<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
<title>UJP Afghanistan/Pakistan: Afghanistan War Weekly - July 25, 2011</title>
</head>
<body bgcolor="#ffffff">
<style type="text/css"></style>
<table class="simplenews-template-background" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffffff" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td valign="top" align="center">
<table class="simplenews-template-content" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>
<div class="simplenews-template-body">
<h1>Afghanistan War Weekly - July 25, 2011</h1>
<p>This week, there were several reports of corruption and mismanagement of government funds, including the discovery that the Taliban was indirectly receiving US funds intended for transportation contracts. There were also conflicting reports regarding the death of Mullah Omar, who the Taliban also said was alive. As the drawdown took effect, violence continued in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. <br><br><b style="font-size: 13px; ">Afghanistan News & Opinion</b><br><br>
Taliban spokesman disputes claim that leader Mullah Omar is dead<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/07/20/afghanistan.mullah.omar/">http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/07/20/afghanistan.mullah.omar/</a><br>
There have been conflicting reports from various Taliban sources about whether Mullah Omar is dead or alive. Members of the media received text messages claiming that Mullah Omar is dead, but a Taliban spokesman told the media that Mullah Omar is still alive and that the text messages were the result of hacking.<br><br>
In southern Afghanistan, a modest transition<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-southern-afghanistan-a-modest-transition/2011/07/20/gIQA3hl5PI_story.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-southern-afghanistan-a-modest-transition/2011/07/20/gIQA3hl5PI_story.html</a><br>
Even though foreign troops in Lashkar Gah have officially turned over security operations to Afghan forces, their presence in the region is still evident.<br><br>
At least 1,560 US military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/at-least-1560-us-military-deaths-in-afghanistan-since-2001/2011/07/19/gIQAR8ZAOI_story.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/at-least-1560-us-military-deaths-in-afghanistan-since-2001/2011/07/19/gIQAR8ZAOI_story.html</a><br>
Since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, at least 1,560 US troops have been killed and 12,593 have been wounded, according to the Associated Press.<br><br>
NATO operation kills 50 militants in Afghanistan<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gEDRc1fWejCk0CJBAqSlAzhg5HKw?docId=CNG.9917d443fadc07586017a75a3b0a0fee.941">http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gEDRc1fWejCk0CJBAqSlAzhg5HKw?docId=CNG.9917d443fadc07586017a75a3b0a0fee.941</a><br>
An Afghan and foreign-led operation against the Haqqani network, lasting 48 hours, killed over 50 militants in Paktika province.<br><br>
AFGHANISTAN: Urgent need to tackle human trafficking<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=93318">http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=93318</a><br>
Women and children in Afghanistan are often vulnerable to human trafficking, leading to forced labor, prostitution, the drug trade, and other illegal activities. <br><br><b style="font-size: 13px; ">Pakistan News</b><br><br>
At least 27 militants 'killed' in NW Pakistan<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/217194/at-least-27-militants-killed-in-nw-pakistan/">http://tribune.com.pk/story/217194/at-least-27-militants-killed-in-nw-pakistan/</a><br>
In northwest Pakistan, gunfights have killed 27 militants and 4 tribesmen. <br><br>
Supply to Afghanistan through Pakistan reduced to 35 per cent<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2284207.ece">http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2284207.ece</a><br>
The US has reduced its reliance on Pakistani supply routes to Afghanistan because of increased attacks on NATO suppliers in the area.<br><b style="font-size: 13px; "><br>
Drawdown Updates</b><br><br>
New US Ambassador: No Rush For Exit From Afghanistan<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/07/25/new-us-ambassador-no-rush-for-exit-from-afghanistan/">http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/07/25/new-us-ambassador-no-rush-for-exit-from-afghanistan/</a><br>
Even as other countries begin withdrawing their forces from Afghanistan, the new US ambassador to Afghanistan, Ryan Crocker, has said that the US will take its time leaving Afghanistan, but also mentioned that that US has no interest in establishing permanent bases there.<br><br>
