- Reaction score
- 4,581
- Points
- 1,260
Commons defence committee confined to Kandahar Airfield
Doug Schmidt, CanWest News Service, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
A group of MPs charged with overseeing Canada’s mission in Afghanistan landed at Kandahar Airfield Tuesday to measure what progress is being made but was promptly told by its military hosts its three-day visit would be spent closeted inside the NATO base. The eight members of the all-party Commons defence committee were told that, for security reasons, they wouldn’t be visiting any troops in the field, they couldn’t see first-hand any of the reconstruction efforts underway "outside the wire," and there were no plans for them to meet with any locals. Instead, there would be plenty of in-camp briefings. "The limitations of where they can go have been directed by the minister," said their host, Brig.-Gen. Tim Grant, who is the commander of the 2,500 Canadian troops in Afghanistan ....
Commons defence committee to assess successes, failures in Afghan mission
MURRAY BREWSTER, Canadian Press, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
Parliamentarians, replete with flak jackets and helmets, stepped off a military transport Tuesday looking as though they were ready for battle, but theirs will be the battle of the briefing room. Eight members of the all-party Commons defence committee, charged with examining Canada's role in this war-torn country, are not expected to meet any local Afghan officials, nor set foot off Kandahar Airfield to view reconstruction projects. Their assessment of the Conservative government's deepening involvement in this nasty guerrilla war, which could shape party positions in an anticipated spring election, will largely be based on a barrage of prearranged briefings and PowerPoint presentations from Canadian military and government officials. They will, however, tour various facilities at the NATO base, including a recreational boardwalk, a cement factory, a newly installed banking machine and the hangout of soldiers, dubbed Canada House. "We're not going to see much, but maybe that will change," New Democrat defence critic Dawn Black said of the itinerary. Black, whose party has called for Canadian troops to be withdrawn from fighting militant Taliban forces, has asked to meet with Afghan officials. "It's not on the itinerary, but we'll see," she said as she wrestled to get out of her bulletproof vest. "I've got a number of questions to ask them." ....
Canadian MPs miffed at Afghan travel curbs; minister says it's for safety
MURRAY BREWSTER, Canadian Press, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
.... Brig.-Gen Tim Grant, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, said Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor made the decision about travel arrangements for the group in Afghanistan. "The movements of the party, the limitations on where they can go, have been directed by the minister," he said. O'Connor had informed committee members before they left Canada that any travel outside Kandahar Airfield must be by air because road transport is too dangerous, said Isabelle Bouchard, the minister's spokeswoman. She mentioned roadside bombs as one of the dangers. "The people on the ground, they must request helicopter support because Canada does not own this kind of helicopter in theatre," she said in a telephone interview. At the moment, none of the allies could provide helicopter transport because of operational factors, she said. "Maybe the opposition members would support our procurement in this process" so that Canada could get its own helicopters, she added. She denied that the minister was blocking committee members from seeing Afghanistan. "On the contrary, the minister wants them alive and well, back next week in the House." "We were surprise to hear" their complaints, she said, "because they were well aware of what they were getting into." ....
Pakistani soldier dies during engagement with insurgents on Paktika border
ISAF news release #2007-066, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
On the afternoon of 22 January, a Pakistani soldier died during an engagement with insurgents in Bermal district, Paktika, on the Pakistani border. ISAF deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained by Pakistani forces, although the cause of these casualties, and who is responsible, is as yet unclear. The incident happened following an insurgent rocket attack near an ISAF operating base in Bermel district, Paktika province. Shortly afterwards a group of insurgents was identified moving east towards the Pakistan border. ISAF called in close air support (CAS) which tracked the insurgents and engaged them. ISAF believes that all ordnance fired landed on the target and one insurgent was killed and another injured. The Pakistani authorities report, in addition, that one Pakistani soldier was killed and two others were injured during events associated with this incident. A joint investigation into the incident, involving ISAF and the Pakistan military, has now been convened. ISAF very much appreciates Pakistan’s continued cooperation and assistance on the border.
