Recent Appearances...

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Hello !
Recent Appearances...

-Lurid Crime Tales-

Bowe Bergdahl court-martial conviction for Army desertion thrown out by federal judge

2023-07-26

[FOX] A former U.S. Army soldier who pleaded guilty to desertion after leaving his post while deployed in Afghanistan and was subsequently captured and tortured by the Taliban had his court-martial conviction vacated Tuesday.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton in Washington D.C. said that military judge Jeffrey Nance, who presided over the court-martial of Bowe Bergdahl,

...that’s former Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who deliberately left his base to meet up with the Taliban in 2009, for which he was charged with desertion and some other things before President Obama decided to trade him for some high value Talibs who were taking up space in Guantanamo. After five years as a Taliban prisoner he was traded for Mohammad Fazl, Khairullah Khairkhwa, Abdul Haq Wasiq, Norullah Noori, and Mohammad Nabi Omari. All five went on to high positions in the Taliban government...

failed to disclose that he had applied to the executive branch for a job as an immigration judge, creating a potential conflict of interest.

Link

Afghanistan

Afghanistan intelligence official brags about ordering attacks that killed hundreds of civilians

2023-02-04

[FoxNews] Taj Mir Jawad bragged about ordering a number of car and suicide kabooms.

Afghanistan's deputy minister of intelligence bragged on national television about his role in a 2018 suicide kaboom in Kabul that killed over 100 people.

During an appearance on TOLONews Jan. 28, Taj Mir Jawad took credit for directing the attack, along with other attacks, including car and suicide kabooms.

The 2018 attack involved an ambulance full of explosives traveling to an intersection in Kabul, where it detonated and killed over 100 civilians, including women and kiddies.

Two U.S. intelligence officials, who wish to remain anonymous, told the Long War Journal Taj Mir Jawad went by the name of Jawad Sargar during his time as a Taliban
...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
commander who helped lead the Kabul Attack Network along with known jihadist Daud, or Dawood.

Tajuden Soroush, a senior international correspondent for Iran
Iran

...The word Iran is a cognate form of Aryan. The abbreviation IRGC is the same idea as Stürmabteilung (or SA). The term Supreme Guide is a the modern version form of either Duce or Führer or maybe both...
International, posted a clip of the interview to Twitter.

Suhail Shaheen, head of the Political Office in Doha, refuted Jawad’s claim, telling Fox News Digital that "killing of civilians has never been the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) policy. We refute this."

"The IEA front man had denied having carried out the 2018 bombing," stressed Shaheen, who previously served as front man for the Taliban during its insurgency.

The Kabul Attack Network used personnel and resources from the Taliban, al Qaeda and a number of Islamic movements across Uzbekistan and Turkistan to carry out attacks around Afghanistan’s capital city.

Bill Roggio of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and managing editor of The Long War Journal, wrote on Twitter that the group even found support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, which he claims directly funded the Taliban and al Qaeda.

But how can that be, when we know that Sunni and Shiites never, ever support one another, even after Iran sheltered one branch of Al Qaeda after 9/11.
/sarcasm

"The IRGC was financing some of the most spectacular attacks in the heart of Afghanistan against U.S., NATO
...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. A collection of multinational and multilingual and multicultural armed forces, all of differing capabilities, working toward a common goal by pulling in different directions...
and Afghan cops, as well as civilians," Roggio wrote.

Jawad took his post as deputy intelligence minister shortly after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan following the hasty withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country.

According to The Long War Journal, he reports to Abdul Haq Wasiq, an ex-Guantanamo Bay detainee who served as the Taliban’s deputy director general of intelligence prior to the 9/11 attacks. Wasiq now serves as the director of intelligence for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Link

Afghanistan

Daily Evacuation Brief December 4, 2022

2022-12-04

[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

EXPLOSION IN JALALABAD – A blast was reported in Jalalabad’s fourth district on Saturday, near the Sikh Temple (Darmsal). 6 non-combatants were reportedly injured. The circumstances around the explosion are not currently known and no further information was available.

SUSPECT IN PAKISTAN EMBASSY ATTACK REPORTEDLY DETAINED – Sources in Pakistan have confirmed that a man who is thought to have participated in the attacks on the Pakistan Charge d’Affaires and its diplomatic facilities was arrested by Taliban authorities. The Taliban used a phone number to track the man’s location and raided a building adjacent to the Embassy. Upon entry, they discovered the man attempting to escape and quickly arrested him. The room was on the 8th floor of the building and was wired with three separate explosives and contained multiple weapons. In an unconfirmed report, Taliban Police are said to have arrested another co-conspirator but no details were provided. In both situations, the electronic devices of both men were said to be recovered intact and may lead to further arrests.

