Carol Anne Grayson (Radical Sister) blog

IMRAN KHAN INSPIRES ANTI- DRONE PROTESTORS AT KARACHI DHARNA

At the same time as demonstrators gathered in Spain and Portugal this week-end to protest at government cuts, greed and corruption, Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan opposition Party Tehreek- e -Insaf (PTI) Movement for Justice, drew enthusiastic crowds in Karachi to participate in a two day sit-in against America’s use of drones. UAV’s (unmanned aerial vehicles) are used for surveillance and to target and bomb insurgents in the so called “war on terror”, however both their accuracy and legality are currently under question. The message was heard, loud and clear, deaths of civilians in drone attacks (known by the US as “collateral damage”) is not acceptable.

The enigmatic leader decried US interference in the country stating that this was not wanted and that breaching state sovereignty would no longer be tolerated. Khan promised cheering protestors gathered at Native Jetty Bridge that the PTI would stage similar sit-ins in every part of Pakistan to halt NATO supplies if drone strikes continued. This is the second such gathering of its kind, the first dharna (peaceful demonstration) took place outside Peshawar in April and Khan can be seen on the video here addressing his audience young and old, men and women from all walks of life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb3STwxV_2Q&feature=related

During the previous week-end of action, protestors succeeded in closing down the NATO supply line for two days supported by many tanker drivers who live in fear of their vehicles being torched by insurgents on this treacherous route to Afghanistan. Khan repeatedly highlights the thousands of men, women and children that have lost their lives through US drone attacks and claims that these strikes (along with military operations) are the cause of “factories of terrorism” in Pakistan.

He urged the country to move away from reliance on US funding calling the conflict “America’s war not Pakistan’s”. The Government also came under scrutiny when the Party Chairman decried, “I ask that the government stop NATO supplies via Afghanistan, but I am sure they can’t, because these shame- proof rulers are getting dollars”. He went on to argue that “there was not a single Taliban militant in Pakistan before 9/11 but the country was facing terrorism, bombing and drone strikes because of joining this war”.

The Express Tribune named a number of prominent PTI officials who took part in the event which included Kasim Khan Suri (Baloch chapter), Secretary General for PTI (Khyber Paktunkwala) Shah Farman and Nadeemul Haq, President for the Party (Sindh faction). Dr Fauzia Siddique, the sister of Dr Aafia Siddique https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b9j-mZkHJZI#at=29
was also there to support joined by former ambassador, Zafar Hilaly, former SHC Judge, Wajihuddin and rock star Ali Azmat.

Some observers argue that there are inconsistencies with regard to Khan’s actions on the campaign front. Kashif N Chaudhary, author of an article Hiding Behind the Drones writes
that critics wonder why he has not been vocal enough in condemning religious fanatics across Pakistan. Chaudhary recognises that Imran Khan DOES condemn all forms of terror but queries “why does he fail to protest against all these terrorist organisations and against their distorted teachings with the same vigour that he employs when railing against US drones” http://www.newslinemagazine.com/2011/05/hiding-behind-the-drones/

However Dr Arif Alvi, Secretary General PTI was quick to respond today to the latest attack from Pakistan Taliban on a naval base in Karachi, saying “PTI strongly condemns the attack on PNS Mehran. The perpetrators are anti-Pakistani and should be severely punished. We stand by our armed forces.” He stated that “PTI was deeply saddened by the loss of lives of security officials, may their souls rest in peace and Allah give patience to
their families. We stand by you in testing times.” The 15 hour siege ended with 16 dead, 12 security personnel and 4 attackers, others were captured and taken into custody to be questioned. Taliban claimed this latest assault was in response to the killing of innocent civilians. http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2011/05/20115238375948314.html

There are concerns from some quarters that the Pakistan government is compliant in allowing the US to enter its territory to bomb militants and is failing to protect the people of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Syed Adnan Khakhel who spoke at the dharna felt that those living in Waziristan (an area seen as a hotbed of insurgency) were being punished for crimes they did not commit. Film actor Ajab Gul from Peshawar added his voice to the protest saying that “the people in Waziristan don’t have clothes or education. All that they have left is their life, and now even that is being taken away from them.”

There are now attempts to take test cases to court and a conference of international lawyers to be held in Berlin next week will address some of the issues surrounding litigation across borders. The Fellowship of Reconciliation, an international multi-faith peace organisation with offices in Oxford plans to organise an anti-drone conference later this year where interested parties from diverse backgrounds can get together to find a way
forward to educate the public, lobby governments and support victims.

The influence of the US within Pakistan’s borders is seen by many to be both divisive and destructive to a nation which has considerable potential. Umar Khayyam, a Khan supporter and eloquent writer, described his homeland in these words :-

“We are a country of 180 million people, home to the fifth largest military machine of the world, duly complemented by the might of a formidable intelligence- security apparatus. We are the fourth biggest nuclear power of the world. We are blessed with abundance of food, fertile lands, four seasons, rich landscape, monumental mineral resources; staggering coal, copper and gas deposits and an extremely gifted and resilient human resource. We are a monumentally resilient and lion-hearted nation. Nobody can brave and ride out the most vicious of storm, the way we do. Nobody can eclipse our uncanny knack of staging a comeback from nowhere. When the going gets tough, nobody can get going like us.”

He had this to say in response to the call for action,

“we need to bring about the end of this rabid War of Terror to pacify our western borders, to save Pakistan from the fury of the Promethean Fire of our times. The thronging of the KPT Bridge and choking off the supply lines of NATO, is a vital step
towards that crucial end, Wars of survival are not fought by military might alone, but it is the nation, which acts as the first and the last line of impregnable defense, against all assaults and aggressions directed at national sovereignty.”