Joint Intelligence Operations Centre Opens Thursday
ISAF Media Advisory #2007-MA12, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
KABUL, Afghanistan (23 January) - Media are invited to attend the opening ceremony for the new Joint Intelligence Operations Centre (JIOC) at HQ ISAF on Thursday at 2:15 p.m. The JIOC will facilitate joint intelligence operations between ISAF and the Pakistani and Afghan armies. It will be opened by Gen. David Richards, COMISAF, in the presence of senior representatives from the Pakistani and Afghan armies. The ceremony will be followed by a short tour of the facility and a press conference with COMISAF. Media must confirm attendance to this event, as space is limited. To confirm attendance, please contact the ISAF Public Information Office. On Thursday, media must arrive at the HQ ISAF main gate by 2:15 p.m. for a security check prior to being escorted to the JIOC. Media arriving with cell phones and laptops will be asked to hand them in for the duration of the visit to the camp. All media must hold a valid ISAF press pass. Registration is held each Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Registration requirements are posted on the lower right side of the ISAF Web site ....
NOTE: This story has not appeared in any other MSM outlet as of 24 Jan 07, so take with grain of salt!
Taliban kill 4 Dutch soldiers in Uruzgan
Pak Tribune, 24 Jan 07
Article Link
Four NATO soldiers were killed in a clash between Taliban and NATO forces at a village near Tirinkot in Uruzgan province of Southern Afghanistan. Taliban Spokesman, Qari Yousaf told Radio Tehran by telephone that four NATO-led Dutch soldiers were killed when they clashed with the Taliban fighters at a village near Tirinkot in Uruzgan province. Qari Yousaf further claimed that five Afghan National Army, ANA's soldiers were either killed or wounded when they were attacked by their fighters in Bakwah
district ....
Fugitive warlord claims U.S. facing Soviet-style defeat in Afghanistan
Associated Press, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
The United States faces a Soviet-style humiliation in Afghanistan, a fugitive Afghan warlord claimed in a video message while taunting Pakistan for aiding U.S.-led counterterrorism operations. In a recording obtained by The Associated Press in Pakistan, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar also accused Washington of fomenting conflict among Afghan ethnic groups on a scale comparable with the strife in Iraq. "Everyone knows that the American aggressors are faced with defeat in every part of the country," Hekmatyar said. "They were unable to achieve their goals by bombing innocent Afghans, their villages and homes. They are preparing to leave like the Soviet troops." ....
German Soldiers Admit They Guarded US Prison in Afghanistan
As part of the investigation into the alleged abuse of terrorist suspects by German soldiers in Afghanistan, officers from the German Special Forces (KSK) are for the first time making official statements -- and they admit that they helped US soldiers guard detainees. German Special Forces (KSK) soldiers are being investigating for the alleged mistreatment of Murat Kurnaz in Afghanistan.
Holger Stark, Der Spiegel (DEU), 22 Jan 07
Article Link
Kandahar, January, 2002: It was so cold that the drinking water had frozen in its plastic containers. The German Special Forces (KSK) soldiers were dressed in desert uniforms and woolen hats and were armed with G36 rifles equipped with laser sights. Their mission? To help the US "accompany prisoners from the airplane to the American army prison camp." The camp was flooded with light as military planes landed on the runway with more detainees, who were to be transported to the camp. "The prisoners were masked and tied together," recalls Master Sergeant L., who took part in the operation. He helped the American GIs lead the prisoners through the gate into the camp, past the clay outer wall and guardhouses. They were then put into one of the four wire cages, which only had a provisional awning for a roof. After transferring all the suspects into the camp, L. patroled up and down between the barbed wire fences ....
Afghans determined to rebuild, no matter the obstacles
UNICEF’s External Relations Officer Roshan Khadivi offers personal reflections on the progress she has seen for children in Afghanistan since her first assignment there more than five years ago.
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), via Reliefweb.net, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
Prior to my first trip to Afghanistan in 2001, I remember a time when the horrible pictures of group killings of people in Kabul football stadiums reached the rest of the world. News reports spoke of oppressive restrictions and daily torture of innocent people. Worldwide, many wondered how things would turn out here. I came to this country in late 2001 on a short assessment mission, followed by a two-year assignment in 2002. I have been back in Afghanistan for about month, and this most recent visit has been a real opportunity to see how things have changed ....
