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  • Afghanistan like you've never seen before!

    Found this video while i was straying around on web, thought to share it here:
    Give it a go you'd like it..

    Gods Are Atheists - Atheists Are Gods

  • #2
    A Possible (may be not so) New Threat Developing: The MDF

    et al,



    Originally posted by NYT - In Afghanistan, New Group Begins Campaign of Terror
    KABUL, Afghanistan — A new, more radical insurgent group has begun a campaign aimed at terrorizing both Afghan officials and moderate insurgents, according to Afghan officials.

    While the Taliban publicly disavowed the new group, Afghan intelligence officials depicted it as a faction of the Taliban that is “behind the current campaign of psychological and terror attacks,” as one official put it.

    Calling itself the Mullah Dadullah Front, after a notoriously bloodthirsty Taliban commander who was killed in 2007, people claiming to represent the group have in recent days sent text messages and made telephone calls to numerous members of the Afghan Parliament, threatening suicide attacks if they vote to ratify the strategic partnership agreement between Afghanistan and the United States.

    The group also claimed responsibility for the assassination of a former Taliban minister, Mullah Arsala Rahmani, this month.

    Mr. Rahmani, who lived under government protection in Kabul, was viewed as a potential intermediary in any future negotiations between the government and the Taliban.

    The Dadullah Front’s claim of responsibility “demonstrates that they have the capability to reach far beyond their southern area of operations,” Jeffrey Dressler, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of War in Washington, wrote in an analysis published recently.

    The emergence of a new, more extreme insurgent faction could further trouble any efforts to restart the moribund peace process in Afghanistan.

    SOURCE: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/20/wo...s.html?_r=1&hp
    AND


    Originally posted by The Long War Journal first reported on the Mullah Dadullah Front on Dec. 4, 2010
    The Mullah Dadullah Lang Allegiance is better known as the Mullah Dadullah Mahaz, or Mullah Dadullah Front. It is named after Mullah Dadullah Lang, a popular but brutal and effective commander, who was killed by British special forces in Helmand province in May 2007. Dadullah was responsible for embracing al Qaeda's ideology of waging global jihad, and incorporated al Qaeda tactics, including the use of suicide bombers, on the battlefield.
    The Mullah Dadullah Front operates largely in the southern Afghan provinces of Kandahar, Helmand, and Uruzgan, and is considered the most effective and dangerous Taliban group in the region. The group has been active in attempting to sabotage negotiations between the Afghan government and lower-level Taliban leaders and fighters in the south.

    SOURCE: Mullah Dadullah Front: a not-so-new Afghan Taliban terror group - Threat Matrix
    AND SUPPORT FOR A LONGER STAY


    Originally posted by Stars & Stripes
    WASHINGTON - On the heels of President Barack Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan last week, in which he pledged to "finish the job we started" and "end this war responsibly," the American public's support for the 11-year conflict has reached a new low, according to a poll.

    Just 27 percent of respondents said they back the U.S. military effort in Afghanistan, the new Associated Press-Gfk poll found. Of the 66 percent who said they oppose the war, about half said they believe the presence of American troops in Afghanistan is doing more harm than good.

    But among all respondents, nearly half - 48 percent - said they think the continued U.S. military presence is doing more to help Afghanistan become a stable democracy.

    The poll also indicated a steep decline in support for the war among Republicans. Just 37 percent of Republican respondents said they back the war, down from 58 percent last year. Support among Democrats also dropped, from 30 percent to 19 percent, while it remained at 27 percent for independents.

    Obama has pledged to keep American troops in Afghanistan until the end of 2014, though a small counterterrorism force may remain after the drawdown. There are currently about 88,000 U.S. troops there, plus forces from other NATO allies.

    By the AP's count, at least 1,834 members of the U.S. military have died in Afghanistan as a result of the war.

    SOURCE: Poll: Support for war in Afghanistan hits new low - Afghanistan - Stripes
    If the the growing MDF becomes a new major threat, what will the impact be?

    Most Respectfully,
    R

    Comment


    • #3
      RoccoR Reply

      "If the the growing MDF becomes a new major threat, what will the impact be?"

      1. What do YOU think it will be?

      2. Why have you chosen, of all the threads at WAB regarding the Afghan War, Sparking Neuron's thread to pose your articles and question?

