Pagah: “Increasing smuggling in Herat”

Text of editorial entitled “Increasing smuggling in Herat” by Afghan Herat University newspaper Pagah on 27 October 2007

Recently, security organizations in Herat Province, particularly the border police, have done their best to seize large amounts of drugs in border regions.

In addition, since the recent replacement of the Herat security commander, security situation has been relatively under control and the police have started to treat people humanely. Of course all this should be appreciated. However, the very question as to whether all these efforts are sufficient and effective enough to help security stay as it is will be answered in the course of time. Let me start with this fact: As a strategic and border town in a country like Afghanistan, which is the largest producer and cultivator of drug in all over the world, Herat has undoubtedly attracted the local and international mafia. This is because Herat can play the role of the best and most proper harbour for drug smugglers to carry out their business. A proof for this fact is the prevailing market of opium, heroin and crystal trade in Herat. As heard repeatedly from high-ranking government officials, some accomplices of the drug mafia and smugglers are working in senior government posts and provincial security officials share the profits with groups of drug smugglers.

Yes, a number of drug smugglers, who have been involved in bloodsheds, are carrying out their business without any fear in Herat Province, too. Unfortunately, these individuals had managed to receive weapons and safety warranty from the police before Mr [Joma] Adel was appointed Herat’s security commander. The men are still continuing their inhumane business by using the facilities they possess. Although, as executive organizations, Herat security officials have untiringly been working to establish security in the province, they will achieve nothing unless they set up foundational, accurate strategies to fight drug smuggling – identifying and arresting important members of the drug mafia. We feel the lack of such measures in the fight against the drugs trade. This is at a time that the anti-narcotics department is operating as a foundation where policies are made. This department is making tough efforts while it does not have a correct understanding of the region and situation. Their efforts resemble the struggle of a gardener who tries to repair the branches of a tree, while its roots have a serious problem.

Furthermore, corruption in government departments and preference of nepotism over competence are the main factors which have provided the ground for the drugs mafia to carry on with their business.

We are proud that drug cultivation has dropped significantly in Herat Province, but we are unaware that supply and demand are closely linked with each other. This means that the presence of drug smugglers in Herat have caused demands to rise in the country. And this market is getting busier and busier every day, which leads to an increase in drug cultivation and production.

On the other hand, drug smugglers are negligent of the tragic side of their business. By preferring their own interests to that of the nation and satisfying their ego, they are leading thousands of young men to self-destruction and bringing sorrow to mothers. They are ignorant that by sending out their stuff to other countries, nations will start to hate Afghans.

We hope that the central government, particularly concerned officials in Herat Province, pay serious attention to this issue so that our national identity and pride will continue to remain the same and that Afghans will continue to have friendly relations with the rest of the world. This will also help prevent many young people inside the country from becoming addicted to this destructive stuff. We hope that we are moving towards a prestigious and renovated Afghanistan.

[Description of Source: Herat Pagah in Dari --Sometimes critical of the government and foreign forces. OSC IAP20071027950070 27 Oct 07]

AIP: District chief wounded in clash near Shindand

Text of report by private Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press news agency

Herat, 12 October: A district police chief and a policeman have been wounded in [western] Afghanistan.

Speaking to Afghan Islamic Press [AIP], the chief of Shindand district of Herat province, Hajji Mohammad Alam, this afternoon said that a number of armed Taleban last evening attacked the vehicle of Shindand police chief in an area two kilometres away from the Shindand police headquarters, wounding the police chief and one policeman.

He added: “After that, a clash took place between the police and the Taleban which lasted for an hour and it seems that heavy casualties were inflicted on the Taleban because there is a lot of blood in the area after the Taleban escaped but we have no exact figure.”

At the same time, speaking to AIP from an undisclosed location on the phone, the Taleban spokesman, Qari Yusof Ahmadi, said: “The Taleban last night attacked the Shindand police headquarters, wounding the police chief and killing five policemen.”

He also claimed that the Taleban have taken weapons and other ammunition from the police headquarters.

