Saturday, January 2, 2010

The Afghan peace movement

As we saw in the previous blog entry, in December there were three disastrous nighttime raids carried out by (so it seems) US special forces and/or CIA in Afghanistan. Two of them involved ground troops allegedly killing civilians at close range, while the third involved a deadly airstrike called in by special forces. In total the incidents killed some 24 civilians.

The reaction among Afghans appears to be quite strong. In the wake of the first incident, the Dec 7/8 attack in Laghman province which killed 12 civilians, Afghan parliamentarians reacted bitterly, as reported on Afghanistan's Tolo TV:

(Mawlawi Sayed Rahman, MP representing Laghman Province:) This is an aggression. This is an advanced way of occupying a country where a number of people are being killed or detained under several pretexts. In this way, they (foreigners) are insulting the people...

(Yunos Qanuni, lower house Speaker:) Basic principles of this country's policies for the coming five years should be presented (to the lower house). This should include debate about country's new policies about the presence of foreign forces in Afghanistan. [BBC Foreign Service translation]
Note that the Laghman MP calls the western presence in his country an occupation and that Yunos Qanuni, a very important Afghan politician, calls into question the legitimacy of that occupation.

In the second incident, a Dec 27/28 nighttime operation by US special forces or CIA resulted in at least eight civilians killed by ground forces. Agence France-Presse reports that President Karzai "strongly condemned" the Kunar killings, which is I believe the strongest language he has ever used in incidents of this kind. There are, however, reports that Afghan army soldiers were involved in the Kunar incident, so Karzai's anger may be a rouse to deflect attention from his responsibility.

The Kunar incident sparked at least three major protests in Afghanistan. On Dec 30, protests attracting hundreds of demonstrators were held in Kabul and Jalalabad, the major eastern Afghan city and gateway to Pakistan and on Dec 31 some 1,500 protesters hit the streets of Asadabad, capital of Kunar province.
Afghans burn Obama effigy over civilian deaths

JALALABAD, Dec 30 (AFP) - Protesters took to the streets in Afghanistan on Wednesday, burning an effigy of the US president and shouting "death to Obama" to slam civilian deaths during Western military operations.

Hundreds of university students blocked main roads in Jalalabad, capital of eastern Nangarhar province, to protest the alleged deaths of 10 civilians, mostly school children, in a Western military operation on Saturday.

"The government must prevent such unilateral operations otherwise we will take guns instead of pens and fight against them (foreign forces)," students from the University of Nangarhar's education faculty said in a statement.

Marching through the main street of Jalalabad, the students chanted "death to Obama" and "death to foreign forces", witnesses said.

The protesters torched a US flag and an effigy of US President Barack Obama in a public square in central Jalalabad, before dispersing.

"Our demonstration is against those foreigners who have come to our country," Safiullah Aminzai, a student organiser, told AFP...

A similar protest was planned in Kabul against the "killing of civilians, especially the recent killing of students in Kunar by foreign forces," said organisers from the youth wing of Jamiat Eslah, or the Afghan Society for Social Reform and Development.

"The demonstration is to show our hatred, anger and sorrow about the current situation," said Sayed Khalid Rashid.

"Our main request is that the American and NATO forces must leave the country and Afghan people must have political autonomy," he said, adding that he expected hundreds of people to turn out for the march through western Kabul... (link)
The organisers of the Dec 30 Kabul protest, Jamiat Eslah's youth section, issued this statement:
1. On behalf of the young generation of our country, we strongly condemn the recent killing of our innocent compatriots by US and NATO troops in the provinces of Kunar, Laghman, Baghlan and everywhere else. We condemn such operations by whatever name carried out, either it is called peacekeeping or enduring freedom, and want an end to cruelly massacring of our people.

2. We urge the Afghan government and law-enforcement agencies to seriously chase these killings and bring to justice the perpetrators.

3. The Afghan youth urge the United Nations, human rights watchdogs and the international community not to stay indifferent towards killing and massacre of civilian Afghans anymore. They must stop brutal killing of innocent Afghans via legal and legitimate ways.

4. The Afghan people believe that US and NATO must think about ending their war policies in Afghanistan, instead of sending out more troops to kill more innocent Afghans.