      I find your selection...odd.
      "This aggression will not stand, man!" Jeff Lebowski
      "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool." Lester Bangs

      Comment


      • #4
        S2, et al,

        I found Sparking Neuron's presentation to be very artistic and thought provoking. It presented a picture of a beautiful Afghanistan that is calm, tranquil, and enriched by the peaceful people that carry-on their lives in a satisfying way.

        It is a true picture of sampled moments in time. It is the best part of Afghanistan.

        Originally posted by S2 View Post
        "If the the growing MDF becomes a new major threat, what will the impact be?"

        1. What do YOU think it will be?

        2. Why have you chosen, of all the threads at WAB regarding the Afghan War, Sparking Neuron's thread to pose your articles and question?

        I find your selection...odd.
        (COMMENT)

        It is not the only picture of Afghanistan. Behind this soothing image of Afghanistan, free from disturbance or turmoil it has become known for, it a sinister and turbulent undercurrent; not unlike that of a beautiful beach that will pull you under and take your life as soon as you swim out to enjoy it.

        My choice was to extend a balance to the serene picture. To remind the watcher and listener that any one pictured in that touching video featuring scenes from Bamiyan, Yakawlan, Band-e Amir and Kabul, could be something other than this portrait projects. Any one of them, could have been an insurgent, or a smuggler, --- friend by day - fourth columnist by night.

        The image projected of a calm, placid, and normally human life of these people is anything but what it appears to be; not true representative of reality - yet so very real.

        These young Germans made an indelible mark on the record of Afghan History. Their video was both powerful and dynamic; yet misleading.

        Most Respectfully,
        R

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by RoccoR View Post
          Any one of them, could have been an insurgent, or a smuggler, --- friend by day - fourth columnist by night.
          Interesting you should say that. My own countries troops have been in Bamyan since approximately 6 months after the Taliban govt fell. While some have died due to IED's far more have been saved because the local population informed them of insurgent activity.





          In the realm of spirit, seek clarity; in the material world, seek utility.

          Leibniz

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by RoccoR View Post
            It is a true picture of sampled moments in time. It is the best part of Afghanistan.
            Those two lived in Afghanistan for several years. And, coming from their other work, such as last year in Mogadishu, they tend to not be short with critical words about local circumstances.

            Comment


            • #7
              Parihaka, Kato, et al,

              There are two sides to most every coin, just as every insurgency has at least two sides.

              Originally posted by Parihaka View Post
              Interesting you should say that. My own countries troops have been in Bamyan since approximately 6 months after the Taliban govt fell. While some have died due to IED's far more have been saved because the local population informed them of insurgent activity.
              Originally posted by kato View Post
              Those two lived in Afghanistan for several years. And, coming from their other work, such as last year in Mogadishu, they tend to not be short with critical words about local circumstances.
              (COMMENT)

              Afghanistan is a multifaceted country. There are those that have chosen sides. There are those that can peacefully live with any ruler. There are those that are driven by wealth and power; moving from side to side. Small local regions can reflect any of those situations.

              If there are IEDs - then there are insurgents. And insurgents don't live in a vacuum. They require local support and sustainment. Obviously, there will be areas that are allied friendly, and there will be areas that are insurgent friendly. But in ares that have insurgents operating, there is at least some support from the local community.

              If one travels about Afghanistan, one will see every possible combination. It is not all one way or the other. And often, insurgents (anti-occupation/anti-government) there are those that play both sides simultaneously. Any number of Afghans that were considered friendly, have killed Americans. Hell, they have on more than one occasion found suicide vests inside Afghan Army facilities.

              Like I said, there are many wonderful things to see in Afghanistan. But, there are just as many horrifying scenes to recount. These two young people have acquired some unique and valuable experiences. Some people live a charmed life. But Afghanistan is not a vacation spot. It has the natural charm and beauty of a Bengal Tiger; but I don't recommend you trust the tiger enough to pet it.

              Most Respectfully,
              R

              Comment


              • #8
                RoccoR Reply

                "...there are many wonderful things to see in Afghanistan. But, there are just as many horrifying scenes to recount. These two young people have acquired some unique and valuable experiences. Some people live a charmed life. But Afghanistan is not a vacation spot. It has the natural charm and beauty of a Bengal Tiger; but I don't recommend you trust the tiger enough to pet it."