[Description of Source: Peshawar Afghan Islamic Press in Pashto -- Peshawar-based agency, staffed by Afghans. The agency used to have good contacts with Taliban leadership; however, since the fall of the Taliban regime, it now describes itself as independent and self-financing. OSC IAP20071012950050 0932 GMT 12 Oct 07]

Radio Sahar: Afghan official report drop in mortality rate among pregnant women

Excerpt from report by Afghan female-orientated community Radio Sahar on 8 October

[Presenter] According to the statistics released by the Afghan Health Ministry, the mortality rate of pregnant women has fallen in the country. At the same time, the Herat Health Department held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of Immune Mother today. The Herat health officials say that this day will be celebrated across the country and a three-month campaign has already been organized to improve women’s level of awareness [on pregnancy, delivery and postpartum measures and hygiene]. Hamid Azad is reporting:

[Correspondent] Mohammad Rafiq Sherzai, head of Herat Health Department’s press office, has told Radio Sahar on the phone that this day is celebrated at a time when the mortality rate among expecting women has declined. He states that 900 mothers out of 100,000 births lost their lives according to the statistics released in Herat Province last year. The official quotes the report as indicating that 1,300 mothers out of 100,000 have died in other parts of the country [in the past years]. Nevertheless, there has been a decrease with 1,200 instances since last year. [Passage omitted: repetition]

Mr Sherzai says that 900 midwives have been trained in Herat and five main centres and 56 basic centres providing services for pregnant women have been established across the province.

Afghan Health Ministry officials are trying to cope with this high mortality rate by establishing such centres and improving women’s level of awareness. The statistics also prove the efforts have yielded good results.

[Description of Source: Herat Radio Sahar in Dari -- local independent radio station in Herat run mainly by women. OSC IAP20071008950133 Herat Radio Sahar in Dari 1230 GMT 08 Oct 07]

Cheragh: former governor influential in Herat reshuffles

Text of article in Dari entitled “Who governs Herat” by independent Afghan newspaper Cheragh on 1 October

Herat Province, as a key province in Afghanistan, has had direct affect on the northwestern region and indirect affect on the whole country. As the past skirmishes and fighting in Herat had affected the rest of the Afghanistan. When Herat fell to the Taleban [in 1995] the government in Kabul was disheartened. Herat’s role to is also vital and crucial. Because, the residents of Herat have witnessed good security and stability in this province. Because, the province is on of that the Taleban have only limited activities and the drug cultivation is also very low. Meanwhile the presence of two transit borders, Eslam Qala and Torghondi, adds to its importance and is the economic hub of Afghanistan.

All these have made the government to view the province differently. This special attention has caused high-ranking posts there to be a means for government deals. On the other hand, those who claim to deserve high posts in Herat strive very hard and play any games to reach the positions.

Killing, armed robberies, murders, kidnappings and series of insecurity made the provincial security commander leave his post. He left Herat with fewer achievements.

Meanwhile, another official was appointed chief of Herat intelligence department. There are rumours of other imminent reshuffles in the province. Whether or not these reshuffles will affect the security situation in Herat will be known in the coming days and weeks.

But, according to the writer, positive changes are likely. Because, most probably this time the reshuffles have been made in close cooperation with a man who claims to be Herat’s ideal father.

Although this man has been away from the recent reshuffles in Herat, his efficient affect on huge groups of people and parties that had huge authority and equipment during his reign have always been counted as a tool of pressure on the leaders and those living in the capital.

At a glance at the situation and the series of insecurity in Herat, the dissidents are seeking other targets than financial benefits.

Leading investors and owners of biggest production and trading firms were the targets of the kidnappers. Meanwhile, robbery in Herat’s money exchange market in broad day light in presence of security forces show the publicity priorities in the events.

Because, reaching the economic sources needs very easy targets. We should not forget that those involved in recent skirmishes and fighting misuse the nonchalance of the security officials and approach their targets. They also stir the insecurity up. Hence, personal disputes, assassination of civilians and robberies could have been done by these people.

Anyway, a man has taken the responsibility of ensuring security in the key province of Herat, who has been security commanders of Samangan and a security commander at Kabul Airport.

