Chuck Simmins | June 23, 2009 |
The lakes form a unique attraction in the mountainous Bamyan region. Formed by glacier water nearly 400 feet in depth, they give the appearance of being cut from the stone that forms the mountains around them.
After a presentation from the officials at the ceremony, guests of the inauguration were treated to rides on paddle boats and a meal prepared on site.
Chuck Simmins | June 22, 2009 |
Local Afghans have also been working to clear rocks from the field and finish an irrigation system that will pump water from the Panjshir River.
“The local Afghans are all very fast learners, and I think if they continue improving hydration in the soil and follow the other techniques we teach them, it could be the model for how crops can be grown in larger quantities,” Jones said.
Chuck Simmins | June 19, 2009 |
More than 350 service members, International Security Assistance Force members, and Afghans took part in the cultural festivities of Afghan Night Live at Bagram Air Field, June 13. The event was standing room only.
The event included live Afghan music, dancers, and food and was meant to show service members some of the culture they are helping to rebuild.
Chuck Simmins | June 18, 2009 |
“This will be the first wind and solar project of this size for Paktika,” he explained. “It’s a test pilot project. The analysis at the hospital found that it would be a feasible project, and it will be used to support research done on the benefit of [alternative energy] for the rest of the province.”
Chuck Simmins | June 17, 2009 |
The first Afghan officer to train in the United States in nearly 50 years earned his silver Air Force wings in a ceremony June 12 at Columbus Air Force Base.
Lt. Faiz Mohammed Ramaki was presented his pilot wings by Colonel Roger Watkins, 14th Flying Training Wing commander after completing the Aviation Leadership Program.
Chuck Simmins | June 16, 2009 |
Every summer, the Kuchi tribe migrates through the Daymardad district of this central-Afghanistan province, allowing their animals to graze in the open pastures belonging to the Hazara tribe. This frequently has sparked violent territorial disputes.
Chuck Simmins | June 13, 2009 |
In the remote Wakhan Corridor, which borders Tajikistan, Pakistan and China, an area rarely visited by UN missions, the assessment team spent two weeks on horseback in areas grazed by the yurt-dwelling Kyrgyz and Wakhi herders. The team confirmed the presence of snow leopards, Marco Polo sheep and species such as wolf, brown bear and Asian ibex.
Chuck Simmins | June 8, 2009 |
Aside from the visible results, there are other indicators the task force has slowed the illegal trade.
“The price of illegal weapons have doubled,” said Miller. “We are also experiencing more focused attacks on our strategic outposts. The enemy is mad that we are putting a stop to this and are illustrating that through more vicious attacks.”
The illegal timber industry has been operational for years, but with smugglers now having Taliban connections, the involvement of International Security Assistance Force troops has been more evident.
Chuck Simmins | June 5, 2009 |
The genesis of this event began months ago as the citizens of Jalrez readily volunteered for the government’s new security program, the Afghan public protection program, known as the Guardians. Led by the national government in Kabul, the program is designed to get local Afghans to take charge of securing their village against militants who use them as safe havens.
The first groups of more than 240 Afghans of the Afghan public protection force completed their training March 23 and are being employed in Jalrez District. Expansion of the APPF will be based on results of this pilot program, evaluated in conjunction with community leaders, Afghan national security forces and the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The Guardians are trained by the Afghan national police and are accountable to the Ministry of Interior.
Chuck Simmins | May 27, 2009 |
International Security Assistance Forces destroyed two tons of pure heroin yesterday - May 24 2009, during operations in eastern Afghanistan.
Chuck Simmins | May 20, 2009 |
The Shadhatay school, which would be considered condemned by most western standards, has numerous broken windows, holes in the ceiling and mold infestation throughout. Instructors at the school have been holding classes outside since the building, originally intended for 400 students, will no longer hold the 1,250 students currently enrolled.
Chuck Simmins | May 12, 2009 |
The young Dari interpreter standing by the desk translates the words of the American doctor to the young woman as she sits quietly. An examining table stands against one yellow wall in the small room. Various tools and medical equipment are positioned around the room.
Thickly lined with black eyeliner, the young woman’s brown eyes light up. Her soft smile widens, and she leans forward in her seat. Her husband will not take another wife. After three barren years, she is finally pregnant.
Chuck Simmins | May 11, 2009 |
Members of the Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, confiscated 600 pounds of narcotics and killed seven armed militants last night [May 7 2009] during operations in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand province.