The two day sit-in at Native Jetty Bridge was considered a success with thousands in attendance. One product of the protest was the formation of the Karachi Declaration with calls for an “indefinite dhana” and devised a series of collective measures to take action on perceived problems, as follows:-

Karachi Declaration

May 22, 2011

The massive participation of people from all walks of life in the Karachi Dharna is proof
that the people of Pakistan are united in their efforts to regain the lost national sovereignty, an end to the murderous drone attacks, and stop the double faced politics practiced by the ruling party and the so called opposition in parliament.

The Karachi Dharna condemns the continuing drone attacks in the face of the Joint Resolution of the Parliament which was yet another attempt to hoodwink the people by the present day Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs.

The Dharna passed the following resolution:

1. To free Pakistan from foreign domination and the stooges that rules us.

2. It demands the resignation of the government for its failure to protect the fundamental rights of the people including the right to life and security.

3. It demands the cancellation of all 7,000 visas issued without security clearance and the
expulsion of all private US security contractors within 7 days. If the government fails to expel the private security contractors within one week, the PTI would expose the residences of the private security contractors in all major cities of Pakistan.

4. It resolves to block NATO supply routes in different parts of the country without any prior notice.

5. To hold a national convention in Islamabad to unite and mobilize all segments of society against the present government.

6. The PTI calls on the Army Generals to live up to their oath to protect the life and property of Pakistanis against any foreign force that breaches our sovereignty.

7. To hold a Dharna for an indefinite period in front of the Parliament house in Islamabad. The date of the Dharna would be announced soon.

Demonstrations were not limited to Pakistan. In London, England, supporters of PTI gathered outside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square to protest in line with the Karachi dharna http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg5CJL7wsgY&feature=share and were planning further action to coincide with the visit of President Barak Obama. There are now attempts to take test cases to court which involves co-operation between British and Pakistani lawyers working jointly on cases of those affected by drone strikes. In addition, a conference of international lawyers is to be held in Berlin next week which will address some of the issues surrounding litigation across national boundaries. The Fellowship of
Reconciliation, an international multi-faith based peace organisation with offices in Oxford plans to organise an anti-drone conference later this year where interested parties from diverse backgrounds can get together to find a way forward to educate the public, lobby governments and support victims. An invitation will be sent to Imran Khan in the hope that he will attend.

Kamran Farooqui, a young man who participated in the dharna and sent me photographs of the event was positive that it was a vehicle for change and had this to say about his experience, “what a programme..! When Imran was smiling, people were smiling…when he was roaring, people were roaring…now I can see he is the only leader in Pakistan with whom every Pakistani, from every race of life, feels connected by heart.”

Carol Grayson is Director Co-ordination (Global Operations) Asia Despatch and a
UK researcher /campaigner on global health/human rights awarded ESRC Michael
Young Prize 2009

CAUCASUS EMIRATE: RESPONSE TO DEATH OF BIN LADEN

In February of this year Doku Umarov, the Emir (leader) of the Islamic Caucasus Emirate (considered to be a terrorist organisation) threatened “a year of blood and tears” across Russia.  The year had begun in January with a suicide bombing at Domodedova airport killing 37 people and injuring 180 http://www.asiadespatch.com/2011/01/who-attacked-moscow-airport/  (Umarov had previously claimed responsibility for the 2010 metro bombings in Moscow). The airport massacre was followed in February by an attack on Russian tourists heading for Kabandino-Balkaria (North Caucasus) resulting in 4 deaths and two injured. In addition, explosives were left on a cableway at Mount Elbrus, damaging 30 of 45 cars and by a hotel at the foot of Mount Cheget http://www.asiadespatch.com/2011/03/russian-tourists-killed-in-karbandino-balkaria-region/  Imams (Islamic leaders) weren’t spared either as those that had chosen to speak
out and condemn the deaths of civilians were targeted by snipers in separate attacks with 6 religious leaders killed in Dagestan within the last 12 months.

On Tuesday, the controversial Kavkaz Centre website (considered by some to be a mouthpiece for militants) delivered an interview with Emir Doku Umarov (also known by the Arab name Doku Abu Usman) on his response to the death of Bin Laden. He discussed the future of the Caucasus Emirate which was subject to a heavy crackdown from Russian authorities resulting in the deaths of leading commanders, Emir Supyan, Emir Hassan, Emir Abdullah and others in the spring of this year. Umarov pointed out that although many emirs had been lost, the Mujahideen were not weakened as there were always replacements and they changed tactics to accommodate.  He stated that “we see the Caucasus Emirate and Russia as a single theatre of war”.

He went on to say, “we are not in a hurry. The path has been chosen, we know our tasks, and we will not turn back, Insha’Allah, from this path. Today the battlefield is not just Chechnya and the Caucasus Emirate, but also the whole Russia. The situation is visible to everybody who has eyes. The Jihad is spreading, steadily and inevitably everywhere.” There was also talk of reconquering the indigenous lands of Astrakhan, Idel -Ural, Siberia – as well as Moscow.

Doku Umarov was not of the view that life would become easier for “infidels” in a post Bin Laden world. He felt that for the first time in decades there was an awakening of the Islamic Ummah from hibernation, “the Mujahideen and true scholars operate more than ever simultaneously in different regions of the globe, supporting each other and realising the common goal. Ordinary Muslims take to the streets and express their support for the
Mujahideen, demanding to restore the Sharia.”

When asked about the uprisings in the Middle East, it was Doku Umarov’s opinion that the CIA did not engineer events and had also been surprised by recent happenings. The Emir felt that western regimes would no longer have the same level of control as formerly over their “puppet” regimes and that new opportunities would open up for Muslims. He considered that “the most interesting events, of all Arab countries can be expected in Yemen, where the positions of the Mujahideen are most promising and from where a serious military movement could start.”

