Carol Anne Grayson (Radical Sister) blog

Statement of Islamic Emirate (29.9.2015)

TAKHAR, Sept.29 – Reports arriving from northern Takhar province say that Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate managed to overrun Yangi Qala district center during an armed assault early morning hours today.

Officials say that the cowardly enemy fled their positions after brief resistance, leaving behind a truck full of arms and ammunition as well as other equipment.

The district admin building, police HQ and other buildings are currently under the control of Mujahideen.

This comes a day after Mujahideen took over Kunduz capital as well as Chahr Dara district HQ along with 12 check posts and a large outpost, 13 check posts and a large outpost between Kunduz and Khanabad district, Ishkamish district HQ in Takhar province and a key base in Nowrozo area of Markazi Baghlan district of neighboring Baghlan province.

Officials further add that Mujahideen also overran a base and 6 check posts in Tawlaka area, Kunduz provincial peripheries, seizing a large amount of arms and ammunition overnight.

Fresh reports add that fighting for Imam Sahib district HQ in Kunduz is also underway since early morning hours where Mujahideen have so far managed to clear enemy presence from Ishantup, Tughlang, AIi Berdi, Qarghan Tepa and Yakhmachan villages.

On the other hand Mujahideen are massing forces to try and storm Kunduz airbase where the remaining enemy are besieged.

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad. She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

The Islamic State claimed the killing of an Italian national, identified as Tavella Cesare, in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. 

A 50 year old charity worker named Tavella Cesare died in hospital after being shot 3 times allegedly by militants attached to the Islamic State according to a statement released by the group today on social media. The group stated that  “citizens of the crusader coalition” would not be safe in Muslim nations.

Dhaka police spokesman Muntashirul Islam told AFP, “he was shot three times at Road Number 90 in the capital’s Gulshan area in the afternoon.” SITE intelligence group that monitors insurgency globally released a statement saying, a “security detachment” had tracked and killed Tavella with “silenced weapons” in Dhaka.

According to Dawn, “His colleague Alo Rani Dhali said Cesare had come to Bangladesh in May to work in the food security sector for a Netherlands-based church cooperative called ICCO.”

This appears to be the first time IS have struck in Bangladesh. Over the last year the group has made in roads into Pakistan and Afghanistan looking to expand in the region with fighting breaking out between IS and the Taliban. There are also concerns regarding the influence of IS in India which borders Bangladesh. The MailOnline in India reported that “security forces in the country have stopped more than 25 Indian citizens from joining ISIS, after they were radicalized by the terror group.” A plot was also revealed in documents discovered that Islamic State are secretly planning to provoke an ‘end of the world’ scenario by attacking India to try and entice USA into all-out war.

Bangladesh has been plagued recently by a number of blogger deaths which have been claimed by an affiliate of Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). They circulated a “hitlist” on social media of who they planned to attack, see article below,

“Bangladesh: Ansar- al -Islam (AQIS) claim responsibility for 4th blogger killed this year”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/08/08/bangladesh-ansar-al-islam-aqis-claim-responsibility-for-4th-blogger-killed-this-year/

The killing of Cesare will only add to security concerns which may now be affecting international cricket and possibly football also as Australian cricket authorities debate whether to risk touring in Bangladesh, see Guardian report,

“Doubts mount over Australia tour amid increased safety concerns in Bangladesh”

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/sep/29/doubts-mount-over-australia-tour-amid-increased-safety-concerns-in-bangladesh

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad. She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Islamic Emirate Statement by Commission for Control and Administration of NGOs and Companies

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Commission for Control and Administration of NGOs and Companies

We declare to all the workers of NGOs, private companies and Telecommunication Networks to continue their work normally. If they do somehow face any problems then they should forward their complaints to the Commission for Control and Administration of NGOs and Companies of the Islamic Emirate by contacting the numbers provided below so that their problems are resolved quickly and all real hurdles preventing them from carrying out their normal duties removed.

