US-Afghanistan History in Light of bin Laden Demise

Hamed Wardak, in a recent article in Huffpost World, spoke about the death of Osama bin Laden, describing it as “one of the most singular moments of our lives. The man, whose death we do not mourn, launched terrorist actions around the globe and ultimately precipitated the involvement of United States (U.S.) forces in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is where I was born, yet I have spent most of my life as a refugee because of external forces. My homeland has not known peace in more than 30 years, thanks to the Soviet invasion in 1979, the war of liberation against the Soviet occupation, the ensuing civil war, and the subsequent rise of the Taliban theocracy that supported bin Laden. Many of my fellow countrymen have also been forced to live elsewhere as refugees, but now is our moment to shine. The demise of bin Laden is simultaneously the dawn of a new era for Afghanistan. Consequently, we must seize this window of opportunity to build on progress made so far toward ridding the country of the Taliban and stabilizing it for a government that will be supported by the people.”

Hamed Wardak is an active Afghan, working for the betterment of relations between Afghanistan, Washington D.C. and the American People as well as the improvement in the quality of life for the people of Afghanistan.

 

 

Brief History on US-Afghanistan Relations

It was as far back as the 1830s when Pennsylvanian born activist, adventurer Josiah Harlan made his way to Afghanistan as he was determined to be King there.  He didn’t quite realize his dream but he did earn the title Prince of Ghor, for a price.  He had to pay with military aid.  Some years down the track, the British-Indians had to totally withdraw following their defeat and in 1842 thousands of Brits and Indians had been either massacred or captured.  It’s hard to tell exactly what happened as only one man survived – William Brydon – and it is his testimony alone that is being relied upon.  It was said that Harlan left the country at about the same time, making  his way back to his home country.
Today, there are still attempts to establish relations between the two countries.    Hamed Wardak is one of the eight founders of CUSAP (Campaign for a US-Afghanistan Partnership).  The vision of the organization is to “achieve sustainable security and prosperity in Afghanistan.”

Buildings Sprout Up in Afghanistan

It seems like everywhere you look these days in Afghanistan there is another building being constructed.  No longer will it be the case that Afghans can’t find a place to send their kids to school; there are possibly more schools, educational facilities and other training development enhancers being erected than ever before.  In Ghazni for example, a laboratory room and library was inaugurated in the Amir Mohammad Khan High School which was given 166 instruments and 750 educational books.  Also, the Balkh Educational Department in the country’s northern province received $24,000 in chairs and tables, etc., which was given to middle and high schools in Chimtal (in the province).  The more developments like these there are for Afghanistan, the better the quality of life it will be for the people seeking to better their situation.  Hamed Wardak, founding member of CUSAP, seeks to improve relations between America and Afghanistan, escalating the quality of life for his Afghan brethren.

CUSAP: The Campaign for a US-Afghanistan Partnership

The Campaign for a US-Afghanistan Partnership (CUSAP) is an organization founded by board member Hamed Wardak. CUSAP is a membership organization for people who believe that Afghanistan can develop into a strong, independent, secure country with the help of the United States. CUSAP also works to establish a strong relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as their futures are likely tied.

CUSAP has nine guidelines for achieving their goals: Ensure effective US assistance; focus on regional solutions; create a strong, bilateral relationship; support a strong national army; commit to reduce the drug trade; combat corruption, foster good governance and rule of law; embrace traditional Islam to counter al Qaeda; generate a sustainable economic base; establish united leadership.

Hamed Wardak- Actively Supporting Rural Afghanistan

Fedayeen-e-sol, or “Sacrificers for Peace” is a movement of all ethnicities working to improve Afghanistan from the inside. Co-founded by Hamed Wardak, it moves to inspire change in the entire nation by improving Afghani society. It is an organization which defines itself as the positive opposition to the Taliban, as it toils to improve the quality of life and maintain independence for Afghanistan without using violent means.

Mr. Wardak also regularly donates money from his company to improve the lives of the Afghanis- he financially boosts schools, medical centers, sports institutes and more. He believes that Afghanistan and America should maintain a good relationship, and he has helped create the Campaign for a US-Afghanistan partnership, in order to work towards this important goal.

The 9 Pillars of CUSAP

CUSAP, the Campaign for a US-Afghanistan Partnership, founded by Hamed Wardak and others, is a nonprofit organization.  They join together American and Afghan citizens to work to achieve peace and security in Afghanistan and to promote prosperity in the area.

Their movement includes 9 pillars, by which they guide their actions and their work.  These pillars include the following principles:

1. Ensuring effective U.S. assistance

2. Looking for regional solutions to the issues that face Afghanistan

3. Creating a strong bilateral relationship

4. Making sure that the national army is strong

5. Working to reduce the drug trafficking and the drug trade

6. Fighting against corruption and creating a stable government

7. Embracing traditional Islam to fight against al Qaeda

8. Working to create a stable economic base

9. Working to create united leadership for Afghanistan


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