Earlier this month several arrests were made of four Russians and two Bulgarians in Prague, Czech Republic and others in Germany suspected of supplying fake documents and bank notes along with ammunitions and weapons (including machine guns) to the Jammat Sharia (Dagestani front) part of the Caucasus Emirate. Drugs were also found. According to the Prague Post, Munib Hasan, chairman of the Brno- based Islamic Foundation said he believed that the group of foreigners involved consisted of underworld figures who had nothing in common with the mainstream Muslim Community.

LINKS

Who is Doku Umarov?

http://www.rferl.org/content/News_Profile_Who_Is_Doku_Umarov/1999886.html

Killing of Imams, Russia

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20110409/163445983.html

Arrest of suspected terrorists in Czech Republic

http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-202028.html

Carol Grayson is Director Co-ordination Asia Despatch and a
UK researcher /campaigner on global health/human rights awarded ESRC Michael
Young Prize 2009

In the lead up to local and regional elections this week, it is Spain’s turn for the people to take to the streets in their thousands in mass protests at the state of the economy, spending cuts and a high level of unemployment. There are fears over the nation’s debt and that this may even trigger a collapse of the euro.

People of all ages joined together in Madrid on Wednesday to march from Plaza de Cibeles to the Puerta del Sol carrying banners with slogans such as “there is no democracy when the markets rule” and “violence is a 600 euros per month salary”. Spaniards are looking for accountability from government and hold banners stating, “make the guilty pay for the crisis”…

There is the feeling off a lost generation as many young people (often well qualified) are unable to find meaningful employment or any job at all. Protests are not limited to Madrid but were sparked off across the country in many cities including Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Opinion polls suggest that the opposition conservative People’s Party will easily defeat Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s Socialists, whose support is suffering due to the economic crisis.

In scenes reminiscent of Tahrir Square, Egypt… families and friends with their sheets of
cardboard bed down for the night and seem determined to hang on until Sunday, election day. The protests are largely peaceful though there has been sporadic street violence with M and G news reporting 5 police officers and 2 others individuals injured as protestors clashed with riot police, 24 people were detained.

I interviewed one protestor Teresa Gerdes, an American citizen now living in Spain and doing a PhD at the Universidad Autonoma, Madrid. I put forward a series of questions
and these are her responses:-

1) What has sparked the demonstrations?

The most obvious reason why people are out demonstrating is due to the high level of unemployment; nearly 5 million Spaniards are without jobs, with unemployment climbing rapidly to 50% in the Spanish youth.  Other reasons are cutbacks in unemployment benefits, education, as well as pension and labor reforms.

2) Who is leading the protests?

Democracia Real Ya – Read Democracy Now Real Democracy Now is a platform of different social movements which is not associated with any political party. IU -Izquierda Unida  (The United Left) is the only major political party that supports this movement, but the platform has made it very clear that they have no ties to any political party; they are concerned citizens, who want to see real change inSpain.

3) What are your grievances?

The youth and working class are conscious of the fact that we have been mandated by politicians and the banks to adopt austere measures in order to pull the country out of the
recession, while the elite receive millions in their dealings.  For this reason, one of our slogans has been, “They do not represent us!” The political class is out of touch with reality. They are in government to represent the people, but what is obvious is that
they have turned a deaf ear to what we are saying. Corruption is another
big problem in Spain. Both major political parties, the PP (Popular Party) and PSOE (The Socialists) are currently under investigation. The most publicized case is the Gürtel case in
Valencia where the PP party and the mayor are accused of rampant corruption. (see link below) Again, we are tired of seeing this abuse of power in which some are filling their pockets, while the people have to continue to make more and more sacrifices.

4) What do you hope to achieve?

It is time for change. It is clear that the current political system is totally bankrupt. Democracia Real Ya has initiated this change, we are ordinary citizens and we are empowered. We want more direct participation, a more “hands on” styled democracy that will listen to the youth and the workers. We need jobs with reasonable wages, a quality public education system, a free public health care system, housing that is economically accessible, and alternative economic plans for those who are at risk of losing their homes due to the crisis. This current political system is bankrupt; it benefits no one except the political class and those who they are defending. Now is the time for change and not just in Spain, but in the entire world. We have been inspired by the Arab spring; it is time that we join in solidarity with people from around the world, to share with them that the time has come for us to claim what is ours.

5) What needs to be done for change to occur?

Obviously this is just the beginning. We will continue to protest and gather in Sol until Sunday which coincides with municipal elections. Hopefully everyone will go out and vote so that the political parties can see that we mean business. After Sunday, the platform will be collaborating with other like-minded groups in order to implement new initiatives.

6) What did you personally get out of attending the protest…?

I am a member of the group, Rumbo a Gaza which works in solidarity with Palestine and is part of the international initiative to break the Israeli siege on Gaza. As citizens of the world, we have the right to demand our governments to act democratically in their dealings with countries around the world. International pressure was put on South
Africa to end its policy of apartheid, but it was the people who had to make their voices heard before their government took action. The same situation is happening in Palestine. Israel is committing the crime of apartheid against the Palestinian people. We are now making demands for domestic policies and we have every right to demand that our government represent us internationally. I am convinced that the vast majority of
Spaniards want a foreign policy that promotes diplomacy and peace and not war
and oppression.

Thank-you Teresa…

LINKS

Article on PP corruption…

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/english/Police/report/shows/Popular/Party/officials/taking/Gurtel/payouts/elpepueng/20110425elpeng_2/Ten

Video of protests…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ55PC-ElSE

Carol Grayson is Director Co-ordination
Asia Despatch and a UK researcher /campaigner on global health/human rights
awarded ESRC Michael Young Prize 2009

DRONES OVER AFGHANISTAN /PAKISTAN: THE BRITISH CONNECTION

Last week I wrote an article looking at the impact of unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs, more commonly known as drones, on the region of Afghanistan and Pakistan (AfPak) see https://activist1.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/pakistan-the-big-drone-debate/  This debate focused on operations from the United States. This week I am exploring the British connection.