FORMER PRESIDENT KARZAI TRAVELS TO THE UAE AND GERMANY – This is Karzai’s first international trip since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. There was some controversy over earlier trips that had reportedly been planned by the former President. In those instances, the Taliban reputedly denied his request to travel for unspecified reasons. Karzai is traveling to seek medical treatment in Germany and his purpose for visiting the UAE is not known.

BERGDAHL EXCHANGE SITE TO BE MADE INTO A MONUMENT – The Taliban held a ceremony and the Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, laid the first stone of a proposed monument to freedom that is expected to be built on the site. The 5 prisoners the Obama administration exchanged for US Army Sergeant Bergdahl

...that’s Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who deliberately left his base to meet up with the Taliban in 2009, for which he was charged with desertion and some other things before President Obama decided to trade him for some high value Talibs who were taking up space in Guantanamo. After five years as a Taliban prisoner he was traded for Mohammad Fazl, Khairullah Khairkhwa, Abdul Haq Wasiq, Norullah Noori, and Mohammad Nabi Omari...

are all currently serving in high positions in the nascent regime.
How proud former president Obama must feel. If any of our ghosts in the night happen to be in the area, perhaps they could pay them a visit.

CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVISTS MAKE THEIR CASE FOR THE TALIBAN AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY – Conferences were held in Herat and Nimroz with hundreds of civil society activists and leaders in attendance. At least half of the attendees at both gatherings were women. The activists used the events to voice their concerns about several issues facing the civil population. The chief complaint focused on the Taliban’s stance with regard to women. The Taliban’s response to the events was muted and neutral. A series of similarly-themed nationwide gatherings have been planned.

NEXT 24 HOURS

SECURITY OPERATIONS IN KABUL TO CONTINUE – Interrogations of the two men the Taliban have taken into custody are expected to reveal others who may have been involved in the plot. As a result, additional clearing operations are expected to take place in and around Kabul.

WINTER SLOWS DOWN RESISTANCE ACTIVITIES – Sources close to the NRF and two other Resistance groups claim they will limit operations as winter descends on the country. While some operations are expected to continue, they will likely focus on limited objectives and serve as a means of harassing Taliban forces. The majority of these operations are expected to take place in mainly urban areas. A source in the Ministry of Defense has suggested the Taliban security forces in the North have focused on improving defensive positions around their garrisons in the North and do not anticipate launching major offensive operations over the course of the colder months. Poor weather will limit the ability to use air assets to support attacks and/or respond to Resistance incursions. Terrorism activity is expected to continue throughout the Winter months and is expected to focus on high-priority targets located in urban areas and power distribution networks.

CENTRAL BANK AUCTION – Da Afghanistan Bank has nearly doubled the frequency with which it is auctioning US dollars. On Sunday, it will auction approximately $15 million dollars.

Link

Afghanistan

US, Taliban hold first in-person meeting since Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed

2022-10-09

[NYPOST]

Two top Biden Administration officials met face-to-face with Taliban
...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
leaders Saturday for the first time since July, when al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri
...Formerly second in command of al-Qaeda, now the head cheese, occasionally described as the real brains of the outfit. Formerly the Mister Big of Egyptian Islamic Jihad. Bumped off Abdullah Azzam with a car boom in the course of one of their little disputes. Is thought to have composed bin Laden's fatwa entitled World Islamic Front Against Jews and Crusaders. Currently residing in the North Wazoo area assuming he's not dead like Mullah Omar. He lost major face when he ordered the nascent Islamic State to cease and desist and merge with the orthodox al-Qaeda spring, al-Nusra...
was killed in an American strike in Kabul, according to a report.

CIA Deputy Director David Cohen and State Department negotiator Tom West met in Doha, Qatar
...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates. Home of nutbag holy manYusuf al-Qaradawi...
with the Taliban’s head of intelligence, Abdul Haq Wasiq, CNN
...formerly the Cable News Network, now who know what it might stand for...
reported.

The CIA and State Department did not officially comment on the meeting.