5. We urge the world community not to impose its mandate on the Afghan people. A nation that has lived together throughout the history can decide its own fate and can coexist as a sovereign nation with no need to foreign intervention.

6. We ask all Afghans to put away their factional and personal interests and work for higher national interests to make an independent, free and prosperous Afghanistan.

The Afghan youth will not allow foreign hands to exploit our disunity for carrying out their imperialistic agendas and destroy our country.

Long live Afghanistan (link)
Note that the Kabul protest statement does not explicitly call for all foreign troops to be pulled out (only that occupying countries "must think about ending their war policies"), though the spokesperson at the protest asserts that their "main request is that the American and NATO forces must leave the country."

On the other hand the Jalalabad students' rhetoric is notable for its bravado, as their statement says that if there is no change, students will take up arms.

One obvious question which arises is who is Jamiat Eslah's youth section, exactly? Information is scant but the parent organization Jamiat Eslah (Afghan Society for Social Reform and Development) appears to be a respected NGO, affiliated with ACBAR and the UN and recipient of international foundation money. Browsing through this flickr photo essay of the Kabul protest reveals a distinct blue headband motif. Can this be seen as a distinctly secular gesture? An echo of the so-called colour revolutions or Iran's green-adorned protesters, perhaps?

The current batch of peaceniks are not a lone voice in Afghanistan, as readers of this blog are no doubt aware. The recently well-publicized Malalai Joya has been calling for foreign troops to withdraw for some time now. And besides Joya and her supporters, the peace camp also includes RAWA and their supporters as well as the National Peace Jirga.

The current protests seem to be having no small effect, spurring the Karzai administration to strike out against the occupying powers over the explosive issue of civilian casualties:
Kabul demands foreign 'killers' handed over
by Sardar Ahmad Sardar Ahmad

KABUL, Dec 31 (AFP) – The Afghan government demanded Thursday to take into its custody foreigners wanted over the alleged killing of 10 civilians, sharply escalating a war of words with its powerful Western military backers... (link)

50 comments:

Fred said...

Great article. I think there are still hope for peace in afghanistan

Unknown said...

Great post. I think there is still hope for peace in afghanistan

Anonymous said...

I don't think that you can see this in tv. Because government can influence people with media. They can control it. So they do the same with people. That why there are people that consume Generic Viagra because it is on the media.

Buy Viagra Cheap Viagra

sre94 said...

This war in Afghanistan needs to stop! But only after terrorism has been stamped out

RegCure

sre94 said...

This war in Afghanistan needs to stop! But only after terrorism has been stamped out

RegCure

kakkiku said...

I find all the articles you provided here are interesting and worth to read
cheap fax machines|mobil keluarga ideal terbaik indonesia|stationary bike

Matt Powell said...

Hey, Great post **

プレドニゾロン/ プレロン

meyoto said...

MEYOTO is a new kind of ‘calling card’ for people to reach out and say who they are. This instant identity tells others that you share their support of world peace and helps establish immediate connections between people who might otherwise have remained strangers. As Brad Drew stated, “I display my MEYOTOs on my car and on the top of my laptop. When people see them, they will give a sign of support and some will introduce themselves and initiate conversations. It’s really amazing to see the power that a MEYOTO has in drawing people together. I do feel proud because I’m honoring my country and I’m working for global peace 24/7 without lifting a finger!”

Unknown said...

A problem was the lack of cooperation of the Afghan community itself. The women, though living in Iran, were under cover and not willing to participate in the film, and none of the ethnic groups were willing to work together or be together.

D.H,
House And Land Packages Melbourne

air max nike said...

I read once that sailors of old used to cry out 'To sail is everything; to live is not', when they were heading out into particularly choppy waters. I know it sounds a bit grim but I love the idea of taking a chance on your passion rather than living your whole life 'safe'.

Unknown said...

It’s really amazing to see the power that a MEYOTO has in drawing people together. I do feel proud because I’m honoring my country and I’m working for global peace 24/7Apcalis without lifting a finger!”

Madiha Shoukat said...

These kind of post are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the postspirit wear

Leonardo said...

I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. Candida Treatment am quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

jelish said...