Drones have been used over the past decade as part of the “war on terror”. Their function is for both surveillance and missile attacks to deplete the strength of insurgent groups and the focus is target killing of members of the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Many of these drones (with names as such as Predator and Reaper) are launched from Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, US, and British operators have for some time worked alongside American allies.

The accuracy of drone attacks is frequently in question as many ordinary civilians have been annhiliated within the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan and others left horribly maimed. Such is the anger that a series of protests are taking place led by politician (former cricketer) Imran Khan highlighting issues of legality, sovereignty and human rights abuses. His party website Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have announced that “on the 21^st and 22^nd of May – Imran Khan and PTI have invited all concerned citizens who wish to UNITE as Pakistanis and protest against the senseless DRONE attacks and the murders of thousands of innocent people. We are gathering in front of the KPT building Karachi (the GATEWAY TO PAKISTAN) to raise our voices against the usage of our harbour, port, roads, and other utilities to supply NATO with fuel” http://www.insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6444/Appeal-for-Medical-Camp-Assistance-in-Karachi-Dharna.aspx

Two news articles have hit the British press this year which indicate a significant change in drone operations which will apply to the AfPak region. The first article was a press release on March 21^st 2001 from General Atomics and Affiliated Companies announcing the opening of an office in London to be managed by Dr Johnny King. The company is a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), tactical reconnaissance radars, and surveillance systems. Neil Blue, Chairman and CEO of GA-ASI had this to say, “we are pleased that the London office will provide support for the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD’s) Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) requirements”. The second article of interest was the announcement of a new Reaper Squadron which will operate out of an airbase in Lincolnshire, northern England.

Britain it seems now has an interest in the drone issue on at least six fronts:-

1)      Use of military bases in the UK supported by the British government as a launch site for drone attacks (relocation of operators from US).

2)      Impact on local economy surrounding a drone airbase.

3)      Action of British public in relation to drone research and activism.

4)      Involvement of British lawyers with regard to assisting victims

5)      Role of British based Arms Manufacturers and affiliated services

6)      Role of the media in covering the drone debate.

To add to the fury from Pakistan over alleged violations of human rights by those who carry out drone attacks, Kenneth MacDonald QC (legal counsel) has added his voice of concern in a recent article in the Guardian (5^th May 2011) entitled the Predator Drone Paradox. He contributed to the drone debate by declaring, “it seems that tossing a dime would be a better way of identifying a ‘high value terrorist’ than relying on US military intelligence. Guantánamo proves the tragic inability of the US military to differentiate between an enemy and an incidental bystander, and if you live in north west Pakistan, that matters very much.”

This however does not seem to be the thinking of staff at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire where Air Chief Marshall, Sir Stephen Dalton announced the formation of the new Reaper squadron at the airbase which would take over from the disbanded no 13 Tornado Squadron. Speaking to the Lincolnshire Echo (This is Lincolnshire, May 14^th 2011) he claimed, “this transition will see us bring Reaper mission control to the UK, make more efficient and effective use of our resources in exploiting this growing capability and enable the operation of significantly more combat intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance aircraft over Afghanistan 24 hours a day.”

In a time of economic downturn with job cuts and an impact on funding for the armed forces this move was also welcomed by Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce. He stated, “it sounds like a positive impact to the local economy in terms of the skilled employees it will bring in to the county and the potential spending power they will have while they are here…The servicemen and their families will be able to benefit from things the county has to offer and if there is a sizeable number of people coming in it will mean good things for Lincolnshire”

Chris Cole is Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) at Oxford, England and campaigns against the use of drones. He is part of a wider organization, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) that was founded in 1919 “in response to the horrors of war in Europe.” The website describes IFR as “seeking to overcome the divisions of nation states which are often the source of conflict and violence”. There are branches in 51 countries on all continents and “its membership includes adherants to all major spiritual traditions as well as those who have other spiritual sources for their commitment to non –violence.” It is against this background that Mr Cole co-wrote an excellent report, Convenient Killing: Armed Drones and the “PlayStation” Mentality (2010) along with Mary Dobbing, peace worker at Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW) and Amy Hailwood, Education and Campaigns Officer at FOR. Topics dissected in this report include, the Human Cost, Production and Proliferation, The UK and Drones and the Myth of Effectiveness.

Amongst the facts and figures of the document, one part leaps out… it is the human tragedy of those affected by drone strikes… (Thanks to IFOR and Kathy Kelly and Josh Brolier, Co-ordinators for Voices For Creative Non-Violence) for the following two account of drone strikes in Waziristan, North West Pakistan. The first is told by an eye-witness:-

Case One

Families Traumatised

The social worker recalled arriving at a home that was hit, in Miranshah at about 9pm (May 2009). The drone strike had killed at three people. Their bodies carbonized were fully burned. They could only be identified by their legs and hands, one body was still on fire when he reached there. Then he learned that the charred and mutilated corpses were relatives of his who lived in the village, two men and a boy aged seven or eight.  They couldn’t pick up the charred parts in on piece. Finding scraps of metal they transported the body parts away from the site. Three to four others, joined in to help cover the bodies in plastic and carry them to the morgue. But these volunteers and nearby onlookers were attacked by another drone strike, 15 minutes after the initial one. Six more people died. One of them was the brother of the man killed in the initial strike.

Case 2

Destroyed Childhoods

The Khan family never heard it. They had been sleeping an hour when the hellfire missile pierced their mud hut on an August night in 2008.

Black smoke and dust choked villages as they dug through the rubble. Four year old Zereek’s legs were severed. His sister Maria was badly scorched. Both were dead. When their cousin Irfan saw them, he gently curled them in his arms, squeezed the rumpled bodies to his chest, lightly kissed their faces, and slid into a stupor.

