Links / AAN in the media
Festive greetings : Mullah Omar releases a not-so-rare Eid message
France 24, 9 September 2010
The French TV station's Leela Jacinto analyses Mulla Omar's 'not-so-rare' statements. She quots AAN's Thomas Ruttig: “There have been statements from the Taliban leadership commenting on the (Jan. 2010) London Afghanistan Conference, on a UN report on civilian casualties, statements are regularly released for Eid festivals and a lot of other occasions. The Taliban’s media output is definitely increasing' and that 'there are a lot of young people in Afghanistan and Pakistan who are educated and well versed with technology' that can help them doing this.
Obama: Koran-Verbrennung hilft Al-Kaida (Obama: Quran Burning Helps al-Qaida)
Hamburger Morgenpost, 9 September 2010
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted here: The planned burning of the Quran 'will definitely help the Taleban propaganda; 'should it really happen, Islamist circles will use that as an argument against the whole international engagement in Afghanistan'. It will help them to present the conflict in Afghanistan 'as a struggle between Islam and Christianity" and to this 'fringe group as representing all "Christian unbelievers".'
Why Are So Many Politicians Running in Kabul?
Time magazine, 7 September 2010
AAN's junior researcher Fabrizio Foschini calls it a symptom of the 'government losing control around the countryside', part of the further deteriorating security situation.
Die unbekannten Toten (The Unknown Dead)
Tagesspiegel (Berlin), 5 September 2010
This article points to the fact that civilian casualties in Afghanistan have only been systematically registered since 2007 and that the security situation also has made the work of NGOs more difficult. AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted as saying that more and more Afghans in the provinces do not want to be seen with any foreigner.
Unter Feuer: Entwicklungszusammenarbeit in Afghanistan (Under Fire: Development Cooperation in Afghanistan)
INKOTA-Brief (Berlin), September 2010
In this commentary for the Berlin-bases developmental magazine, AAN's Thomas Ruttig criticised the new German government's policy to force German NGOs to cooperate with the military - or otherwise not to be funded. (In German, commentary not available online - only by ordering the magazine.)
Afghan Police’s Lack of Guns and Gas Shows U.S. Exit Plan Flaw
Bloomberg, 31 August 2010
Baghlan’s police suffer unstable leadership because of power struggles among ethnic Pashtun and Tajik clans that have seen 10 provincial governors and numerous police chiefs appointed in nine years, said Fabrizio Foschini of the Afghanistan Analysts Network, a research group in Kabul. Clan- based militias defy government authority with roadblocks at which they extort money from travelers, merchants and nomads moving their herds, Foschini said.
Karzai Aide Scandal Underscores Afghan Anticorruption Failures
Radio Free Europe, 28 August 2010
AAN's Thomas Ruttig, quoted here, finds the general US approach more important (and wrong) than the Salehi case: "If you want to fight corruption and if you pay people, for instance, private security companies to guard your convoys, your bases, your embassies -- and you know that these companies are actually working on behalf and for the profits of warlords, you undermine the whole system you are meant to be building up in Afghanistan'.
'Eher Rückschritte als Fortschritt' (Regression rather than Progress)
Islamische Zeitung (Berlin), 26 August 2010
Extensive interview with AAN's Thoma Ruttig on the current developments in Afghanistan in the light of the WikiLeaks publications (in German).
Taliban-Kommandant spricht von Mord (Taleban commander speaks about 'murder')
tageszeitung (Berlin), 23 August 2010
Article based on the latest two AAN blogs in which two high-ranking Taleban officials from North-Eastern Afghanistan called the murder of ten aid workers 'murder' and a 'crime' and expressed their 'condolences'.
Two slain US aid workers to be buried in Kabul
AFP, 21 August 2010
This article quotes the Nuristan Taleban commander's condemnation of the killings and quotes Kate Clark's AAN blog on the slain aid workers.
Karzai scraps guns for hire, but where do the gunslingers go?
France 24, 19 August 2010
This is a transcript of a TV piece on the Karzai decree banning private security companies in which AAN's Kate Clark is quoted as saying that this step 'might have something to do with trying to get control of the market'.
Death of a peacemaker
BBC, 14 August 2010
Kate Clark's memories of Dan Terry and their discussions about how to approach the Taleban.
Unrest Is Undermining Hopes for Afghan Vote
New York Times, 11 August 2010
This article examines the likelihood that the security situation might impact negatively on the upcoming parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, the Afghan armed forces say they are able to protect even more polling stations then last year. AAN's Martine van Bijlert says that “there’s a good chance most of the seats will be taken by people committing fraud,”.