Wasalam

Contact numbers:

Main Branch: 0702470267

Kunduz Branch: 0786231649

Commission for Control and Administration of NGOs and Companies

14/12/1346 Hijri Lunar

06/07/1394 Hijri Solar                       28/09/2015 Gregorian

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad. She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

All praise is due to Allah and it is due to His boundless mercy and help that a key provincial capital in northern Afghanistan, Kunduz, has finally fallen to the Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate as the first provincial capital to do so, and all praise belong solely to Allah.

The leader of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan congratulates Mujahideen and all the Mujahid nation on the occasion of this immense conquest and asks them to celebrate this victory with the remembrance of Allah and praising Him abundantly with prayers of thanks.

The Islamic Emirate deems it necessary to point to and give serious consideration to a few key topics on the blessed occasion of this event in Kunduz:

1. Mujahideen should give all of their attention to safeguarding the lives, property and honor of the respected citizens of the city of Kunduz after ending combat operations and securing their military objectives. Mujahideen must be vigilant and prevent elements which misuse such occasions in order to loot and plunder or harm the lives and property of locals or the shared Bait-ul-Maal (public property).

2. The citizens of Kunduz city should be aware that the Islamic Emirate has no intention of transgressing against their personal property, carrying out extrajudicial killings, looting or breaching the inviolability of homes rather it seeks to prevent such happenings. Whoever exploits such military situations to perpetrate such crimes are not Mujahideen. All citizens must aid the Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate in preventing such actions from happening and help them in identifying and detaining all perpetrators.

3. The citizens of Kunduz should not worry about safeguarding their lives and properties. Carry out your ordinary livelihoods in absolute security. All traders, workers, staff of hospitals, municipality and governing bodies should continue their daily routines without any fear or intimidation. Mujahideen are their brothers and are committed to securing their lives and property. Mujahideen are not thinking of harassing or deriding anyone but have intentions of respecting and bringing serenity to their lives.

4. Our message to government officials and security personnel who are thinking about resistance or are hiding in fear of retribution is that they should abandon all negative thoughts spread about Mujahideen due to enemy propaganda.

Mujahideen are not thinking about retribution but have come with a message of peace. Mujahideen were against such people due to them standing and carrying out duties in the ranks of the invaders and its stooge regime. If they regret their former actions and renounce links with the opposition then the gates of forgiveness of the Islamic Emirate are open upon them. They can confidently establish links with the Mujahideen by utilizing the Dawat wal Irshad (Call and Guidance) program, thus securing their lives and properties.

5. These conquests are due to the help of Almighty Allah and sacrifices of this Mujahid nation therefore the Kabul regime should openly admit its defeat, stop linking the victories of the Mujahideen to outside intelligence agencies and must not avenge their setbacks with blind bombardments and shelling of innocent people. They should accept the progress of Mujahideen as a bitter reality and think about their future and the future of the entire country in a cool composed manner. The time has now passed where big talks of Dostum, shrewd promises of Ashraf Ghani and baseless propaganda of the west would confuse common thought.

Wasalam

Servant of Islam

Amir ul Mumineen

Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansur

14/12/1436 Hijri Lunar

06/07/1394 Hijri Solar                       20/09/2015 Gregorian

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad. She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

“Unit of Mujahideen containing 100 Taliban entered Kunduz City, the heavy clashes going on” (image via Sabiq Jihadmal)

Islamic Emirate, Afghanistan Taliban have taken over parts of the strategic city of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan on Monday morning attacking from three sides. According to Al Jazeera the city was now in “lockdown”. This is a continuation of Operation Azm meaning “Resolve” which began on 24th April 2015. At its launch Taliban stated it was, “for the complete liberation of our beloved homeland from the yoke of foreign occupation and for the implementation of Islamic rule throughout the country, the Islamic Emirate is determined to prolong the ongoing Jihad against the foreign invaders as well as their internal stooges.”

