aftermath of the President's speech. I oppose the surge because I am afraid that as the old axiom goes, those who don't learn from history are bound to repeat it
At 5:00 PM EST U.S. today, Barack Obama will tell the world what he has decided to do on Afghanistan. I eagerly await his decision. But, the bits and pieces I have heard concerns me a great deal.
First of all, I understand that part of the strategy is to give up the rural areas to focus on the Cities. The problem is that Afghanistan is primarily still a rural country. Afghanistan is not Kabul. The idea of somehow 30,000 additional troops being deployed over a 2 year period seems to be frankly a drop in the bucket. Although the President has said that he intends to finish the job, the timeline is slated to go through 2011. The biggest mistake is to sustain the existing non-government that is a collection of self-serving thugs and killers. That's my biggest problem with this. Key world leaders have been briefed already
As I write this, President Obama had concluded his 9th War Council meeting on option regaring Afghanistan. The advocates for a "surge" want it now. The conservatives have been on a warpath accusing the President of "dithering" and "being weak". Yet, these same conservatives seem to forget Vietnam and the lessons of Vietnam.
Over the week-end, Bill Moyers remembered President Johnson's dilema over Vietnam. There are many who will dismiss Bill Moyers as a liberal, left-leaning angry fellow. Yet, this one hour retrospective is so devastating in the parallels with what President Obama faces in Afghanistan today. President Johnson asked the right questions. He just made the call and made it to the detriment of the country. Click Here: Really Long Link retrieved 11/23/2009. How can America make a committment when there is no government. Although Karzai has been making noises, Karzai will be hung if NATO and the US moved out tomorrow
Afghanistan has just come out with an annoucement that it will work to increase the military force to 240,000 troops. There is an estimate that each Afghan Army Troop will cost about 12,000 dollars, yet each American Troop will cost around 1,000,000 Dollars. Now, with all such staggering figure, the question that has to be asked is this: What has happened to all the money that has been sent to Afghanistan? Why is the country in such dire straits?
When Karzai took the oath, he promised action. He wants to reconcile with the Taliban. He also has promised to fight corruption. But, the reality on Main Street is different. Talk is cheap. Despite the apparent embrace by the international community, the question has to be asked: Where has Karzai been for the past 7 years? Why did he not make sure that The Taliban did not rear their ugly head? How can he emerge from his reputation as the "Deputy Mayor of Kabul" and really start to assert his authority? How can the cancer of corruption be eradicated from a society that knows no other way to do business? How can the people be given hope when they continue to be in the front lines and suffer the casualties
The whole world has been eagerly awaiting President Obama's decision on Afghanistan. I spent the afternoon watching Brave New Films' rethinking Afghanistan about the true realities on the ground. Iraq and Afghanistan are two different animals. That apparently has led the President to reject all options presented to him, according to reports from Al Jazeera, MSNBC and Fox. This will be quite a development
Karzai is the man of the hour in Afghanistan. Never mind that he has presided over 7 years of mismanagement and has continued to remain in office through the good graces of the International Community. Never mind that his family and close associates have gotten extremely rich during his time in power. Yet, he seems to me the man of the hour in Washington, London and maybe even Paris
The UN has just announced that it is evacuating 900 staff members from Afghanistan, citing security concerns. To me, this is another indicement of the useless Karzai who leads one of the most corrupt regimes in the world today. As I have written here and in OV's sister sites, Karzai is part of the problem. Dr. Abdullah's declaration regarding the election of Karzai being illegitmate is a step in the right direction. But, political instability is bound to continue and the Taliban will drive a mack truck through it. It will make matters ever more complicated.
If Karzai is such a great guy, then how come the UN has decided to leave? What does Karzai have to say to that
Well, Mr. Useless has now again been declared as President of Afghanistan by the Afghan Electoral Commision. It is a sad day for the people of Afghanistan to have been again been endowed with this useless man.
The United States has thrown its support behind the useless Karzai. President Obama noted that Mr. Karzai had to stamp out corruption. Karzai had 8 years. He has had 8 years. What will he do now that he had not done already? Troops are dying everyday. America is borrowing to fight this war. If this was the credible partner Mr. Obama was looking for, then withdrawal is the only option. But, it is not in the cards
I have just heard Dr. Abdullah saying live on Al Jazeera in front of a crowd at the Loya Jurga that he will not take part in the Elections. He blasted the Government and the Election Commision for the actions that has led to his decision. All bets are off now!!!!