Das Kreuz mit dem Kreuz (The Crux with the Cross)
Rheinischer Merkur (Bonn), 12 August 2010
The article discusses the situation of Christian aid groups in Afghanistan. AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the 2001 Shelter Now case when members of that groups proselytised amongst Afghans, the group was kicked out of Afghanistan and put Afghans and other groups in danger but, as the article shows, still denies any wrongdoing.
'Zeit ist wirklich das Entscheidende' (To Take Time Is Most Important')
Deutschlandradio Kultur, 11 August 2010
Commenting on the latest UN civilian casualty figures, AAN's Thomas Ruttig pleads vom for 'time, patience and calming down period' in Afghanistan. Listen to the audio and the see the transcript (both in German).
Zahl getöteter Zivilisten steigt (Figure of Civilian Casualties Rises)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 11 August 2010
AAN's Thomas Ruttig reports about the latest UN and AIHRC figures showing a 31 per cent rise in civlian casualties in the first half of 2010 and about growing anger amongst Afghans who increasingly take to the streets about this matter, including those who reject the Taleban.
'Die Expedition ist nicht ohne Risiko' (The Expedition Won't Be Without Risk)
süddeutsche.de, 10 August 2010
AAN's Kate Clark in Kabul is quoted on the murder of the ten IAM eye camp organisers. She explains how protection is organised, by relying on local connections...
Taliban massacre big-hearted team devoted to helping Afghans
Sydney Morning Herald, 9 August 2010
Here, Kate Clark's AAN obituary for the slain IAM team is quoted again.
Missionare oder Helfer? (Missionaries or Aid Workers?)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 9 August 2010
A background on IAM, the life story of Tom Little and a clear answer to the question above (in German)
Taliban Returns To Northern Afghanistan
National Public Radio (US), 9 August 2010
AAN's Kate Clark is quoted on the Taliban infiltrating Pashtun and non-Pashtun communities, the 'weak performance' of German troops in the area and abuses by the ANP that helped the Taleban.
Der Westen trägt zur Zuspitzung in Afghanistan bei (originally: Victims of Huntington's Clash of Cultures)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 9 August 2010
In his commentary, AAN's Thomas Ruttig proposes that the IAM workers were slain in an atmosphere in which on one hand the Taleban misrepresent all foreigners as "unbelievers" and propagandists of Christianity while Bush's talk of a crusade, still alive amongst many in the military, together with quasi-racist notions of the 'poor' and 'under-developed' Afghans contributes to that kind of polarised logic (in German)
Afghanistan-Experte warnt vor Gefährdung der Hilfsorganisationen (Afghanistan Expert Warns Against Growing Risk for Aid Groups)
epd (German news agency), 9 August 2010
This is the condensed version of a radio interview given by AAN's Thomas Ruttig to NDR the same morning.
Our mate, the bloody warlord
Sydney Morning Herald, 8 August 2010
Article on Mattiullah Khan in Uruzgan quotes AAN's Martine van Bijlert on the risks involved in becoming increasingly dependent on such forces.
Slain American volunteers were devoted to service
Los Angeles Times, 8 August 2010
Kate Clark's obituary for Tom Little, Dan Terry and the other participants of the murdered IAM mission to Nuristan is quoted here.
U.S. Victims Identified as Bodies Arrive in Kabul
International Herald Trbune, 8 August
Another quote from Kate Clark's AAN obituary: “Dan Terry and Tom Little were men of faith and made no secret of that,” said Kate Clark, a friend who works as a political analyst in Kabul. “But you don’t manage to survive in a country like Afghanistan for 30 or 40 years and try to convert people.”
Die Punkte der Profis (The Points of the Professionals)
epo-Mediawatch, 1 August 2010
The profesisonals in this post of the German development policy website is --- AAN (thanks for the flowers, epo). It quotes from our blog on the WikiLeaks documents.
Knowledge of Afghanistan 'astonishingly thin'
BBC, 31 July 2010
Afghan studies is an "orphan subject," hardly taught at universities in the UK, finds the BBC's Ray Furlong. And he quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig in saying that it is not much different in germany and elsewhere in Europe.
Holland geht, "M" bleibt (Holland Leaves, "M" Stays)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 28 July 2010
This reportage by Dutch freelancer Bette Dam and AAN's Thomas Ruttig from Uruzgan shows how disunited NATO "partners" work, how this supports 'semi-legal, armed and corrupt structures' and that Dutch partners now fear a backlash.
Was ist los in Afghanistan: Die Wikileaks-Papiere (What's Going on in Afghanistan: The Wikileaks Papers)
MDR (German radio), 27 July 2010
Listen to an audio file (in German) of Thomas Ruttig explaining what is new (heat-seaking missiles in Taleban hands) and what not (Task Force 373) in the papers and that the affair reflects the dirth for information caused by far-from-transparent information strategies
Afghanistan-Dokumente wecken Zweifel (Afghanistan Documents Raise Doubts)
Financial Times Deutschland, 27 July 2010
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted in this article as saying that the leak shows 'how little transparence there is in the reporting of all involved actors - not the military only, but also Western and the Afghan governments as well as the UN' - to make it such a sensation.
