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Jehadi camps still in Pak, says Shabbir Discussion on Rajasthan-Sind bus fruitful
US detention record in Afghanistan ‘terrible’
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Jehadi camps still in Pak, says Shabbir London, March 9 Speaking at a round table conference of Kashmir academics on Indo-Pak ties, Mr Chaudhry said the terrorist training camps were manned by fundamentalist groups, which were opposed to the recent peace process. Political analysts, including Alexendra Evans, Andrew Whitehead of the BBC, Victoria Schofield and Dr Mohan Kaul, expressed their views on the situation. The conference was also attended by Indian journalists. Mr Chaudhry, who recently visited the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to make a spot study of the security and political situation, said scores of Pakistanis, Afghans, Bangladeshis and other nationals were being trained in these camps to spread terror in the region. The London-based leader, who broke away from the Yaseen Malik faction, also claimed that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf did not have control on all jehadi groups in the country and some of the outfits had the tacit support of the lower-level administration. “He (Musharraf) does not entirely control everything in Pakistan. There are other players in the game,” he added.
— UNI |
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Discussion on Rajasthan-Sind bus fruitful Islamabad, March 9 A press note issued this evening said the two sides had a “constructive and fruitful” discussion for the commencement of the bus service. “The delegations adopted an agenda and exchanged information,” it added. The talks would continue tomorrow. The two delegations included senior officials from Foreign and Transport ministries. The proposal to start a bus service between Khokhrapar and Munabao was mooted by India in October last year. India had also proposed a bus link between Muzaffarabad in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Srinagar. Pakistan gave its consent for talks on the two bus services in January, soon after the SAARC Summit. Talks between the two countries on the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service will be held on March 29-30. The Khokhrapar-Munabao bus service will be the second road link between the two countries. The Delhi-Lahore bus service was resumed between the two countries in July last year. Several other confidence-building Measures (CBMs) between the two countries, including a ferry service between Mumbai and Karachi, are on the table. The two countries have already decided to resume cricketing links at the top level and are keen to promote commercial ties also.
— UNI |
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US detention record in Afghanistan ‘terrible’ WASHINGTON: United States forces operating in Afghanistan have arbitrarily detained civilians, used excessive force during arrests of non-combatants, and mistreated detainees, according to a report put out on Monday by New York-based Human Rights Watch. “The United States is setting a terrible example in Afghanistan on detention practices,” said Brad Adams, executive director of the Asia division of the human rights watchdog. “Civilians are being held in a legal black hole — with no tribunals, no legal counsel, no family visits and no basic legal protections.” Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, the US went to war in Afghanistan in the name of national security and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. Washington codenamed this operation “Enduring Freedom”. Yet today, on Afghan soil, the US is maintaining a system of arrests and detention as part of its ongoing military and intelligence operations that violates international human rights law and international humanitarian law. By doing so, HRW’s report, “Enduring Freedom”: Abuses by US Forces in Afghanistan, says the US is endangering the lives of Afghan civilians, undermining efforts to restore the rule of law in Afghanistan, and calling into question its commitment to upholding basic rights. Saying the US-administered system of arrest and detention in Afghanistan exists outside of the rule of law, the HRW report claims the US is maintaining separate detention facilities at Bagram, Kandahar, Jalalabad and Asadabad military bases. The report details mistreatment of prisoners at these facilities. Released detainees have said US forces severely beat them, doused them with cold water and subjected them to freezing temperatures. Many said they were forced to stay awake or stand or kneel in painful positions for extended periods of time. “There is compelling evidence suggesting that US personnel have committed acts against detainees amounting to torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment,” said Mr Adams. Senior Bush administration officials, including Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, have argued the Geneva Conventions do not apply to a war against terrorism. Critics, however, say the US government could have pursued terrorist suspects by traditional law enforcement means, in which case the Geneva Conventions would not apply. But since the US government engaged in armed conflict in Afghanistan — by bombing and undertaking other military operations — the Geneva Conventions clearly do apply to that conflict. US troops in Afghanistan are fighting armed groups comprising members of the Taliban, the Mujahideen group Hezb-e-Islami and a relatively small number of non-Afghan fighters, some of whom are associated with the Al-Qaida. For their part, these groups have shown little willingness to abide by international humanitarian law or human rights standards: they have carried out abductions and attacks against civilians and humanitarian aid workers and detonated bombs in bazaars and other civilian areas. “Those responsible for these violations, including the leaders of these groups, should, if captured, be investigated and prosecuted for violations of Afghan law and the laws of war,” the HRW report says. But, it points out, the activities of these groups are no excuse for US violations. “Abuses by one party to a conflict do not justify violations by the other side. This is a fundamental principle of the laws of war,” said Mr Adams. The 59-page report is based on research conducted in Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2003 and early this year. The report notes that Afghan forces deployed with US forces have also mistreated persons during search and arrest operations and looted homes. It also describes frequent arbitrary arrests of civilians, apparently based on mistaken or faulty intelligence, and numerous cases of civilians who were held incommunicado and indefinitely. President George W. Bush and officials in his administration stated in June, 2003 that the US does not torture or mistreat detainees. But Washington has denied any independent observers, except for the International Committee of the Red Cross, access to detention facilities in Afghanistan. The ICRC does not publicise its findings. Saying the United States is “obligated” to investigate allegations and prosecute those who have violated the law, Mr Adams added, “There is no sign that serious investigations are taking place.” “Abusive governments across the world can now point to US forces in Afghanistan, and say, ‘If they can abuse human rights and get away with it, why can’t we?’” asked Mr Adams. |
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Americans back Kerry on economy Washington, March 9 Kerry currently has a double-digit advantage over Bush as the person best able to handle the economy Kerry leads Bush by 12 points), social security (16 points), education (12 points), budget deficit (15 points) and health care (20 points), the Washington-Post-ABC poll has found. On the war on terrorism, however, Bush has an advantage over Kerry by 19 points. The poll indicated that a majority of Americans —57 per cent — said they want the next President to steer the country away from the course set by Bush. Bush’s standing hit new lows in crucial areas such as economy (30 per cent support him), Iraq (48 per cent) and budget deficit (30 per cent). However, his overall support — 50 per cent —remains unchanged since February. Bush, the poll found, is no longer viewed as someone who can bring the country together. According to the poll, Kerry is viewed as more honest and trustworthy than Bush. On the key issue of leadership, the two candidates are virtually tied. |
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Rushdie is chief of PEN American Centre New York, March 9 Now, with Rushdie calling that time “ancient history” and determined to help other artists in distress, he has been named president of the PEN American Centre. “Of course, I’m very grateful for what PEN did, and it’s nice to put something back in,” Rushdie said yesterday. Rushdie, who was officially named yesterday to serve a two-year term, succeeds Joe Conarroe, a former president of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation.
— AP |
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