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Obama to Afghans: US Seeks to be Partner, Not Patron

December 2, 2009 in Afghanistan, Corruption, Foreign Aid, Political, Special Report, Terrorism | 2 comments

Watch VOA’s Special Report below on U.S. President Barack Obama’s announcement of his new strategy for Afghanistan.

During his speech, President Obama explained the purpose of more troops is to break the Taliban’s momentum in the country and help lay the foundation for transitioning command from the coalition to Afghan security forces.

Mr. Obama also sought to reassure Afghans that the United States has no interest in taking over their country.  He said America seeks to isolate those who destroy and strengthen those who build in Afghanistan.  Watch my story below to see how Afghans reacted to the U.S. president:

Mr. Obama also had a message for the Afghan government: The time for writing “blank checks” is over.  U.S. officials have long warned Afghan President Hamid Karzai that he must address government corruption during his new five-year term.  The day before President Obama’s announcement, Afghan lawmaker Daud Sultanzoi told me that he thought the new U.S. strategy is premature.

Click here for the story.

Mr. Obama also promised that the United States will not abandon the region.  He said that ultimately, America wants to be a partner with Afghanistan and not a patron.

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Week in Review, Oct 5-9

October 9, 2009 in Afghanistan, Foreign Aid, IDPs, Pakistan, Terrorism, Week in Review | 1 comment

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-10-09-voa5.cfm

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-10-09-voa5.cfm

The week ended as it began… with a suicide bombing.  The violence moved from the capital westward to the North West Frontier Province city of Peshawar.

Click here for the story.

It was the deadliest attack in Pakistan in more than six months.  I know several people from that area, and they say the market where the blast occurred is in the center of the city and at a major crossroads for people either traveling to Afghanistan or Islamabad.

Following the explosion, Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the government has “no option” but to go on the offensive against the militants, specifically in South Waziristan.

In this week’s “Reporter’s Notebook” radio talk show, I discuss today’s attack and how it may affect the government’s response toward militants in the tribal regions.  I also break down the Kerry-Lugar bill, Pakistan’s response toward it and I give a quick react from Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan’s ruling political party regarding President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize.  (Click here for that story.)

Click here for my “Reporter’s Notebook” segment.

Looking ahead, Afghan election officials are expected to formally declare a winner in Afghanistan’s presidential election by late next week.

I spoke earlier to Dan McNorton, a U.N. spokesman in Kabul.  We discussed the The Washington Post’s article, which quoted confidential U.N. data that allegedly shows voter fraud, mainly in favor of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Click here for the story.

Unofficial vote tallies indicate Mr. Karzai leads with 54-percent.  If his lead falls below 50 percent, he could face his top challenger Abdullah Abdullah in a runoff.  There is a lot of uncertainty — both political and regarding security — as we head into next week.  Stay tuned…

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