BBC reported, “the assault was the second time this year that the Taliban have besieged Kunduz city, as the NATO-trained Afghan police and army fight largely without the help of foreign forces.” Smoke could be seen rising from buildings. The Taliban had time to tweet a series of photos from various parts of Kunduz and allegedly freed between 700-800 prisoners. After the initial breach of prison walls and a rush to break out, some former inmates could be seen moments later strolling casually hand in hand away from the jail. Then according to locals the Taliban allegedly “seized private banks”. Habibullah Helal, a Twitter account reporting jihad news claimed, “Provincial House under control, now full city in control of Mujahideen and they are advancing toward Airport.” This could not be independently confirmed.

“The Mujahideen Entered To #Kunduz_City, Heavy Fighting Going On And Mujahideen Forwarding” (image via Sabiq Jihadmal)

Graeme Smith, Senior Analyst at Crisis group, Kabul stated,

“the situation in Kunduz city seems quite serious. After Taliban break into urban zones, hard to fight them with aircraft and artillery.

Unconfirmed reports that Taliban captured all gates of Kunduz city along with provincial hospital, the old German PRT, and a cotton factory.”

In a recent update, Ahmad Mukhtar, a CBS journalist said, “provincial capital of Kunduz has fallen to the hands of Taliban. This is the first time Taliban take control of a provincial capital since 2001”. Abdul Mateen Imran, a political and security analyst stated, “strong anti-Taliban Jamiati commander, Mir Alam, is outside the country (in Tajikistan) and his fighters didn’t defend Kunduz city today. However he went on to say, “Special Forces preparing to retake all positions. The situation will change in a few hours.”

A spokesperson for President Ashraf Ghani said, “he is aware of and directs officials on fluid situation in Kunduz; 1st priority is citizens’ safety; media brief by security officials @ 8p GMIC ” RFERL reported that, “Afghan special forces flown into Kunduz airport on C-130 aircraft to launch counter-attack to retake city” however this could prove to be difficult due to the risk of killing civilians during air strikes.

Taliban raise their flag in Kunduz (Image via Habibullah Helah)

Abdulqahar Balkhi, a English speaking spokesperson affiliated with Islamic Emirate posted a series of tweets informing the public of their progress as follows,

BREAKING Mujahidin have begun large scale attacks on #Kunduz city from 3 axis early morning hours today #Azm

So far Za Khel, Imam Sahib Bandar, Khaki Bandar, Zar Kharid, Khakni, Se Darak areas+5 CPs overrun; 12 corpses left behind, equipment seized

Mujahidin have now entered Mandui Namak, Madrasa Takharistan & Estagah-e-Pul-e-Khumri; enemy in state of panic, more details later #Azm

Mujahidin urge all citizens of #Kunduz city to remain inside their homes throughout the fighting to avoid any harm

From direction of Kabul Bandar; Za Khel village, Se Darak, Assadullah Omar Khel building, Bagh Zara’at & 200 Bestar hospital overrun #Azm

Many vehicles+arms seized in these areas, several police also detained; Mujahidin battling enemy in other parts of city #Kunduz #Afghanistan

Military Send Reinforcements To #Kunduz From #Takhar After #Taliban Takes Control Of Parts Of City . … (via Eye on Militant)

“The Mujahideen controlled that hospital in which enemies and puppets were under treatment” says Sabiq Jihadmal who posted the image above

Fighters pose with doctors

Al Jazeera also reported that, “roads to the city had been blocked and some police stations within the city were surrounded by Taliban fighters”. Taliban had “reportedly taken control of a 200-bed hospital in the city”. Vice News stated,

“A hospital official confirmed Taliban fighters had entered the hospital briefly, apparently looking for wounded government fighters.

‘They just visited our rooms. They didn’t harm anybody and didn’t damage anything. They left soon after,’ said the official, who declined to be identified as he feared repercussions.”