NATO Drawdown in Afghanistan Poses Challenges for Afghan Military<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Challenges-Ahead-for-Afghanistan-after-Handover-126022818.html">http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Challenges-Ahead-for-Afghanistan-after-Handover-126022818.html</a><br>
NATO forces prepare to transfer security operations to Afghan troops, particularly in areas that have been considered relatively safe, but the threat of insurgent attacks continues to be a challenge.<br><br>
Afghan conspiracy theories as US drawdown begins<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5htoXHmZWbQdtg5Krez1ZgaDQr3RA?docId=CNG.ac1ff80155f15b4c6aca1a16ef66c878.511">http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5htoXHmZWbQdtg5Krez1ZgaDQr3RA?docId=CNG.ac1ff80155f15b4c6aca1a16ef66c878.511</a><br>
There are many theories about the motives behind the drawdown in Afghanistan, including the theory that the US plans to keep troops in the country indefinitely, and the argument that there is a conspiracy to rob Afghanistan of its enormous untapped mineral wealth, among others.<br><br><b style="font-size: 13px; ">Reports of Corruption</b><br><br>
U.S. wastes $34 billion in Afghan and Iraq contracting<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/23/us-usa-afghanistan-waste-idUSTRE76M27Y20110723?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71">http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/23/us-usa-afghanistan-waste-idUSTRE76M27Y20110723?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71</a><br>
An analysis by the congressional Commission on Wartime Contracting found that $34 billion was wasted on contracts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The report shows that there are more contractors on the ground in the region than there are US troops, among other findings.<br><br>
U.S. trucking funds reach Taliban, military-led investigation concludes<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-trucking-funds-reach-taliban-military-led-investigation-concludes/2011/07/22/gIQAmMDUXI_story.html?hpid=z2">http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-trucking-funds-reach-taliban-military-led-investigation-concludes/2011/07/22/gIQAmMDUXI_story.html?hpid=z2</a><br>
According to a year-long military investigation, US taxpayer money has indirectly wound up in the hands of the Taliban, via a $2.6 billion transportation contract intended for Afghan businesses. However, the 8 trucking firms involved continue to receive government funds, and the Pentagon has extended the contract for another 6 months.<br><br>
War on Drugs in Afghanistan Complicates War on Terror<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2011/07/21/war-on-drugs-in-afghanistan-complicates-war-on-terror">http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2011/07/21/war-on-drugs-in-afghanistan-complicates-war-on-terror</a> <br>
When profits from the drug trade in Afghanistan go to the Taliban, the US and NATO try to clamp down on the drug trade, but what happens when drug money funds US and NATO allies?<br><b style="font-size: 13px; "><br>
Other News & Opinion</b><br><br>
Petraeus, Pentagon Repeating the Mistakes of Vietnam<br><a target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(17, 65, 112); " href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/stephen-glain/2011/07/21/petraeus-pentagon-repeating-the-mistakes-of-vietnam">http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/stephen-glain/2011/07/21/petraeus-pentagon-repeating-the-mistakes-of-vietnam</a><br>
Petraeus and a number of top military officials are guilty of “Vietnam revisionism,” the belief that the Vietnam war would have been winnable with better execution and civilian resolve. This belief is being played out in Afghanistan as well. Commentary by Stephen Glain. </p>
</div>
<div class="simplenews-template-footer">
<p>Read <a href="http://justicewithpeace.org/aww-archive">back issues of the Afghanistan War Weekly</a></p>
<p> </p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" bordercolor="cyan" border="3" rules="none"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" class="rteleft"><a href="http://justicewithpeace.org"><span><img hspace="10" height="38" border="3" align="center" width="380" vspace="10" alt="" src="http://justicewithpeace.org/system/files/u1/ujp_text_logo.gif"></span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3">
<p class="rteleft"><a href="http://justicewithpeace.org">United for Justice with Peace</a> is a coalition of peace and justice organizations and community peace groups in the Greater Boston region. The UJP Coalition, formed after September 11th, seeks global peace through social and economic justice.</p>