The US broke off direct talks with Afghanistan’s ruling faction after learning that they had been harboring al-Zawahiri, the architect of the September 11 attacks, in the Afghan capital for months — a clear violation of the Doha Agreement, in which the Taliban promised that Afghanistan would not shelter al Qaeda members.

The terror leader was killed in his luxe Kabul apartment by a US dronezap July 31 — but his presence in Afghanistan drew sharp criticism from Republicans.

"The American people were lied to by President Biden," charged Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Link

Afghanistan

Taliban’s caretaker cabinet to last for six months, more about key members

2021-09-10

[KhaamaPress] Former officials of the Taliban
Taliban

...Arabic for students...
believe that the newly announced cabinet of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will last for six months and then the official cabinet will be announced.

The former official has said that the official cabinet will be announced based on the votes and willingness of the Afghan people and will include all classes.

A 33-member all-men caretaker cabinet which was announced on Tuesday, September 7 has triggered mixed reactions inside Afghanistan.

A number of Afghan leaders who are in exile have reacted to the cabinet as being monopolized by a single ethnic group (Pashtoon) and have asked the international community not to recognize as the Taliban will threaten the region and world.

Son of the slain Ahmad Shah Masoud, Ahmad Masoud has called the cabinet illegal and said that they will declare a parallel government which will be transitional and democratic.

On the other hand, political analysts in Afghanistan believe the cabinet to be much required in the current situation in order for the lives of people to come to normal.

They believe that the Taliban want to assess their capacity and see what the possible international and internal reactions are to the caretaker cabinet.

Former Taliban officials believe that the official cabinet of the Taliban will include women, experts and will be all-inclusive.

More about the interim government

[ToloNews] The Taliban
...Arabic for students...
's new government in Afghanistan will be led by the Taliban leader Mullah pkesman for the Taliban, said that the group will reject foreigners’ intervention over the name and structure of the next government.

"We will not allow anyone to interfere in Afghanistan’s affairs. The government name, its type, and form belong to the Afghans and they will decide," Mujahid said.

The Taliban also said the new government is the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan."

"The new government in Afghanistan has officially started its work under the name of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan," said Anaamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban’s cultural commission.

In the new cabinet announced on Tuesday, Mullah Hassan Akhundzada was appointed as the head of state (prime minister), with Mullah Baradar and Mawlawi Hannafi as his deputies.

A short biography of the key members:

Among those named for the new cabinet are members of the Taliban negotiating team in Qatar
...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates. Home of nutbag holy manYusuf al-Qaradawi...
and some who were imprisoned in the US's Guantanamo detention center.

Mullah Hassan Akhundzada, 65, who is the Prime Minister (head of state) is originally from Shah Walikot district of Kandahar province. Akhundzada held various posts during the first Taliban regime--lasting between 1996 and 2001--such as foreign minister, governor of Kandahar and as a military official in the north of Afghanistan.

Abdul Ghani Barader, 45, a co-founder of the Taliban led by Mullah Mohammad Blinky Omar

...a minor Pashtun commander in the war against the Soviets who made good as leader of the Taliban. As ruler of Afghanistan, he took the title Leader of the Faithful. The imposition of Pashtunkhwa on the nation institutionalized ignorance and brutality in a country already notable for its own fair share of ignorance and brutality. Died of an unspecified ailment in a Pak hospital...
, is from Dehrawood district of Uruzgan province. He graduated from a religious madrasa.

Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob, acting minister for the Defense Ministry, is the son of Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar. He is 25 years old and from Dehrawood district in Uruzgan.

The acting Director of Intelligence is Abdul Haq Wasiq, 49, from Khogyani district in Ghazni. He graduated from a madrasa in Quetta, Pakistain. Wasiq was in the US's Guantanamo detention center for 13 years and worked as deputy director of intelligence in the previous Taliban regime.

The acting minister of interior, Serajuddin Haqqani, is the son of the late Jalaluddin Haqqani
...founder and until he pegged out titular head of the Haqqani Network. Jalaluddin was one of the few Pashtun warlords who was worth spit...
, who led the Haqqani Network.

Mullah Amir Khan Mutaqi, acting minister for foreign affairs, is from Zurmat district of Paktia province. He was working as minister of information and culture in the first Taliban regime.

The acting minister of information and culture, Mullah Khairullah Khairkhah, 53, is from Kandahar province. He spent 12 years in Guantanamo.

The acting minister of justice, Mawllawi Abdul Hakim Haqqani, 53, is from Maiwand district of Kandahar. He graduated from a Pak madrasa and worked in judicial organizations.