(Source, Los Angeles Times, 2^nd May 2010)

http://dronewarsuk.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/conv-killing-final.pdf

Imran Khan argues that 90% of the people targeted in drone attacks are civilians quoting Gulabat Khan, a local Malik who estimates that 18 out of 20 victims are innocent victims… Those that have been wrongly targeted will now have the services of a British lawyer, Clive Stafford-Smith, director of Reprieve, UK/US legal charity who has spent 25 years working on behalf of people facing the death penalty in the US. This human rights advocate has also worked on Guantanamo cases and is likely to be a prickly thorn in the side of those who support drone strikes. He can be seen on this link during a recent television interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VJxDxxxl7Q

The Pakistan government appears to be playing both sides, bowing to the wishes of Washington on the one hand whilst condemning attacks against civilians on the other. There is also the question of sovereignty and whether or not the Pakistan government is santioning strikes on its territory… and who may be liable when civilian deaths occur. Lawyers now feel that if British Intelligence has knowledge of such attacks and if in future British authorities give the go ahead for strikes to be operational from local bases, there may well be a legal case to answer.

Our website Asia Despatch (based in Islamabad) has covered the drone debate on numerous occasions and reported the first legal case of journalist Karim Khan from Waziristan. This gentleman lost both his son 18 year old Zain Uddin and 32 year old brother Asif Iqbal and is represented by Mirza Shahzad Akbar (Farooq Law Associates) in Pakistan. Karim spoke to Syed Saleem Shahzad my colleague at a press conference in November 2010 and gave the following comment, “this is a clear case of human rights violations as my house was targeted on a false tip-off by unknown intelligence and caused immense damage to life and property of my family” http://www.asiadespatch.com/2010/11/first-family-of-drone-victim-surface-demands-us-cia-for-compensation/  There have been recent allegations that the US pays locals on the ground to place chips in the houses of insurgents for drones to target… However if this is the case it could be argued to be exploitative and immoral behaviour by a state given that any poverty stricken individual with a grudge against a neighbour (who may or may not be a militant) might be tempted to give false information in exchange for cash.

A legal notice has been issued to the American authorities for $500 million compensation for Karim’s legal case and the two lawyers are now working in co-operation with the hope of ending drone strikes. In the following video, Mirza Akbar emphasises that where victims are concerned it is justice not dollars that are the main reason families want to initiate legal proceedings  http://www.reprieve.org.uk/2011_05_12_Shahzad_CIA_drone_victims

Back in July 2009 the Belfast Telegraph quoted Lord Bingham a top British judge as saying that some weapons “were so cruel as to be beyond the pale of human tolerance” and stated that “it may be – I’m not expressing a view – that unmanned drones that fall on a house full of civilians is a weapon the international community should decide should not be used.” Yet we know now that Britain is to increase using this technology.

Who else stands to benefit from these remote controlled killing machines? Those who develop the technology are certainly set to line their pockets further. Back in April 2010, Arieh O’ Sulivan reported on the Bridges for Peace website that Elbit , the Israeli aerospace giant, announced that it “has just signed up a US $70 million deal to provide maintenance and logistical support for the lucrative Watchkeeper project. This is the largest unmanned system in the world and is being designed to provide UK armed forces with ISTAR (essential Intelligence, Surveillance and Target, Acquisition and Reconnaissance capabilities).” Alongside that the British army would take control of 100 Watchkeeper drones as part of a $500 million US order.

Then there is Mantis developed by British company British Aerospace Electronic Systems (BAE) and  considered to be a “sovereign” drone, manufactured on home territory or at least within British owned production centres. BAE Systems is a global defence and security company employing around 100,000 employees world-wide and last year reported sales of £22.4 billion (US $34.6 billion) according to its website. Mantis is described as a “deep and persistent ISTAR” and is an advanced technological demonstrator Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) http://www.baesystems.com/ProductsServices/bae_prod_mantis.html India is also expected to increase demand for British drone technology as it is currently expanding its own operations.

There is also Taranis named after the Celtic god of thunder, a £143 million unarmed stealth jet capable of hitting targets on another continent. The Mail quoted Nigel Whitehead, group Managing Director of BAE Systems as saying, “it represents a significant step forward in this country’s fast jet capability. This technology is key to sustaining a strong industrial base and to maintain the UK’s leading position as a centre for engineering excellence and innovation.” http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1294037/Taranis-The-143million-unmanned-stealth-jet-hit-targets-continent.html#ixzz1MOLbRfAi

So back to Chris Cole, one of a number of anti-drone activists at the Fellowship of Reconciliation. The organisation is not letting up and has an active campaign to educate the public. The website publishes current and archival material and visitors can watch a film on UAVs. Cole has recently written an opinion piece in the Guardian (13th May 2011) highlighting the fact that we mustn’t ignore the fact that British drones kill too  http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/13/britains-military-open-people-killed-drones He details the problem he has had in obtaining data on British involvement referring to a “wall of silence” and had this to say on the subject,

“I have repeatedly tried to obtain information about the circumstances of British drone strikes under Freedom of Information (FoI) legislation, but all requests have been refused as being ‘prejudicial to the defence of our armed forces’ or, more recently, simply ignored. A parliamentary question asked by my MP, Andrew Smith, about whether British drones were firing the thermobaric variant of the Hellfire missile – a variant that British forces are known to possess – was refused as “its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our armed forces”.

Mr Cole is now pushing for a full statement on British use of drones from defence Secretary Liam Fox.

There are also active groups on Facebook (search “drones”) and anti-drone petitions circulating, with campaigners advocating that pressure needs to be put on the media to cover the drone debate in more depth and hear a wider variety of voices from all sides.