Stop Blaming the Afghans
The New Republic, 26 July 2010
Francesc Vendrell's quote “Having failed dismally to make the Afghan people our allies, we will inevitably abandon them to a combination of Taliban in the south and the warlords in the north and—having somehow redefined success—we will go home convinced that it is the Afghan people who have failed us” made it into Steve Coll's article in The New Republic as well.
Afghan forces' flaws exposed
AlJazeera.net, 26 July 2010
Martine van Bijlert is asked to comment on the reports of "green-on-green" incidents in the Wikileaks Afghan War Diaries.
Rethinking the Taliban and Going on the Defensive
The Media Line, 26 July 2010
Read a partial transcript of Thomas Ruttig's radio interview for this US-based MidEast info service on his recent report 'How Tribal Are the Taleban' where he pleads for a turn-around of the US/Western military strategy, in order to create spaces in which the situation can calm down and development will be possible again.
Afghan-Pakistan Relations Thaw, For Now
Voice of America, 23 July 2010
AAN Advisory Board chairman Francesc Vendrell says the following about the beginning rapprochement between Islamabad and Kabul: 'I think the non-Pashtuns, and a good number of Pashtuns, are very upset about it. They wouldn't want to see a deal cut that would reduce their influence, the non-Pashtun influence, in the government. And, I think, a lot of Pashtuns also are very anti-Pakistani. And, we'll see how long this courtship lasts'.
Afghanistan's prospects: The great endgame
The Economist, 22 July 2010
Economist editorial on the Kabul conference and international pessimism quotes Martine van Bijlert who says about Karzai's opening speech “it was a speech written for a country without a war.”
Kabuler Luftschlösser (Pies in the Kabul Sky)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 21 July 2010
AAN's Thomas Ruttig analyses the two major documents of the Kabul conference: the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program and the 'Inteqal' framework, i.e. about transfer of responsibilities to the Afghan government.
Nach der Afghanistan Konferenz (After the Afghanistan Conference)
NDR (German radio), 21 July 2010
Listen to an audio file of Thomas Ruttig's interview (in German).
Suche nach einer erfolgreichen Afghanistan-Strategie (Looking for a Successful Afghanistan Strategy)
Deutschlandfunk, 21 July 2010
Listen to a 45-minutes audio file of a roundtable discussion (in German) with AAN's Thomas Ruttig, Citha Maass (SWP Berlin), Ulrich Ladurner (Die Zeit weekly) and freelancer Marc Thörner.
"Ook Afghanen zitten in de klem" (Afghans are stuck too)
Volkskrant, 21 July 2010
Interview with Martine van Bijlert (in Dutch) on whether it is a good idea to announce a leaving date, what the chances are that things will get better (it doesn't look like it), whether the Taliban are interested in talks (they might be if there was anything serious on the table), and the state of the Afghan government (in many ways not really interested in governing).
Can Karzai take control of Afghan security? (audio)
Radio Netherlands Worldwide, 20 July 2010
Martine van Bijlert on whether Afghanistan has the strength to sort out its own security.
Der Westen rüstet zum Abzug (The West Gets Ready for the Withdrawal)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 20 July 2010
The article quotes Afghan analysts and MPs who believe that the Western withdrawal comes too early. And AAN's Martine van Bijlert describes the mood: 'The people are afraid. They are afraid about the Western troops leaving. And they are afraid about them staying as well - because that strengthens the Taleban' (with audio file in German).
Konferenz mit neuen Ansätzen (Conference with New Approaches)
ORF (Austrian radio), 20 July 2010
In this Interview, AAN's Thomas Ruttig says that the current Kabul conference reflects Western governments' 'general helplessness'. 'Many governments conclude that it is time to leave Afghanistan, and therefore they need a picture to sell to the domestic public that Afghanistan now takes its matters in its own hands. But I see very few signs that this is really the case. The result maybe that Afghanistan is left to itself again'
Ein halbgarer Konsens: Afghanistans Friedensjirga (A Half-Cooked Consensus: Afghanistan's Peace Jirga)
INAMO, summer 2010
Op-ed by Thomas Ruttig on the recent Kabul Peace Jirga in this German magazine on the Near and Middle East (only summaries under the link).
Die USA, der Mohn und der Tod (The US, the Poppy and Death)
Handelsblatt, 20 July 2010
This report relates how the poppy industry eats up the fabric of Afghan sociaty 'like a cancer' - as AAN's Thomas Ruttig puts it who is quoted here.