Saturday was quite a day!!! The useless Karzai refused to accomodate Dr. Abdullah, his main challenger as the country is gearing up for a second round. There have been stories throughout the day that Dr. Abdullah will withdraw from the second round. I even saw a New York Times report that Dr. Abdullah will in fact withdraw
During my morning review on Thursday, I was surprised at the scenes of President Obama attending the dignifed transfer of the fallen at Dover Air Force in Delaware:
Afghanistan woke up earlier this morning with another attack in the center of the Capital, Kabul. I have been assessing the reports. I am seeing reports of between three and seven UN staffers being killed as the Taliban attacked a UN guest house in the Center of the City. This is quite significant because the Guest House, according to the reports I have reviewed, is near the Presidential Palace and other diplomatic posts around the city. Common sense dictates that this is a secure area. This shows that no where in Afghanistan is secure
Mr. Karzai's gamble to stay in his palace seems to have hit a snag. The UN-backed comision investigating the complaints has said that close to 30% of the votes that Karzai got were illegitimate. There has to be a second round.
I have been agitating against this useless facade of a President who presided over a disaster. He has presided over a Government that is corrupt, the insurgency is wrecking havoc on the country and the West is fighting a war that is increasingly becoming untenable. Even if he wins in a supposed second round, what credibility will it bring? Even if there was a supposed coalition government, will the Taliban come to the table as long as NATO and US troops continue to attack the country
Right now, I am seeing reports that Gordon Brown will be announcing a Troop Surge in Afghanistan soon. President Obama is continuing to assess a decision on whether to move on Afghanistan soon. There is no question that there will be a troop surge. The question is how much.
As the war continues, The political uncertainty is yet to play itself out. Karzai is pretending to be head of a non-existent Government that would certainly fall if the troops left tomorrow. I can't really understand the support being given to this man. But, I suppose there is no other choice. Thankfully, Joe Biden is at least making a case to not just focus on Afghanistan. Whether Joe Biden wins the day is still open to question.
I have been assessing reports over the past hour of another big blast in Kabul, Afghanistan. It was a suicide bomber targeting the Indian Busy. The report in Al Jazeera notes that 12 people have been killed and over 83 people have been wounded. This incident is the latest that has brought home the fact that Afghanistan is truly on the edge of the abyss
Everyone was up in arms when Mr. Obama went to Denmark to pitch America's case to bring the Olympics to Chicago. The Conservative Community had a field day and Rush declared that "the Ego has landed!!!". The Drudge Report's declaration underscored what conservatives thought and reflected upon. But, I am sure they were surprised that the President can do at least two things at the same time.
But as the noise over the President's visit to Denmark went on for the day, there was of course the issue of the little war in Afghanistan. The President saw General McCrystal. The situation is dire. I am sure that the folks in the White House have seen the new production by Brave New Films. Because this "alternative view" was not covered in the mainstream press, it is important that it is at least discussed here. Democracy Now talked to the President of Brave New Films about this
The talk of the town today is General McChrystal's blockbuster report on the dire situation in Afghanistan. Somehow, the Washington Post got a hold of it. Some say that it was the military who actually did it to "test" Obama. I am also seeing reports in the Threat Matrix that General McChrystal is threatening to resign if he does not get the resources he needs. He notes that the situation is serious, but it can be won with the proper resources
Earlier today, 6 Italian Soldiers lost their lives when a Taliban Suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into an Italian Military Convoy near the US Embassy in Kabul. This is right in the heart of the capital. This goes on as the uncertainty over the Afghan elections continues. There is one hopeful sign that I think must be explored. The Italian Prime Minister has come out noting that NATO has to leave Afghanistan. I find this signifcant because he has been on of the stalwarts of support for this campaign
Afghanistan's election is still up in the air. Karzai the fool is ahead of his main challenger, Dr. Abdullah The EU monitors, though, thankfully have had the courage to tell the world that over a million votes that Karzai the fool has gotten are dubious at best. Karzai and his flacks have come out blasting the UN. The world seems to realize that the truth somehow lies in between.