One thing is certain, the people of Pakistan will not stay silent. There are calls for the government to act on the issue of sovereignty, drones are seen as an invasion of its airspace and many want a review of Pakistan’s relationship with Washington. Firm action was called for at Saturday’s mammoth 10 hour parliamentary session with regard to further aerial strikes. There were apparently heated calls from lawmakers to cut the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) supply line which was previously closed down for 2 days during recent sit-in protests  by anti-drone campaigners http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/14/pakistan-nato-afghanistan-bin-laden

The cycle of violence increases day by day with 4 US drones attacks on Pakistan since the assassination of Osama Bin Laden. The army and security services have awkward questions to answer over intelligence failures. Such is the indignation over the Abbottabad incident (another violation of Pakistani air space) that there is talk from politicians and military personnel of bringing down UAVs in the future. In addition to the distress caused by drones there have been bloody revenge bombings from the Taliban killing 89 soldiers at a paramilitary centre and wounding many more. An increasingly weary population remains on edge wondering what will happen next…

It seems that there are two key points to be taken into consideration when summarising the use of drones. The first is the issue of legality, the second is whether they are actually an effective weapon against insurgents. Chip Pitts, a political commentator argues on Press TV that drones are illegal, compromise a state’s sovereignty and are not as precise at hitting targets as advertised. He states that “the last ratio I saw was 20 terrorists killed for about 750 civilians, that’s not a good ratio” http://www.presstv.ir/detail/179824.html A Channel Four interview with Peter Bergen of the New America Foundation and author of “The Longest War” echoed the low success rate suggesting that only 2% of those killed were senior Al Qaeda and Taliban figures http://www.channel4.com/news/us-drone-attacks-failing-to-kill-many-militant-leaders  I leave the final word to the ever vocal Noam Chomsky (linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist and social activist) who had this to say in the Examiner…“drone attacks are target assassinations and therefore a crime. Whether they are militants or not these people are being targeted because the US doesn’t like them. Targeted assassination is an international crime. United Nations’ special rapporteur Philip Alson, a very respected international lawyer, came out with a report which simply say that it is a criminal act.”

Carol Grayson is Director Co-ordination Asia Despatch and a UK researcher /campaigner on global health/human rights awarded ESRC Michael Young Prize 2009

Copyright 16^TH May 2011

PAKISTAN: THE BIG DRONE DEBATE

The dust has barely had time to settle on the compound in the city of Abbottabad, Pakistan where Bin Laden was allegedly assassinated by Navy Seals earlier this week, when the US once again launched a drone attack on North Waziristan. Drones (unmanned aircraft) are used for surveillance and target killing of insurgents (Taliban and Al Qaeda) in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) by the US military. The Associated Press reported the deaths of 15 people in the latest incident including militants and at least one civilian as missiles damaged a restaurant and a nearby home.

America is encroaching on ever more dangerous territory entering Pakistani airspace with talk of the possibility that future drones may now be targeted for destruction by the Pakistan Air Force.

Last month Pakistanis gathered near Peshawar (capital of north western Khyber Paktunkhwa) in their droves to participate in a sit-in protest against the use of drones, an event initiated by former cricketer Imran Khan (58) leader of Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice) political party. There is a growing anger over the number of civilian casualties resulting from drone strikes. In actions resembling a video game, America launches its weapons of “not so well targeted” destruction bearing names such as “Predator” and the ever grim “Reaper” on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border region (AfPak) with aptly named Hellfire missiles. They certainly live up to their description wreaking destruction on villages across the region… however, since when has a 5 year old girl ever been identified as an insurgent!

Photos of the victims are emotive, three children lain side by side awaiting burial, a young boy minus two legs and an eye asking “why me”? The reality is, the people of FATA are stuck between a rock and a hard place, the Pakistan Army fighting the militants on one side and insurgents with a history of blowing up schools and target killing on the other. On top of that there is poverty and displacement due to the ongoing conflict. This article on Global Voices, Pakistan: The Fight Against The Taliban And The Drones captures the fear of being caught in the midst of such conflict and describes how boys as young as 14 often from impoverished backgrounds fall into the hands of Taliban, believing suicide attacks are the only route to paradise http://globalvoicesonline.org/2011/04/24/pakistan-the-fight-against-the-taliban-and-the-drones/

I asked a source recently why he thought Taliban carry out target of civilians in the Tribal Areas… the answer was surprising… There were allegations that the CIA were paying local people for intelligence on the ground and that they were placing tracking “chips” in houses where there were no Taliban just to receive money. There is no way of knowing whether this is fact or propaganda and the Taliban are feared for their brutality but if it were correct, intelligence services exploiting people in such conditions of poverty would an act of extreme cruelty and immorality.

The issue of drones has become symbolic of political weakness in the country to many, the anger is not simply about deaths, there are those who feel that the Pakistan government is bowing to outside pressure from the U.S. and remains stuck in a “colonised” mindset. WikiLeaks (whistleblower website) highlighted cables from former US Ambassador to Islamabad, Anne Patterson, revealing that during a 2006 meeting with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Pakistani prime minister, he brushed aside concerns about the use of Predator drones against targets in the Tribal Areas… this does not go down well with the people http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/wikileaks/8172922/Wikileaks-Pakistan-privately-approved-drone-strikes.html

Khan and his followers appear to have had enough of complacency and as a result of their sit-in were able to temporarily block supply convoys ferrying goods to North Atlantic Organization Treaty (NATO) troops in Afghanistan. Truckers also joined the protest parking up their tankers and trailers in solidarity with the ordinary civilians of Pakistan. Speaking to DAWN, Ashraf Khan Khalil, senior vice president of Sahar Good Transport had this to say, “we are Pakistanis and have the same feelings like others against the killing of innocent people in drone attacks. We are ready to even support a strike longer than two days”.

Hundreds of drivers and cleaners are known to have lost their lives on the treacherous route from Karachi to Afghanistan as they are subjected to attacks along the way, with their vehicles often torched. To add insult to injury, drivers then have to allegedly pay bribes to border police. Khan has vowed to continue his mission to halt drone attacks declaring that he and fellow protestors “would block supplies for NATO in other areas if drone attacks are not stopped within one month.” They would also take their protest in a “long march” to Islamabad.