<p class="rteleft"><em>Help us continue to do this critical work! <a href="http://justicewithpeace.org/donate">Make a donation to UJP today.</a></em><br>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p class="rteleft"><a href="mailto:ujpcoalition@gmail.com">ujpcoalition@gmail.com</a></p>
</td>
<td class="rteleft">617-383-4UJP <font color="red"><strong>(NEW!)</strong></font>
</td>
<td class="rteleft"><a href="http://www.justicewithpeace.org">www.justicewithpeace.org</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-viewfield field-field-eventlist">
<div class="field-label">Upcoming Events: </div>
<div class="field-items"><div class="field-item odd">
<div class="view view-Upcoming-Events-Featured">
<div class="view-content view-content-Upcoming-Events-Featured"><table>
<thead><tr>
<th class="view-cell-header view-field-node-title"></th>
<th class="view-cell-header view-field-event-event-start"></th>
<th class="view-cell-header view-field-event-event-start"></th>
<th class="view-cell-header view-field-location-name"></th>
<th class="view-cell-header view-field-location-city"></th>
<th class="view-cell-header view-field-node-data-field-image-field-image-fid"></th> </tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="view-field view-field-node-title"><a href="http://justicewithpeace.org/node/2869">"Hibakusha, Our Life to Live", with a Talk by the Filmmaker</a></td>
<td class="view-field view-field-event-event-start">Fri Aug 5</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-event-event-start">6:30pm</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-location-name">All Saints Parish</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-location-city">Brookline</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-node-data-field-image-field-image-fid"><img src="http://justicewithpeace.org/files/imagefield/HibakushaFilm.png" alt="" title="HibakushaFilm.png" width="158" height="120" class="imagefield imagefield-field_image"></td> </tr>
<tr class="even">
<td class="view-field view-field-node-title"><a href="http://justicewithpeace.org/ten-years-after">Save the Date: Wars and Occupations Conference</a></td>
<td class="view-field view-field-event-event-start">Sat Oct 1</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-event-event-start">9:00am</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-location-name"></td>
<td class="view-field view-field-location-city">Boston area</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-node-data-field-image-field-image-fid"><img src="http://justicewithpeace.org/files/imagefield/chomsky%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" title="chomsky[1].jpg" width="170" height="120" class="imagefield imagefield-field_image"></td> </tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="view-field view-field-node-title"><a href="http://justicewithpeace.org/node/2656">Social Movements/ Digital Revolutions Conference</a></td>
<td class="view-field view-field-event-event-start">Fri Oct 21</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-event-event-start">6:00pm</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-location-name">Lesley University</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-location-city">Cambridge</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-node-data-field-image-field-image-fid"><img src="http://justicewithpeace.org/files/imagefield/9555668%5B1%5D.gif" alt="" title="9555668[1].gif" width="200" height="56" class="imagefield imagefield-field_image"></td> </tr>
<tr class="even">
<td class="view-field view-field-node-title"><a href="http://justicewithpeace.org/peace-in-asia-pacific">Peace in Asia and the Pacific: Alternatives to Militarization</a></td>
<td class="view-field view-field-event-event-start">Fri Oct 21</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-event-event-start">7:00pm</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-location-name">American University</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-location-city">Washington, DC</td>
<td class="view-field view-field-node-data-field-image-field-image-fid"><img src="http://justicewithpeace.org/files/imagefield/PeaceInAsiaPacific.png" alt="" title="PeaceInAsiaPacific.png" width="145" height="120" class="imagefield imagefield-field_image"></td> </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<div class="view-footer view-footer-Upcoming-Events-Featured"><p><i><a href="http://justicewithpeace.org/upcoming-events">More Peace and Justice Events</a>. How to <a href="http://justicewithpeace.org/posting-events">Submit Events</a></i> <br>
</p></div>
</div>
</div></div>
</div>
</td></tr></table>
</td></tr></table>
</body>
</html>
<p>-- <br /><a href="http://justicewithpeace.org/newsletter/confirm/remove/54b7b5e2b33576t75">Click here to unsubscribe from this newsletter</a></p>