Now, as this uncertainty continues, I have seem some ideas floating around about Abdullah and Karzai entering into some sort of a coalition. I hope Abdullah does not accept it, because Karzai is the problem. Karzai's authority only extends to his own palace only. He can't even control Kabul, let alone the country. I was at least gratified to see that President Obama seems to have shut down the idea of more troops for Afghanistan
Afghanistan continues to burn!!! The war continues on every day, people are dying while Karzai the fool seems to be coasting to re-election. Right now, there is a report that a local Afghan Journalist died while an American Reporter was freed. Such actions are continuing a spiral of bad news and public relations setbacks that play right into the hand of the Taliban who hold large sway over Afghanistan. 68,000 US Troops are yet to turn the tide. It is Mr. Obama's war. Will he achieve his end game? Who knows......
As I write this, reports are coming in that 90 people have died as a result of a NATO bombing in Northern Afghanistan. NATO went after a fuel convoy that was stolen by the Taliban. This comes on top of another incident that saw the death of a key Afghan Intelligence Official a few days ago that I commented on in an earlier write-up.
The question is this: Why is this significant? It is signifcant on several fronts. For one thing, the battle for the hearts and minds that is now the focus of US and NATO strategy is not working. I find Admiral Mullen's Stark acknowledgement that "Time is not on our side" especially chilling
The latest news out of Afghanistan is heartening in one respect and worrisome even more. According to the UN, 20 provinces out of the 28 Provinces are Poppy-Free and production is dropping. But, on the other hand, the Taliban seem to have the upper hand in the conflict. I have seen polls that suggest a drop in support for the war in Afghanistan.
President Obama faces some profound decisions fairly quickly. As he is due to receive the report from his top General, there is the death of a top intelligence official. The Taliban have free reign throughout Afghanistan. The choices are quite stark.
It has been a busy few days in Afghanistan. Karzai the fool has apparently is ahead of the other challenges in the Presidential Election. Frankly, it really does not matter anymore who is President in Kabul. Afghanistan is a country that is ungovernable. There is no government, there is no justice system, the Taliban are running around doing whatever they want while NATO is losing soldiers every day. That's the reality right now.
I just got done reading a very disturbing account of the realities on the ground in Afghanistan in the recent edition of Time Magazine. The so-called Taliban are now a bunch of thugs who are funding their so called "jihad" by kidnapping and extortion. The so-called national leaders are funding their war through the drug trade. The locals do their bidding through the very acts that is just frowned upon in Islam. Yet, President Obama wants to raise the bar. Already, the British Prime Minister was on a Surpris Visit to Afghanistan noting that he may send more troops to "train" Afghan troops
This is the first formal "Chronicle" I have launched on Afghanistan. I have periodically written about Afghanistan here and in OV's sister sites, Kitten Politics & Smooth Political. With how things have evolved, this will be the first in a series of chronicles to reflect upon the tragedy that his Afghanistan.
I have just reviewed a report from the BBC noting an explosive meeting between Ambassador Holbrooke and Hamid Karzai. It is bad enough that only 30% of the people voted. The Taliban already have won because they were able to scare the people into not voting. That's the reality and it cannot be changed
The spectre of failure in Afghanistan is something that should scare us all. Right now, there is political instability due to the allegations of voter fraud. The Taliban are on the ascendancy. It is clear that the useless Karzai will get to stay in the Presidential Palace for one more term. He should really get used to it, because he has not got much else beyond the Presidential Palace
The Afghan people have begun to vote. Karzai has just cast his ballot. I am also seeing almost hourly updates from the BBC team on the vote in Afghanistan. The Taliban truly made the presence known. But, as Afghans go to vote, the question in my mind is going to be how many have turned out and whether Karzai in fact is going to win. It seems as if his win is a foregone conclusion. But, he has presided over 8 years of corruption and mismanagement. I will not be shocked if he wins. Will things change? I don't believe they will.