Nine years, nine conferences
Aljazeera.net, 19 July 2010
Gregg Carlstrom's pre-Kabul conference article also quotes Martine van Bijlert on the demand to spend more aid money through the Afghan budget: "It's clear that you undermine the credibility of the institutions by bypassing them. But I'm not sure that the way to strengthen institutions is by spending more money through them."
Die Kabul-Konferenz - mehr als ein Signal? (The Kabul Conference - More Than a Signal?)
tagesschau.de, 19 July 2010
The website of Germany's main news program quotes AAN's Martine van Bijlert:'There was a kind of panic after the 2009 presidential elections: How will the situation evolve? The relationship between the donor countries and the Afghan government was severaly harmed. The population lost confidence in the government. It is important to repair all this.'
Taliban Talks: The Obstacles to a Peace Deal in Afghanistan
The Guardian, 19 July 2010
In an analysis of possible talks with the Taleban, AAN's Advisory Board head Francesc Vendrell is quoted as saying that the current military effort to push the Taliban out of Kandahar and Helmand was particularly foolish because these are precisely the areas that, in his view, will have to be handed over to Taleban control.
Prairie Taliban and bureaucracy run amok at Kabul Conference
Pundita (blog), 19 July 2010
Blogger Pundita quotes "super-smart Kate Clark's highly informative report" on the reintegration plan, praising her "droll sense of humor and pitch-perfect understanding of international bureaucrats hard at work managing the Natives" (and commends last year's blog by Joanna Nathan on "Afghanistan's most under-reported stories of 2009").
Expert: Afghanistan policy not working
CNN Afghanistan blogs, 19 July 2010
The expert quoted by CNN's Tim Lister is Richard Haass, but the article also refers to "a recent study by the respected Afghanistan Analysts Network argued that the Taliban’s influence and appeal extended well beyond Afghanistan’s Pashtun heartland."
Karzai hofiert die Taliban (Karzai Courts the Taleban)
Tages-Anzeiger (Switzerland), 18 July 2010
In an article discussing Afghan and US strategies vis-a-vis the Taleban, Thomas Ruttig's AAN blog on the McChrystal/Petraeus change is quoted.
Experten erwarten keinen Durchbruch bei Außenministerkonferenz in Kabul (Experts expect no breakthrough from Kabul conference)
AP (German service), 17 July 2010
This pteview on the upcoming Kabul conference quotes German Afghanistan experts like Conrad Schetter, Jochen Hippler and AAN's Thomas Ruttig. He says that he has 'low expectations' from the conference with regards to a political solution. 'I can't see a congruent line between the major foreign governments and that of President Hamed Karzai'. And he doubts 'whether there now is a better control' over the money that Western governments allocate for the new reintegration programme' then was over the failed PTS.
Hoffnungslos in Kandahar (Hopeless in Kandahar)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 13 July 2010
In this report on the situation in Kandahar, wih its series of political murders and 'covert operations' to kill 'as many Taleban leaders as possible', AAN's Martine van Bijlert is quoted as 'shocked ... how hopelessly Kandaharis look into their future'.
Golden Surrender
Huffington Post blog, 11 July 2010
Nick Mills, Huffington Post blogger and professor at Boston University, quotes both from Matt Waldman's and Thomas Ruttig's latest AAN papers - and comes to the conclusion that 'The Taliban live there. They are not going away. We should.' We're not sure whether we agree entirely.
U.S. encouraged by Afghans banding together to protect villages
Stars and Stripes, 9 July 2010
Article on the latest incarnation of the "village militias" quotes AAN's LDI report by Matthieu Lefevre, as well as Martine van Bijlert as saying that support by outside special forces “could easily disrupt local balances and exacerbate local conflicts.”
Our mate, the bloody warlord
The Age (Australia), 8 August 2010
In this story about Uruzgan's 'strongman' Matiullah - now of concern for the Australians - AAN's Martine van Bijlert warns against dependence on certain groups and people that migh create vulnerability.
The Gizab Good Guys
Zach in Afghanistan / War is boring
Blogger quotes Martine van Bijlert's blog on the revolt of the good guys in Gizab and calls AAN "inestimable".
Op zoek naar nieuwe koers voor hulp
www.publishing.eur.nl
Governance professor Wil Hout positively reviews last year's contribution by Martine van Bijlert to a volume on the future of development aid ("Imaginary Institutions: Statebuilding in Afghanistan").
Wie weiter in Afghanistan? (Whither Afghanistan?)
DRS 1,2 and 4 (Swiss radio), 5 July 2010
Listen to an audio of an interview with Thomas Ruttig in Swiss radio's ain evening news about the perspectives for Afghanistan and what the international community has achieved there - and what not (in German).
