Wardak and de Maiziere Shake Hands

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

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

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

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

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.