UN Deputy Secretary-General to arrive in Kabul today

Khaama Press

 

The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General confirmed during a press briefing that Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the organization’s Deputy Secretary-General, will arrive in Kabul today, Wednesday, May 15.

Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, stated that the purpose of Jean-Pierre Lacroix’s trip to Afghanistan is to raise awareness about the dangers of unexploded ordnance.

The visit of a high-ranking UN official to Afghanistan is scheduled for two days, amidst growing concerns about the perceived increase in the risks of unexploded ordnance, while negotiations for the third session inside and outside of Afghanistan have begun.

Meanwhile, another source reported to Khaama Press that the other objective of the UN official’s trip to Afghanistan is to discuss the third Doha session scheduled for June of this year with Taliban officials.

On February 18-19, 2024, the UN Secretary-General convened the second Afghanistan Conference in Doha, Qatar. Representatives from 25 nations, international organizations, Afghan civil society, and women’s groups attended, aiming for comprehensive peace efforts.

In May 2023, the UN held the first Afghanistan Conference in Doha without Taliban participation, seeking a unified international approach. Despite invitations to the Taliban for the second conference, they refused, demanding sole representation, which the UN Secretary-General deemed unacceptable.

UN Deputy Secretary-General to arrive in Kabul today
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US contractors and former Afghan officials buy million-dollar properties in Dubai

After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the United States poured billions of dollars into Afghanistan for reconstruction efforts. However, many U.S. contractors and former Afghan officials were accused of misusing these funds. Today, some contractors and former officials own luxury properties in Dubai.

An investigative journalism organization has released a list revealing the assets of hundreds of current and former government officials and institutions from various countries in Dubai. This list, compiled from leaked information, includes names of ten individuals from Afghanistan, primarily consisting of former government officials or their relatives.

These findings were published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), based in the U.S. capital and funded by several American entities.

Among the ten Afghan individuals listed, except for one, all are either former officials or related to former officials. Notably, only one person (Sayed Ismail Amiri) has been identified as a criminal by the reporting institution.

Mir Rahman Rahmani and Ajmal Rahmani

Mir Rahman Rahmani, the former Speaker of the Afghan Parliament, and his son Ajmal Rahmani have spent over $15 million on property purchases in Dubai. The United States has accused the Rahmani family of corruption in fuel supply contracts, but they have denied these allegations via email.

Their assets include several apartments, villas, and two residential towers. This father-son duo earns millions of dollars annually from renting these properties.

Mir Rahman Rahmani was the former Speaker of the House of Representatives in Afghanistan; his son Ajmal is associated with the same political lineage.

Asadullah Khalid

Khalid, the former head of national security and defense minister of Afghanistan, invested $5.5 million in an apartment worth $5.492 million in Dubai.

Assadullah Khalid, the former defence minister.

Rashed Popal and Ahmad Ratib Popal invested $3.8 Million in a high-value apartment worth more than $3.824 million. Rashed Popal is the nephew of former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and his brother Ahmad Ratib was involved in security management.

Hussain Fahim and Family invested $8.8 Million in a villa worth $8.513 million and an office space valued at $292,000 in Dubai. Hussain Fahim, a stakeholder in Kabul Bank and brother of former Afghan Vice President Marshal Fahim.

Adib Fahim invested $3.5 Million in a villa and three apartments collectively valued at $3.543 million.

Son of Marshal Fahim and former First Deputy of the National Directorate of Security in Afghanistan.

Adib Fahim.

Ahmad Wali Massoud, brother of Ahmad Shah Massoud and former Afghan ambassador to the UK, invested $1.8 million in an apartment worth $1.853 million.

Amirzai Sangin invested $780,000 in two apartments, each worth $390,000. He was the Former Minister of Telecommunications under President Hamid Karzai.

Atiqullah Baryalai, a former deputy minister of defense in Afghanistan, invested $731,000 in an apartment worth $731,000 in Dubai.

Kamaludin Nabizada invested $258,000 in an apartment valued at $258,000. The USA sanctioned him as an Afghan businessman for aiding money laundering activities.