The Presidential Palace and Police Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan have been attacked. This shows that no one and nothing is safe in Afghanistan now. The Taliban can now clearly reach into the heart of the so-called Government in Kabul. This development casts a long shadow over what the future course of action is and whether that in fact is viable.
It has been a very busy week-end. There is of course Burma and the fact that Jim Webb got to see the Pro-Democracy Leader and the Chief Thug who runs Burma today. There is the burning debate over healthcare that dominated the airwaves over the week-end on U.S Sunday Talk Show Circuit. There was of course Afghanistan and the upcoming election. And last, but no tleast, there is of course Iran.
As the surge intensifies in Afghanistan, the issue of "handling" the Taliban seems to be gathering steam. UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband's call to "split" the Taliban is interesting. Yet, the so-called allies in the region seem to not again have their act together. This article that Ahmad Rashid just wrote for the BBC World Service has given me a lot of think about:
The news from Afghanistan is not pretty. A day does not pass without a death or an injury being reported. There is of course the showcase video being shown of the captured US Army Soldier being held by the Taleban.
There is another bigger picture that makes the upcoming election even more impossible to predict. According to the statistics I have reviewed from the Afghan Ministry of the Interior, there are 28,000 polling stations in the country. This is a country that is not the most developed in the world. According to the Afghan Interior Ministry's own data, 124 out of the 364 Districts in the country are unsafe. Major candidates are not venturing out of the major cities. With this lousy picture, how a credible election can be held is something I am trying to figure out. It will be quite a challenge to say the least
This past week has seen an continued upsurge in Afghan violence. The disturbing images of the captured U.S. Soldier, 23-year-old private Bowe Bergdahl of Ketchum, Idaho, made the rounds. This is as the United States has begun a "surge" to break the apparent stalement in Afghanistan. The British have lost more people in Iraq than in Afghanistan. The expose in the Financial Tmes has shown a rift between the British Army Chief of the Staff and the Prime Minister. Such rift must never be tolerated. Yet, it seems that Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister, cannot hold it together. Apparently, there are only 8 Helicopters to serve the transport needs of the Entire British Contingent in Helmand Province. The British seem to forget that they are not as vibrant as they pretend to be.
The Canadians have been quite busy with their committment in Afghanistan. They have been in the thick fo the fight. I saw a report from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation about the work Canada was doing with the police in Afghanistan. When I saw that report, I nearly threw up !!! The conditon of the so-called Sergeant was simply sickening. He was shirtless, yet wanted bullets and money to fight the Taleban. When I saw that report, I realized the steep climb that NATO had to defeat the Taleban. As I researched to find that clip, I ran across this disturbing report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The reports from Afghanistan say that that US Marines have made their first major move in Afghanistan. 4,000 marines are moving against the Taliban in Helmand backed up with Helicopter Gunships. Supposedly, the new policy is to clear and hold. The BBC is right now talking to a Marine Spokesman on the strategy on this. It is clear that this reflects the new thinking that the new Commander, General McCrystal, has brought to bear in changing the realities on the ground
President Obama's Nominee for the Afghanistan Commander was before the US Senate. He told the Senate about the long road ahead. He also told the Senate that the war is "winnable". But before there is light at the end of the tunnel, such scenes will become ever more
The incumbent President has been on a roll. Throughout the past two days alone, he has hosted a summit on Afghanistan with the The Presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan, has had two news conferences and has been busy on the campaign trail. This is while his opponents are relegated as a afterthought in Iranian Official Media
I am right now seeing reports that the ban on Facebook has been lifted. I welcome it. This is while two interesting developments have occurred. A summit has concluded between Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's also a welcome development in my view--not withstanding the profound reservations I have had about all three men. HOpefully the dialogue will yield some positive results.
I have been assessing what has been going around Nancy Pelosi since her news conference yesterday. What is sad about this argument is how much of a diversion this has all become as we are faced with more of the same in Afghanistan.
