From:  afghaninfo.org (anon. / fma. editor)

Date: October 9, 2009 3:20:55 PM PDT

RE: White House must not  Weigh Pakistan's Role In Afghan War 

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March 20, 2009 (fma / anon)

From:  afghaninfo.org (fma, editor)

RE: White House must not  Weigh Pakistan's Role In Afghan War

DEAR PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

FIRST, I would like to take a moment to thank you for your inspiring leadership; you have truly brought a welcoming change to the atmosphere. Also, I would like to thank the American people for their long standing friendship and a deep desire to assist the Afghans during their trials and tribulations. It is refreshing to know that people are aware of the plight of the Afghans. I am content that the procedures concerning Afghanistan are elevated on your agenda.

WHEN I see the fact that innocent Afghans (women/children) are losing their precious lives from hunger, high poverty, and injustice, [bombing] and they are homeless, helpless in their native-land. I am encouraged to speak up for the rights of those whom are afraid to voice their concerns and anguish.

THOSE that limit and insult Afghanistan by stating that the country is only a Tribal, "cave man" society, not ready for a democratic system, are only hurting the sentiments of the people and weakening their role in bringing change to the nation. -- "Some voices around the world are saying that we -- Afghans are not capable of building an effective state, that we are not ready to pursue a democratic order, or that we are not prepared to join the modern world." For their information, the 1964 Afghan Constitution recognized men/ women as equal citizens with equal rights. Women were active and fought for and achieved certain important rights in every aspects of the society.

IT'S IMPORTANT to say, If America truly desires that Afghanistan sustains a democratic government, then the elections taken place in the country must be open to all citizens and free of interference from foreign countries. The people must be given a chance to elect whomever they wish to lead the country into a bright, peaceful future.

THE GOVERNMENT is a body that should take responsibility in providing the people with their basic needs. Afghans love freedom but they need an iron-fist and well educated, non/partisan leadership. Business must not be as usual in US foreign policy for Afghanistan. The US should respect the "free will" of the people of Afghanistan. --- The country is in desperate need of a concrete political and economic plan. My hope is that the "Marshall Plan" for Afghanistan emerges in the New US Strategy. My people would like to see an empowerment of Afghan civilian institutions, greater civilian oversight, transparency, accountability, reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, improved coordination, justice, rule of law, and a government to serve to its people.

Frankly, there is no" moderate" in Taliban or Northern Alliance, or in any Jihadis groups, they are all extremists ideologies. The US should not negotiate with any Group or Networks [Those who committed crimes against humanity from the left or right.] They do not have deep local or popular roots outside/ inside Afghanistan. They are the creation of the Pakistani ISI-Military's and support to militant groups/extremists, or other neighboring countries.

HOWEVER, KILLING innocent Pashtuns in the name of "Talib" for over seven years is enough. Pashtuns declare that the US/International killing of Pashtuns for the sake of Northern Alliance is beyond imagination and must stop soon. "Aggressive military action, arbitrary detentions, indiscriminate raids, and house searches in the Pashtun areas of Afghanistan have not only failed to reduce religious extremism, but local discontent and violence." -- "A key obstacle to enduring Peace in Afghanistan is the perception among ethnic Pashtuns that they are not meaningfully represented in the Central government. Crisis Group warned that without measures to address Pashtun grievances the political process could end in failure.

AS AN Afghan-American woman, a former educator, and human rights activist, when I hear the fact that the US / International community are not winning the war against extremists/Al-Qaeda, I feel disheartened. Furthermore, many sources state, "after handing the "moderate Taliban" a share of the power in Kabul, America will pull out troops, allowing the Pakistani Army/ISI to run Afghanistan on its behalf, once again". This eerie comment makes me concerned for the future welfare of Afghans. Afghanistan must not be forgotten this time because the repercussions will haunt America until the conflicts in the region are solved.

I have dedicated most of my life to writing and advocating the rights of peace and harmony in Afghanistan for over 20 years. "The Obama administration should learn from past mistakes and above all to focus US efforts on enabling a strong Central government, to expand its legitimacy through the security, to compel the government to rule justly, and provide public services to Afghan citizens. This is the only sustainable path to stability in Afghanistan.

THE SAME Afghans [this group or that one] have been called to attend [international] conferences for the past 30 years, over a period of time they have become redundant and repetitive in their views, and have further complicated the problems in Afghanistan. Obviously something needs to Change in order to bring peace and security to the country. If America truly wants to succeed in bringing peace to Afghanistan, then it is in the best interest of the country to bring New people, along with new Brains to the table. These are the only ways to bring relief to the innocent men, women, and children that have been exposed to decades of cruelty.

I URGE, President Obama Administration, to concentrate on strengthening and widening the reach of legitimate government institutions and not support parallel organizations or favored individuals. Ordinary Afghans are counting on you. What is good for the interest of Afghanistan is also good for America. If America fails to provide a safe haven to Afghans this time around, they will lose all trust and credibility from the region. Afghans have always been known as having a sense of high integrity, independence, and justice. They will never forget those that have extended a helping hand during needful moments.

Peace and justice for all

(Anon./ fma, editor)

www.Afghaninfo.org

cc: Vice President Joe Biden

Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton

Mr. Richard Holbrooke