Zabihullah Mujahid (Islamic Emirate spokesperson) tweeted,

“The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are trying to avoid any harm to Kunduz residents. Residents have to be assured they will not face any problem from our side”

Medecins Sans Frontier (MSF) informed that a “mass casualty plan” had been launched at their trauma centre in Kunduz with doctors treating influx of 66 wounded. They claimed there was heavy fighting and “the MSF hospital has received 66 patients including 8 dead on arrival, 17 in critical condition.” Kunduz trauma centre is the only facility of its kind in north-eastern Afghanistan where “doctors treat all wounded according to medical need”. A later update from Afghan journalist Ali M Latifi gave the following figures, “MSF has treated 102 injured, of them 36 in critical condition ‘severe abdominal and head injuries'”.

Alleged casualties of today’s attack “puppet soldiers on the run” (tweeted by Khurassani313)  

“Battle’s Martyrs! This Brother Martyred In Today Clashes In Central Kunduz City” (Image via Sabiq Jihadmal)

Habibullah Helal who tweets news of jihadic activities from inside Afghanistan tweeted the following,

TOP BREAKING NEWS Mujahideen have launched attacks on #Kunduz provincial city from 3 points, still advanced few km & dozens soldiers killed

Stay connected with us for latest #Kunduz offensives #Azm #islamicEmirate

UPDATE UNAMA and other NGOs International staff flee Kunduz city, after (Mujahideen) #Taliban entered the city #islamicEmirate #Afghanistan

UPDATE Mujahideen are inside #Kunduz city strategic parts are under tense attack, dozens soldiers killed/wounded

Allah o Akbar Kabira walhamdulellahi Kasira Public civilians are welcoming Mujahideen inside #KKunduz city

UPDATES Mujahideen Have Taken Control Of #Kunduz City’s Provincial Council building, The Peace Council Offices And Gen.Zakhilwal Home

Mujahidin have overrun #Kuduz main intersection, PD 2,3 & 5; many hirelings killed, equipment seized, clearance ongoing

Mujahideen in center of town, clearance operation going on. Heavy fighting in Dawra & around airport

“From Kunduz City. The Mujahideen In Progress And Liberating New Areas” (Images Sabiq Jihadmal and Habihullah Helal

Khurassani313 tweeted, Taliban broke #kunduz prison Prisoners freed

Muslim Shirzad at Tolo news posted images of prisoners strolling away from the prison

The news now confirmed is another major blow to the Afghan government. Earlier this month (September 2015) Taliban launched a major prison break at Ghazni freeing around 400 inmates see following link,

“Afghanistan: Taliban statement on Ghazni prison break”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/09/14/afghanistan-taliban-statement-on-ghazni-prison-break/

Khurassani313 who posts news of Taliban activities tweeted,

“Taliban says v r now in the central square of #kunduz city, many posts overrun and many bodies of killed soldiers lying here”

Ehsanullah Ehsan, Stabilization Manager at international development agency DAI who said he was inside Kunduz said,

“Kunduz city is completely with Taliban, ANSF are out. The city is completely with Taliban now, Taliban walking inside streets, I am trapped at home. Update Kunduz photos, Taliban inside the city, looking for government vehicles.”

Nightime in Kunduz, Taliban remain in control (Image Habibullah Helal)

As TOLO reported, the blame gain as to who is responsible for the fall of Kunduz has already begun and could risk the security of neighbouring Takhar and Badakhshan. TOLO said,

“Kunduz was conquered from the inside. It was stated several times that opponents have infiltrated the government,” military commentator Atiqullah Amarkhail said.

“The reluctance of government to fight the opponents in one hand, the strong presence of Taliban on the other, and also the lack of coordination among the security forces and lack of support to security forces has led to the collapse of Kunduz,” political analyst Abdul Shokor Salangi said.