Sayed Ismail Amiri invested $1.6 million in a villa worth $1.632 million. He is the only individual on the list not directly connected to the Afghan government apparatus and the only one labeled “criminal.” He served a prison sentence in the USA for involvement in a $100 million fraud scheme.

This report highlights the significant investments made by these individuals in Dubai, showcasing a trend among former Afghan officials and their relatives in acquiring valuable foreign assets.

US contractors and former Afghan officials buy million-dollar properties in Dubai
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Clashes Increase Between Islamic Emirate, Pakistani Forces in Dand-e-Patan

According to locals, during this period dozens of missiles have been fired by Pakistan, hitting people’s residential houses.

Residents of Paktia said that there have been clashes between the forces of the Islamic Emirate and Pakistan’s border guards for the past three days.

According to locals, during this period dozens of missiles have been fired by Pakistan, hitting people’s residential houses.

The clashes started in Aryob Zazi district of Paktia and have recently spread to the Dand-e-Patan district.

The Islamic Emirate has not yet officially provided details about these clashes including any casualties resulting from them.

“It was ten o’clock and the fighting was intense; people with their children went by car towards Samkanai district,” said Amir Khan, another resident of Paktia.

Local residents added that Pakistani forces targeted residential houses, and some families in Dand-e-Patan have been forced to leave their homes.

At the same time with the start of these clashes, the Kharlachi transit route in Dand-e-Patan has also been closed to any traffic.

“We ask them that whenever you commit a violation, you must not target the general public with artillery. The laws of war must be observed here,” said Mohammad Anwar Sediqi, a resident of Aryob Zazi.

“No one could handle their sorrow [about the situation]. The fierce fighting continued, and there were children and women on every side,” said Sayedullah, a driver in Paktia.

Military analysts said that border clashes darken the relations between the two countries and that professional individuals should be deployed at the border line.

“The solution is to deploy responsible and professional individuals at the borders to prevent such unnecessary conflicts,” said Sarwar Niazi, a military analyst.
Some Pakistani media outlets reported that in these clashes, one soldier from that country has died and four others have been wounded.

At the same time, a source told TOLOnews that five forces of the Islamic Emirate have also been injured in these clashes.

Clashes Increase Between Islamic Emirate, Pakistani Forces in Dand-e-Patan
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Oslo Meeting on Afghanistan Concludes

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate reacted to this meeting by saying that such meetings should be held within the country to yield beneficial results.

The Oslo meeting, focused on Afghanistan, which started three days ago with the participation of representatives from over 30 countries and organizations in Norway, has concluded.

It has been said that issues such as the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and the issue of Afghan migrants, along with other issues, were important discussions held at this meeting.

“The first point was the restoration of the rights of Afghan girls in all aspects of social life, second, how to deal with the problem of migrants, especially their expulsion by two neighboring countries of Afghanistan, and third, the relationship of the current regime with global organizations such as the World Bank, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, SAARC, ECO, etc., and finally, the relationship that the world can establish with the current regime were the main focuses of the discussions at this meeting,” Amin Karim, a participant at the Oslo meeting, told TOLOnews.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate reacted to this meeting by saying that such meetings should be held within the country to yield beneficial results.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, said: “We demand that Afghanistan [an Afghan representative] should be present at these meetings to defend and express its stance on issues that are raised.”

“When people from inside do not participate in these meetings, these meetings and other meetings are not in our favor,” said Shams Rahman Ahmadzai, a political analyst.

Since the return of the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan, more than 20 meetings concerning Afghanistan have been held by countries around the world outside of the country.

Oslo Meeting on Afghanistan Concludes
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Coordination Meeting Held Among Aid Organizations, Islamic Emirate

Indrika Ratwette, spoke at the meeting about efforts to increase development assistance to Afghanistan.

A coordination meeting between the agencies of the United Nations and the Islamic Emirate was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Participants in the meeting discussed the needs of the people of Afghanistan, the assistance provided by the United Nations in the past year, and the creation of coordination between the United Nations organizations and the caretaker government.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, in this meeting said that four decades of conflict in the country have prevented Afghanistan from economic development.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said: “In this meeting, the needs of the people of Afghanistan and the priorities of the Islamic Emirate in various fields, the assistance of the United Nations in the past year, future plans, and the development of understanding and coordination between the parties were discussed.”