The Louboutin Shoes Sale is planned using the ladies. offered the fact that pumps was born, the ladies lifestyle turn into colorful. The christian Louboutin 2011 Pumps
will be the god's masterwork. Who invited the Christian Louboutin Wedges ? Seldom people knew, but I think each and every and every lady will be grateful for him. between the countless pumps,the Christian Louboutin Shoes
could be probably the most exceptional ones. The stylish pattern, the delicate design all mold the ladies perfect leg profile. Flowers inside the spring of 2011 creeping, up from frizzy hair to outfits hold on to footwear, have experienced a brilliant up. on this type of the glamor, spring and summer time flowers now here. Romance is really a woman's mood, exquisite flowers just appropriate of expression within our gestures, the woman, how can we not adore the romantic temperament to make certain which they distributed the flowers do? 2011 flowers bloom will get satisfaction from numerous poses! The Christian Louboutin New Sandalsalso can adds the hright in the ladies, it hold shock toward short lady. especially the red-colored lone in the louboutin heels, beauty and sexy, different ladies are crazy. The red-colored sole, the earliest attribute in the Sale Louboutin stroe.

Reena said...

They creativity of your blogs is best.This is something very best on your part.Providing information in the best possible manner is your best attribute.I love when you share your views through the best articles.Keep sharing and posting articles like these.This article has helped me a lot.Keep posting this stuff.
Hotels In Palermo

Karlo tagalog said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
biristov said...

Very good! Nice information this is really interesting. Good luck in building the table.
Natural laxative foods
Stomach gas
Hard stool treatment
Health benefits of almonds

Admin said...

There are, however, reports that Afghan army soldiers were involved in the Kunar incident, so Karzai's anger may be a rouse to deflect attention from his responsibility.turtle ridge homes

Allen Smith said...

Hiya!, Very attention-grabbing angle, we were speaking about the same thing at work and found your website very stimulating.
kidney stones treatment So simply had to com-ment a huge thanks for all of your effort. Please keep up the great work your doing!

Stefano said...

Nice post! Thanks for sharing!
Comprare Levitra

hiumeshSINGH said...

Good to be traveling to your blog yet again, it's been months for me. Now this document that i’ve been waited for so long.
Web Designing
Property in Noida

weerah said...

This is such a helpful reading material for me, I’ve learned a lot of new things. Thanks for the great post!
buy codeine online

mark said...

best organic seo services
Hi buddy, your blog's design is simple and clean and i like it. Your blog posts are superb. Please keep them coming. Greets!!!

Brislor said...

Your post is really good
White spots on skin Stomach gas Hard stool treatment Health benefits of almonds Cure ear infection Under eye wrinkles Natural laxative foods Baby ear infection Common digestive system diseases and disorders Get pregnant easily Home remedies for pneumonia Health benefits of papaya Home remedies for common fever Home remedies for cough Home remedies for boils Home remedies for itching Home remedies for burns Ear wax removal Home remedies for anorexia Home remedies for bursitis

Steve said...

I hope that some day there will be peace in that country
resistance bands

Imran said...

Thanks for sharing this great article! I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. It is extremely helpful for me. I hope you post again soon.Lingerie

mark said...

cost effective advertising
Very interesting thanks. I believe there's even more that could be on there! keep it up

Isabella Kaun said...

Hi buddy, your blog's design is simple and clean and i like it. Your blog posts are superb. Please keep them coming. Greets!!!


maquinas de coser
maquinas de bordar
reparacion maquinas de coser

mark said...

drug discussion
drug discussion forum
drug forum
The positive comments and do well wishes are very motivational and greatly appreciated.

Silviu said...

I agree with this peace movement!

metode de facut bani

Chris Suja said...

I believe this blog post is one of the most informative thing not only for the technique learner but also for necessary for all Buy Nexium stage people.

Abby said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
saim said...

What remarkable post! I think getting a bit of experience behind you writing for student magazines and websites is probably a good idea as well, just to familiarise yourself with what might be expected of you.





buy curcumin

Ak Sağlık said...

Site's character and a great color match ..Göğüs küçültme Ameliyatı I will recommend your site to the other platforms.

Unknown said...

Well described in above article.
It’s very informative and impressive.
Thanks for your update.
doctor ratings and reviews

Colin said...

