Afghanistan Topic Brief

Afghanistan Overview:

The media refers to Afghanistan as “The Forgotten War.” Invaded by the United States in 2001 due to the alleged links between its Taliban government and Al-Qaeda, Afghanistan experienced war and civil unrest as the coalition led by U.S., NATO, and UN troops toppled the Taliban and established a democratic government. Without the proper military strategies and personnel, NATO and U.S. troops haven’t been able to contain the increasing number of attacks by the Taliban. The mountainous area and the border line with Pakistan have been perfect advantages for terrorists groups having the name “Safe Heaven”. Refugee migration into Pakistan has resumed, while the migration of Taliban militants into Afghanistan through the Pakistani border has also increased drastically. On top of that, the production of opium in Afghanistan has largely increased, spurring the region’s drug trafficking which sponsors the Taliban and other insurgent terrorist groups. In addition to all, on August 20, 2009, presidential elections marked by corruption, electoral fraud, intimidations and lack of security were held. The lack of democratic process brings the nation into one of the most alarming situations, nearly if not already, a “failed state”. This region marked by turmoil, death, civilian causalities, and lack of a competent government is issues that should definitely and immediately be addressed. The media also refers to Afghanistan as “Obama’s Vietnam” and in many ways this analogy is valid. However, Afghanistan should be treated with great urgency and as a unique and unprecedented situation.
2010, is a turning point in Afghanistan’s history for parliamentary elections were held. The elections took place in September 18 to elect members of the House of People or the Wolesi Jirga. Final results are not expected until October. The Taliban has imposed great fear and violence during the electoral process. Three candidates were killed during the campaign period and lives of others have been put at risk. With the upcoming results of these elections, it is the duty of the Security Council to ensure safeguards and a peaceful setting so that the new elected members may take over Afghanistan’s government. These elections were not safe nor well organized and for that it is necessary that amends are made so this will not occur again.
Afghanistan after 2010, is likely to face a new phase in its turmoil history. It is important to keep that in mind when coming with proposals for the enhancing and pacification of this country, which many refer as a “failed state”.

Just to get you started:

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1890243,00.html
http://kabul.usembassy.gov/
http://www.mediamonitors.net/mosaddeq2.html
http://www.newsweek.com/2009/01/30/obama-s-vietnam.html
http://the-diplomat.com/2010/08/06/yes-afghanistan-is-vietnam/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11353711

Is this another topic or fits under war on terror?

This is the topic. The War on Terror with focus on Afghanistan

Here is some more info about the current situation in Afghanistan

- the independent Free and Fair Elections Foundation of Afghanistan said it "has serious concerns about the quality of elections" (due to complaints of fraud)
-at least 21 civilians and nine police officers were killed during the voting
-3 poll workers were kidnapped
-indelible ink that is supposed to stain voters' fingers for 72 hours could be washed off
-poll workers allowed people to vote with fake voter cards
-the day after elections three rockets fired a meeting of senior officials in southern Kandahar which was a meeting against the Taliban (they landed 40 meters away so nobody was hurt)
-6 children were killed because of another rocket attack in Ali Abad district

Regarding Afghanistan's situation, Brazil feels like there are other solutions rather than just political. Countries should unify to help find a solution that would motivate the population and the most efficient way to do that would be to develop Afghan's agricultural sector. If this was done successfully it would be a big step in stabilizing Afghanistan since a stable economy is essential for a country to thrive.
Brazil believes it can be a great help since it is one of the world's most agriculturally productive nations and it is also a developing nation that had to build its agricultural sector from the ground up.
Brazil hopes to hear about what other solutions the nations may have to help Afghanistan prosper in other sectors rather than just becoming a politically stable country. If Afghanistan really hopes to leave the failed state category, then it should succeed in all areas.

This is an excerpt of an article about Afghanistan's agricultural sector and why it's so important for the country to prosper in this sector:

"The development of Afghanistan's agricultural sector has been overlooked by the international community, despite the fact that roughly 80 percent of the Afghan population lives in rural areas and scratches out a meager existence from the land. In trying to rectify the existing situation, the international community would do well to look to Brazil for answers.

