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Opinion-editorials decyphered - 15 February 2006
Afghanistan: Media Unanimity
Decyphering
The London Conference on Afghanistan, held January 30 and 32, 2006, gathered nearly seventy states with the aim of drawing up a five-yearly aid plan for that country, the so-called Afghanistan Compact. The mission was to go ahead with the process defined at the 2001 Bonn Conference, which planned the fall of the Taliban and concluded with an agreement that promised donations calculated at 10,5 billion dollars and the acceptance of a partial withdrawal of US troops that would be replaced by NATO forces. New responsibilities have been entrusted to the Hamid Karzai regime, at least in writing but, its authority continues to be technically limited to Kabul.
The conference took place amidst relative indifference by the media since dailies dedicated little space to the event. However, atlantist circles waged a media campaign on «opinion» pages, both before and during the conference. The objective of these forums, all of a single colour, was to recall the atlantist version on Afghanistan and justify the support of the Hamid Karzai regime.
Then, we were able to prove that the discourse on Afghanistan before the conference follows a specific context and imposed formulas. But we should not forget that life in Afghanistan considerably improved thanks to western actions. However, the merits of the invasion only constitute the prelude to the reminder of the necessary continuation of state mobilization, «since there is a long way to go». Systematically, the aid to Afghanistan is being presented as a double duty: the moral obligation marked by recalling the past and present suffering in Afghanistan and the demand, in terms of security, based on recalling the official version on the September 11, 2001 attacks. As a conclusion, they say stressed serious difficulties linked to drug trafficking, whose responsible ones are not named and when they are, they only appear as «Talibans» or «war lords», despite the fact that everybody knows that it is organized around the brother of President Karzai.
In few words, in no occasion they mention the participation of the United States, NATO y Pakistán in the production of opium, its processing into heroin and its transfer and sale in Europe. They do not speak about the strategic dimension of the Invasion of Afghanistan in terms of the control of oil reserves in the Caspian Sea. They hide the true strategic implications of the invasion of Afghanistan and the appointment of a US employee with UNOCAL to lead the country in order to favour a discourse that mixes the call for good sentiments and the fever of the terrorist threat.
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO General Secretary addressed the readers of the highly conservative Spanish daily ABC as he tries to convince them of the need for any country to take part in military operations in Afghanistan. He praises the merits of the NATO operation and encourages Spain to keep its troops in that country despite the death of Spanish soldiers in August 2005. As it is logical, we are in the presence of a moral and security need.
In the Boston Globe American-Afghan feminist writer Nasrine Gross favours the mobilization of US citizens. She insists in the democratic progress already achieved and in their fragility before warning threat: the Taliban danger has not yet disappeared and puts at stake the reconstruction of the country and world security.
former US Secretary of State for southern Asia Karl F. Inderfurth; the president of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Frederick Starr and researcher with the Middle East Institute Marvin G. Weinbaum on their part, try to mobilize the European public in the International Herald Tribune by asserting that the Europeans, since they consume heroin, have the moral duty to get increasingly involved in the fight against the production of opium. Later on they address Washington and urge the United States not to reduce the number of its troops in Afghanistan. They finally ask both parties to contribute larger sums and guarantee the training of officials.
German Scholar Peter Phillip, also counsellor to the German Foreign Affairs Ministry, promotes the assistance to Afghanistan in the Deutsche Welle . He insists in the issue of drugs and though he does not propose any solution he expresses his consternation at the fact that the «war lords» and he «Talibans» exploit opium to fight the Hamid Karzai regime. He suggests that released funds during that conference be used to finance the fight against such a production and in that direction such funds be no longer given to NGOs and the Afghan government.
Along all these arguments focusing on specific countries and public, the international press published far-reaching forums written by the allies of George Soros and by Soros himself and which were spread as expected, by Project Syndicate.
In the Jordan Times, Le Figaro y el Korea Herald, US mulit-millionaire and president of the Open Society Institute calls for an increased international aid. He regrets that the US reduces its military presence and favours the support by world leaders meeting in London of the Hamid Karzai regime, as well as an economic development program and the launching of a program aimed at fighting drugs in the country. Soros also disregards the issue related to the organizers of heroin traffic.
In an article that focuses the production of opium, published by the Korean Herald, the Jordan Times, the Daily Times and the L’Unita, Emma Bonino, in her condition as former general secretary of the Radical Anti-prohibition Coordination, since she yielded to Voltaire Net president Thierry Meyssan, after she became European Commissioner, asks for a detailed revision of the way in which the «war on drugs» operates in Afghanistan. In her opinion this struggle is inefficient, Afghan economy now depends on heroin, which sustains armed groups and encourages corruption. Instead of claims for the replacement of crops, the author says that Afghanistan must be legally authorized to cultivate poppy for the world market of analgesics.
As we can see, the unity of viewpoints is absolute.
Voltaire Network
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15 February 2006
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Paris (France)
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Authors and Sources of Op-Eds Decyphered
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"NATO’s role in Afghanistan"
Author
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer

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Ancien ministre chrétien-démocrate des Affaires étrangères des Pays-Bas, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer est secrétaire général de l’OTAN.
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Source
ABC (Spain)
Reference «El papel de la OTAN en Afganistán», by Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, ABC, February 2, 2006.
Summary About five years ago, Afghanistan was the launching base of the world’s worst terrorist attack when it was one of the oppressed countries of the world. Today, the Afghan population has elected its first pluralist parliament which, for several years, has counted on an incredible amount of women. This progress has been achieved thanks to the considerable assistance coming from abroad. They still have a long way to go and the international community must provide the proper aid for the turning of Afghanistan into a chaos and a shelter for terrorists should not be allowed. This is the reason why the London Conference will mark a new stage with regard to international aid by giving leaders more responsibilities with regard to the future of the country.
NATO will maintain its assistance on matters related to the security of the country and its reconstruction along with the troops of Operation «Freedom Endurance». In addition, we help president Hamid Karzai to form a transparent, democratic and effective Afghan security force. Spain has been really involved in NATO’s activities in Afghanistan by furninshing one of the most important contingents despite suffering human loses in August 2005. The reconstruction of Afghanistan is our interest and it’s a solidarity issue.

"Alarm in Afghanistan"
Author
Nasrine Gross

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Auteur américano-afghane, Nasrine Gross est membre de Negar-Soutiens aux femmes d’Afghanistan, une organisation féministe défendant les droits des femmes afghanes, et présidente et fondatrice du Roqia Center for Women’s Rights, Studies and Education.
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The Boston Globe (United States)
Reference «Alarm in Afghanistan», by Nasrine Gross, Boston Globe, February 2, 2006.
Summary For Afghans, the United States is a determining element in its reconstruction. Washington has released them from crime, poverty and from being a shelter for terrorists. But, Afghans are worried about the reduction of troops and the economic assistances. Afghans see their country as a patient who has just had several transplants and, therefore, must be in a recovery room, not in the streets.
The reduction of American troops could inspire the Talibans and Al Qaeda. Unfortunately, if American troops are not involved in combats, the media says nothing. As long as the combats remain, Afghanistan will be divided in two parts, something that prevents all reconstruction efforts of the country. The extremist groups in the Parliament will keep trying the passing of laws contrary to public liberties and some neighboring countries, like Pakistan, will keep supporting the Talibans. The United States must calm the Afghans down and the London Conference, no matter how important it could be, won’t be enough.
To rebuild the Pashtuns zones economically and not to identify this ethnic group with the Talibans is essential. The American government and public opinion should undestand that Afghanistan is essential to fight Al Qaeda.

"Don’t short-change Afghanistan again"
Authors
Karl F. Inderfurth, Frederick Starr, Marvin G. Weinbaum

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Ex president of the Aspen Institute, Frederick Starr chairs the Central Asia Caucasus Institute of the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University, Washington.
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Marvin G. Weinbaum est un chercheur au Middle East Institute.
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Source
International Herald Tribune (France)
Reference «Don’t shortchange Afghanistan again», by Karl F. Inderfurth, S. Frederick Starr and Marvin G. Weinbaum, International Herald Tribune, January 22, 2006.
Summary The London Conference on Afghanistan represents an important stage and a challenge for the United States and the international community: an important stage for it will mark the ending of the Bonn process, and a challenge for it will mark the beginning of the next critical stage in the rebirth of the country after decades of war and destruction.
A lot has been achieved since the moment the Talibans were defeated four years ago by troops commanded by the United States. However, it’s also true that Afghanistan is still in danger. The insurrection led by Taliban elements and Al Qaeda is far from being over. Afghanistan is still the world largest producer of opium for drugs. Corruption is at its highest levels and many Afghans wonder, four years after the disembarkment of the international community contingents, where the promised roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, and running water are.
On the other hand, out of the 13 billion dollars promised by the international community, only some 4 billion has been used to finance projects. This is just a part of much more considerable sums which have been given to finance the reconstruction efforts in Iraq or the Balkans. We have been mean with Afghanistan. The first goal of the London Conference must be to correct the existing disparity between the Afghan needs and the sums promised by the donors and, in view of this, the United States should be the first to undertake a compromise.
There are three other urgent priorities that the London Conference must discussed. First, insurrection. The planned reduction of the American troops in Afghanistan worries Kabul. Its replacement by NATO’s forces is a sign of a welcomed extension of the international responsibility; its outcome should not be the weakening of the military forces. International soldiers should adopt measures to carry on aggressive counterinsurgency operations and guarantee the necessary protection to allow the reconstruction of the country.
Then, we have the weakening of the government. Without competent and honest officers at the local level, Kabul can’t meet the needs of the population. The legal system, without which policies can’t be implemented, must be redefined.
Third, we have the drug trade. Afghan farmers’ standard of living must be the same when producing legal crops than when cultivating opium. This means that the irrigation systems should be improved, that new seeds should be used, that the highway network should be developed and that micro-credits should be used by all. In the same way the United States accepted the moral responsibility of the consequences of its drug consumption for Colombia, the European countries should understand that their consumption of narcotic drugs contributes to the destruction of the Afghan society; therefore, they should do their best.