Bridge to be built in Uruzgan
Saeed Zabuli and Zubair Babakarkhel, Pajhwok Afghan News, 22 Jan 07
Article Link
Australian military will build a bridge in Tirinkot, capital of the southern Uruzgan to link three districts of the province. The gubernatorial spokesman Gul Qayoom Qayoomi told Pajhwok Afghan News on Monday the project worth $400,000 would connect Khas Uruzgan, Gezab and Chora districts with Tirinkot. He said the governor Abdul Hakim Munib inaugurated the bridge during a ceremony held here. Tribal elders, local officials and other notable people attended the ceremony. He said the bridge would have 68 metres width. He said the project would be completed in three months. Australian ambassador to Kabul Brett Hackett said the project was very useful and important for local people. He told this news agency: "Local residents will take part in construction work of the bridge that will also help in creating job opportunities." Task forces of the Australian based in Uruzgan have implemented the project ....
Wardak PRT supports province’s religious schools
ISAF news release #2007-061, 22 Jan 07
Article Link
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (22 January) – Since the Eid al Adha, the Wardak Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) has launched a humanitarian assistance programme for the province’s religious schools. So far, 16 religious schools and approximately 2,000 students have received food and winter supplies in Maidan Shair, Nerkh, Jalrez and Saidabad districts. The PRT is working in coordination with the local administration and Provincial Education Department. The PRT is focusing on delivering supplies most in need such as food, firewood, blankets, teaching materials and holy books. Wardak PRT teams, headed by civilian coordinator Abaci, stress the importance of religious education during their visits, as well as the correct teaching of Islam and the crucial role played by the religious scholars. The PRT has also asked scholars of the unregistered schools to apply for registry with the education department so they may obtain salary and other state benefits. The religious school representatives have expressed appreciation for the visits and the assistance provided during the difficult winter months.
- edited to include warning on reports of Dutch fatalities -
Doug Schmidt, CanWest News Service, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
A group of MPs charged with overseeing Canada’s mission in Afghanistan landed at Kandahar Airfield Tuesday to measure what progress is being made but was promptly told by its military hosts its three-day visit would be spent closeted inside the NATO base. The eight members of the all-party Commons defence committee were told that, for security reasons, they wouldn’t be visiting any troops in the field, they couldn’t see first-hand any of the reconstruction efforts underway "outside the wire," and there were no plans for them to meet with any locals. Instead, there would be plenty of in-camp briefings. "The limitations of where they can go have been directed by the minister," said their host, Brig.-Gen. Tim Grant, who is the commander of the 2,500 Canadian troops in Afghanistan ....
Commons defence committee to assess successes, failures in Afghan mission
MURRAY BREWSTER, Canadian Press, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
Parliamentarians, replete with flak jackets and helmets, stepped off a military transport Tuesday looking as though they were ready for battle, but theirs will be the battle of the briefing room. Eight members of the all-party Commons defence committee, charged with examining Canada's role in this war-torn country, are not expected to meet any local Afghan officials, nor set foot off Kandahar Airfield to view reconstruction projects. Their assessment of the Conservative government's deepening involvement in this nasty guerrilla war, which could shape party positions in an anticipated spring election, will largely be based on a barrage of prearranged briefings and PowerPoint presentations from Canadian military and government officials. They will, however, tour various facilities at the NATO base, including a recreational boardwalk, a cement factory, a newly installed banking machine and the hangout of soldiers, dubbed Canada House. "We're not going to see much, but maybe that will change," New Democrat defence critic Dawn Black said of the itinerary. Black, whose party has called for Canadian troops to be withdrawn from fighting militant Taliban forces, has asked to meet with Afghan officials. "It's not on the itinerary, but we'll see," she said as she wrestled to get out of her bulletproof vest. "I've got a number of questions to ask them." ....