                I believe sufficient threads exist on WAB regarding Afghanistan's dangers that it wasn't necessary to remind us again on one of the few threads attempting to present something different.

                Many here have carefully watched this war long before you became a member. A review of those threads would suggest you're preaching to the choir WRT your warning.

                Still, you broached the question regarding the Mullah Dadullah Movement without providing your view. What is your view, RoccoR?
                "This aggression will not stand, man!" Jeff Lebowski
                "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool." Lester Bangs

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by RoccoR View Post
                  If there are IEDs - then there are insurgents. And insurgents don't live in a vacuum. They require local support and sustainment.
                  Actually the NZ PRT finds the exact opposite. Insurgents come within the area from outside to attack them. The locals identify and report them as outsiders, and keep an eye on them whilst they are there. To date only one IED has successfully targeted NZ Army personnel in Bamyan, killing a lieutenant. The Bamyan people were horrified and provided in-depth intel for our SAS to hunt down and kill those responsible, insurgents from Pakistan.
                  Last edited by Parihaka; 20 May 12,, 23:56.
                  In the realm of spirit, seek clarity; in the material world, seek utility.

                  Leibniz

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Parihaka, et al,

                    Yes, this is the difference between internal (local) support and external (outside) support.

                    Originally posted by Parihaka View Post
                    Actually the NZ PRT finds the exact opposite. Insurgents come within the area from outside to attack them. The locals identify and report them as outsiders, and keep an eye on them whilst they are there. To date only one IED has successfully targeted NZ Army personnel in Bamyan, killing a lieutenant. The Bamyan people were horrified and provided in-depth intel for our SAS to hunt down and kill those responsible, insurgents from the Pakistan.
                    (COMMENT)

                    It is entirely possible that there are no insurgents in Bamyan Province. It has been noted as one of the safest places in Afghanistan for nearly a decade. The New Zealand PRT have been using education as a cornerstone to their Counter-Insurgency Mission. the NZ SAS have proven very successful at Village Stability Operations (VSO). But Bayman is not representative of the rest of Afghanistan. And during the recent years, insurgents activities have been witnessed and have picked-up in some areas of the province.

                    Bamyan Province was one of the first provinces in Afghanistan which transistioned to Afghan security forces; part of Phase One. We look at it as an example; but not an entire success (anecdotal). The unfortunate death of Lt O’Donnell, in the LAV, was just last month. The Bamyan Provincial Governor (Habiba Sorabi) has been very supportive, but has noted since SEPT 2011, that insurgent activity has been increasing; especially in the northeastern quadrant. Some see a correlation with the increase in Afghan Security responsibilities.

                    Originally posted by Insurgency & Counter-Insurgency
                    Just as insurgency cannot exist without substantial support from the population, counter-insurgency cannot function without extending its repression & surveillance throughout the society. In both cases, it is the people who can be seen as the final determining factor between liberation & oppression. Liberation based on, as George Jackson termed it, “the greater potential violence of the masses,” versus that of the state. If successful, the state maintains its system of oppression and yet can never claim a final victory, as the process of repression & resistance again renews itself with each new generation.

                    SOURCE: Insurgency & Counter-Insurgency | Warrior Publications
                    Basically, both the insurgency force and the counter-insurgency force needs the support of the indigenous population. The NL SAS has been more successful at retaining local indigenous support than have the anti-occupation/anti-government insurgents. Probably the best in the entire country. But in the shadow of Chehel Burj, there are still insurgents, and there are people that facilitate providing the insurgents with intelligence, logistical, and safe haven assistance. This is, of course, supplemental to the external support by hostile benefactors.

                    The point being, that you can go to any number of places in Afghanistan and take these types of tranquil pictures, and cite any number of anecdotal successes; but if they were actually representative of the true security nature of the country, THEN --- the ISAF/NATO contingent could begin an immediate withdraw. But that is not the case. And I also think that it is highly probable that if the Government in Exile (The Taliban) were to again resume control, that the people of the Bamyan Province would be just as cooperative with them as they are now with the pro-government forces.