Ausbruch aus dem paschtunischen Getto (Break-out from the Pashtun Ghetto)
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, 5 July 2010
Christoph Erhardt quotes extensively from AAN's latest report, 'How Tribal Are the Taleban' describing the Taleban's gains in non-Pashtun areas in the Afghan North (in German, subscribers only).
Does the West understand the Taliban?
Killid magazine (Kabul), 3 July 2010
The leader of the latest issue of the Kabul weekly magazine quotes extensively from AAN's new report 'How Tribal Are the Taliban'
Bakslaget (Backlash)
Fokus (Sweden), 2 July 2010
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted in this analysis of the outcome of Operation 'Mushtarak' in Marja and the Taleban's return to the area witnessed by Swedish journalist Terese Cristiansson (in Swedish)
Taliban attack compound of US contractor in Afghanistan
The Guardian, 2 July 2010
In her report on the Taleban attack on an USAID-funded 'for-profit' NGO, Aunohita Mojumdar quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig on 'concerns about the privatisation and militarisation of development co-operation which makes people who work in these organisations very vulnerable.'
Missed opportunities: General McChrystal is gone but the Afghanistan problem remains
The Asia Pacific Times and The Atlantic Times, No 7-8/2010
Thomas Ruttig's analysis deals with the missed opportunies to change US strategy in Afghanistan with Gen. Petraeus' take over of command: 'The mantra of strategic continuity shows that there was and is no political will for that.'
Missie geslaagd? (Mission accomplished?)
Onze Wereld, July/August 2010
Bette Dam, author of "Expeditie Uruzgan" discusses the Dutch involvement in Uruzgan and quotes Martine van Bijlert on the contentious issue of when an area can be considered safe ("it seems safe, but the conflicts have not been resolved").
Die Nato und die Warlords (NATO and the Warlords)
Wochenzeitung (Zurich), 1 July 2010
The change from General McChrystal to Petraeus in Afghanistan will not correct the US's wrong course - they will continue to cooperate with warlords and local strongmen that undermine any legtimate institution-building, writes Thomas Ruttig is his article for the Swiss weekly (in German, only in the print issue).
Die Afghanistan-Strategie des David Petraeus (Whither Petraeus?)
Deutsche Welle, 30 June 2010
Audio file of an interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig about whether there will be a strategy change when Gen. Petraeus takes over as Afghan commander - with Th.Ru. expressing concern about the review of US and NATO close air support regulations which might lead to a new surge of civilian casualties again (Th.R.'s interview is the second part of the file, starts after 5 min, in German)
The position of Hazaras in Afghanistan
The Hazara Network, 30 Juni 2010
Blogpost on the position of Hazaras quotes Thomas Ruttig's June 18 blog 'A New Taliban Front? (referring to it as a 'study' by the highly-regarded Afghanistan Analysts Network) that ‘Taleban involvement also was presumed in this year’s renewed clashes between settled Hazaras and incoming Pashtun nomads in Behsud and Daymirdad districts in Wardak/Maidan province.’.
Taliban extend sphere of influence, says expert
New Kerala, 29 June 2010
This Indian paper as well as a dozen German newspapers picked up the dpa news item on Thomas Ruttig's new AAN report 'How Tribal Are the Taleban?'
Afghanistan Today Karzai, Reconciliation, and Western Strategy
New America Foundation, 29 June 2010
Watch Martine van Bijlert's talk at the New America Foundation
Haqqani talks: The leaks are important but so is the leaker
The Majlis, 29 June 2010
Blog on whether Haqqani talks are really taking place quotes both Martine van Bijlert and Thomas Ruttig, the one as saying that there is no hard evidence of any talks -- direct or indirect, and the other calling the rumours "information warfare."
Karzai's connections
AfPak Channel's Behind the Lines, 28 June 2010
AAN's Martine van Bijlert about Afghan President Hamed Karzai's relationships with players in the country and abroad (email interview).
McChrystal couldn't match the myth
Sydney Morning Herald, 26 June 2010
Francesc Vendrell, the EU's long-serving former mission chief in Kabul questioned the logic of the current military effort to remove the Taliban from the south of the country in this analysis by the SMH's chief correspondent Paul McGeough: "The areas that we want to [take from the Taliban] and hand over to Afghans are the very areas that, in a political settlement … [are] going to end up in the hands of the Taliban,"
Afghan talks raise speculation
al-Jazeera, 27 June 2010
While Michael Semple refers to Afghan sources that there was a 'shuttle diplomacy between Ibrahim Haqqani [not Serajuddin Haqqani] and Karzai's government', AAN's Thomas Ruttig remains sceptical and doubts that the Haqqanis are in a reconciliatory mood. A better title for this report would have been as follows: 'Reports about talks fuel speculation'.