Canadian MPs miffed at Afghan travel curbs; minister says it's for safety
MURRAY BREWSTER, Canadian Press, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
.... Brig.-Gen Tim Grant, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, said Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor made the decision about travel arrangements for the group in Afghanistan. "The movements of the party, the limitations on where they can go, have been directed by the minister," he said. O'Connor had informed committee members before they left Canada that any travel outside Kandahar Airfield must be by air because road transport is too dangerous, said Isabelle Bouchard, the minister's spokeswoman. She mentioned roadside bombs as one of the dangers. "The people on the ground, they must request helicopter support because Canada does not own this kind of helicopter in theatre," she said in a telephone interview. At the moment, none of the allies could provide helicopter transport because of operational factors, she said. "Maybe the opposition members would support our procurement in this process" so that Canada could get its own helicopters, she added. She denied that the minister was blocking committee members from seeing Afghanistan. "On the contrary, the minister wants them alive and well, back next week in the House." "We were surprise to hear" their complaints, she said, "because they were well aware of what they were getting into." ....
Pakistani soldier dies during engagement with insurgents on Paktika border
ISAF news release #2007-066, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
On the afternoon of 22 January, a Pakistani soldier died during an engagement with insurgents in Bermal district, Paktika, on the Pakistani border. ISAF deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained by Pakistani forces, although the cause of these casualties, and who is responsible, is as yet unclear. The incident happened following an insurgent rocket attack near an ISAF operating base in Bermel district, Paktika province. Shortly afterwards a group of insurgents was identified moving east towards the Pakistan border. ISAF called in close air support (CAS) which tracked the insurgents and engaged them. ISAF believes that all ordnance fired landed on the target and one insurgent was killed and another injured. The Pakistani authorities report, in addition, that one Pakistani soldier was killed and two others were injured during events associated with this incident. A joint investigation into the incident, involving ISAF and the Pakistan military, has now been convened. ISAF very much appreciates Pakistan’s continued cooperation and assistance on the border.
Joint Intelligence Operations Centre Opens Thursday
ISAF Media Advisory #2007-MA12, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
KABUL, Afghanistan (23 January) - Media are invited to attend the opening ceremony for the new Joint Intelligence Operations Centre (JIOC) at HQ ISAF on Thursday at 2:15 p.m. The JIOC will facilitate joint intelligence operations between ISAF and the Pakistani and Afghan armies. It will be opened by Gen. David Richards, COMISAF, in the presence of senior representatives from the Pakistani and Afghan armies. The ceremony will be followed by a short tour of the facility and a press conference with COMISAF. Media must confirm attendance to this event, as space is limited. To confirm attendance, please contact the ISAF Public Information Office. On Thursday, media must arrive at the HQ ISAF main gate by 2:15 p.m. for a security check prior to being escorted to the JIOC. Media arriving with cell phones and laptops will be asked to hand them in for the duration of the visit to the camp. All media must hold a valid ISAF press pass. Registration is held each Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Registration requirements are posted on the lower right side of the ISAF Web site ....
NOTE: This story has not appeared in any other MSM outlet as of 24 Jan 07, so take with grain of salt!
Taliban kill 4 Dutch soldiers in Uruzgan
Pak Tribune, 24 Jan 07
Article Link
Four NATO soldiers were killed in a clash between Taliban and NATO forces at a village near Tirinkot in Uruzgan province of Southern Afghanistan. Taliban Spokesman, Qari Yousaf told Radio Tehran by telephone that four NATO-led Dutch soldiers were killed when they clashed with the Taliban fighters at a village near Tirinkot in Uruzgan province. Qari Yousaf further claimed that five Afghan National Army, ANA's soldiers were either killed or wounded when they were attacked by their fighters in Bakwah
district ....
Fugitive warlord claims U.S. facing Soviet-style defeat in Afghanistan
Associated Press, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
The United States faces a Soviet-style humiliation in Afghanistan, a fugitive Afghan warlord claimed in a video message while taunting Pakistan for aiding U.S.-led counterterrorism operations. In a recording obtained by The Associated Press in Pakistan, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar also accused Washington of fomenting conflict among Afghan ethnic groups on a scale comparable with the strife in Iraq. "Everyone knows that the American aggressors are faced with defeat in every part of the country," Hekmatyar said. "They were unable to achieve their goals by bombing innocent Afghans, their villages and homes. They are preparing to leave like the Soviet troops." ....
