The PsyOp in the GAP of ISAF has determined that "honest proganda is very effective because the Afghan people are not well educated and have few sources of information and therefore are easily manupulated."
http://www.ledevoir.com/2007/04/23/140594.html?fe=840&fp=191446&fr=16173
This Psychological Operations Unit of the Policy Action Group of the International Security Force for Afghansitan is also on record as "no longer lying to people as was done in the past". Though they still seem committed to "western values - democrcy, liberty, justice, human rights and women's rights."
Apr 23, 2007
Apr 22, 2007
Where the Birds are
How the neighbourhood avian population might view the Department of Health's recent visit.
Apr 20, 2007
To Captain Steve Brown
To Captain Steve Brown Canadian Army Kandahar:
Steve ... I read your letter in the Mansfield Echo and was very moved. Thanks – you made me proud to be a Canadian.
I work in the relative comfort and safety of Kabul as operations manager for a US government funded university development project. In 2005 I had the good fortune of managing primary school development projects in the West - still relatively safe but losing ground. Frankly Kabul is now the only place I would live here from a security point of view.
We couldn't do development without the space created by the coalition forces. Without your commitment and courage. Your six fallen comrades must be missed – we hear about their families and I imagine how painful it must be for a parent.
We also couldn’t do development without the remarkably brave and principled NGO staff. And Afghan colleagues who have taken up the education torch. And the generosity of developed country taxpayers who fund this work.
There is a lot invested here.
Unfortunately one key piece is missing which seriously jeopardizes the investment - America's willingness to pressure Pakistan to curb the Taliban. This of course gives serious credence to the theory that the American government does not want to end the war in Afghanistan.
Their motivation isn't the issue. For me it is my country's participation in a war where the possibility of victory is being undermined, and where principles and lives are being sacrificed for political gain. History, geography and prosperity bind us intimately to the United States of America - let's be clear that the death of Canadian soldiers in southern Afghanistan is one of the costs of the close relationship.
My prayers go out to you and your mates on the front line.
Thanks Steve - for making it possible for me to put some of my principles on the line here.
Best regards
Steve ... I read your letter in the Mansfield Echo and was very moved. Thanks – you made me proud to be a Canadian.
I work in the relative comfort and safety of Kabul as operations manager for a US government funded university development project. In 2005 I had the good fortune of managing primary school development projects in the West - still relatively safe but losing ground. Frankly Kabul is now the only place I would live here from a security point of view.
We couldn't do development without the space created by the coalition forces. Without your commitment and courage. Your six fallen comrades must be missed – we hear about their families and I imagine how painful it must be for a parent.
We also couldn’t do development without the remarkably brave and principled NGO staff. And Afghan colleagues who have taken up the education torch. And the generosity of developed country taxpayers who fund this work.
There is a lot invested here.
Unfortunately one key piece is missing which seriously jeopardizes the investment - America's willingness to pressure Pakistan to curb the Taliban. This of course gives serious credence to the theory that the American government does not want to end the war in Afghanistan.
Their motivation isn't the issue. For me it is my country's participation in a war where the possibility of victory is being undermined, and where principles and lives are being sacrificed for political gain. History, geography and prosperity bind us intimately to the United States of America - let's be clear that the death of Canadian soldiers in southern Afghanistan is one of the costs of the close relationship.
My prayers go out to you and your mates on the front line.
Thanks Steve - for making it possible for me to put some of my principles on the line here.
Best regards
Apr 18, 2007
Different Approaches to Education
Kids hitchin a ride to school as we descend the morning mountain.
The Virginia Tech massacre provides the Taliban with another good reason to forbid schools
Cartoon Michel Garneau Le Devoir de Montreal
Apr 13, 2007
Ex-Taliban Employee Waiver
Crafting a "waiver request for ex-Taliban employee" - one of a number of documents on the trail to a US visa. ?How do ya think these sound ...
"did not actively participate in Taliban activities, engage in military activities, nor support the Taliban government.
"was fired by the Taliban government in 1997, remained unemployed …
"employed … but as a 19 year-old translator trying to help his family make ends meet
"will allow USG officials to probe the thinking of their Afghan counterpart on development of the sector
"his presence … has critical symbolic as well as substantive meaning
"with memories of extreme economic hardship, (Name of Applicant)is deeply committed to the democratic course his country has now embarked on.
Wish me luck.
"did not actively participate in Taliban activities, engage in military activities, nor support the Taliban government.
"was fired by the Taliban government in 1997, remained unemployed …
"employed … but as a 19 year-old translator trying to help his family make ends meet
"will allow USG officials to probe the thinking of their Afghan counterpart on development of the sector
"his presence … has critical symbolic as well as substantive meaning
"with memories of extreme economic hardship, (Name of Applicant)is deeply committed to the democratic course his country has now embarked on.
Wish me luck.
Apr 6, 2007
Up Early
0743 - A suicide bomber attacks a senior police officer's car on Darluman Road 200 metres from the house.
0841 - ISAF Helicopters tour curious indignataries through the neighbourhood
1049 - Friday life goes on - the Iranian mosque is almost complete
Apr 2, 2007
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