Month: December 2010

Wikileaks and the Paktia governor

Kate Clark •

One of the US embassy cables published by Wikileaks relates to the Governor of Paktia, Juma Khan Hamdard. It contains detailed allegations that the governor is not only illegally amassing a personal fortune from US government-funded contracts, but is also fuelling money to active members of his tanzim, Hezb-e Islami, who are currently fighting the […]

6 Dec 2010

The Muhammad Omar everybody should listen to

In this Pashto Mashto blog, Fabrizio Foschini goes for a stroll in Kabul’s musical scene, according to his own, rather personal experience of it. I have always been a lazy student. When, on some Fridays, my ustad wakes me up shouting over the phone ‘Ahmad where the hell are you? Come, and today don’t bring your rubab! […]

5 Dec 2010

Report Reveals Political Deals Behind Governors Appointments

admin •

Tolo news, 4 December 2010 This report from Kilid Group exposes the political pressions and deals behind the appointments of several governors by the Independent Directorate of Local Governance.

4 Dec 2010

PashtoMashtoLeaks (1): Bagram Calling

AAN Team •

Yesterday, the BBC reported as follows: ‘President Barack Obama has told US troops in Afghanistan they are making crucial “progress” against insurgents. During an unannounced visit to Bagram air base near Kabul, Mr Obama said: “Today we can be proud that there are fewer areas under Taliban control.” He also spoke to President Hamid Karzai […]

4 Dec 2010

Afghan Village Militias Accused of Abuses

admin •

IWPR, 3 December 2010 Village militias and armed groups linked to the international military harrass locals with impunity. Stories from Badghis, Herat and Ghor.

3 Dec 2010

2010 Election (39): Ghazni’s Election Drama – It’s the System (amended)

Thomas Ruttig •

The IEC has announced the eagerly awaited result for Ghazni, which were the last of the outstanding Wolesi Jirga seats. At the same time, IEC chairman Manawi informed that this was ‘the final duty of the IEC regarding the parliamentary elections’ of 2010. This also means that he is planning not to deal with any […]

2 Dec 2010

2010 Election (38): Who is coming from Baghlan?

Gran Hewad •

The disqualification of votes by he IEC affected the outcome of the 18 September election a great deal in Baghlan province, too. It seems that some strong Pashtun candidates’s success has been hindered in particular. At a time when supporters of two disqualified candidates are organising extensive demonstrations and blockades on the Kabul–Mazar-e Sharif highway, […]

1 Dec 2010

AAN In The Media – December 2010

AAN Team •

Taliban making inroads in Northern Afghanistan The Washington Examiner, 30 December 2010 Article quotes heavily from AAN’s 2010 report ‘The Northern Front’. La lunga ritirata afgana dell’America Aspenia Online, 23 December 2010 An international analysis website quotes (in Italian) AAN’s Kate Clark comments on the US false assumption of progress in Afghanistan Obama’s Review Upgrades […]

1 Dec 2010