German Soldiers Admit They Guarded US Prison in Afghanistan
As part of the investigation into the alleged abuse of terrorist suspects by German soldiers in Afghanistan, officers from the German Special Forces (KSK) are for the first time making official statements -- and they admit that they helped US soldiers guard detainees. German Special Forces (KSK) soldiers are being investigating for the alleged mistreatment of Murat Kurnaz in Afghanistan.
Holger Stark, Der Spiegel (DEU), 22 Jan 07
Article Link
Kandahar, January, 2002: It was so cold that the drinking water had frozen in its plastic containers. The German Special Forces (KSK) soldiers were dressed in desert uniforms and woolen hats and were armed with G36 rifles equipped with laser sights. Their mission? To help the US "accompany prisoners from the airplane to the American army prison camp." The camp was flooded with light as military planes landed on the runway with more detainees, who were to be transported to the camp. "The prisoners were masked and tied together," recalls Master Sergeant L., who took part in the operation. He helped the American GIs lead the prisoners through the gate into the camp, past the clay outer wall and guardhouses. They were then put into one of the four wire cages, which only had a provisional awning for a roof. After transferring all the suspects into the camp, L. patroled up and down between the barbed wire fences ....
Afghans determined to rebuild, no matter the obstacles
UNICEF’s External Relations Officer Roshan Khadivi offers personal reflections on the progress she has seen for children in Afghanistan since her first assignment there more than five years ago.
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), via Reliefweb.net, 23 Jan 07
Article Link
Prior to my first trip to Afghanistan in 2001, I remember a time when the horrible pictures of group killings of people in Kabul football stadiums reached the rest of the world. News reports spoke of oppressive restrictions and daily torture of innocent people. Worldwide, many wondered how things would turn out here. I came to this country in late 2001 on a short assessment mission, followed by a two-year assignment in 2002. I have been back in Afghanistan for about month, and this most recent visit has been a real opportunity to see how things have changed ....
Bridge to be built in Uruzgan
Saeed Zabuli and Zubair Babakarkhel, Pajhwok Afghan News, 22 Jan 07
Article Link
Australian military will build a bridge in Tirinkot, capital of the southern Uruzgan to link three districts of the province. The gubernatorial spokesman Gul Qayoom Qayoomi told Pajhwok Afghan News on Monday the project worth $400,000 would connect Khas Uruzgan, Gezab and Chora districts with Tirinkot. He said the governor Abdul Hakim Munib inaugurated the bridge during a ceremony held here. Tribal elders, local officials and other notable people attended the ceremony. He said the bridge would have 68 metres width. He said the project would be completed in three months. Australian ambassador to Kabul Brett Hackett said the project was very useful and important for local people. He told this news agency: "Local residents will take part in construction work of the bridge that will also help in creating job opportunities." Task forces of the Australian based in Uruzgan have implemented the project ....
Wardak PRT supports province’s religious schools
ISAF news release #2007-061, 22 Jan 07
Article Link
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (22 January) – Since the Eid al Adha, the Wardak Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) has launched a humanitarian assistance programme for the province’s religious schools. So far, 16 religious schools and approximately 2,000 students have received food and winter supplies in Maidan Shair, Nerkh, Jalrez and Saidabad districts. The PRT is working in coordination with the local administration and Provincial Education Department. The PRT is focusing on delivering supplies most in need such as food, firewood, blankets, teaching materials and holy books. Wardak PRT teams, headed by civilian coordinator Abaci, stress the importance of religious education during their visits, as well as the correct teaching of Islam and the crucial role played by the religious scholars. The PRT has also asked scholars of the unregistered schools to apply for registry with the education department so they may obtain salary and other state benefits. The religious school representatives have expressed appreciation for the visits and the assistance provided during the difficult winter months.
- edited to include warning on reports of Dutch fatalities -