Islamic Emirate statement on liberation of Kunduz

The Taliban quickly moved to issue a statement from their leader, Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansur reassuring residents that they would be safe under their control stating,

“Mujahideen should give all of their attention to safeguarding the lives, property and honor of the respected citizens of the city of Kunduz after ending combat operations and securing their military objectives”

and of a reconciliatory nature to officials saying,

“Our message to government officials and security personnel who are thinking about resistance or are hiding in fear of retribution is that they should abandon all negative thoughts spread about Mujahideen due to enemy propaganda.

Mujahideen are not thinking about retribution but have come with a message of peace. Mujahideen were against such people due to them standing and carrying out duties in the ranks of the invaders and its stooge regime. If they regret their former actions and renounce links with the opposition then the gates of forgiveness of the Islamic Emirate are open upon them. They can confidently establish links with the Mujahideen by utilizing the Dawat wal Irshad (Call and Guidance) program, thus securing their lives and properties.”

See full statement on link below:

“Afghanistan: Statement by the leader of Islamic Emirate on liberation of Kunduz city”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/afghanistan-statement-by-the-leader-of-islamic-emirate-statement-on-liberation-of-kunduz-city/

Islamic Emirate issued a further statement to reassure NGOs and companies, see below,

“Afghanistan: Islamic Emirate statement to NGOs and Companies ‘to continue work as normal'”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/afghanistan-islamic-emirate-statement-to-ngos-and-companies-to-continue-their-work-normally/

Links

“Future of Afghan Local Police (Crisis group)”

Click to access 268-the-future-of-the-afghan-local-police.pdf

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad. She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Shaker Aamer never gave up and advocated for other detainees

On 24th September at 2.10 pm I wrote on a Facebook page which supports prisoners,

Eid Mubarak to Shaker Aamer and all prisoners unable to celebrate with their families ‪#‎WeStandWithShaker‬

I had gone to bed praying for Shaker but could hardly have imagined that just a day later I would learn that Shaker Aamer (46) the last British citizen in Guantanamo Bay detention centre would finally be coming home. Shaker originally from Saudi Arabia has been held captive for 13 years of his life, sold as bounty to the Americans in 2001 in the post 9/11 frenzy whilst working as a volunteer at a school in Afghanistan. He has never been tried or charged, was cleared for release not once but twice and remains an innocent man. Shaker was arrested the day his son Faris was born and has never even met his youngest child.

The news ironically first came to my attention via Brandon Neely, a former Guantanamo Guard who has since spoken out about his time there and believes the place should be closed down. He tweeted,

I am so happy to see this British resident held at Guantanamo Bay to be sent to the United Kingdom http://wapo.st/1KUeFVX  #FreeShaker 

Later he continued,

I and others like me were the real terrorist at Guantanamo not detainees like Shaker Aamer #CloseGuantanamo 

Shaker’s family eagerly awaiting his return

My first thought was Shaker’s daughter Johina, I tweeted,

So happy for you… the most wonderful news, my love to all your family and joy that you will soon be reunited.. Allahu Akbar

Johina sent a message to well wishers stating,

Thank you everyone for all the support. The news hasnt hit yet. We can’t believe we might finally see our Dad after 14 years. #ShakerAamer

Cori Crider, Director at Reprieve and part of Shaker’s legal team wrote, “Shaker’s wife and his four British kids have been on a terrible emotional rollercoaster over the past nearly decade and a half so we really need some clarity around when he’s going to see them again.” Supporters were encouraged to take to social media for confirmation of a date of return and push for Shaker to be “put on a plane tomorrow”. CAGE Outreach Director and former detainee of Guantanamo Bay and Bagram prisons, Moazzam Begg said in a statement,

“I have confirmed from personal sources that Shaker Aamer’s release is imminent and could take place within days. CAGE has been fighting for the release of Guantanamo detainees since its inception. Shaker has been featured as one of the most prominent cases in the history of the organisation. His case encapsulates everything wrong with the War on Terror; detention without charge or trial, torture with the complicity of the UK government, cruel and dehumanising treatment, destruction of a young family, and lack of a accountability for war crimes committed against this man and those held with him – these are key features of Shaker case.”