The Deputy Special Representative (of Development) at UNAMA, Indrika Ratwette, spoke at the meeting about efforts to increase development assistance to Afghanistan.

Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, said: “In the Foreign Ministry meeting, the continuation of assistance to the people of Afghanistan and the transition from humanitarian to developmental assistance were discussed. Additionally, the economic and social needs and priorities of the people of Afghanistan were presented to donors, international institutions, and relevant United Nations organizations, which were well received.”

A number of economic analysts said that although humanitarian aid has managed to reduce the economic crisis in the past nearly three years, in the long term, it is necessary for global aid to focus more on infrastructure development and creating job opportunities for the country’s citizens.

“We need to change their perspective, move them away from humanitarian aid and focus them on infrastructural and semi-infrastructural, developmental, and expansion aid, which can be effective,” said Shabir Bashiri, an economic analyst.

“An effort must be made that is fundamental and also creates job opportunities, facilitates handicraft industries in various provinces to resolve the problems that plague us,” said Abdul Basir Turki, another economic analyst.

Earlier, the acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, advocated for the initiation of infrastructure projects in the country during a meeting with members of the United Nations Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) and representatives of UNAMA.

Coordination Meeting Held Among Aid Organizations, Islamic Emirate
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Norwegian Rights Society hosts Afghan activists and Taliban representatives meeting

Khaama Press

The Human Rights Research Society in Norway has announced a two-day meeting between members of Afghan civil society, including civil activists and the Taliban representatives.

The session, held in Oslo, the capital of Norway, on Tuesday, May 4, has invited Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan.

The Human Rights Research Society in Norway stated on its “X” page that this meeting will address topics such as the future of the Doha talks, humanitarian aid, increased protection opportunities for at-risk Afghans, and discussions on Richard Bennett’s future report.

Meanwhile, Richard Bennett tweeted that he was inspired by his meeting with Afghan civil activists, particularly women activists.

During this session, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights has also addressed women’s and children’s rights.

Simultaneously, reports indicate that this meeting has faced criticism from other social activists and human rights advocates in Oslo and other European cities. They argue that Taliban representatives should not be given the opportunity to gain recognition, and they are calling for the recognition of gender apartheid in Afghanistan.

While complete details of the participating members of Afghan civil society have not yet been determined, some media outlets have reported that figures like Fatima Gilani, Kavon Kaker, Asila Wardak, Momena Yari, Haris Sighani, Abdulqayum Sajjadi, former parliament representative, former negotiator General Ansari, Engela Ahmadi, Karim Amin, senior member of the Islamic Party, and Qaraman Kakar, Faiz Mohammad Osmani, make up the Afghan civil society.

On the other hand, Najibullah Motmaen, Qazi Saeed Mashk Alam, Matiullah Mohammadi, Jafar Mahdavi, Saleh Mazari, Sayed Younus Agha, Hadi Zaker, and Fayaz Zaland represent the Taliban at this session.

Norwegian Rights Society hosts Afghan activists and Taliban representatives meeting
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UN Deploys Teams to Mitigate Flood Crisis in Afghanistan

Recently, the World Health Organization has delivered seven tons of medicine and medical equipment.

The United Nations has deployed 14 joint assessment teams to identify flood-affected areas and address the conditions of flood victims in Baghlan, Badakhshan, and Takhar.

The deputy spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General said in a press briefing that the search and rescue operations continue with the support of the Afghanistan State Ministry for Disaster Management Affairs.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the United Nations Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, stated; “We, along with our partners, are coordinating with the de facto authorities on the response — 14 joint assessment teams have been deployed and humanitarian partners have identified available emergency stocks in the region. On the health front, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Health Organization, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and our partners deployed 27 mobile teams in Baghlan, Badakhshan and in Takhar provinces to support the response.”

Four days have elapsed since this natural disaster struck, yet relief agencies and government departments continue to actively distribute aid to those affected by these catastrophic floods.