Real progress on agricultural reforms is critical for success in stabilizing Afghanistan. If we cannot assure Afghanistan's rural population access to a legitimate livelihood, rural residents will grow increasingly disillusioned, lose trust in the government, and, for lack of other options, support the Taliban. Through a thriving agricultural sector, we can win the struggle for hearts and minds against al Qaeda and the Taliban, reduce poverty, and rebuild and develop Afghanistan's economy."-Eurasianet.org

Delegates, you all should be aware that President Obama has requested the further use of the term "Overseas Contingency Operation" rather than War on Terror, for its a better use and a more diplomatic term to characterize the current situation. Bear in mind that the main purpose of this operation to secure other countries from future invasions and terrorist attacks. The USA perspective preaches the defense of the international community with an attack to those who threat it, focusing on militant Islamists, and the Al-Qaeda. However, the Taliban has various times demonstrated unwillingness to cooperate with the UN's world peace mission, disturbing the freedom within many countries' territories, and therefore should be stopped as soon as possible, and the best way is with the aid of the most influential country in the world, the United States of America. It is time that we stop questioning the USA's intentions as ambiguous and harming. The country is trying to oppose and combat terrorist attacks, to promote world peace. As Obama has better stated: "Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred." And its about time to stop it.

The Japanese government will be aiding Afghanistan on a 5 billion dollar account in the next 5 years to re-construct their nation. This aid will be used to:
1) Agricultural and rural development with the purpose of making Afghanistan’s economy stable.
2) Infrastructure- Kabul airport, 115 public busses and master plan for Kabul metropolitan city development. Creation of energy for the nation as a whole.
3) Political- create an election independent committee for an independent non-corrupt election.
4) Security- disarmament of illegal militias and military groups and reinstallation of the soldiers in society with decent work. Police reform and counter narcotic actions.
5) Basic Human needs- education, health care, sanitation, water, vocational training.
6) Cultural- preservation on Bamiyan ruins with partnership with UNESCO. Stalif pottery reinforcement and maintenance.
7) Vocational training for former Taliban soldiers, instead of bring more war the Japanese nation is worried over these soldiers that can come out of terror and initiate their social life.

There will be regular annual meeting between Japanese government and the Afghan government in action.

Japan believes that if all possible nations take these initiatives the world will become a better place with peace and security for everyone.

The United States of American once again utilize of their 'world power' to diminish other nation's potential. There is a legitimate reason for our diplomatic ties to have been broken. Just as with our nation's Revolution in 1979, when America further emphasized its arrogance, with Afghanistan they keep their repression against nations with sovereign rights and demonstrate there blinding desire for global hegemony. Iran hopes this War on Terror will cease and that international aid, not military force, will be used to reconstruct Afghsnistan. We are committed to such developments and hope all nations will see to aid this country, and not its 'conqueror', as well.

The delegation of Pakistan would like to add that it will continue to help with the War on Terror.

Pakistan has joined the United States War on Terror and broken relations with Afghanistan's Taliban government. In 2003, Pakistan arrested more than 500 Taliban and Al-Qaeda members, including the former #3 leader of Al-Qaeda, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed. Pakistan was sent 25,000 troops to track Qaeda fugitives, and continues to give its support in the ending of terrorism.

Pakistan hopes all countries will understand how important these steps are in ending terrorism, and will actively seek solutions.

Delegate of Iran, please let's not mislead information. Sure a country can be reminded for its past mistakes, but most importantly it should be reminded for its ever-lasting effort to keep the world a better place. With the new administration on power, more than thousands of troops have been removed from Afghanistan's territory. Just to clarify, the purpose of this Overseas Contingency Operation is to eliminate any terrorist threat to the world, and not to cause further turmoil as the delegate of Iran wishes. And yes, if USA, as one of the most powerful nations, if not THE most, should use its influence as an aid to this mission. Its is more than clear now Iran's unwillingness to cooperate with the operation, and its desire to point fingers rather than lending a hand. You'll go far like that, delegate (y)

Quite contrary, USA. What Iran most wishes is for the War on Terror to take on more positive turns than the everlasting war that has been raging. As the United States may remember, Mr. Akhundzadeh , our deputy foreign minister, has gone to the US, so that together with America and other nations we can work on bolstering Afghanistan's border security, monitoring the financial flows of drug trafficking and helping Afghan farmers move away from opium cultivation. Clearly, your enlightening "Iran's unwillingness to cooperate with the operation" is what is misleading.
We disagree with your country's position, delegate, because Iran strongly believes that "Victory over terrorism cannot be achieved only through militarism," as Mr. Akhundzadeh has stated. The presence of foreign forces has not improved things in the country, and it seems that an increase in the number of foreign forces will prove ineffective, too.
Let us understand that even though our countries maintain at maximum a cordial relationship with one another, in the case of Afghanistan it is time for all to work together for the better in humanity. Afghanistan deserves to have its own sovereign and well-functioning nation.