The acting minister of borders and tribal affairs, Mullah Noorullah Noori, 53, is from Zabul Province. He was governor of Balkh and Laghman
...Afghan province with a population of about 445,600, which is multi-ethnic and mostly a rural society. During the invasions of Alexander the Great, the area was known as Lampaka, wich is apparently Olde Macedonian for Laghman.The city of Mihtarlam serves as the bucolic capital of the province. The population is half Pashtun, the remainder Tadjik and Pashai. It had a repution for great wealth until it was conquered in the tenth century by Abu Mansur Sabuktigin.

He conquered it and set fire to the places in its vicinity which were inhabited by infidels, and demolishing the idol-temples, he established Islam in them, He marched and captured other cities and killed the polluted wretches, destroying the idolatrous and gratifying the Musulmans. After wounding and killing beyond all measure, his hands and those of his friends became cold in counting the value of the plundered property.

After that it was mostly notable for the production of dirt, rocks, and holy men...
provinces in the first Taliban regime. He spent 13 years in Guantanamo.

Al Ahram adds:

A Taliban interim government, drawn exclusively from loyalist ranks, formally began work this week with established hardliners in all key posts and no women -- despite previous promises of an inclusive administration for all Afghans.

All the top positions have been handed to key leaders from the movement and in particular the Haqqani network -- the most violent Taliban faction, known for devastating attacks.

The dreaded Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice -- previously responsible for arresting and punishing people for failing to follow the movement's restrictive interpretation of sharia -- is being reinstated.

Link

Afghanistan

Who is who in the new government of Afghanistan

2021-09-08

Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited.

See also here, which lays out the four of five GITMO detainees swapped for Bowe Berghdahl who have been tapped for government posts.

by Aleksandr Kots

[KP] Noting the capture of Panjshir , the Taliban finally announced the composition of an interim government. It was assumed that it should be inclusive, that is, it should represent not only the terrorist movement banned in Russia, but also other Afghan forces, national and religious associations. However, judging by the key posts announced, ministerial portfolios went exclusively to Taliban members. All positions are still named with the prefix "acting".

Prime Minister - Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund.

Alternate spelling Hassan Akhund.

He heads the Shura (council) of Taliban leaders. Was the governor of Kandahar. Member of the High Council. The top post was received as a compromise figure who arranged all the factions of the Taliban.

First Deputy Prime Minister - Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Warlord and leader of the Taliban's political wing. He fought with Soviet troops. During the first reign of the Taliban, he served as the head of Herat and commanded the military corps of Western Afghanistan. In 2010, he was captured by Pakistani intelligence and released three years later at the request of the Afghan government.

Second Deputy Prime Minister - Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi.

Alt. spelling Hannafi.

In the Taliban - from the day of its foundation, however, it represents the political wing of the movement. He was a key figure in the political office in Qatar. In the 90s, he served as Deputy Minister of Education in the Taliban government.

Defense Minister - Muhammad Yakub Mujahid.

Alt. Yaqoub.

Son of Taliban founder Mullah Omar. He served as the head of the military commission of the movement, was a member of its highest governing council. He is the second deputy head of the Taliban.

The Deputy Defense Minister is Mohammad Fazl, one of the GITMO detainees swapped for Bowe Berghdahl.

Interior Minister - Sirajuddin Haqqani.

Alt. Serajuddin Haqqani.

He is the son of the founder of the Haqqani Network terrorist organization, the Taliban's most radical wing. It is currently at the head. Organizer of several terrorist attacks, including the attack on the Serena Hotel in Kabul. Planned the assassination of Hamid Karzai. The US State Department has declared a particularly dangerous international terrorist. A reward of $5 million has been announced for his head.

Despite his history and that bounty, the New York Times saw fit to publish an opinion piece in February, 2020 over his signature.

The head of intelligence is Abdul Haq Wasik.

Alt. Abdul Haq Wasiq. One of the Berghdahl swap gentlemen.

Former Taliban deputy intelligence minister. In 2001, he was captured by the Americans in Afghanistan, from January 2002 to May 2014 he was held in the famous Guantanamo prison in Cuba. He was released along with four other members of the so-called five Taliban in exchange for the US Army soldier Bow Bergdahl, who was captured by the Haqqani network.

Minister of Culture and Information - Zabihullah Mujahid. He is the official spokesman for the Taliban. Before the capture of Kabul, he did not appear in public, speaking only with written or audio statements.