I am very happy to find this blog.Thanks for creating the page! Im positive that it will be very popular. It has good and valuable content which is very rare these days.
buy watson

Unknown said...

Nice information, valuable and excellent design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration. Thanks for the great information. And thanks for sharing
doctor ratings and reviews
find doctors list

Coder said...

Sesli Sohbet , Sesli Chat , Kameralı Sohbet , Arkadaşlık Sitesi
Site Hakkında: Sesli Sohbet, Sesli Chat, Kameralı Sohbet Yapabileceğiniz Ücretsiz Sosyal Paylaşım Sitesidir.

cheapuggs said...

Cheap UGG Stone back to the workers room, cheek meat rustled trembling.

cheapest uggs ever Freehand in the side, said: "Too pink, I prefer a very light shell color." Unconsciously criticism from the mother. edh54st

cheap uggs for women Perhaps Bushitaiju called stoop, even family members will not forgive her.

cheapest place to buy uggs Ms. Zeng would like to see find out what a bad export, stone was still smiling, get in the door, immediately do the mother of three, is not easy, the eldest married a good few years, when people saw the wife's mother had , a little sentimental little leisurely, comfortable time when embarrassing to sit on the age of ... ... this seat is not worth too happy, why worry about the outcome.

www.cheapestbootsshop.com Edge of the bed sat stone, jasper and she reminds me of the total rented a basement situation, boredom.

cheapuggs said...

Oakley Sunglass Sale She bent to see how to deal with stones, I saw Li Rong hand akimbo, hand to push that foreign children, about twice three times, and that foreign children forced to apologize.

oakley m frame sunglasses Saturday, her leave of absence to any home, the work to Li Rong, ready to set up early in the morning when, designed to take such Ouyang. ru13sru

oakley sunglasses on sale You do not understand, I am very great care, she went to the bar to dance, I was kind enough to read, Suijue insignificant, but that to be a year or earn a ticket out, but also an idea.

oakley radar path Stone suddenly a little worried, told: "Please treat this honest man."

www.verycheapoakleysunglasses.com Stone took the box, stood under the sun, stared shed tears.

Op Dr Ali Mezdeği said...

They creativity of your blogs is best.This is something very best on your part.Providing information in the best possible manner is your best attribute.I love when you share your views through the best articles.Keep sharing and posting articles like these.This article has helped me a lot.Keep posting this stuff.fuesacekimi

Kyle Grando said...

Nice sharing it is, Your writing style makes this material easy to understand. I will keep visiting this blog regularly.

denver luxury hotels

Amalia Adrian said...

It's quite interesting, I've ever quite understand this matter but now thanks to you I do. I can't wait to read more articles from you.

Capstar

escort ankara said...

Ankara Escort,
Escort Bayan Ankara,
Ankara Escort,
Escort Ankara,
Escort Ankara,
Ankara Escort,
Escort Bayan Ankara,
Ankara Escort,
Escort Bayan Ankara,
Escort Ankara,
Escort Bayan Ankara,
Escort Bayan Kayseri,
Escort Kayseri,
Kayseri Escort,
Escort Ankara,

Knox Karter said...

Wow i was searching for this, thanks for sharing with us.

Buy logo

Unknown said...

This is really a good site with lots of information. Please keep up the good work. You can contact us for Mobile Application Development.taxis in w2 | minicab to airport | airport drop w2

Unknown said...

Hello! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!advertising | advertisment| production houses in pakistan

Unknown said...

Thanks for your great article friend, i get new information, new ideas to do somethings, i hope you will share again, i keep waiting for next post, thanks.
cara cepat hamil
bisnis online
cara belajar bahasa inggris
solusi cara cepat hamil
tips cepat hamil
tips cara belajar bahasa inggris
seoku simple
kumpulan soal-soal cpns 2013
cara
membuat toko online
ll usaha
sampingan
ll usaha
rumahan
ll bisnis
tiket pesawat

Unknown said...

This is a nice post in an interesting line of content.Thanks for sharing this article, great way of bring such topic to discussion.
Designer lehenga

orjinkrem said...

I enjoyed this site. Rinoplasti I will recommend your site to other places.
Saç ekimi Everyone does not show care. But you were preparing a site so rich in content.
Kaş ekimi Everyone who helped, thank you.