Analysis & Commentary
2 Uighur Gitmo Detainees Transferred to El Salvador
The Department of Defense announced the transfer of two Uighur detainees from Guantanamo to El Salvador yesterday. The two detainees were not named in the DoD's press release.
9/11 plotter spotted in Mir Ali
The trial of Ahmed Siddiqui, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan operative who allied with al Qaeda and was part of a plot to conduct Mumbai-style attacks in Europe before he was captured in Afghanistan in the summer of 2010, has yielded some interesting information.
A Bizarre Take on The Rules of Engagement
General David Petraeus has said that he will consider changing the rules of engagement in Afghanistan because of concerns that, though they are designed to protect civilians, they end up putting Coalition troops in greater danger. The current, more restrictive, rules of engagement were put in place with the goal of reducing civilian casualties during fighting in order to win greater Afghan civilian support. Striking a perfect balance in this area is of course nearly impossible, and Petraeus's comments reflect the difficulty of fashioning the rules: "I am keenly aware of concerns by some of our troopers on the ground about the application of our rules of engagement.... They should know that I will look very hard at this issue."
A Case Built on Irrationality
The Uighur saga nicely captures all the irrationality and hypocrisy of our counterterrorism approach.
A Desperate ‘Longshot’
Some in the Obama administration are desperate to jumpstart peace negotiations with the Taliban in advance of NATO’s summit in Chicago next month.
A Good General Is Not Enough
As General David Petraeus takes over the war in Afghanistan from General Stanley McChrystal, he faces a daunting set of challenges. Thirty years of fighting have taken their toll on the country. Afghanistan is a backwards place with little infrastructure. The heroin capital of the world, its opium fields are a rich source of income for the Taliban and its allies. The country is rife with corruption and tribalism.
A Guide to Avoiding Disaster in Afghanistan
For those of us who can remember how lonely it was to be in favor of the Iraq war and the hoped-for surge in 2006, reflecting on America’s current travails in Afghanistan—a “fool’s errand” (George F. Will) administered by “well-meaning infidels” (Andrew J. Bacevich)—isn’t nearly so depressing. Although one can have serious doubts about how the Obama administration has so far handled the conflict (doubts made only a little less nagging with hearings, starting today and expected to confirm General David Petraeus’ appointment as the theater commander), the status quo in the country shouldn’t yet produce so much doom and gloom.
A Pattern of Appeasement and Retreat
Take two headlines, one about Iraq, the other about Afghanistan. The Iraqis told us to honor our signed agreement, and pull out all our troops by year’s end. Over in Kabul, Karzai said he’d go to war against us if we attacked his neighbor, Pakistan.
A Proper Welcome
To: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President Islamic Republic of Iran Tehran
Admiral Mullen: Pakistani ISI Sponsoring Haqqani Attacks
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today, Admiral Michael Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighted the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence Agency's role in sponsoring the Haqqani Network - including attacks on American forces in Afghanistan.
Afghan Forces, Families are Prime Target for Taliban, Says Commander
A Taliban commander in northeastern Afghanistan who has been hunted by US forces for years and has voiced his support for al Qaeda said recently that the Afghan security forces have now become the number target for his forces.
Afghan Minister Targeted, Unhurt
The Long War Journal, quoting the spokesman, said the suicide bomber had tried to attack an advance party of troops as it stopped for prayers in the province. But the bomber was shot and killed before he could detonate his vest.
Afghan Peace Council Reportedly Seeks Talks with Taliban Commanders Held at Gitmo
In written testimony submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Mar. 15, General David Petraeus briefly outlined Afghanistan's efforts to reconcile some Taliban forces.
Afghan Security Forces Kill 3 ISAF Troops in South, East
An Afghan soldier killed two British soldiers on a military base in southern Afghanistan today, while a policeman killed an ISAF soldier in the east. The Afghan soldier was killed by ISAF troops, who opened fire on the attacker.
Afghan Soldier and Teacher Kill 2 ISAF Soldiers in South
An Afghan soldier and a teacher opened fire on NATO troops in Kandahar province today, killing two soldiers before being killed in return fire. Afghan security personnel have killed seven International Security Assistance Force soldiers in the past 10 days, while the Taliban have killed six ISAF troops during the same time period.
Afghan Taliban Announces New ‘Political Office’ in Qatar
The Taliban announced today that it is opening a "political office" in Qatar. According to a translation of the Taliban's message by the SITE Intelligence Group, the office is intended to "spread understanding with the international community."
Afghan Troops Ramp Up Attacks on Western Trainers, Threatening Allied War Effort
“It’s sort of a catch-22,” said Bill Roggio, the editor of Long War Journal, a Web site that closely tracks the Afghan war. “Our plan is to turn the country over to the Afghans, which means training them to take over. But they’re killing the guys we have doing the training.”
Afghanistan Leader and Hero
Since September 11, 2001, it has become clear a stable, democratic future for Afghanistan is integrally linked to American national security. A country devastated by more than 20 years of war, Afghanistan has endured many tragedies such as brutal Soviet occupation, internecine violence between the resistance jihadi parties, and most recently al Qaeda terrorism.
Afghanistan Nation Building May Fail: Senate Report
On April 25, Taliban completed a nearly 400-meter tunnel into the city’s main prison and used it to free about 500 fellow guerrillas in what officials said was an inside job.