"The promised money won’t be enough to help Afghanistan"
Author
Peter Phillip

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Politologue allemand, Peter Phillip est conseiller du ministre des Affaires étrangères allemand.
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Source
Deutsche Welle (Germany)
Reference «Geld allein wird Afghanistan nicht helfen», by Peter Phillip Deutsche Welle, February 1st, 2006.
Summary The sum of 20 billion dollars was planned at the London Conference for the next five years. The fourth part of this money is a responsibility of Washington. In the future, this money must go directly to the coffers of the government of Afghanistan. Therefore, we expect the money to be better used. Up to now, the money was for NGOs and the Afghans and international experts are right when they say it is mainly in the hands of the so called advisers and not used in projects. Anyway, nothing guarantees the promised money has been given.
One of the challenges is the security of the country: the Afghan security forces are not ready yet to control the Talibans which get stronger every day. The United States expects to reduce its troops and even is NATO increases its troops to 6 000 soldiers –half of them British- the current situation won’t change much. As usual in the history of the country, the power of the central government is restricted to Kabul. Outside Kabul, it depends on the alliances established with the local “Lords of the War”.
These local chiefs live thanks to another element the London Conference did no dare to discussed: the cultivation, fabrication and marketing of drugs. It’s true Kabul agreed to fight the opium trafficking but Afghanistan is the world largest producer of drugs and nothing will change as long as the cultivation of the poppy plant is more profitable than that of cereals and tomatoes. Everybody benefits –from the Talibans to the Lords of War- and nobody will give this financial manna up. NATO does not have the means to prevent the cultivation of the poppy plant, a problem that is still unsolved. On the Talibans’ side, this makes the opposition to the government of Hamid Karzai stronger whereas the West does not have a valid alternative to offer.
Despite these problems, some almost insoluble, something should be done and Afghanistan should not be abandoned in London. After decades of tyranny and war, this country can not be turned into a modern and healthy democracy in only five years. The failures of the last five years should not encourage us to leave. We must persist in Afghanistan even when, at first, getting this country out of the difficult situation it has may seem an interminable operation.

"London’s Conference is the framework to help Afghanistan"
Author
George Soros
Sources
Jordan Times (Jordan) , Le Figaro (France), Korea Herald (South Korea)
Reference “Back to Afghanistan″, by George Soros, Jordan Times, February 1st, 2006.
“La Conférence de Londres est l’occasion d’aider les Afghans″, Le Figaro, February 2, 2006.
“Now back to Afghanistan ”, Korea Herald, February 2, 2006.
Summary Afghanistan’s situation is masked by the incessant violence in Iraq. However, the Parliament is packed with warlords, the drug trade is thriving, and violence is on the rise. During this week, world leaders will have the opportunity in London to steer developments. This agreement will be based on Bonn’s Conference 2001.
It is necessary a renewed attention to Afghanistan, for the country is in ruins and the world is suffering. Drug trade is a good example, since Afghanistan has become the world largest supplier of opiates and 25% of its GDP has resulted in drug trade. Security, too, remains a serious concern. Suicide attacks have multiplied and in 2005, 125 Coalition troops were killed. Corruption is rampant, several members of the Parliament are known as warlords, international aid is poorly coordinated and the United States reducing its troop strength, many Afghan believe that the international community has abandoned them.
Bonn process established the principle of democratic accountability, gave Afghanistan its first elected president and provided a new constitution. Today, there is a legitimate central government, a Parliament which over a quarter of the members are women and 20 000 local advisers. Aid development is based upon this structure. The polls have shown that the majority of the Afghans support this process.
At the London’s Conference, world leaders called for the anti-narcotics strategy, i.e. reducing economic dependence on opium production, punish traffickers and dealers, and provide feasible economic alternatives for farmers. On the other hand, London’s Conference should make efforts to assist the Afghan government to accomplish its goals regarding training and education of youth. Judicial reform is also a pressing issue, since today the Supreme Court is dominated by conservative factions and the judicial system allows local commanders to act with impunity. As long as this situation remains, investments will not be made. But reform is clearly possible. Last month, Afghan leaders finally adopted a transitional judicial program.
Failure to act will result in betraying the Afghan people who in 2001, welcomed the US army and NATO forces as liberators. Therefore, for their sake and ours, we must not let them down.

