9 décembre 2011

Bonn International Conference on Afghanistan

By: Fazal ur Rehman Afridi

By: Fazal ur Rehman Afridi

Bonn International Conference on Afghanistan can rightly be termed a milestone in the right direction in the recent history of Afghanistan. This mega-event will go a long way in the resolution of the long-standing problems of this war-torn country. Afghanistan is faced with Security, governance and economic deficit. The Bonn conference was meant to give full assurance to the government of Afghanistan that the International Community particularly US and EU are standing firm behind it and will never leave it at the merci of some regional wolfs. Earlier, the same commitment was shown by the US and India by signing Strategic agreements with Afghanistan. Firm political, security and economic guarantees have been pledged beyond 2014, which will be further cemented in Tokyo conference. It will be a kind of Marshal Plan for Afghanistan which will go a long way in the development and prosperity of not only Afghanistan but the whole region. A roadmap was devised for beyond 2014 Afghanistan for a successful political, security and economic transition, good governance, peace and reconciliation. Besdies, plans were devised to effectively tackle the menace of corruption and drug trade, protect and preserve the Human rights of women and ensure the rule of law.

Karzai was never seen in such a confident mood as on that historical day. As despite a tiny criticism from some Tajik elements and Pakistani media, he was well supported by the international Community, partly due to the presence of well qualified and able people like Jaanan Musazai, Afghan spokesperson and director communications who welcomed and put forward the point of view of Afghanistan to the participants in a very convincing manner. Earlier, in May this year Karzai was a real punching bag at the International Conference on Afghanistan held at Paris, where one could not find a single person to defend him. Pakistani media in its blind opposition to Hamid Karzia was subjective, sans substance and unjust while trying to dub him and even the conference a failure. But, as a matter of fact, Karzai was the real winner and a hero. He received a hero like reception at Bonn and was listened to very attentively by the International Community. All the delegations from more the 90 countries were supporting him and were not happy with Pakistan for boycotting the Conference in protest against the recent death of 24 Pakistani military personnel in US air strikes on Pakistani military posts in the Mohmand agency of the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Karzai was able to convince the International Community especially US and EU for long term commitments and guarantees for Afghanistan. His voice was well-heard when he said Afghanistan need them for the next 10 years.

The Pakistani Media team was the biggest in the conference, which amazed me in the sense that what they were intended to do at Bonn if their government had already boycotted the event. They were bigger in number but inefficient in their journalistic and professional domains. Most of the time they were seen in the media centre, just watching the events on the big screen there. While journalists from other countries were covering the event directly, interviewing the members of the civil society of Afghanistan, foreign delegates and ministers. They were reporting the conference to be a flop just for the consumption of the local Pakistani audience. While the same Journalists and anchor-persons like Hamid Mir were telling the foreign media that Pakistan made a big mistake for not participating at the Bonn conference. He was interviewing only ISI agents from Pakistan and Afghanistan to support their point of view which does not mean that the reality could be changed by such talks. Besides, the conference organizers did not take them seriously. They seemed to be self-deceiving themselves and the Pakistan nation too. Just one journalist and anchor- person Saleem Safi was distinct in his well-balanced approach in discussions at the sidelines of the Conference. I was told by a Pakistani journalist one day ahead of the conference that Pakistan had agreed in Principle to send her Ambassador in Germany to attend the conference but could not do so due to objections raised by Afghanistan. It is naïve to hear from the Pakistan journalists that the conference is failure despite the fact that almost the whole international community supported the conference with the exception of Pakistan. Pakistan also conveyed its support, however behind the scene to the US and EU as described by the German Foreign Minister in his final press conference side by side with the Afghan Foreign Minister. So, it is advisable to these journalists to refrain from deceiving Pakistani public on the behest of Military Establishment.