Erleichterung und Zweifel (Relief and Doubts)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 25 June 2010
taz foreign news editor Sven Hansen and Thomas Ruttig reports Afghan reactions on General McChrystal's departure and Petraeus' take-over (in German).
Petraeus faces tough path in Afghanistan
Financial Times, 24 June 2010
In his article, Matthew Green says that 'the fundamental problem the US faces in Afghanistan bigger than any one commander. [It] hinges on the assumption that the host government is capable of reform". Here, AAN's Marrtine Bijlert chips in saying that the government 'is dysfunctional and largely focused onextraction and survival'.
Stanley McChrystal's Legacy
The Atlantic Wire, 24 June 2010
Thomas Ruttig's blog 'The General in His Labyrinth' is quoted: "For most Afghans who usually do not read Newsweek or the Rolling Stone, The General was just another general saying what other generals have said before. What reason could they have that he would actually change things?"
Divided we stand
The Age, 23 June 2010
In this article, AAN Advisory Board Chairman Francesc Vendrell is extensively quoted on the - "never so divided" - stand of the international community in Afghanistan. His conclusion: ''Having failed dismally to make the Afghan people our allies, we will inevitably abandon them to a combination of Taliban in the south and the warlords in the north and - having somehow redefined success - we will go home convinced that it is the Afghan people who have failed us.''
Funding the Afghan Taliban
al-Jazeera, 22 June 2010
AAN's Thomas Ruttig, Kabul professor Faruq Bashar and US-based analyst Brian Katulis discuss the congressional report about US money sipping to the Taleban, McChrystal's Rolling Stone interview and the US strategy on the "inside" programme.
Karzai's Prisoner-Release Plan: How It Could Backfire
Time, 22 June 2010
In this analysis of the pros and cons of the already started release of prisoners linked to the Taleban, both Kate Clark and Thomas Ruttig of AAN are quoted, Thomas on a pro: That it could
Australian commando deaths in Afghanistan being investigated
ABC radio (Australia), 22 June 2010
In this report, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted as saying: 'There are things we should say goodbye to: that Afghanistan will be stable by next summer and in that sense I am not convinced that there is a military solution in Afghanistan and also not convinced that the Taliban can be weakened.'
UNO: Gewalt nimmt deutlich zu (UN: Violence Rises Markedly)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 21 June 2010
Thomas Ruttig reports on the latest UNSG report about Afghanistan and calls the rising violence in Afghanistan 'a bad omen' for the September elections.
New Afghan commission is setting Taliban suspects free
McClatchy, 20 June 2010
Commission is moving fast. Martine van Bijlert on the releases: "There is in particular a suspicion that the committee may be saying it is doing one thing, while in practice becoming a cover for much more far-reaching and unchecked releases."
Afghanistan: Has Hamid Karzai Already Joined the Taliban?
Huffington Post, 16 June 2010
'Afghanistan Blogging Fellow' Josh Mull quotes from Thomas Ruttig's AAN blogs and interview with the AfPak Channel in his piece discussing what exactly Karzai is doing when he addresses the Taleban.
NATO Predicts Decades-Long Battle Against Corruption in Afghanistan
VOA News, 15 June 2010
AAN's Kate Clark is quoted on corruption: "[Afghans] thought the foreigners were coming in to protect Afghan civilians, but actually, they give political support and often big contracts multi-million dollar contracts to the biggest commanders in the area, many of whom have past allegations of serious war crimes or human rights abuses"
Taliban reconciliation
The AfPak Channel, 14 June 2010
Thomas Ruttig was the first guest on the 'Behind the Lines' series of email interviews, a new feature of the AfPak Channel blog
Los desafíos a los que se enfrenta el general Petraeus
Atenea, 12 June 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted as saying: "el problema fundamental del gobierno afgano es que no es un aliado fiable. No es funcional y además está enfocado a obtener beneficios y su supervivencia".
Afghanistans fremtid omfatter magt til Taleban
Kristeligt Dagblad (Denmark), 9 June 2010
In this analzsis of the peace jirga, Thomas Ruttig says: "Selv hvis det var sådan, at Taleban ville forhandle, er der stadig så langt mellem synspunkterne, at det ville være svært at nå et kompromis. Jeg ser intet gennembrud tegne sig. Der vil gå nogle år endnu, før der tegner sig nogle mere rene linjer,"
Resignations Of Top Afghan Security Officials Have Broad Implications
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 7 June 2010
Thomas Ruttig is quoted here as saying that the President 'is probably tired about being told who to keep as a minister and who not to keep as a minister, which has happened quite often. On the other hand, Karzai showing independence from his donors does not necessarily mean that it is for the good of Afghanistan when the result is only strengthening his own patronage networks'.