Meanwhile, the new security commander is a former jihadi commander and is a confidential figure. We can very easily understand that his appointment has been done under the agreement of the powerful man of Herat [Esmail Khan].

Finally, those living in the capital understood the fact that the satisfaction of the former governor of Herat can guarantee security and stability in Herat and in particular in the southwest region.

But, apart from officials’ discussions and talks, people think about return of security and hope that Herat return to its status as economic hub as the past years.

High-ranking officials in Kabul have also understood the fact that by giving privileges to their friends and close allies can have command on country’s affairs. Because, experience shows that since the government ignored privileges to the intellectuals who have had a stronghold in the region, it is ready now to even hold unconditional talks with the government opponents in those regions.

We are optimistic about the appointment of the new security commander and we really hope that the young general will bring peaceful days for the people of Herat.

[Description of Source: Kabul Cheragh (Light) in Dari -- Eight-page independent daily, publishes political, social and cultural articles; critical of the transitional government. OSC IAP20071003950103 0000 GMT 01 Oct 07]

Herat TV: Afghan traders concerned about security in Herat Province

Text of report by provincial state-owned Afghan Herat TV on 24 September 2007

Traders and businessmen have voiced concern over the security situation in their meeting with the provincial governor in Herat Province.

More than 30 national traders and the general manager of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry met Herat Governor Sayed Hosayn Anwari today, emphasizing they are making concerted efforts to improve the country’s economy. However, they expressed concern over the abduction of the head of the Sudays-Sohud Company.

Voicing support for government projects, the traders called for tight security measures and tackling any subversive activities that hamper development programmes in Herat Province.

The provincial governor also expressed concern over the recent abductions, stating that the provincial government was fully determined to improve security.

According to Gholam Qader Akbar, the general manager of the [Herat] Chambers of Commerce, Mohammad Asef Hamidzada, head of the Sudays-Sohud Company, was kidnapped by unidentified men from his house on the Arzaq Road at 0600 [local time, 0130 gmt] yesterday.

[Description of Source: Herat Herat Television in Dari -- state-run television. OSC IAP20070925950030 Herat Herat Television in Dari 1630 GMT 24 Sep 07]

New Herat police chief asserts commitment to improving security

Afghan citizens voice support for new Herat security chief

Excerpt from report by provincial state-owned Afghan Herat TV on 21 September

Herat Security Commander Gen Mohammad Joma Adil held a meeting with the citizens of Herat Province [in his office today, 21 September].

The representatives from the Barakzai tribe and Golran District and the head of the Information and Culture Department congratulated the newly appointed commander and voiced support for his security plans.

[Passage omitted: names of a number of representatives].

The representing of the cultural associations, Nematollah Sarwari, head of the [Herat] Information and Culture Department, voiced support for the police.

He promised to make concerted efforts for publicizing the police force’s achievements through the media. Mr Sarwari also called on the people to urge their sons join the police force.

At this meeting, Mr Adil thanked the people stressing that he was fully ready to provide round-the-clock services for the community and tackle any acts against the security and safety of the people.

[Description of Source: Herat Herat Television in Dari -- state-run television. OSC IAP20070921950105 Herat Herat Television in Dari 1630 GMT 21 Sep 07]

Afghan police chief urges public to help security in Herat Province

The Herat state-own television broadcast an exclusive interview with the new caretaker of the Herat Security Command, Gen Mohammad Joma Adil, on his appointment and plans for improving security in Herat Province.

To start with, the interviewer accentuated that the general had been appointed in line with the people’s requests and due to the rising concern over the deteriorating security situation in the province.

Gen Mohammad Joma Adil spoke highly of the people of Herat, saying he had ordered all security forces to safeguard the people’s safety and security.

On the World Peace Day and the celebration of this day in Herat Province yesterday, he said they were doing their best to reinforce security, the people’s prime need.

In regard with the mounting security disruptions and growing concerns over major problems caused by this phenomenon, the general stated: “We have ordered the intelligence service to collect information and identify the perpetrators in order to punish them… We expect the people, particularly the clergy, religious scholars, elders, intellectuals and most importantly the mojahedin, who had fought for the sake our country’s freedom, reputation, integrity and national values, to cooperate with the police force, guide them and inform them about the situation.”