In my interview with Dr Massouda Jalal, who is a former Afghan Minister of Women's Affairs, head of the Jalal Foundation, and one of the leading voices for the empowerment of Afghan women, expressed her grave concern over the peace negociations with the Taliban, which she thought can be detrimental to the rights of women in Afghanistan. She said if Taliban are good then why the US bombed them ten years ago. She raised the valid question whether the policy of the West was wrong at that time or now? There are no good or moderateTaliban, she said. She also criticized the so-called civil society which was represented by certain blue-eyed personalities and NGOs of Afghan government. She termed them just like rubber stamps, which are used by the government for its own political agenda. That is why these civil society activists are supporting the government on the reconciliation with the Taliban. Thinking about protecting the rights of women sans representation at high level talks like High Peace Council is just a day dreaming. She termed these talks just words without substance. Most of the women which participated at the conference were the daughters and relatives of War Lords and influential politicians, which lack vision for the development of women, she said. Budgeting the Taliban will further militarize them and they will further kill and torture Afghan people.
Dr. Massouda fully supported the declaration of the Coalition against Terrorim of French NGOs, locally known as Collectif Contre le Terrorisme (CCT), which says that CCT fully supports the just struggle of Afghan women who refuse to be sacrificed at the altar of a so-called “peace process” made with Taliban and other terrorists. “Instead of risking any agreement with so-called “moderate” Taliban, we insist that women’s rights be upheld and protected without making any compromise. A step in the right direction must be taken by giving them full participation at the Bonn Conference which is to decide on the future of Afghanistan – in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, that calls for participation of women in discussions on conflict resolution, as well as the UN Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)!”, the communiqué said.

A welcome surprise at the conference was Munir Mengal, a young, energetic and bold Baloch leader, who graced the occasion by presenting the grievances of the Baloch people to German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany. He told the captivated German and Afghan audience along with the International media that Baloch are the victims of Pakistani State-sponsored religious terrorism since the inception of Pakistan and badly need the full political support of International Community for their independence.
Pakistan response to the conference was no different than its earlier position. Double timing the International Community by supporting the Bonn conference behind the scenes while contrary to official political overtures, embarking upon a new war in Afghanistan to further divide the Afghan nation. Two Suicide attacks targeting Shi'a Muslim minority community both at Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif resulting in killing of 60 worshippers and injuring 200 by a Pakistani based anti-shia terrorist group LeJ-Almi raise fears that the Pakistani Military establishment is now bent upon creating sectarian rifts in Afghanistan to further destabilize it. Another bomb hit a Shi'a procession in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar but sans casualties. Even the Taliban condemned these attacks as barbaric. Similar attacks in different parts of Afghanistan targeting civilians make it amply clear that Pakistan has not learnt lessons and is bent upon its suicidal policy of self destruction without realizing that throwing snakes at the back yard of a neighbor can return to harm her too. It is a well known tactics used by ISI to target shia community in Pakistan.
To cut short, without any doubt the conference was a success as consensus was reached on the future roadmap for Afghanistan. But, a lot has to be done, as the German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said at his final press conference with his Afghan counterpart. The Afghans have to take the responsibility for their security and economic development in the days to come. The Afghan Army and Police has to be trained. The corruption and drug trafficking has to be tackled. Every step and measure has to be taken to herald a new dawn of peace and prosperity as the Afghan people deserve something better.

Posté par khyberinstitute à 09:59 - Commentaires […] - Permalien [#]

Tags: hamid karzai, Bonn International Conference on Afghanistan, FAZAL UR REHMAN AFRIDI, Janan Musazai, Munir Mengal, saleem safi

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28 novembre 2011

10 YEARS OF CONFLICT IN AFGHANISTAN. WHAT NEXT?

Posted: October 20, 2011 in Uncategorized

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Fazal ur Rehman Afridi

A one-day international conference on Afghanistan was held in Paris (city of love & peace) on Wednesday 11 May, 2011 under the supervision of Institute for Strategic and International Relations (IRIS). The theme of this high profile gathering was “10 year of Afghan conflict”. Almost all important stakeholders of the Afghan conflict were present to put forward their views and analysis of the 10 year conflict after the defeat of Taliban from Kabul and the emerging scenario for the future of Afghanistan. The conference was divided into 4 sessions including, (1). Afghanistan in the 2011, (2). The strategic and Military aspects of the Afghan conflicts, (3). Options of re-construction of Afghanistan and (4). Open debates on the Afghan conflict by French political elite. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah the former Foreign Minister and candidate of the Afghan Presidential Elections in 2009, was the Guest Speaker. The conference ended with a very informative and lively debates among three important french politicians Jean-Francois Cope, Secretary General of governing UMP party, Laurent Fabius, former Prime Minister, Member of the National Defence Commission of the armed forces at the National Assembly and Eva Joly Member of the European Paliament of Europe Ecology and President of the Development Commission at European Parliament.