I saw an archive of the news conference that led to so much over the last day or so. She was clearly unprepared and was not on top of her game. For such a savvy political player, blaming the CIA was also wrong. She played right into the hand of the punditry. Joe Scarbarough was brutal this morning on Morning Joe. She made herself into a laughing stock
Middle East and South Asia is always full of surprises. Monday saw the freeing of Roxana Saberi. It was an ordeal for her family. But, more importantly, it removed a potential obstacle. What is clear is that mutual suspicions do remain. Press Freedom in Iran continues to be under threat daily. The father of Iranian Bloggin, Hussien Derakhshan, continues to remain in detention. I also saw a report that another Iranian-American is in detention in Iran as well. So, although Roxana Saberi's case is closed, the pressure on the Iranian Judiciary should not seize.
Moving on to Afghanistan, the news over the firing of General David McKiernan continues to sink in. Secretary Gates was in Afghanistan a week ago. The decision does end General McKiernan's career. But, from what I have read of him, it has been a distinguished one. However, as the strategy is evolving, there needs to be a new perspective. The new Commander seems to bring that perspective to bear. However, the Taliban have not been sitting idly by. As I write this, Al Jazeera is reporting a major attack by the Taliban in the City of Khost. They have been attacking Government Buildings and the whole City has been shut off
Zardari and Karzai, the Laurel and Hardy of South Asia, have spoken on the predicament faced by their countries. Zardari was quite forceful and eloquent in laying out the stark choices. He is asking for more help:
The useless Karzai and the playboy Zardari have seen President Obama. I am sure that the President read the riot act to both of them. When I saw the President's statement, everyone was happy and gong-ho. I am still trying to understand why the United States supports such men who have been nothing but a disaster for their countries
I have been reviewing reports on the escalating violence in Pakistan. The Pakistani Taliban spokesman has just told Al Jazeera that the deal made by the Pakistan Government is dead. Refugees have been getting out in droves.
When the deal was announced, United States Government officials came out against the it. Maybe their judgement was right in that t he Taliban wanted to regroup and restart their offensive. The Taliban refused to disarm after they got the right to impose Sharia law in SWAT valley They have been quite sophisiticated in their tactics and will not stop now
I caught the program, Empire, that Al Jazeera's Marwan Bishara hosts talking about U.S. Foreign Policy and the future. The analysis done is chilling. The session he hosted had Seymour Hersch, Lakhmar Brahimi and Tariq Ali. Tariq Ali and Seymour Hersch are considered "lefties" by the Conservative Community. But, sometimes lefites have words of wisdom that should be listened to.
In Iraq, there is some consesus that there is reasonable security. Hannity, in his radio interview on Thursday with Governor Rendell of Pennsylvania, said that the United States won the Iraq war. My reaction was, really? How? The fact is that Suicide bombers are back in fashion as America begins to withdraw. If the United States did in fact win, then why do we still have 150,000 troops in that country? Why are people dying
The misconceptions about Islam has continued. Although the commentary by Ahmad Rashid is a bit outdated (due to the the worsening situation in Afghanistan today), the analysis he presents in this interview is interesting and insightful:
Afghanistan has emerged as a central front because of all that has been going on. The new policy by the Obama Adminstration, in my view, will threaten to take the United States down the same misguided and lethal path that has led to eight years of failure. As I have written throughout the last number of months, the Taliban are winning.
One of the msot insightful analysis I have seen so far is this interview done by Paul Jay
I have continued to express reservations about Afghanistan and have profoundly concerned about the way ahead. I think Pepe Escobar's Report is as insightful as it gets:
On the sidelines of the Hague Meetings, Mrs. Clinton noted that Richard Holbrooke and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister had a brief but cordial meeting agreeing to stay in touch. However the report was denied by the Iranian Embassy at the Hague. According to a report in the Islamic Republic of Iran News Agency Website, there were meetings held with other Foreign Ministers--none with Mr. Holbrooke.
Not withstanding this posturing, I view the presence of a Senior Iranian Official as a welcome development. Iran is a major player and has a strong interest in a stable and viable Afghanistan. There is no way but to seek the necessar rapproachment with Iran
As the First Quarter of 2009 ends, I continue to remain hopeful. As I have written and reflected upon our world, at times I have been concerned as to the lack of respect shown to opposing views. I yearn for a substantive analysis of the challenges we face today so that we can work to solve them together. Outsider Views began in this spirit. I will continue this path because of my view on the need for consesus and the need to hope.