Link to video at Guantanamo where Shaker Aamer can be heard protesting…

Shaker is now in poor health both physically and mentally

Back in December 2014 I wrote,

“In August we heard how Shaker (cleared for release) was allegedly beaten during the process of having blood extracted and over recent times has been subjected to the inhumane and degrading process of force-feeding. In the past, according to his lawyer Clive Stafford-Smith he was physically abused and alongside the beatings was subjected to strappado (dislocating the shoulders by hanging by the wrists).

We know that Shaker has been diagnosed with severe PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) after an independent medical examination (though it took 12 years to get this) and according to Reprieve human rights organization it is recommended that he ‘receive urgent psychiatric treatment’ and ‘reintegration into his family.'”

Shaker himself stated,

“they’ve taken almost all my ‘comfort items’ away again now, along with the knee brace the doctors ordered, the back brace, the medical socks for my edema, and the blanket for my rheumatism. Not that I care. Everything is meaningless, so long as I am still here, cleared, without charges, and without a trial”

Andy Worthington (writer) Roger Waters (musician) Clive Stafford-Smith (lawyer) and Caroline Lucas MP launch the campaign at Westminster

There were fears voiced by campaigners that Shaker would never be released, he was often referred to as “the man who knew too much”.

“Shaker’s lawyer Clive Stafford Smith of human rights group Reprieve stated,

“We are calling on the UK to demand that President Obama send Shaker home tomorrow, so that Shaker’s family do not have to endure yet more agony, uncertain every time a phone rings.

British politicians may talk about our ‘robust and effective systems to deal with suspected terrorists’ but Shaker is not and never has been a terrorist. He has never been charged with a crime or had a trial. He has been cleared for release by the Americans themselves for 8 years.

I hope the authorities will understand that he has been tortured and abused for more than a decade, and what he wants most is to be left alone with his family to start rebuilding his life.”

Several photos showing campaigner supporting Shaker in action 

There are many people to thank for helping bring Shaker home, too many to mention by name. However those who did stand up for Shaker’s rights wrote articles, letters to MPs, songs, signed petitions, demonstrated outside parliament with a giant blow up inflatable of Shaker, dressed up in Guantanamo style orange jumpsuits, ran marathons, donated money to the family, agreed to be waterboarded and force-fed to highlight his suffering and went on hunger strike in solidarity. There were also those who did not live to see the results of their efforts. Maryam Hassam wrote,

“Thinking how happy Salim Akbar would have been at today’s news, how tirelessly he campaigned for Shaker and stood by his family long before it was popular or common to do so… may Allah accept your efforts and make it a source of delight for you in His Paradise.”

A delegation of MPs, including new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, lobbied Washington to release Shaker after his case was debated in the House of Commons in March. As Andy Worthington investigative  journalist with a website on Guantánamo wrote,

“under US law, the defence secretary, Ashton Carter, must sign off on any prisoner releases, certifying that all steps have been taken to ensure that it is safe to do so, and Congress then receives 30 days’ notice. As a result, Shaker may not be home until late October, but the announcement of his impending release is a clear cause for celebration.”

Dr David Nicholl, who campaigns for Shaker said,

Thanks to @AmnestyUK Who will never have to drive me to Downing St in a jump suit & chains AGAIN! http://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/shaker-aamer-reports-return-uk-welcomed …

Save Shaker Aamer tweeted

– A great day for everyone involved in the campaign for #ShakerAamer, not least his family. Reminder that Justice prevails, sooner or later.

London Guantanamo stated,

Shame on British government too who could have acted much faster to have Shaker Aamer released – fight to #closegitmo goes on! @BanTorture

One of the regular protests calling for Shaker’s release

Shaker’s case does not end with his release. He will need time and a great deal of support to readjust to life outside Guantanamo and cope with the many changes in society. The issue of compensation for 13 years lost with his family must be addressed. Campaigners are also calling for accountability for his treatment during detention. The role played by government agencies must be investigated further.