One of the Berghdahl swap gents, Khair Ulla Said Wali Khairkhwa, is also listed as Info and Culture minister. No doubt this will be clarified at some point.

null
Foreign Minister - Mullah Amir Khan Muttaki.

Alt. Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Taliban high councilor. In the past, the movement was headed by the Ministry of Higher Education. Represented the movement in the negotiations held under the auspices of the UN.

Education Minister - Sheikh Mawlavi Nurullah Munir.

Alt. Noorullah Munir.

Taliban member.

The Economy Minister is Mohammad Hanif,

Alt. Qari Din Hanif.

a Taliban member.

The head of the Central Bank is Mullah Mohammad Idris, a Taliban member.

The top five on the government's list are under UN sanctions. Therefore, the prospects for the West to recognize the Cabinet of Ministers, whose members are also on the international wanted list, are very illusory.
Russian military journalist Boris Rozhin mentioned in his blog the Russian Federation government is waiting on moves such as these, which will decide if the government recognizes the new Afghanistan government.

This won't help.
Aleksandr Kots is a Russian military journalist

Related: Tolo News has a complete list, including the uninteresting appointments. Such as Acting Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs: Mullah Noorullah Noori, one of the Berghdahl swap gents.

Link

Afghanistan

Taliban Reveals Names of Negotiating Team for Intra-Afghan Dialogues

2020-08-28

[KhaamaPress] Taliban
Taliban

...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
’s Political Office in Doha revealed names of at least 21 members who form a negotiating team during the Intra-Afghan talks, adding 13 of them are key members of the group.

Here is names of the Taliban members for Intra-Afghan dialogues:

Maulavi Mohammad Sher Abas Stanikzai
Sheikh Abdul Hakim
Maulavi Abdul Kabir
Maulavi Noor Mohammad Saqib
Mullah Mohammad Zahed Ahmadzai
Mullah Sheerin Akhund
Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor
Qari Din Mohammad
Mullah Abdul Salam
Sheikh Mohammad Qasem Turkman
Mullah Mohammad Fazel Mazlum
Mullah Noorullah Noori
Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq
Maulavi Mati-ulhaq Khales
Mohammad Suhail Shaheen
Mullah Mohammad Nabi Omari
Anas Haqani
Khairullah Khairkhuwah
Maulavi Shabudin
Mullah Farid

Afghan Government had previously announced their delegations, with expectation of holding Intra-Afghan talks in upcoming days in DOHA.

Previously, the talks were to begin earlier this month but Afghanistan’s refusal on the release of six detainees and the rise of violence by the Taliban hampered the process.

Link

Afghanistan

Taliban announces new delegation of peace negotiators for the talks with the United States

2019-02-13

Discussions about the shape and size of the negotiating table and the number of dishes to be served at breakfast, lunch, dinner, elevenses, tea, and the evening snack will commense in due course.

[KhaamaPress] The Talibs group has announced a delegation of peace negotiators comprising of 14 Taliban
...mindless ferocity in a turban...
representatives for peace talks with the United States.

Taliban in a statement said Tuesday that the new delegation has been formed by deputy political chief of Taliban Mullah Baradar Aakhund and on instructions of Taliban leader Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada.

The statement further added that the delegation is led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai
...Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, Head of the Taliban political office in Doha. He was a member of Rassoul Sayyaf's group in the war against the Soviets....
while Mawlavi Zia Ur Rehman Madani, Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar, Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor, Mullah Abdul Manan Omari, Mawlavi Amir Khan Mutaqi, Mullah Mohammad Fazil Masloom, Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa, Mawlavi Mati Ul Haq, Mullah Mohammad Anas Haqqani, Mullah Noorullah Noori, Mawlavi Mohammad Nabi Omari, and Mulalh Abdul Haq Wasiq are the members of the delegation.

In reaction to the inclusion of the name of Annas Haqqani as the member of the delegation, the Afghan Intelligence said no decision has been taken so far regarding the release of Annas Haqqani.

Teh statement further added that Anas Haqqani is still serving in the jail and the government is obliged to take decisions in the light of the enforced laws of the country regarding those who have committed crimes against the Afghan people.

Link

Afghanistan

5 key Taliban leaders arrive in Qatar amid ongoing efforts for peace talks revival

2018-11-01

[Khaama (Afghanistan)] A group of five key Taliban
...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
group leaders, who were released for a captive U.S. soldier in 2015, have reportedly joined the Taliban politicians in Qatar

...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates. Home of nutbag holy manYusuf al-Qaradawi...
as efforts are underway for the revival of Afghan peace talks.