                    Most Respectfully,
                    R
                    Last edited by RoccoR; 21 May 12,, 00:56. Reason: Spelling & Grammar

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by RoccoR View Post
                      It is entirely possible that there are no insurgents in Bamyan Province. It has been noted as one of the safest places in Afghanistan for nearly a decade. The New Zealand PRT have been using education as a cornerstone to their Counter-Insurgency Mission. the NZ SAS have proven very successful at Village Stability Operations (VSO). But Bayman is not representative of the rest of Afghanistan. And during the recent years, insurgents activities have been witnessed and have picked-up in some areas of the province.

                      Bamyan Province was one of the first provinces in Afghanistan which transistioned to Afghan security forces; part of Phase One. We look at it as an example; but not an entire success (anecdotal). The unfortunate death of Lt O’Donnell, in the LAV, was just last month. The Bamyan Provincial Governor (Habiba Sorabi) has been very supportive, but has noted since SEPT 2011, that insurgent activity has been increasing; especially in the northeastern quadrant. Some see a correlation with the increase in Afghan Security responsibilities.
                      If you are going to rush off and research in an attempt to justify your ill-informed opinions you should do a better job. Lt O'Donnell was killed August 2010, he was riding in a Humvee and the NZ SAS do not undertake Village Stability Operations.

                      Bamyan is relatively peaceful because of it's distance from the Pakistan border. Attacks against ISAF and Afghan citizens increase virtually exponentially with proximity to the Pakistan border. Yes Afghans are a part of the insurgency and assist it, hardly surprising given the situation some of them find themselves in.
                      The simple measure though is the further you get from the Pakistan border the less this occurs.

                      I suggest as S2 does that you read through some of the many threads already established to gain a better understanding on Afghanistan and OEF. In the mean time, peddle your anti-west propaganda in less educated forums.
                      Last edited by Parihaka; 21 May 12,, 09:58.
                      In the realm of spirit, seek clarity; in the material world, seek utility.

                      Leibniz

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Parihaka, et al,

                        My apologies. I meant to type "last year."

                        Originally posted by Parihaka View Post
                        I suggest as S2 does that you read through some of the many threads already established to gain a better understanding on Afghanistan and OEF. In the mean time, peddle your anti-west propaganda in less educated forums.
                        (COMMENT)

                        I'm not peddling anti-Western Propaganda. I did two tours in Afghanistan. And I'm retired Military.

                        We hold different perspectives of that country and what is going on, that is for sure.

                        v/r
                        R

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by RoccoR View Post
                          Parihaka, et al,

                          My apologies. I meant to type "last year."


                          (COMMENT)

                          I'm not peddling anti-Western Propaganda. I did two tours in Afghanistan. And I'm retired Military.

                          We hold different perspectives of that country and what is going on, that is for sure.

                          v/r
                          R
                          Yes I know, ten years in Iraq, years in Iran, claims of insider knowledge for various intel, now tours of Afghanistan. You're quite the busy chap considering.

                          My basis for 'anti-western' is based on your consistent approach of decrying any effort either diplomatic or military by any western force in any theatre of operations in the WOT.
                          Any successes are minimized, any failures harked to again and again.
                          Any time your serious lack of knowledge is pointed out you write a long screed cribbed from whatever source to demonstrate you knew it all along, you hit 'like' every time your deficiencies are pointed out to you then simply reiterate the same fallacious claims again and again and again.

                          So who are you this week, James Bond? Maxwell Smart? Or perhaps Lawrence of Arabia?
                          In the realm of spirit, seek clarity; in the material world, seek utility.

                          Leibniz

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Pari,

                            The Beemer got thirsty, the bike got a flat tire, the Mac got virus? All of it combined?
                            Why you rain on Steve's parade?

                            On your question, judging by the flag, he can only pick Maxwell Smart from that list. I guess.
                            No such thing as a good tax - Churchill

                            To make mistakes is human. To blame someone else for your mistake, is strategic.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Doktor View Post
                              Pari,

                              The Beemer got thirsty, the bike got a flat tire, the Mac got virus? All of it combined?
                              Why you rain on Steve's parade?

                              On your question, judging by the flag, he can only pick Maxwell Smart from that list. I guess.
                              I guess we're just lining up. I, like S2, would still like an answer to this however

                              Originally posted by S2
                              Still, you broached the question regarding the Mullah Dadullah Movement without providing your view. What is your view, RoccoR?
                              I assume we'll have to wait while he goes off and does some cribbing.
                              In the realm of spirit, seek clarity; in the material world, seek utility.

                              Leibniz

                              Comment

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