Links

“Shaker Aamer: 8 questions answered”

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/25/shaker-aamer-guantanamo-key-questions-answered

“Wonderful News: Shaker Aamer to be released from Guantanamo finally”

Wonderful News! Shaker Aamer to be Released from Guantánamo – Finally!

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad. She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Al Rodaini in Yemen tweeted the image above stating,

“Pic from Belaili’s mosque after being attacked by a suicide bomber among Eid prayers this morning. #Yemen “

At least 29 people have been killed today as they attended morning prayers for Eid al-Adha at the al-Bolayli mosque in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, located in an area where support is strong for Shiite rebels known as Houthis.

Al Jazeera stated, “witnesses reported that after a first blast inside the mosque, a second suicide bomber detonated an explosives belt at the entrance as worshippers rushed outside. Reuters reported that according to security sources the bomber was dressed as a woman. This is the sixth such attack in recent months.

Wilayat Sanaa affiliated with Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack.  They claimed, the attack on those IS term “rejectionists” was “part of a series of military operations to revenge Muslims against Houthis.” They stated,

“in a security operation facilitated by God as part of the acts of revenge for Muslims from the rejectionist Houthis, brother Abu Omar al-Hadidi waded into a crowd of apostate Houthis at al-Balili temple, detonated his suicide belt causing dozens to perish or to be injured.”

An earlier attack on a mosque took place on May 22nd 2015 also claimed by IS, 

Yuri Bamin, a Russian analyst with an interest in the Gulf region tweeted,

Another bomb goes off, this time in a Shia mosque in Sana Yemen 13 injured. IS(Islamic State) claims responsibility

See,

“Saudi Arabia, Shia mosque targeted in suicide bombing Qatif and mosque attacked in Sanaa, Yemen”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/saudi-arabia-shia-mosque-targeted-in-suicide-bombing-qatif-and-mosque-attacked-in-sanaa-yemen/

See also.

“Yemen: Islamic State claims responsibility for mosque bombings in Saana which kills 140 people injuring hundreds”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/yemen-islamic-state-claim-responsibility-for-mosque-bombings-in-sanaa-which-kill-140-people-injuring-hundreds/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights, WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Bacha Bazi, boy play in Afghanistan (Image, Washington Post/Wikileaks)

Joseph Goldstein New York Times stirred a hornets’ nest this week with his excellent article showing the double standards of the US military in Afghanistan. He alleged that American soldiers had been warned not to intervene if they saw Afghan allies sexually abusing young boys in Afghanistan. Goldstein detailed the disturbing story of Dan Quinn, a former Special Forces captain who acted otherwise and “beat up an American-backed militia commander for keeping a boy chained to his bed as a sex slave.” It emerged that members of the military alleged that they “faced discipline, even career ruin”obeying such military directives, see following link,

“U.S. Soldiers Told to Ignore Sexual Abuse of Boys by Afghan Allies”

British Forces also raised concerns over abuse of minors. As Ben Farmer pointed out in the Telegraph, Anna Maria Cardinalli was called in to write a report which she entitled, “Pashtun sexuality” after soldiers expressed discomfort. She wrote,

“they (British Forces) were having young men who were beginning to feel uncomfortable because they felt they were being approached.” She said the study gave no advice about what action troops should take if they confronted paedophilia.

Farmer’s article did point out,

“a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “Afghanistan is a sovereign nation with its own law under which the sexual abuse of children is illegal.

“British forces working as part the wider [coalition] force continue to work with and assist the Afghan National Security Forces, including the Afghan National Army and Afghan Police, to ensure that the rule of law in Afghanistan is adhered to and upheld.’”