A Taliban front man Zabiullah Mujahid has confirmed to News Agency that Dare Not be Named that a group of five Taliban leaders have arrived in Qatar and joined the Taliban politicianship in their office in Qatar.

Mujahid has also confirmed that the five Taliban leaders have previously served in Guantanamo detention facility.

In the meantime, reports indicate that the Taliban leaders have joined the politicianship of the group in Qatar with an aim to participate in peace talks.

The five key Taliban leaders who have recently travelled to Qatar, include Mullah Noorullah Noori, Mullah Khairullah Khairzada, Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq, and Mawlavi Mohammad Nabi Omari.

This comes as the U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad had met with the Taliban politicians in Qatar three weeks ago.

The Taliban front man Zabiullah Mujahid had also confirmed the meeting and had said that the two sides have agreed to continue negotiations in a bid to find a solution for the existing issues.

Link

Government

Report: Congress 'Misled' About Taliban Five to 'Settle a Campaign Promise'

2015-12-13

[PJ Media] As the House Armed Services Committee released a lengthy report on President Obama's swap of five Taliban detainees for Bowe Bergdahl, one former Guantanamo detainee took a bow this week as a new spokesman for al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

The House report covers the transfer of Taliban communications chief Mohammad Nabi Omari, deputy minister of intelligence Abdul Haq Wasiq, interior minister Khairulla Said Wali Khairkhwa, deputy minister of defense Mohammad Fazl, and senior military commander Mullah Norullah Noori in May 2014 to Qatar.

Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) noted that since that moment, the committee has been conducting an investigation into the actions of then-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and senior Pentagon officials.

Link

Afghanistan

Taliban rejects Qatar's extension of travel ban for ex-Guantanamo detainees

2015-06-04

[Khaama (Afghanistan)] The Talibs group in Afghanistan rejected that the authorities in Qatar
...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates...
have extended travel ban for the group's big shots who were freed from Guantanamo last year.

A statement by the Taliban group said the released Taliban leaders "will live freely anywhere the Islamic Emirate deems necessary in accordance with the agreement."

"Reports circulated by the media about extension of conditions are untrue while the Islamic Emirate considers all further action by America concerning the stipulations as a violation of the principles of the agreement and international law," the statement added.

This comes as a US official said earlier this week that the authorities in Qatar have agreed to temporarily extend travel bans on five senior Taliban leaders released last year from the prison at Guantanamo Bay.

The official further added that the ban would remain in place until diplomatic talks for a longer-term solution are completed.

The five senior Taliban leaders -- Khairullah Syed Wali Khairkhwa, Mullah Mohamad Fazl, Mullah Norullah Noori, Abdul Haq Wasiq and Mohammad Nabi Omari, who were in exchange for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.

Link

Arabia

Freed Taliban Militants Say Committed to Qatar Deal

2014-06-09

[AnNahar] Five leading Afghan Death Eaters freed from Guantanamo Bay in exchange for a U.S. soldier have pledged to honor an agreement between the Taliban and Qatar, which is hosting them.

The men, officials in the Taliban regime driven from power by the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, were released on May 31 and flown to Qatar in exchange for U.S. army sergeant Bowe Bergdahl.

Their release provoked criticism from some U.S. politicians, who said they could pose a threat to Americans abroad, and anger from Afghans opposed to the Taliban.

But in a statement posted on their Pashto-language website on Friday, the men said they would remain faithful to an agreement with Qatar, which mediated their release.

"We want to reassure all sides that we are still holding to the agreement which was reached between the Islamic Emirate (the Taliban) and the government of Qatar on our release," they said, urging the release of fellow Talibs held in Guantanamo.

The freed prisoners are Mohammad Fazl, Norullah Noori, Mohammed Nabi, Khairullah Khairkhwa and Abdul Haq Wasiq.

Little has been revealed about the deal, but Qatar has said it will impose a one-year travel ban on the men.

U.S. President Barack Obama
Dreams of My Sainted Father...
is facing intense scrutiny over the deal to secure Bergdahl's release after five years.

He said Qatar had set up a process to monitor the prisoners and the U.S. would also be "keeping eyes on them."

But Obama admitted it was possible some of them could return to activity "detrimental" to the United States.

Link

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