The aim of this mega-event was to understand and analyze the present and emerging situation on the basis of which develop a new holistic approach and strategy to improve security, good governance and development in the war-torn nation. The speakers expressed concern about deteriorating conditions on the ground citing recent attacks in the province of Nuristan and increased Taliban pressure in Kandahar, as NATO/allies look for an exit strategy.

PAKISTAN IS CONSIDERED A REGIONAL SPOILER.

The first question, I posed to Dr. Abdullah Abdullah during my brief interaction at the sidelines of this important 16th International Conference on Afghanistan was, that back in 2003, how on earth he was so confident that Osama Bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan? He replied with a tone of authority accompanied by a sarcastic smile, that we Afghan knew it very well (Afghan secret service) that he (OBL) was in Pakistan. But, still your (Commando) President rejected my claim with disdain and kept on harping the tune that Osama is not hiding in Pakistan. I could not agree more with him, when we see the Pakistani intelligence (ISI) is always pre-occupied with running after our politicians and actively involved in making and breaking political alliances and governments in Pakistan. During General Ayub Khans era , the same ISI could not detect a Brigade of Indian Army during ongoing war. When the general expressed his anger, the Chief of ISI retorted that we are too busy following our own politicians, rather than to detect enemy positions.

Pakistan has to reap what she has sown all these years. Violence, intolerance, killings, bombings and terrorism is the result of Pakistans wrong policies that its rulers perused in the past. He said that ISI is a part of the evil. This is in nutshell what we discussed at our brief encounter in Paris. The US operations will continue in Pakistan to nab other leaders of Al-Qaeda and Talibans, despite protests from Pakistani government, he said. He was very optimistic about the future of Afghanistan however not satisfied with the results achieved so far. He thought that a lot of opportunities were missed by International Community. When Al-Qaeda and Talibans could have been rooted-out effectively in the after math of 9/11, they were left to flourish for reasons not known. Mr. Abdullah was not alone in his criticism of Pakistan as almost all participants were of the view that with the killing of Osama Bin Ladin in a Military Garrison of Pakistan has put the focus of International Community on Pakistan now, as nearly all the important Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders have been nabbed and killed in Pakistan. So, the main problem area is not Afghanistan now. The US/NATO forces have to look at the other side of the border, which is suppose to provide safe-heavens to Talibans and Al-Qaeda. Hamid Karzai in his statement after the death of OBL, has also taunted US/NATO forces as to look to the other side of the border rather than wasting their time in Afghanistan looking for a ghost enemy. On the other hand Pakistan is still in the denial state of mind which is confirmed by its recent Resolution of May, 2011 at a Joint-Session of the Parliament condemning the Abbottabad attack, asking US to stop drone attacks, threatening to block Nato-supplies to Afghanistan and asking the government of The Prime Minister, Yousof Raza Gilani to revisit the relationship with US, if these demands are not met. Proposing a military confrontation with US, the Pakistani military strategists, arm-chair anlaysts and currupt politicians seems to be living in paradise of fools. It is un-thinkable for Pakistan to fight the sole military and economic super-power of the world from which it recieves most of its military and economic assistance. US Defence Budget is US $ 750 billion while Pakistan spend US $ 5 billion on its military,most of which comes from US.