Recently, the World Health Organization has delivered seven tons of medicine and medical equipment. Additionally, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has provided food, sanitary supplies, and other essential items.

The World Food Programme, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations are among the global aid organizations that have sent emergency aid to address the situation of the flood victims in the northern provinces.

Meanwhile, Thomas West, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, on X said that the US partners are mobilizing emergency aid, including food and water, for flood victims in Afghanistan.

Although The State Ministry for Disaster Management Affairs does not provide precise statistics on the aid provided, it states that the relevant departments of this ministry are providing emergency aid to the victims of recent floods.

“In the provinces of Badakhshan, Takhar, Baghlan, Ghor, and Herat, 8,829 homes have been completely or partially destroyed, and more than 3,000 livestock have also perished,” said Janan Saiq, spokesperson for the State Ministry for Disaster Management Affairs.

Baghlan, Badakhshan, and Takhar have seen the most damage from these recent floods, but in Baghlan, more than 80% of the casualties and significant financial losses have occurred.

UN Deploys Teams to Mitigate Flood Crisis in Afghanistan
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40,000 children left homeless in Baghlan due to devastating floods: Save the Children

Khaama Press

Save the Children has expressed concern over the devastating consequences of floods in Baghlan province, stating that approximately 40,000 children in this province have lost their homes.

According to a statement released on Monday, May 13, the organization announced the launch of health clinics staffed by female and male specialists to assist the affected in Baghlan province.

Arshad Malik, the head of Save the Children, emphasized that children in Baghlan province have lost everything.

Save the Children attributes the recent floods in Baghlan province to Afghanistan’s vulnerability to climate change and notes that children are the primary victims.

According to the organization’s report, citing local authorities, at least 200 people, including children, have lost their lives in floods in Baghlan.

Earlier, the United Nations and several relief agencies called for urgent humanitarian assistance for the country’s flood victims.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations of the Taliban administration has announced a death toll of 315 people.

40,000 children left homeless in Baghlan due to devastating floods: Save the Children
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USIP Report: Recalibrating Counterterrorism Strategy Amid US-China and India-Pakistan Concerns

In a comprehensive report released by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on Tuesday, the Senior Study Group on Counterterrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan has highlighted the urgent need to recalibrate the US counterterrorism strategy amidst growing strategic competition with China and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The report comes in the wake of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in April 2021 and the subsequent rise in terrorist threats in the region.

President Joe Biden’s announcement of the withdrawal underscored counterterrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan as a critical national security interest. This priority became even more pronounced after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 and the discovery of al-Qaeda’s leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul. However, the escalating strategic competition with China and Russia has since overshadowed counterterrorism efforts on the policy agenda.

The USIP report, the result of extensive deliberations from 2022 to 2023, presents two major conclusions and proposes a recalibrated strategy to address the evolving counterterrorism challenges.

Recalibrating Focus on Counterterrorism

The report argues that counterterrorism should not be perceived as a distraction from strategic competition but rather as a crucial component in protecting the strategic agenda. Terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan still possess the intent and growing capability to target the US and its interests. A successful terrorist attack would not only result in tragic loss of lives but also divert resources and attention from strategic competition, undermining America’s credibility and alliances.

Moreover, terrorist attacks originating from the region could spark dangerous regional crises, particularly between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed states. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has emboldened terrorist groups, providing them with opportunities to regroup and collaborate. ISIS-K, for instance, presents a growing threat with a reach beyond the immediate region, while the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has re-emerged as a significant regional security threat.

Strategic Options for Revitalizing Counterterrorism Efforts

The USIP study group suggests several strategic options to address the rising terrorism threats without compromising the focus on strategic competition:

  1. Engaging the Taliban: The report recommends publicly pressuring the Taliban to mitigate terrorist threats while maintaining communication channels for counterterrorism exchanges. This approach includes developing a public reporting mechanism to document Taliban compliance with counterterrorism commitments and building dedicated diplomatic and intelligence channels with the Taliban.
  2. Enhancing Military and Intelligence Capabilities: To deter and disrupt terrorism threats, the report suggests increasing military and intelligence resources dedicated to counterterrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This includes improving intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and expanding the US Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program.
  3. Legal Transparency in Counterterrorism Operations: The report emphasizes the need for greater transparency in legal authorities for counterterrorism operations, ensuring actions are justified and minimizing civilian harm. This involves targeting terrorist groups planning attacks against the US and employing cyber operations to disrupt their communications.
  4. Strengthening Counterterrorism Cooperation with Pakistan: The report calls for enhanced counterterrorism-specific security assistance and intelligence to Pakistan. This assistance aims to reduce the TTP threat, secure long-term airspace access for operations in Afghanistan, and improve the overall counterterrorism relationship with Pakistan.
  5. Preparing for Terrorist Attack Contingencies: The report highlights the importance of improving preparedness for terrorist attacks in the US homeland and overseas, especially in South Asia. This includes enhancing intelligence collection and analysis, providing travel warnings, and securing emergency military operations bases in Central Asia and Pakistan.

Conclusion

The USIP report underscores the necessity of a recalibrated counterterrorism strategy that aligns with the broader strategic competition framework. By implementing these measures, policymakers can better safeguard US interests in Afghanistan and Pakistan while maintaining a sustained focus on addressing strategic competition with China and managing regional tensions between India and Pakistan. The proposed strategy aims to balance counterterrorism efforts with the need to address broader strategic concerns, ensuring a sustainable approach to managing terrorism threats from the region.

USIP Report: Recalibrating Counterterrorism Strategy Amid US-China and India-Pakistan Concerns
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Navigating Complex Geopolitics: The Road to the Doha Meeting

At the same time, Amir Khan Muttaqi mentioned that appointing a special representative for Afghanistan is unnecessary.

Roza Otunbayeva, the head of UNAMA, met with Iranian officials about significant issues including the upcoming Doha meeting.

Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s ambassador and special envoy for Afghanistan, highlighted during his conversation with Roza Otunbayeva that the third Doha meeting indicated the United Nations’ role in establishing a fair order and promoting constructive engagement between Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

The head of the UNAMA also met with Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the foreign minister of Iran.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Hassan Kazemi Qomi emphasized the significant role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Iranian ambassador and special representative in Afghanistan mentioned the meeting with Roza Otunbayeva, saying: “Referring to the destructive role of American policies in the region and Washington’s illegitimate influence on UN policymaking, the necessity of the UN to recognize the realities of Afghanistan and the region, especially during the third Doha meeting, and to play its inherent role in establishing sustainable peace and creating a fair political order in Afghanistan through constructive and continuous interaction with regional countries, was emphasized.”

At the same time, Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting minister of Foreign Affairs, described the upcoming Doha meeting on Afghanistan as positive in a meeting with the Japanese ambassador in Kabul; however, he mentioned that appointing a special representative for Afghanistan is unnecessary.

Hafez Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, quoting the Japanese ambassador in Kabul, said that “appointing a special envoy for Afghanistan without the agreement of the Islamic Emirate is not realistic.”

“The acting minister of Foreign Affairs has a positive view about the Doha meeting and considers appointing a special representative for Afghanistan unnecessary. He also said that instead of new mechanisms, existing bilateral mechanisms should be used to discuss all issues with the Afghan government.”

However, some political experts say that if the world and the Islamic Emirate comply with each other’s demands on certain issues, such meetings about Afghanistan will be effective.

Samim Shamsi, a political analyst, said: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan should at least accept the legitimate demands of the Afghan people and the rightful demands of the international community, and on the other hand, the United Nations should cooperate with them on the necessities and needs that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has concerning national issues.”

Saleem Paigir, another political analyst, said: “If the United Nations intends to play an important and vital role in the upcoming Doha meeting, we might witness the formation of a strong regime in Afghanistan by the Afghan people.”

Previously, the Secretary-General of the United Nations hosted a meeting on the situation in Afghanistan with the participation of special representatives from over 25 countries in Doha on February 18th and 19th of this year. Representatives of Afghan civil society and women also attended this meeting; however, the Islamic Emirate abstained from participating in the second Doha meeting due to lack of access to the details of the meetings

Navigating Complex Geopolitics: The Road to the Doha Meeting
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