Delegate of the US, please keep in mind that every country has its own view, pointing out solid information will somewhat contribute to the solution of this crisis; however, directly attacking other delegates, as opposed to the countries' points of view, will not help this Security Council in solving such a pressing issue.

Sure, delegate of Iran, I was only stating the obvious. As the delegate has said, USA and Iran are creating diplomatic ties and thousands of troops have already been removed from Afghanistan, so consider that an improvement. Iran had been holding American hostages and were not opened for negocitiations regarding this issue, so it is then more than clear that Iran is still making efforts to terrorize and threat the USA. The delegation of the United States is glad that Brazil is peacefully interveining in the issue, and hopes that more improvements happen. In fact, Hilary Clinton has called Lula's administration to ask Iran for the release of the American hostages. Also, stop calling it "War on Terror", as it no longer should be assosiated with the term terror, and rather, its an Overseas Contingency Operation. Understand the Afghanitan NEEDS some military forces to assure that the operation is having continuity and to insure that no further terrorist attacks will occur. Believe that terrorism isn't going to stop by itself, its gaining more and more power. Iran alone won't manage to help, for the nation of Afghanistan is in great necessity of more influence (USA). Let's stick to the facts and we'll finally succeed to bring world peace to the international community.

The current military objective of the local and Nato forces is to conquer and secure the North Waziristan region, Norther Pakistan and Afganistan, and t is vital they succeed in effectivly removing taliban from power and stop its Ascension into power. the delegate cannot emphasize how important it is that Taliban finds no safe-port to conduct operations from. the delegate would also like to emphasize that to remove the troops in the current scenario would allow the Taliban to retake control. Delegates an effective method and sistem should be developed to effectively secure the frontier wich is close to impossible due to terrain, and eliminate the Taliban, without in the process violating human rights and becoming the veil we fight. The delegate also need to consider ways to limit the flow of cash and weapons into the region, fo this a tighter security towards the opium they sell to sponsor the campaign would help, also tighter customs in all the neighboring countries together with a joint effort to secure airspace seems like the most viable solution to disarm and incapacitate the terrorists.

The delegate of Pakistan agrees with Iraq mostly, but does not believe that, "The delegate also need to consider ways to limit the flow of cash and weapons into the region." This does not seem like a very good way of protecting human rights. It would be like putting a sanction on the natives from that area; they did nothing wrong and it would affect them first and worst than the Taliban. The Taliban has other resources, but the people this suggestion would affect would be innocents. An increase in security of money and weapons seems more reasonable than stopping the trade of money. Weapons are needed by Afghanistan and Pakistan now to stop this terrorism, the trick is making sure it doesnt go into the wrong hands.

This is a really interesting article, it makes a correlation between Vietnam and Afghanistan...
You should all definitely read it:
http://www.newsweek.com/2009/01/30/obama-s-vietnam.html#

Keep researching!

Nati

The Russian delegate will only make a brief statement on this. Russia is against NATO operating in the region and encourages the replacement of NATO troops with U.N. designated troops for supervision and prevention of abuse purposes. Russia is now assisting the U.S. with air freight to Afghanistan due to the urgency of the situation. Despite its political position it cannot ignore the fact that Taliban control has increased from 54% to 72% after NATO's entrance and is putting this effort only in hopes for a short term improvement in the area.

The Pakistani delegate thanks Russia for any help in Afghanistan, but is unclear at why Russia does not wish for NATO troops to enter Afghanistan. Short term improvement is good, but long term improvement is what will stop this issue from resurfacing again.
Pakistan is also unsure of Russia's intentions in this issue. Russia has stated in 2010 that it favors India over Pakistan, and will not militarily cooperate with Pakistan. It also invaded Afghanistan in 2010, earning a denounciation from the Afgh president Hamid Karzai.