The result of the two days protest was the Peshawar Declaration as detailed below:-

Peshawar Declaration

April 24, 2011

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf congratulates the people of Pakistan for their massive participation which is a reflection of the nation’s consensus that demands an end to the murderous drone attacks resulting in innocent loss of life characterized by the UN as extra judicial killings. The momentous Peshawar Dharna was the first public show of resolve on the road to regaining Pakistan’s lost sovereignty. 

At the conclusion of the Dharna the people unanimously, by a show of hands, passed the Peshawar Declaration which demands of the Government of Pakistan the following:

1. To immediately implement the joint resolution of Parliament on the “War on Terror.”
2. To end the hippocratic double faced policy and bring before parliament all past and present agreements/understandings with the US government on the “war on terror.” 
3. The PTI demands of the Supreme Court to urgently hear the drone attacks petition filed by the PTI and hold a judicial inquiry under the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to ascertain the legitimacy of the drone attacks under our Constitution and also determine the scale of human loss and establish scope of compensation to the victims and their families.
4. To ensure immediate access of media and human rights organizations to FATA to independently assess the human and material losses suffered by the people due to the drone attacks.
5. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also demands of the Supreme Court to urgently hear the petition filed by the PTI regarding the drone attacks.

In case drone attacks continue and these demands are not met by the government, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf demands:

1. The resignation of this government which has failed to protect the life and liberty of its citizens, and
2. The PTI shall with the support of the people block all supply routes of NATO trucks to Afghanistan

http://insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6236/Concluding-Resolutions-of-PTI-Dharna.aspx

During the protest there were simultaneous messages of support calling for further action on Twitter and social networking site Facebook and group pages springing up with an anti-drone message. There was also a demonstration at Syracuse’s Hancock Airforce Base with activists draped in white cloth splurged in red paint to resemble blood. The protest was organised by the Upstate Coalition to Ground The Drones and End The Wars. Channel 9 detailed 37 arrests naming the demonstrators. Shelley Lovelace, one of those involved gave her reason for participating, “I’m part of this because I believe that war is never a good idea, but I believe that making it seem easy and remote makes it all the more dangerous – not only to the people who we’re dropping bombs on but also to the people who are choosing to drop the bombs.”

A recent internal study by the Ministry of Defence stated that, “the growing use of unmanned aircraft (drones) in combat situations raises huge moral and legal issues, and threatens to make war more likely as armed robots take over from human beings” Guardian 17^th April 2011 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/17/terminators-drone-strikes-mod-ethics Nowhere can this dilemma be demonstrated more clearly than in the border areas of AfPak. Drones are operated remotely from Creech airbase, Nevada and other sites dividing observers and bringing into question issues of military funding, target killing of alleged militants, the accidental killing of civilians known as “collateral damage”, sovereignty (who is accountable for authorising unmanned aerial vehicle attacks, (UEVs)  and more recently legal issues regarding compensation for victims. (A brief history of the use of drones can be found in the recent article by Ayesha Zee Khan, Drones: Death and Destruction in the Islamabad Times… http://www.islamabadtimesonline.com/drones-death-and-destruction/  )

Syed Saleem Shahzad, my colleague at website Asia Despatch, highlighted the case of the first litigant Karim Khan who lost both his son, 18 year old Zain Uddin and brother Asif Iqbal (32) after his home in North Waziristan came under fire. Salem has interviewed both Karim and his lawyer, Barrister Shahzad Akbar and was informed that a legal notice has been issued to American authorities for compensation of $500 million  dollars.

The American administration argues that drones attacks are necessary and have proven successful in destroying militant targets and weakening leadership. There have certainly been notable deaths including Baitullah Mehsud, former leader of the Pakistan Taliban and Qari Hussain Mehsud among the founding members of Tehrik- e –Taliban (TTP) who ran a group suicide squad commonly known in militant ranks as Ustad – e – Fidayeen, trainer of the suicide bombers. (He was known for his ruthlessness and was also alleged to have trained child suicide bombers). According to Asia Times Online, “the frequency of the operations against Qari Mehsud were said to have increased after the deadly suicide attack he helped orchestrate on Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost.” http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/LJ27Df02.html

The death of Qari Mehsud was recently discussed with Ihsanalluh Tipu Mehsud, journalist at Asia Despatch, who was told on condition of anomynity by a member of the Taliban that “we couldn’t announce his death in order to avoid a possible downturn within our ranks as we were in preparation to take on security forces in Mehsud inhabited South Waziristan.” It appears though that however many insurgents are killed there are always more willing recruits to take their place. The Americans are quick to announce fatalities to justify the use of drones and do sometimes hit the intended targets. Hamza Ameer, Asia Despatch recorded that 17 insurgents were killed in one day alone as they “targeted vehicles and compounds carrying alleged militants who may be belonging to Haqqani network, a group declared as the greatest threat by the United States, operating inside Pakistan tribal areas bordering Afghanistan” http://www.asiadespatch.com/2010/12/2340/  However the Americans missed the mark with their strike against prime target Hakimullah Mehsud, current leader of the TTP who “rose from the dead” last year and later popped up defiant in a video ordering the execution of Colonel Imam, commando- guerrilla warfare specialist said to have been close to Mullah Omar, spiritual leader of the Taliban.