2 Afghan officials with strong U.S. ties resign over rocket attack
McClatchy Newspapers, 6 June 2010
Article quotes Thomas Ruttig and Martine van Bijlert on the resignation of Atmar and Saleh: Their removal could weaken security ties between Karzai's cabinet and the international community, said Thomas Ruttig. (...) Martine van Bijlert said that Karzai may have used the attack as an excuse to get rid of two men he considered unreliable.
With U.S. Aid, Warlord Builds an Afghan Empire
New York Times, 6 June 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted in Dexter Filkins' article on Mattiullah in Uruzgan.
Demokratie und Defizite (Democracy and Deficits)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 5 June 2010
Thomas Ruttig comments on the last day of the peace jirga - see his PEACE JIRGA BLOG 9 as an extended version of this.
Afghanistan's fluffy peace jirga
Foreign Policy AfPak Channel, 4 June 2010
This analysis of the peace jirga refers and links to several of the AAN jirga blogs.
Karzai's peace jirga: Does the Taliban have a point?
The Majlis, 4 June 2010
Blogger quotes AAN jirga reporting by Thomas Ruttig and Kate Clark.
Karzai dans le trouble jeu de la paix
Liberation, 3 June 2010
Martine van Bijlert on the peace jirga: "Mais il ne faut pas s'attendre à un quelconque résultat significatif".
Vergoldete Verhaftungen (Compensated Arrests)
vorwaerts, 3 June 2010
The analysis in the German Social Demicrats' party newspaper of Pakistan's handling of the Taleban quotes Thomas Ruttig's blog on Mulla Baradar's arrest.
Raketen gegen Friedensdschirga (Rockets against Peace Jirga)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 3 June 2010
The Taleban answer Karzai's 'naive coalition proposal' with rocket attacks and ridicule, writes Thomas Ruttig in this contribution to the Berlin daily.
Gute Regierungsführung im Schattenreich (Good Governance in the Shadow Empire)
Frankfurter Allgemeine, 2 June 2010
In this analysis of the ourtcome of Operation Mushtarak in Marja, Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the role of 'tribal elders' which in reality are often 'warlords and commanders of which the population is tired' (in German, access only for subscribers or paid).
Violence Shakes Afghan Assembly
New York Times, 2 June 2010
Martine van Bijlert on the peace jirga: “If you were serious about a reconciliation process, a jirga like this would be the right thing to do, to consult the population, to discuss grievances, resolve issues. But it doesn’t look like it will seriously provide a platform for any of this.”
Karsais große Show (The Big Karzai Show)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 2 June 2010
A commentary by Thomas Ruttig on the chances of success of the Peace Jirga (see an English version under 'blogs').
AfPak News, 2 June
Huffington Post, 2 June 2010
The web'paper' picks up - via the AfPak Channel - Thomas Ruttig's today's commentary that 'the conference will produce a "pseudo-consensus" around giving up women's and human rights in exchange for peace with the Taliban'.
Taliban target Afghan peace jirga
Deutsche Welle, 02 June 2010
Listen to an audio of Thomas Ruttig talking about his expectations from the upcoming peace jirga (in English)
Verhandlungsweg gesucht (Looking for a Way to Negotiate)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 2 June 2010
Thomas Ruttig analyses the Kabul peace Jirga, opening today, pointing at the 'intense screening' of delegates and discussion group facilitators and doubts of women delegates.
Karzai calls on 'dear Taliban' to make peace with his government
The Globe and Mail, 2 June 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted.
Soldiers, no - investment, yes
The Asia Pacific Times, June 2010
Article by Thomas Ruttig about China's role in Afghanistan which emphasises 'equitable consultations' and might give President Karzai an option to diversify his allies.
Wenig Hoffnung auf einen Durchbruch (Little Hope for a Breakthrough)
Hamburger Abendblatt, 1 June 2010
Martine van Bijlert describes the peace jirga as "mainly symbolic"; more a workshop or a conference than a tribal jirga.
Zu wenig, reichlich spät - Stabilisierungsmaßnahmen in Afghanistan zwischen Terrorismus- und Aufstandsbekämpfung
Aus Politik und Zeitgeschichte (Bonn), 21-22/2010
This contribution to a weekly newspaper supplement of 7 articles on Pakistan and Afghanistan, discusses how much the new Obama/McChrystal strategy really represents a strategic shift (in German, avaibale on the web from 22 May onwards).
Talking to the Taliban
Guardian Weekly, 21 May 2010
In this long analytical piece by Jonathan Steele, our member Anders Faenge says that the Taleban never should have been portrayed in black-and-white terms and talks about his and the Swedish Committee's experience with their girls' schools and helpful Taleban offcials. The original text (with a slightly different headline appeared in the daily Guardian on 4 May already.)
Letter from Afghanistan: War by Other Means
The New Yorker, 24 May 2010
In this article on Afghan 'reconciliation' efforts by Steve Coll, Thomas Ruttig is quoted on chances and obstacles (full article subscribers only).