Pakistan_Andrea wrote:

The Pakistani delegate thanks Russia for any help in Afghanistan, but is unclear at why Russia does not wish for NATO troops to enter Afghanistan. Short term improvement is good, but long term improvement is what will stop this issue from resurfacing again.
Pakistan is also unsure of Russia's intentions in this issue. Russia has stated in 2010 that it favors India over Pakistan, and will not militarily cooperate with Pakistan. It also invaded Afghanistan in 2010, earning a denounciation from the Afgh president Hamid Karzai.

Russia's participation in Afghanistan includes rebuilding 142 Soviet-build mineral and energy facilities, provinding Mi-17 helicopters to U.S. troops and helping in stopping drug plantations and transport. Russia also assists Afghanistan headed U.S. aircraft in its airspace as well and helps secure NATO shipments likewise headed to that country. After realizing Russia wasnt there to cause trouble, president Karzai declared "Afghanistan will need the support of friends and from great countries like Russia," in August this year. American secretary of state Hilary Clinton calls Russia's cooperation "greater unity of purpose" and the delegate has to agree it is.

Now to clarify on NATO. The organization operates somewhat recklessly, not following Security Council resolutions, killing way too many civilians and ignoring vetoes (usually from Russia and China) for potentially risky operations. It has also come in to Russia's circle of influence (Poland and Persian Gulf) to install anti-missile shields and other weaponry. Russia and Turkey, which are powerful in the region, do not approve. Now, there are many other reasons for Russia's concern. Some are in the NATO topic, which the delegate is welcome to visit. Others haven't been brought up yet but the delegate will clarify upon request. Russia cooperates in these missions thinking about the countries in need (noble in the delegate's opinion), but is politically against NATO.

Then hopefully the Russian delegate will allow approved troops to substitute the NATO troops if Russia is against them. Pakistan believes that the situation is beyond serious, and any helpful troops would be accepted. If Russia will not accept NATO troops, other troops, perhaps Russian troops, can be voluteered. But the bare fact is that Afghanistan needs troops to improve security and stop terrorism.

The Delegation of North Korea is open for receiving any messages on this matter.

Pakistan_Andrea wrote:

Then hopefully the Russian delegate will allow approved troops to substitute the NATO troops if Russia is against them. Pakistan believes that the situation is beyond serious, and any helpful troops would be accepted. If Russia will not accept NATO troops, other troops, perhaps Russian troops, can be voluteered. But the bare fact is that Afghanistan needs troops to improve security and stop terrorism.

Yes. Russia is against NATO because it didn't provide the security needed in other operations. We want as much peace and security as possible in the Korean Peninsula and in Afghanistan, therefore, the delegation is willing to discuss the possibility of replacement troops.

The Delegation of Korea Strongly Urges intense continuation of the multilateral military engagements in Afghanistan for a two year program to prevent Taliban, Al Qaeda, or any other insurgent activities to prevent the repetition of terrorist attacks in Europe, U.S.A. and the Middle East, until the full retreat in 4 years. Furthermore, the Delegation believes that during this two Year program there should be increased aid for civilians, especially to reduce risk of civilian casualties in counterinsurgency operations, this will be achieved by:
a. General redirecting of civilians away from high-risk combat zones,
b. Providing food and shelter for displaced civilians,
c. All the efforts would be conducted by involved parties with troops invested in Afghanistan,
d. Removal of civilians from Pakistani border, a high-risk area;

Moreover, the Delegation also requests that the Afghan government be provided with the necessary tools to contain insurgents and enemy combatants, to assist in the anti-terrorism effort, provided by NATO, such as:
a. Military equipment and training for their troops,
b. Increasing vigilance against Taliban and other unlawful enemy combatants,
c. Raising civilian awareness of the dangers posed by unlawful enemy combatants;

This will hopefully in future, be necessary after the retreat of all troops which is planned on happening in four years. Thus, Afghanistanese Military forces will be well equiped and trained with the effective intel which will make them dependent on themselves and not in abroad military forces, which will also stimulate the right of Sovereignty of Afghanistan which is the main aim of Korea's Resolution.

Many points will be made in this matter during SALMUN. The North Korean delegate is not only sure, but urges to merge with countries who believe the point made are effective.

North Korea
A.Marmonti

Mr Sarkozy told a TV interview: 'If there is a need for more people to train, to help the police to undertake civil engineering, to help the population, to help Afghanisation, why not? But combat troops? No.'