"Another anti-narcotic strategy for Afghanistan"
Author
Emma Bonino

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Ancienne commissaire européen, Emma Bonino est député européen italienne. Elle est membre du directoire de l’International Crisis Group et membre du Parti radical transnational, appelé à devenir prochainement le « Parti Radical Libéral Européen pour les États Unis d’Europe et d’Amérique, pour l’Organisation Mondiale de la Démocratie et des Démocraties ».
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Sources
Jordan Times (Jordan) , Korea Herald (South Korea), Daily Times (Pakistan), L’Unita (Italie)
Reference “Afghanistan’s opium future ”, by Emma Bonino, Korea Herald, January 25, 2006.
“Poppy power”, Jordan Times, January 25, 2006.
“Poppy power″, Daily Times, January 27, 2006.
“Le Mafie ringraziano l’Italia″, L’Unita, January 30, 2006.
Summary From Afghanistan to Italy, crossing Latin America, the “war against drugs” is sacrificed everyday in the altar of demagogy and irrationality. While the “war against drugs” in Afghanistan is marking the time, and mortgaging dramatically the future of the country, the Italian government is taking advantage of the Olympic Games to force the Senate to pass a repressive and dissolute anti-narcotic law. Generally, across the world, the mafia and crime international cartels have good reasons to support this new law.
Fortunately, another type of music begins to sound in Europe. In January, the European Parliament voted for a resolution on Afghanistan that would pave the way to a totally new approach in the fight against drug trafficking worldwide. On my part, I urge the participants of the International Conference on Afghanistan, scheduled for next Tuesday in London, to take into consideration the proposal to grant licenses for opium production for the legal drug market, as done already in other countries like India, Turkey, Australia, France and Spain. It is practically an innovative proposal regarding the orthodoxy of the “war against drugs”. In Afghanistan, this so-called war, mainly based on destruction of poppy and food alternative crops, has been totally ineffective. The outcome is, according to the UNODC (United Nations Office against Drugs and Crime), that Afghanistan has achieved 87% of opium production worldwide in 2005 – roughly 4 100 tons – thus generating 2.7 billions of illegal profits, that is, 50% of its GDP. The “2005 Afghanistan Opium Survey”, released in November, estimated that the global value of such production, once transformed into heroin and distributed in world markets, exceeds 40 billion dollars.
Over the past few years, small transformation labs have emerged in Afghanistan, and had a production last year of 420 tons of heroin. The increase of domestic production of heroin has created a local consumption market which is expanding very rapidly, thus favoring the increase of HIV/AIDS in a country without proper infrastructure and where there is no health service. On the other hand, the roads used by traffickers’ convoys are no longer limited to the so-called “golden road” through Pakistan and Iran, but have multiplied instead, especially through the former Soviet republics, thus contributing to increase instability in a political context which is already tensed.
The risk ran by Afghanistan is to live on illegal revenues that would increase corruption, thus enabling armed groups to remain operating and further increase instability in the region. This might take Afghanistan to stay far from the Rule of Law. The major threat of an economy based on illegality for stability and democracy in Afghanistan should make the authorities think of regulated poppy crop with medical purposes, especially for analgesic. The United Nations estimates that six countries prescribe 78% of the legal production of opium components, which shows there is a supply crisis for the rest of 185 UN member countries. The UN also estimates that there are 45 million people infected with HIV/AIDS virus in countries where the health system hardly exists, and where in the next 20 years there will be 10 million new cancer cases in developed countries. Therefore, the potential possibilities of legal opium production for analgesic, morphine, codeine, etc, are huge. We will not be stuck in the terrible contradiction of a producer country of opium components whose hospitals lack of morphine. I wish that governments, international organizations and personalities participating in London’s Conference did not ignore the response of the European Parliament that provides Afghanistan with a valid and realistic alternative for an anti-drug strategy which has proven to be a disaster for the country.

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