Today saw 73 countries attending the Hague Meeting on Afghanistan. I view the presence of Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister as a hopeful sign. Although I would have rather seen Foreign Minister Mottaki there, at least a senior official attended the meeting. Iran has a vested interest in Afghanistan being stable due to the immense refugee problem, the drug trade and the instability it inherently brings
I have been making the rounds of the Sunday Talk Shows. NBC and ABC had Tim Geitner on and CBS' Face the Nation had the President on as well: (available at http://www.cbsnews.com).
As I listened to the Face The Nation Interview, I was glad that Bob Schieffer brought up Mexico. I have regarded Mexico as the soft underbelly that is indeed a major threat to the security of the United States. I did also find Meet the Press quite insightful in explaining in layman's terms how the plan is supposed to work. As I listened to all the shows, the central message I heard was that the Obama Adminstration views the strategies on both the economy and Afghanistan was on track. Time will only tell
I was witness to another busy and hectic week on the political front. There was of course the Budget the Obama Adminstration has sent up to the U.S. Congress. The U.S. Congress has started to write the legislation to get the process moving forward. It was also a week that saw the President throw the gauntlet down to the Republicans in the House to produce their own alternative. They did produce one. From the review so far, though, there are no numbers to back the so called roadmap they have proposed. I will be anxious to see what they have to say on this next week.
As I was witness to the debate, I was laughing at how the President seemed to be getting it from both sides. On the one hand, I saw the so-called right (or conservatives) in the country noting how the President was taking the country down the path to socialism and communism. I was really laughing when I read Dick Morris' comments and then visited his new YouTube Channel he had just laid out. On the other hand, I was also just as amazed and laughing at how the so-called left (or liberals) were keen to attack the President. Paul Krugman's admonition about the President's Public-Private Partnership as "cash for trash" was just one example. They are noting that the clintonites will help drive a centrist economic policy that will leave many out in the cold
Karzai has moved up the election date in Afghanistan. He seems to have lost all sense of reason. I find it irnoic that the Massoud family has turned against him . Wali Massoud, one of Ahmad Shah Massoud's Brothers, told a story about Karzai going to see him in London asking for directions to get to Afghanistan seven years ago. If Ahmad Zia Massoud, The Vice President and his brother Wali have seen the light, it gives me hope. Karzai has clearly ran Afghanistan to the ground. It will be interesting to see what the Afghan Electoral Commision decides on Thursday.
Afghanistan is center stage right now. The Pakistani and Afghan Foreign Ministers have been in Washington in meetings to assess where things are. I view the situation as dire. Afghanistan's so-called Government has control on only 10 percent of the country. All the blood and treasure invested by the World has so far been in vain
Afghanistan is Obama's War now. The surge in Afghanistan has been welcomed by the Force Commander, General McKernan. But, the problem is that the National Intelligence Estimate for Afghanistan reports that the Afghan Government controls just 10% of the country. The insurgency controls the rest. The Commander has said that at least 60,000 US Troops are needed for a number of years. This is a quaqmire that will continue to consume the United States.
What is for certain, in my view, is that the World is paying a heavy price for the misguided policies of the 80's that was done under the guise of fighting communism. I would argue that no Afghan State exists since the overthrow of Mohammad Davoud. Propping up the useless Karzai will only add fuel to the fire. As I have written before, it appears that the Obama Adminstration seems to understand that Karzai is part of the problem, not part of the solution. Yet, somehow Karzai seems to continue to be fetted by US Officials
I just reviewed reports that Karzai's "proposals" will be part of the proposed Obama Strategic Review of the options in Afghanistan. I laughed!!!
It is a big mistake to waste time on this man. He has been President for seven years. I am trying to understand what value does he bring to the table. if he had any sway over Afghanistan, the country would have been a lot better off than it is now. The drug trade is flourishing, the man can't even control his capital city, his brother is a major smuggler--and the Adminstration wants to listen to him. People continue to be killed every day as this tragedy unfolds
Mr. Holbrooke is in Afghanistan. He has talked with the Hamid Karzai. I have just seen the latest dispatch from Al Jazeera noting how the U.S. seems to be turning on the screws on Karzai. The Obama Adminstration seems to be getting the message that all is not well in Afghanistan. Many of us have been saying this for a long, long time.