Munir Mengal (one of the participant of the conference), a young Baloch revolutionary leader praised the fact that the world is now realizing the gravity of the situation in Pakistan which has been double-timing the International Community for quite a long time. The world should focus its attention on the Balochistan issue where thousands of Baloch who are fighting for their right to self-determination, are being abducted,tortured and killed by security forces with impunity on daily basis. He said that Baluchistan is bleeding while the world is standing like a silent spectator. Mengal reminded the International Community about its forgotten “PLAN-B” for Balochistan. He called upon his Pashtun brothers to come forward with a joint Baloch-Pashtun strategy to liberate themselves from the cruel clutches of Pakistani Military Establishment. The full text of Munir Mengal speech on the side-lines of the conference can be seen on the link: http://www.crisisbalochistan.com/secondary_menu/news/muni…

The participants of the Conference gave a blunt message to Pakistan that you cannot run with the hare and hunt with the wolf. It is has to un-equivocally declare its policy whether it is with the forces of peace or the forces of destruction and terrorism. Pakistan seems to be embarrassed internally as the public is furious at the political elite praising the Abbottbad episode and the intelligence failure of the Military to detect and stop US incursion into Pakistan violating its territorial integrity and sovereignty. While it is braving tough criticism internationally. So, in face of mounting criticism and pressure instead of fighting it Pakistani government has deliberately decided to abstain from the conference. Therefore, no body was there to answer the criticism. Which is well understood.

KARZAI A PUNCHING BAG:

I was really astonished to note that President Hamid Karzai was criticized for corruption, governance problems, election frauds and drug problems, while his Ambassador was just sitting in the front row and smiling. His own Afghan officials who were suppose to support him, were brutally criticizing his policies and governance. I think he should seriously think over replacing the existing ambassador to France with a new who believe in his government policies and can defend them or he has to revisit his policies. Of course, Corruption is one of the biggest problem of Afghanistan without any doubt. Ordinary Afghans think it be greater problem than Insecurity. Corrupt officials and politicians pocket more than $2.5 billion annually in a poor country like Afghanistan. The policy of talks with Taliban should be encouraged, in case they renounce violence and accept the constitution of Afghanistan with letter and spirit. Commitment to good governance, a fair judicial system and fundamental human rights particularly the rights of women. Commitment to address the problem of narcotics with the assistance of United Nations. It is to be noted that before this event, several International conferences on Afghanistan including Loya Jirgas have been held but sans results. Just talking the talk without concrete actions will lead us to nothing. To achieve results, there must be a joint between talks and actions.

The participants proposed a balance between development-oriented projects and Counterinsurgency Operations. Focusing on just a Military solution will not yield results. If US wants to win hearts and minds of Afghans then it is advisable to approach the problem with a holistic strategy rather than piecemeal and ad-hoc policies. Hearts and minds could only be won by education, socio-economic development, human rights and developing viable judicial, administrative and democratic institutions. To achieve these objectives, a strong political will is required on the part of International Community. If done so, in the near future, I can see a strong Afghanistan with a well-equipped and trained National Army and Police force, where the writ of the government is restored to the rural and urban centers of the country.

Posté par khyberinstitute à 23:35 - Commentaires […] - Permalien [#]

Tags: FRANCE, 10 years of conflict in afghanistan. what next, abdullah abdullah, hamid karzai, isi, natio, pakistan

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28 novembre 2011

PRIX BAYEUX-CALVADOS Les Correspondants de Guerre

Posted: October 30, 2011 in Home

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

By: Fazal ur Rehman Afridi

The Arab Spring along with the influence and rising role of new medias popularly known as social networks like facebook, twitter and mobile phones in dislodging the tyrannical dictators in the region dominated the scene of the Bayeux-Calvados Prize for the Correspondents of the war, however to the detriment of enough projection of war in Afghanistan slowly shifting to Pakistan. The good news is that these Arab revolutions are expected to bring democracy and liberty to the new generations of these countries.

“It (arab revolutions) made the news in all media since the beginning of the year. We were all affected by this wind of freedom initiated by the oppressed (people). Sitting and doing nothing would have been a mistake,” said Patrick Gomont, mayor of Bayeux and co-organizer of the price, first liberated city of the continent in 1944.

War reporters who are faced with new dangers in asymmetrical and guerilla wars need to be encouraged at these difficult times and that is what the Bayeux-Calvados is doing very well. The galaxy of national and International journalists who participated made the Bayeux-Calvados Prize a Mega-International event, which will go a long way in providing a necessary moral and professional support to the reporters of War from around the world, where their work is valued and recognized. This event is fast becoming a French symbol supporting its enduring values like liberty and democracy.