On British government website under “improving women’s opportunities in Helmand” (Image, Save The Children)

In contrast to confusion over what to do about abuse of young boys, occupying forces have long used imperialistic narratives of soldiers “saving” local women from “native savages” to boost ratings and justify adding a few years to their presence on foreign soil. India and Algeria come to mind in this respect. The US military has just about beaten this narrative to death in Afghanistan though this self gratifying “cause” had nothing to do with why they invaded the country post 9/11, retaliation for Taliban sheltering Osama bin Laden. The Taliban have however also regularly formed part of the popular occupiers’ narrative that they mistreat females and prevent girls’ education.

The theme of rescuing Afghan women and young girls (whether they want to be saved or not) allows Americans to feel good about war, helps boost support at home and soldiers can take on a traditional hero status often more akin to Hollywood movies than real life. The macho narrative is welcomed by many despite the high level of abuse against females within the US military itself not to mention the multitude of domestic abuse cases within America including ironically violence against women from some members of the Armed Forces suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of participation in conflict. Then there are the night raids in Afghanistan where civilians may find their doors kicked down on suspicion of sheltering Taliban and terrified women and children cower in fear wondering what will be the fate of their families.

However US “saving the vulnerable” does not sit quite so well when it comes to bacha bazi (playing with boys). This a long standing cultural tradition between powerful Afghan men and young often impoverished male children which may involve an abusive sexual relationship. These boys are attired in female clothing, adorned in make-up and wigs and will perform dances for excited mature suitors. They become “ashna” (beloved) and are prized enough to be fought over by jealous pursuers. As Joel Brinkley, a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle aptly put it, “so, why are American and NATO forces fighting and dying to defend tens of thousands of proud pedophiles, certainly more per capita than any other place on Earth?”

Films such as “Saving Private Ryan” can draw in  patriotic American audiences, rooting for the soldier next door fighting to survive in hostile enemy territory, “Saving Afghanistan’s dancing boys” doesn’t conjure up quite the same emotions and could possibly ignite homophobic fears that still lurk in the minds of some Americans. Consider also how the US military loves to find stories of allegedly escaping Taliban dressed as women as part of its propaganda to parade and mock them as being unmasculine and weak. Again this is to boost the macho image of the American soldier (though Taliban videos display a different image often of recruits, weeping in fear allegedly wearing nappies and urinating in their trousers.) Gender stereotypes are used on both sides in the war of words.

Patriots in the US might be surprised to learn that whilst US military are made to turn a blind eye to the horrors of bacha bazi it was in fact the Taliban who tried to stamp out this practice under Mullah Omar who taught that it was not compatible with the Quran and against the laws of Islam. As journalist Christian Stephen explains, to the young boys trapped in this role,

“subservience consists of accompanying the older man or “Lord” on errands, giving private dance performances and, in the majority of cases, enduring repeated violent oral and anal rape.

These assaults are not only a form of sexual slavery, most cases result in some form of grievous physical injury due to rape trauma including internal/anal haemorrhaging, rectal prolapse, protrusion of intestines, displaced pelvis bones, throat injuries, heavy internal bleeding, rectal wall tearing, as well as injuries that stem from the pure force of coercion. These include broken limbs, broken fingers, fractures, broken teeth, savage beatings, strangulation, asphyxiation, and in some cases death.”

For detailed article on abuse of boys in Afghanistan and its consequences see,

“Hand Covers Bruise: The Destruction of Afghanistan’s Boys!

http://www.ryot.org/bacha-bazi-afghanistan-pashtun-child-abuse-christian-stephen/912777

Ignoring such abuse has several knock on effects in a society where the purity of young is regarded as essential and sex before marriage is forbidden. An allowed practice of paedophilia aids the oppression and degradation of women in Afghan Society where male abusers (who must marry in traditional society) view women for procreation and young boys for sexual pleasure. Stephen tells the alleged story of one Afghan man being given health education at a US clinic whilst undergoing a medical examination as his wife was unable to conceive due to his practice of anal sex (again considered against the teachings of Islam).

A Statement from Gen. John F. Campbell in response to recent media has now been released (posted by Wings Over Iraq, News, Media Website, Image Snipview)