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Afghanistan remains a dangerous place: Obama

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Last Updated on: October 25, 2022

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U.S President Barack Obama at the first U.S. troops Memorial Day in 14 years without a major ground war in an annual ceremony of remembrance has said that Afghanistan remains a very dangerous place.

In remarks at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, Obama paid tribute to U.S. military personnel who served in conflicts such as World War Two as well as the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which he wound down as commander in chief.

“For many of us, this Memorial Day is especially meaningful. It is the first since our war in Afghanistan came to an end,” Obama said. “Today is the first Memorial Day in 14 years that the United States is not engaged in a major ground war.”

In March, the White House announced a delay in anticipated troop withdrawals, citing ongoing security concerns. According to the administration, US forces currently fill “non-combat” roles including coordinating drone strikes and counter-terrorism missions and training Afghan security forces. The residual force is about 10% of the peak force in 2011.

“It is a reflection of America itself,” he said, citing racial and religious diversity in the backgrounds of the men and woman who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve “the ideals that bind us as one nation.”

In his remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, Obama said most of the remaining troops should be removed from Afghanistan by the end of 2016.

“Today, fewer than 10,000 troops remain on a mission to train and assist Afghan forces. We’ll continue to bring them home and reduce our forces further, down to an embassy presence by the end of next year,” Obama said.

“But Afghanistan remains a very dangerous place. And as so many families know, our troops continue to risk their lives for us.”

More than 2,200 Americans have died in the 14-year-old Afghanistan war. In a pre-recorded weekly address before his planned Arlington visit, Obama said he would use the occasion to tell the life stories of some of those killed, including “the first American to give his life in this new mission”.

“I see that their hearts are still broken, and yet still full of love,” he said. “They do not ask for awards or honors. They do not ask for special treatment. They are unfailingly humble. In the face of unspeakable loss, they represent the best of who we are.”

Obama also noted that US’s commitments for fighting against Daesh and Al-Qaeda in the world will continue.

 

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Iran would prevail in potential conflict with the United States, says IEA spokesman

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Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), said that in the event of a possible conflict between Iran and the United States, Iran would have the capacity to emerge victorious.

Speaking in an interview with Iran Radio, he emphasized that the Islamic Emirate does not support war, but believes that “the Islamic Republic of Iran was ultimately successful the last time it faced an attack, and this time as well due to its capabilities and its legitimate right to self-defense” it would have the upper hand.

Mujahid added that, if formally requested, Afghans are prepared “to the extent of their ability” to cooperate with the Iranian people in addressing the potential consequences of such a conflict.

Despite talks to see if a nuclear deal can be struck, Washington is amassing military forces in the region. 

Iranian officials have warned that Tehran would retaliate by targeting U.S. military bases in the region.

 
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Islamabad mosque attack is the result of Pakistan’s policy of nurturing Daesh: Mujahid

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Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, says the recent attack on a mosque in Islamabad was the consequence of Pakistan’s longstanding policy of “nurturing Daesh.”

The attack, carried out over a week ago, killed 31 people and injured 170 others.

In an interview with Iran Radio, Mujahid stated: “Daesh is an enemy like a snake; if you raise it in your sleeve, it will eventually bite you.”

He argued that Pakistan’s instrumental use of Daesh for “covert and intelligence-driven objectives” harms not only the people of Pakistan but also has negative repercussions for the people of Afghanistan.

Mujahid once again rejected allegations that the Islamic Emirate supports Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He emphasized that no unauthorized armed individual is allowed to operate inside Afghanistan. According to him, the Islamic Emirate had expressed readiness to facilitate the return of “Waziristani migrants,” but Pakistan declined the offer. Instead, at Pakistan’s request, these families were relocated from areas near the Durand Line to other parts of Afghanistan.

Mujahid added that crossing closures have harmed traders in both countries, though he claimed Pakistan has suffered more. He said the crossings will not be reopened unless Pakistan provides a “guarantee” that it will not repeatedly close them due to political considerations.

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Defense minister urges the Afghan people to move past divisions and focus on unity

The minister also called on Afghan business leaders to support the poor and displaced during the upcoming month of Ramazan, urging them to allocate their Zakat to vulnerable citizens.

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Afghanistan’s Defense Minister, Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, emphasized the importance of leaving past conflicts behind and setting aside divisions in order to prevent future internal strife.

Speaking on Sunday at a ceremony commemorating the 37th anniversary of the defeat and withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan, Mujahid warned that a desire for revenge could threaten the stability of the current system.

He stated, “Those who seek power today are no longer even remembered in graves. If you think of the future, think for the people and the nation, and leave a legacy that future generations can be proud of, like our past heroes.”

He underscored that true merit is not determined by language, ethnicity, or position, but by piety and integrity.

The minister also called on Afghan business leaders to support the poor and displaced during the upcoming month of Ramazan, urging them to allocate their Zakat to vulnerable citizens.

“My special message to businessmen is: do not forget your people, and always help them,” Mujahid said.

Highlighting the importance of public cooperation in security, Mujahid added, “Afghanistan today enjoys exceptional security. Citizens must work with security forces to maintain stability. Some countries do not want Afghanistan to be secure; they see their own security in our instability and wish to prosper at the expense of our nation.”

Addressing neighboring countries and the international community, Mujahid affirmed, “Afghanistan is an independent country. We assure all countries that Afghanistan has no threat or bad intentions for you and we will not allow our soil to be used against neighboring countries and we have been able to contain threats against other countries and in this regard, we have full ability and do not need anyone’s help and cooperation.

“We have one request from countries not to create problems for us and not to make excuses, we are ready for any kind of dialogue, but based on mutual respect and national interests, we are ready to negotiate and we will not accept anyone’s orders in this regard, and if someone makes excuses, our message is clear: this approach benefits neither you nor the Afghan people.”

He further stated that even countries that previously invaded or occupied Afghanistan are invited to build relations, but always based on mutual interest and respect. He called for the establishment of a “fresh page” for positive and constructive relations.

Meanwhile, Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that the Afghan nation has never accepted foreign occupation. He said this day in Afghanistan’s history was unforgettable and a source of national pride.

He added that under the Islamic Emirate, drug trafficking and cultivation have been banned, families of martyrs receive designated support, and all orphans are cared for without discrimination, with approximately 13–14 billion Afghanis allocated for their welfare.

Hanafi also emphasized that drug addiction among youth was fueled by foreign powers, while its treatment is now managed by the Islamic Emirate.

Hanafi concluded by urging civil servants to treat the Afghan people with compassion, remain humble in office, and utilize all available resources to preserve the Islamic system.

Separately, Noor Muhammad Saqib, Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs, highlighted the need for constant preparedness against threats, stating that Afghans should not rely solely on past victories over powerful nations but remain vigilant against any potential dangers in the future.

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