The security commander then called on those involved in security disruptions to stop subversive activities, arguing there were no logics or pretexts to destabilize the situation as the government was elected by the people and the majority supported the current administration.

[Description of Source: Herat Herat Television in Dari -- state-run television. OSC IAP20070921950103 Herat Herat Television in Dari 1655 GMT 21 Sep 07]

Pagah editorial calls for additional steps to improve security

Afghan paper comments on security situation in Herat province

Text of editorial, entitled: “First reaction” published by independent daily Pagah on 19 September

Central government officials have resorted to the last option – the reshuffle of officials – after the people and political parties strongly criticized the deteriorating security situation [in Herat Province].

In their first step, therefore, they reshuffled the Herat security commander and the head of the crime branch. The decision was made after the instances of abduction, assassination and other criminal acts worryingly increased in this province. The Herat provincial administration believes there have been systematic efforts behind the security incidents and that the Taleban had no hand in creating this situation. Addressing a ceremony held to introduce the new caretaker of the Herat Security Command yesterday, the Herat governor said a number of politicians with [psychological] complexes were behind the predicament. However, he did not specifically name any individual or group. At the same time, a number of active parties, including the Herat Islamic Council, say officials’ incompetence has been the major cause of insecurity and the problem will be tackled if these officials are removed.

Anyway, central government officials finally decided to react and their first step has been to dismiss the security commander and the head of the crime branch. There are also rumours about the removal of the Herat governor, but this has not been confirmed and no government official has so far commented on the issue.

Interestingly, the new caretaker of the Herat Security Command comes from Herat Province. The central government may think the new caretaker can win the people’s support as he not only comes from Herat and he will also be able to have a better control over the situation.

The governor has claimed that the political opposition have caused this security disruption. In that case, the situation will not improve if the factors causing disruption also oppose the newly appointed officials.

However, if the Herat Islamic Council is telling the truth, the new appointments should be able to devise a new mechanism for tackling insecurity.

The other possibility is that the security situation should change for the better with the new appointments if the security incidents have been organized by the opponents of the Herat provincial government [and now have no pretext to continue their subversive acts].

However, whether disruption of security has been due to some plots and political games or because of the incompetence of government officials, it is the people who are the main victims. It is the people who have always lost their safety and tranquillity and who pass their nights with fear and spend their days with concern.

The government must identify and punish the main perpetrators and masterminds of insecurity. The people do hope for an improvement [in the security situation].

[Description of Source: Herat Pagah in Dari --Sometimes critical of the government and foreign forces. OSC IAP20070919950083 Herat Pagah in Dari 0000 GMT 19 Sep 07]

Herat MP criticizes Karzai’s establishment of local administration department

(Transcript of report by state-owned National Afghanistan TV on September 17, 2007.)

[Presenter] The parliament approved the organizational structure of the government today after a series of hot debates.

My colleague Mohammad Aref Azizi has more details.

[Correspondent] In the general meeting of the parliament, MPs debated the remaining parts of the organizational structure of the government, including the separation of local administration department from the Interior Ministry, and separation of the Ariana [Airline] Department from the Transport Ministry, by the government.

A number of MPs say the government interference and decisions in establishing, splitting and merging government departments are against the constitution.

They claim the parliament is the only source of approving, rejecting and amending the laws in the country.

[Ahmad Behzad, MP from Herat Province] Establishing, dissolving, and amending administrative units is the authority of the parliament of Afghanistan. Mr Chairman, these issues should therefore not be summed up this way.

[Another MP] One of the authorities of the president is to oversee the implementation of the constitution. When the president violates the constitution and acts against it, what is the decision of the parliament about it?

[Mohammad Yunos Qanuni, parliamentary Speaker] When the parliament is present, the creation of the office for local [provincial] administration affairs, through a legislative decree, is a clear violation of the constitution.

[Passage omitted] .

[Description of Source: Kabul National TV Afghanistan in Dari -- state-run television. OSC IAP20070917950116 Kabul National TV Afghanistan in Dari 1430 GMT 17 Sep 07]