Another important aspect of this Journalistic gathering is to sensitize and mobilize the young generation towards the profession of journalism. Special events and programs were organized for the students of Bayeux, Netherland and Switzerland to meet journalists personally and hear their stories directly from them. The students were informed by the representatives of Reporters without Borders that 57 journalists were killed last year in the line of their duty which means that the world is still dangerous for this profession. Pakistan was the most deadly country in the world with 13 journalists killed in 2010

Exhibitions, debates, book fair and students encounters with the journalists marked the event. Almost 20000 people participated in the event and more than 300 journalists graced the occasion this year. I think Bayeux-Calvados Prize for the War Correspondents is not just a prize but a campaign to inform the world about the brutality and dangers of the war and educate the civil society and the students about their responsibility for creating a peaceful, free and democratic world. It inform them and bring them closer to the world of journalism creating a better understanding and favorable attitude towards journalism.

The recipients of the18 th Bayeux-Calvados trophy 2011:

Trophy for the Best Photo reporter was awarded to Yuri KOZYREV of NOOR Photo Agency for photos taken in Libya in February-March 2011 .

The first Prize for Print Media was awarded to Jon STEPHENSON for his article appearing in METRO MAGAZINE , while the best Radio reporter Prize went to Etienne MONIN of France INFO. The prize for best TV Reporter went to Alex CRAWFORD of SKY NEWS , while the trophy for TV GRANT FORMAT reporter went to Vaughan SMITH of FRONTLINE CLUB-AL JAZEERA and last but not the least Sarah Hussain was the fortunate young journalist who got the best Photo reporter award in the Young reporter Category. Web Journalism, the new prize introduced this year was awarded to two beautiful young ladies Sarah LEDUC and Zoé LAMAZOU of France 24 for their report “Congo, la paix violée”.

The president of the Jury Mort Rosenblum, a great American journalist and reporter who covered almost all the wars in recent times was accompanied by ex-hostage Harve Ghesquiere with his collegue Stephan Taponier who remained in the custody of Taliban for 547 in Afghanistan, gave further credibility to the even

A Memorial for reporters

“One may only taste freedom when others around us are free” – Simone de Beauvoir

The one and the only one in the world, is the Memorial to honor the reporters from around the world by immortalizing them with their names engraved on a stone erected at this Journalist memorial. To ensure that the journalists killed in the line of duty are never forgotten, the City of Bayeux, in collaboration with Reporters without borders, has inaugurated a Memorial dedicated to reporters killed across the world since 1944.

“This is the only place in the world where my husband’s name is written in stone,” declared Michèle Montas, the widow of the Haitian journalist Jean Dominique, on the inauguration of the first phase of the memorial on 7 October 2006.

HATS OFF TO THE CITY OF BAYEUX FOR GREAT HOSPITALITY:

Bravo!

The prize for hospitality would have surely gone to the city of Bayeux, if there would have been one. But, unfortunately there was non. But, all the participants, journalists, members of the Jury and people from different walks of life were unanimous in their decision that the hospitality of the city was up to the mark and for that the people of Bayeux, particularly the Mayer of the city Mr.Patrick Gomon deserve congratulations for his great interest and enormous hard-work to make this event a success. It looked at times as if the whole city is united and working in a cohesive manner like a well oiled organism to make the events rolling in a very effective and timely manner making the participants and Jury as well comfortable with their work. He was always present at every occasion and event however small to personally monitor the good rolling of the events without any problem. Of course the President of the Calvodos also deserve our congratulation and gratitude for being present on important occasions particularly on the last day of the Mega event.

Personally, it was honor that to be invited twice. First to deliver a speech on September 16, 2011 to the 105 students along with the Deputy Mare of theEindhoven, a city of Netherland. The Mayer of Bayeux personally introduced me the Deputy Mayer and the delegation of Eindhoven on the Lunch . Later, the delegation presented me with a gift from famous Multinational Philips firm.

Posté par khyberinstitute à 23:32 - Commentaires […] - Permalien [#]

Tags: FRANCE, freedom of expression, journalists, prix bayeux-calvados les correspondants de guerre, protect journalists

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