US-Afghanistan History in Light of bin Laden Demise

Posted on May 18, 2011 in Afghanistan, CUSAP, Hamed Wardak, Ludus Athletics

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.

Wardak and de Maiziere Shake Hands

Posted on May 17, 2011 in Hamed Wardak

Hamed Wardak’s father Abdul Rahim Wardak, a few weeks ago met with Thomas de Maiziere.  The former is Afghan’s Defense Minister, and the latter holds the same position in Germany.  de Maiziere made a visit to Afghanistan where he met up with Wardak.  This visit marked “his first trip to the battleground since taking the job about three weeks ago.”  The discussions between the two centered around the recent announcement made in Kabul regarding security forces in Afghanistan heading activities in “seven areas across the nation” in a couple of months’ time.
Abdul Rahim Wardak commented that through the development of the process international forces will engage in a changing role, moving towards a more “mentoring and supporting” one of troops in Afghanistan which will slowly enable the “thinning out [of foreign forces].”  After that, the hope is that they will return home safely with, “mission accomplished” under their belts.

Hamed Wardak and US-Afghan Exhibition

Posted on May 3, 2011 in Afghanistan, Hamed Wardak

A photo exhibition has been established that displays pictures from early Afghan-American relations.  This would be of interest to Hamed Wardak, an Afghan who is always working towards better relations with America.  According to Deputy Ambassador at the US Embassy in Kabul Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne, the exhibition is illustrative of the two country’s “shared values…unity against common threats and commitment to a more peaceful world.”  The exhibition runs until May 8 and will go to Afghanistan later this year.

Great Afghan Sportsmen

Posted on Apr 18, 2011 in Afghanistan, Fedayeen-e-Sol, Hamed Wardak

The Afghan Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Abdul Mohamed beat British MMA fighter Andrew Fisher winning the Lightweight World Title in the 10th Legion Championship Fighting “Symbol of Power” event, marking his third consecutive victory.
Born in Panjhshir (Afghan’s north eastern province), Mohamed has been fighting professionally since 2003.  He certainly brings pride to his country which is always a boost for the citizens.  Hamed Wardak, founder of Fedayeen-e-Sol, is always trying to boost morale of Afghans.  His organization “offers Afghans an ideological alternative to the Taliban’s vision,” so such Western activities like the MMA – and especially winning – is great news for Wardak.

Brief History on US-Afghanistan Relations

Posted on Mar 29, 2011 in Afghanistan, CUSAP, Hamed Wardak

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.”

Great Fighting Afghans

Posted on Mar 22, 2011 in Afghanistan, Hamed Wardak

It seems like Afghans are pretty strong.  In the 2010-11 World Series that took place in Belgium, Afghan MMA fighter and Shooto Light Heavyweight World Champion, Siyar Bahadurzada defeated John “The Natural” Alessio.  He did this  pretty quickly – in the first round in a knock out punch, making the fight last only 90 seconds.  He was, quite naturally, thrilled and grateful for the support he has received, writing on his FB account, “I’d like to thank each and everyone of you for praying for me, supporting me and for being my motivation!”

This has to be good news for Afghans looking for a boost.  Hamed Wardak, who is an Afghan activist working hard for better conditions for the people.

Afghan Women Pride

Posted on Mar 14, 2011 in Afghanistan, Hamed Wardak

Afghan women can take pride in their heritage.  In March, Exec-Dir. of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) Dr. Sakena Yacoobi was awarded the inaugural Enterprising Women’s 2011 Global Women’s Hall of Fame award in Florida.  Yacoobi received the award from the founder of the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (Dr. Terry Neese) at the 9th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration.
According to Dr. Neese, this nomination was intentional, vis-à-vis empowering Afghan women:  “I nominated Dr. Yacoobi for this award due to her long time efforts to empower women and communities to bring education and health services to poor rural and urban girls and women, as well as other disenfranchised Afghans.”  Apparently it was Yacoobi’s organization which was the instigator of presenting human rights and leadership training to Afghan women, as far back as the 1990s.  The lady is thus “an inspiration to Afghan and American women.”  Yacoobi herself was said to have felt most “honored.”  It is also a mark of honor “for the women of Afghanistan who are creating new lives for themselves through their pursuit of education, their creativity, and their drive to succeed under the most difficult of circumstances.”
Any improvements such as these that are directed toward the people of Afghanistan, giving them a sense of pride in who they are and their achievements is good news for the whole region as well as those like Hamed Wardak – the founder of  Campaign for a US-Afghanistan Partnership – which seeks to improve relations between the two countries.