As I read the dispatch, I found the reports that Holbrooke insisted on meeting the Afghan Security Chiefs before meeting Karzai quite appropriate. The Afghan Security officials have to account for the fact that they can't even secure their own capital anymore. This was a scene from the chaos when the Taliban attacked the Justice Ministry and the Prisons organization
The Financial Times has reported on some rather scary emerging trends in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I have written about Afghanistan. I have noted the challenges and the useless role the so-called President of Afghanistan has played. The nature of Governments in both Pakistan and Afghanistan has meant that the so-called Durand Line which separates the countries has seized to exist.
One of the many realities on the ground is the fact that both Pakistan and Afghanistan is on fire. It is clear that both governments only control their capital cities. What was especially distrubing to me was how the Taliban have penetrated all parts of Pakistan. The Governor of Sindh said that that the Karachi underworld is helping to finance the Taliban. How Richard Holbrooke can bring back these two failed states back from the brink will be a miracle. I was pleased to see that he was appointed because he pulled off a near-impossible in Bosnia. As such, I will give him the benefit of the doubt to see what he can do. He does not have much time left
As I write this, I am monitoring reports coming out of Kabul about a suicide attack on the Afghan Prisons Directorate and the Justice Ministry. A suicide bomber blew himself up after gun battles near the Presidential Palace. If such attacks do not underscore the useless and feeble nature of Karzai's Government, I don't know what does. The man can't even control his own capital!!!!
What does the future hold? It is quite bleak. Karzai appears to see the writing on the wall and is trying to either align himself with the Russians or try and engage the Taliban. What he fails to understand is that the Taliban have the upper hand. Why would they want to talk to a man who has presided over a disaster? As for the Russians, why would Karzai go down that path yet again? I was quite gratified when I saw an account of Joe Biden's meeting with Karzai where he lost he cool and walked out of the meeting with him. It was high time that the useless fool who the West depended on for so long has turned out to be such a disappointment to say the least
The President Arrives For His First Day....A Busy One too!!!
The first day of the Obama Adminstration has begun. The President began his day by attending the National Prayer Service and got down to work. I saw him when he met with the White House and signed off on the new Ethics Rules. He has also been meeting with the Economics and National Security Teams. They have hit the ground running. Unfortunately, the Senate has not done the job by confirming the nominees. At least three key members are yet to be confirmed. A new Era has truly begun
Barack Hussein Obama is now the 44th President of the United States. Throughout my lifetime, I have had the privilege to read on the traditions and was finally able to be a true witness to this momentous transfer of power due to the power of technology. I have continued to marvel at how someone with so much power gives it up so willingly because the people are truly sovereign in America. This was quite moving when the President and the First Lady escorted Former Mr. and Mrs. Bush
As the bombing and the rocket firing was continuing, Tipzi Livni got U.S. guarantees on a prevention of Hamas rearming. Qatar and Mauritania cut their Israeli ties. There are reports coming through stating that Israel is nearing the "end game". I am still trying to understand what the "end game" is.
As the talking is going on, I continue to get reports on the grim statistics. So far, almost 1200 people are dead and over 5,000 have been wounded. I just saw a twitter update from Al Jazeera'z Zeina Awad noting, "...one of the biggest air strikes to date". Gaza's infrastructure has totally collapsed. I saw reports on two Israeli Human Rights groups petitoning the Israeli Supreme Court to compel the Army to begin allowing humanitarian aid to the civilans. There is of course a report on another UN school again being hit with injuries
The Gaza War has temporarily shifted focus on another crucial war: Afghanistan. Earlier today, an Australian soldier lost his life when the Taliban attacked with rockets. The Taliban continue to tighten their grip on the countryside.
As I saw the report of the Australian soldier, the simple question in my mind is where and how the Taliban is getting the ammunition needed to fight the most sophisticated fighting machine the world has ever seen. The world has 75,000 troops fighting in Afghanistan. I realize that the Taliban are financing part of their cost with the increased Poppy production. Until the fundemental problems in Afghanistan is truly addressed, this vicious cycle will continue. I wonder what the useless Karzai's response to this truly is
Mike Pouraryan
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