The Deep Roots Of Pakistan’s Extremism

by Bashir Ahmad Gwakh

Punjab Governor Salman Taseer’s murder by his security guard was an obvious act of religious extremism and a clear sign that Pakistan has changed little in the more than 80 years since a carpenter killed a Hindu for allegedly publishing a book that insulted the Prophet Muhammad. A country that was founded on the basis of religion remains in a dark morass presided over by insidious, violent ideologies.

Video of Captured US Soldier

The Taliban have aired a video tape of the captured American soldier in Afghanistan. The identity of 23 year old soldier who went missing June 30 in Paktika province and was later confirmed to have been captured by Taliban, has not been released yet.

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Afghan Presidential Contenders

Malali Bashir
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Following is the list of those who formally announced to compete in the race for President in the Afghan Presidential Elections 2009.

1. Dr. Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi (Afghan Millat)
2. Abdul Qader Imami Ghori (Hezb-e-Islami then Jamiat-e-Islami and now Independent)
3. Ramazan Bashardos (Independent)
4. Fawzia Kofi (Jamiat-e-Islami and now Independent)
5. Abdul Jabbar Sabet (Hezb-e-Islami and now Independent)
6. Daud Sultanzoi (Hezb-e-Islami)
7. Ali Seraaj (Royal Family, Independent)
8. Sayed Jalal Karim (NAABEGHA/The Genius) (Independent)
9. Shahlah Atta (Independent)

Following is the list of those who have showed their strong interest in the post, but yet to formally announce their candidacy.

1. Abdullah Abdullah (Shura-e-Nezar)
2. Burhanuddin Rabbani (Jamiat-e-Islami)
3. Halim Tanveer (Independent)
4. Bashir Beezhan (National Congress)
5. Ali Ahmad Jalali (Independent)
6. Hedayat Amin Arsala (Independent)
7. Sayed Ahmad Gillani (National Islamic Front)
8. Hanif Atmar (Independent)
9. Younus Qanooni (Shura-e-Nezaar)
10. Farooq Hamidi (Independent)
11. Shahnawaz Tannay (PDP)
12. Gul Agha Sherzai (Independent)
13. Ahmad Zia Massoud (Shura-e-Nezaar)
14. Mustafa Zaher ( Royal Family and Independent)
15. Dr. Ashraf Ghani (Independent)
16. Mirwais Yasini (Independent)
17. Hamid Karzai (Independent)

I will keep posting on potential candidates, and their affiliations, ability of the job and the possibility of becoming our next president. Keep visiting AfghCorner.

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Rangina Hamidi: More Troops Mean More Killings

Malali Bashir
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Here is a very interesting interview with Rangina Ahmadi, president of Kandahar Treasure, the first women-run business in Kandahar, Afghanistan. She discussed a number of issues related to Afghanistan. These includes; the concept of modern Taliban, sending more troops in Afghanistan, U.S. Afghan vision, corruption in Afghan government, Bringing Taliban to politics, and how/why people turn to Taliban.

Rangina Hamidi is the first woman who is courageous enough to reveal some hidden issues and voice the concern of ordinary people. Salute you, Madam!

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To see the script of this interview, click here.

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Talks Between Afghan Officials and Gulbaddin Hikmatyar

“As the Afghan foreign minister meets his US counterpart in Washington, Al-Jazeera has learnt of secret talks between Taliban-linked mediators and Afghan officials, which could lead to wider negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban. The deal involves the return to Afghanistan of Gulbadin Hekmatyar, the former prime minister, whose forces fight alongside the Taliban. It involves a complex and delicate round of meetings from the heart of Afghanistan to Dubai, London and Saudi Arabia.” Watch the whole story at the buttom of the page.

I think Taliban, Gulbadin Hikmatyar and all the neglected trouble making groups should be given a chance to participate in political procedures. Hikmatyar’s Hizbe-Islami, one of the dominant Jihadi groups during Afghan-Soviet war, has an immense amount of support among Afghan population. There are no Taliban in Kapisa, Konar, Herat, Farah, Nuristan and Nimroz provinces but these are the Hizbe-Islami fighters who are emerging threat to Afghan, NATO/ISAF and Coalition forces. If Hikmatyar joins the political process it will not only have long term benefits but will put an end to this.

Currently, warlords are majority in Afghan parliament and enjoy brawny power in the government. The questions is if these warlords, who has the same views as Taliban and were the counterparts of Hikmatyar and Mullah Omar-Taliban supreme leader, can be a part of the government why not the Taliban?

An old Afghan proverb says; “Only dialogues (not weapons) solve problems.” I am sure these insurgents will lay down their weapons and join the political process if dealt with care. We have a good experience of having Taliban’s high ranking officials in parliament. They are not sabotaging any democratic process, US agenda or Afghan government. I believe the rest of the Taliban and other factions also deserve a chance for the greater good of our beloved country.

Here is Al-Jazeera's report:

Ashraf Ghani: Karzai is not capable of leadership.

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Dr. Ashraf Ghani, Afghanistan former finance minister in Hamid Karzai's government and a possible presidential candidate for up coming election has criticized Karzai for weak leadership and bad management. American educated, Ghani was one of the first few high educated intellectuals who joined post Taliban government and worked in US backed Karzai cabinet. However, after serving for a couple of years as the minister of finance he resigned.

Many Afghans have gathered in Afghanistan and abroad to ask him run for office and he "seriously considered" the suggestion. Now as Karzai is extremely unpopular among Afghans, he is the most qualified person for the job.

CNN's Fareed Zakaria talks to him and other experts on what could be done to counter terrorism and bring back prosperity to Afghanistan.