The Guardian reported David Cameron in December claiming that “British drones had killed 124 insurgents in Afghanistan since June 2008” and hailed them as a “classic example of a modern weapon which is necessary for today’s war”. Figures suggest that 18 out of 20 people killed in drone attacks are in fact civilians. President Barak Obama has surpassed his predecessor George W. Bush  by increasing the number of strikes and consequently the number of civilians that have been “accidently killed” in the Tribal Areas has risen. One case which drew widespread condemnation from both civilian and military leadership was an attack on a jirga (meeting of tribal leaders) in the Nevi Ada Shega region of North Waziristan where 40 civilians lost their lives. DAWN reported that, “Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the drone attack and said it will only strengthen hands of radical and extremist elements” and that “such an irrational behaviour negatively impacts efforts to separate militants from peaceful and patriotic tribesmen of the areas” http://www.dawn.com/2011/03/18/rare-condemnation-by-pm-army-chief-40-killed-in-drone-attack.html

The Pakistan military seems divided on the issue. Pakistan Army Chief, General Asfaq Kayani went on record condemning the jirga attack which killed more than three dozen people including tribal elders. On the other hand, Major General Ghayur Mehmud, GOC 7^TH Division North Waziristan has recently produced a leaflet for journalists… the Myths and Rumours about US Predator Strikes labelling two points “1) A majority of those killed by drone strikes are hardcore Taliban or Al Qaeda elements, especially foreigners, ‘while civilian casualties are few’. 2) By scaring the local populations and compelling displacement through migration, drone attacks create social and political blowbacks for law enforcement agencies http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=42073&Cat=9&dt=4/17/2011 Such actions are likely to fuel speculation once again as to who is the paymaster and who is the servant.

I doubt that this information leaflet would impress shepherd Reshan Khan who lost 15 members of his extended family that were blown to pieces in a drone attack. DAWN reported that, “he stares into the distance blankly when asked to describe that day. His brother, Mulaqat, has to recount the tragedy because he is still too traumatized, to speak at length”….The newspaper described how “shortly after the strike, the 52-year-old father of six sunk into a deep depression and lost alarming amounts of weight. Then he started imagining things.”

There is a sense that the situation is coming to a head with the recent visit of Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. Military in the Pakistani capital Islamabad for talks with the Pakistani leadership. High on the agenda was US drone strikes and the use of covert CIA operatives in the region following the Raymond Davis case. Davis, a CIA contractor shot dead two Pakistanis in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi after they allegedly tried to hijack his car. There was outrage throughout the country when the relatives of victims accepted blood money and a certain irony felt that the US were happy to adopt aspects of Sharia law when it suited them.

There has been one move from the US under mounting criticism and that was to withdraw military personnel from Shamsi airbase in Balochistan which is said to be a base for launching attacks against insurgents… however it is argued that the US can simply move operations outside of Pakistan’s borders without ceasing its mission to kill.

Mullen has warned the American people that this year will be a tough year in Afghanistan and that the Taliban has stepped up operations and there could be significant losses for troops http://tribune.com.pk/story/153011/mullen-to-raise-spy-concerns-with-pakistan-top-brass/  Protestors in the US are also raising questions regarding the cost of war operations at a time of cutbacks and a tightening of belts.

There are worries too from Pakistanis that their government may now have purchased the technology to launch its own drone attacks in which case the strikes could continue and the US military would still in a sense be in a position of control by pressurising the Pakistan government to carry out target killing by proxy to suit their agenda for the “war on terror”. Not much comfort there then for villagers in the tribal regions to learn that they could now be killed by Pakistani owned drone technology as opposed to American weaponry…So what do ordinary people want?…The cry over and over again that I hear is for a quiet existence. They want the swift withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and for American to stop entering Pakistani airspace (with or without support from Pakistani authorities). Quite simply they want a NO DRONE ZONE!

LINKS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmjeonoWgUg

http://www.dawn.com/2011/04/24/transporters-suspend-nato-supplies-to-join-pti-protest.html

http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/37-anti-drone-protesters-arrested-near-Hancock/BtPwDH7mxkKEh8rJPRI7XA.cspx

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/US-exits-key-drone-operations-base-in-Pakistan–Report/780268/

Carol Grayson is Director Co-ordination Asia Despatch and a UK researcher /campaigner on global health/human rights awarded ESRC Michael Young Prize 2009

Copyright 2011

Press Release from Haemophilia Action UK…May 18th 2010 …sent to Press Association…

Today is World AIDS Vaccine Day. To mark the occasion there is an International Hu Jia Day of Action on May 18th to remember our friend who remains in a Chinese prison for defending the right to free speech and supporting those infected with HIV/AIDS/hepatitis in China. Hu Jia is serving a prison sentence of three and a half years for “inciting subversion of state authority” related to articles he wrote criticising the authorities. Zeng Jinyan his wife works with those infected with HIV/AIDS and she and their two year old daughter remain under close surveillance in Beijing.

Hu Jia was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and was awarded the Sakharov Prize 2008 for Freedom of Thought.

Friends of Hu Jia will be taking action today to show that he is not forgotten.

Carol Grayson said ” I am very concerned regarding the wellbeing of Hu Jia and am in close contact with his wife. I am aware that Hu Jia is not in good health as he himself is infected with hepatitis B. His family are very worried about him and have still not been given the results of medical tests undertaken in May 2009. I call upon the British government to contact the Chinese Embassy to ask for better treatment of Hu Jia. I will be doing so today myself and also ringing both the Prison and the Beijing Public Security Bureau. I am only too aware of the difficulties individuals and NGOs face working in China having been invited to participate in a conference on Blood Safety and Litigation against the State on World AIDS Day 2006 which was cancelled and my host Wan Yanhai arrested just before my arrival. Last week Wan left China fearing for his own safety and is now staying with a friend in Philadelphia.”

Hu Jia is shown in this film where his wife speaks about him being awarded the Sakharov Prize… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIv4WBhKR_o

Carol Grayson was awarded the Economic and Social Research Council Michael Young Prize 2009 and campaigns globally for haemophiliacs infected with HIV/AIDS/hepatitis through contaminated blood.

http://www.esrc.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/PO/experts/Health_and_Wellbeing.aspx

End of Statement…