An outsider inside Afghanistan who “gets it”
South Asia Wired, Radio Netherlands Worldwide, 20 May 2010
Interview with Martine van Bijlert (audio).
Assaut taliban sur la plus grande base d’Afghanistan (Taliban attack on largest base of Afghanistan)
Liberation, 20 May 2010
Martine van Bijlert on the Taliban attack on Bagram airfield.
Peace moves may come to nothing in Afghanistan
Reuters, 13 May 2010
In this Reuters analysis, AAN's Thomas Ruttig and AAN author Matt Waldman are quoted on the chances on reconciliation which are hampered by mistrust and by the lack of understanding that the Kabul government and its allies can not drive the process because they are a party in it.
Distrust of Afghan Leaders Threatens U.S. War Strategy
New York Times, 13 May 2010
In an article about the US strategy in Afghanistan, Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the complexities of Afghan tribal society: “One of my Afghan friends always says, ‘You want a shura, I can organize one for you in 24 hours,’ ” said Thomas Ruttig, a former German diplomat in Kabul and an expert on the country who founded the Afghanistan Analysts Network. “The problem is, do you have the right people? “When you give out money, you might end up supporting one side in a local conflict — and not realizing that it’s roulette,” Mr. Ruttig said.
Informal meeting of RC North Defence Ministers in Berlin
Deutschlandfunk, 11 May 2010
The German radio station interviewed Thomas Ruttig on the troop increase in Northern Afghanistan and NATO's general strategy (no web link available).
Afghanistan Grapples with "Honor Rape"
The Media Line, 9 May 2010
Martine van Bijlert comments on the 'honour rape' case in Jowzjan and cautions against jumping to conclusions.
CFC Governance Report April 2010
Civilian-Military Fusion Centre, issue 05/10, 1 May 2010
Monthly report on governance developments quotes Martine van Bijlert's blog on the new electoral law: the Wolesi Jirga seems to have “lost the battle” with the Upper House and the presidential office as the changes were enacted without parliament’s approval.
Comparing Soviet and US-led statebuilding in Afghanistan
Denkwürdigkeiten, no. 64, May 2010
The journal of the (German) Political-Military Society published the executive summary of the AAN report by Martin Kipping who compared the Soviet and current approaches to state-building in Afghanistan
It takes the Villages
Foreign Affairs, May/June 2010
Seth Jones quotes from publications by AAN members Antonio Giustozzi and Martine van Bijlert.
Britain's Forged Role in the World
Khilafa.com, 26 April 2010
This brief discussion of Britain's role in the world mentions AAN's recent report on reintegration, describing it as "highly critical of the British-backed Peace and Reconciliation Scheme (PTS), established in 2005, which it says has been left to flounder under bad leadership with neither the political nor the financial capital it required".
On tipping points and Taliban talks
Reuters Afghan Journal, 25 April 2010
Blog on talking with the Taliban refers to Martine van Bijlert's blog on Kandahar in relation with "the latest spate of negative press reporting about the forthcoming offensive in Kandahar".
Taleban defectors 'are rejoining insurgency'
Times Online, 22 April 2010
AAN's newly released paper 'Golden Surrender?' is described as a 'scathing report on reintegration' in this Times Online article. The article particularly zooms in on the finding that eight out of a batch of 33 'reconciled' Taliban commanders have since then rejoined the insurgency.
Pakistan Militants Find New Haven
Huffington Post, 22 April 2010
This overview picks up Martine van Bijlert's blog on Kandahar under the heading 'gloomy news from Kandahar'.
Korangal, and Karzai
Huffington Post, 22 April 2010
Blog by Nick Mills quotes Martine van Bijlert on Karzai's recent outbursts which signal "to the Parliament that he is seriously upset and that they need to mend their ways; to the international actors, that he really minds that they keep meddling in his affairs; to the population that he is their president and that he has a mind of his own; and to the insurgency that he is closer to them than they think."
Can Afghanistan President Karzai and Obama still work together?
Christian Science Monitor, 17 April 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the relationship between Karzai and Obama: "Karzai feels he's hostage to the internationals, and they feel they are hostage to him. So you have this frustration on both sides," (...) "It's been like that for a long time, and it seems to be getting worse."
NATO aims to fight Afghan crooks — without naming them
Reuters, 15 April 2010
Article quotes Martine van Bijlert: "The military very much sees governance as service delivery, but in the eyes of Afghans, in the first place it is who holds power and what they do with it (...) People are not waiting for someone to roll out projects to impress them. They want to feel safer, and that has to do with the insurgents and with local power brokers."
'Es gibt kein Zaubermittel' ('There Is No Magic Wand')
Berliner Zeitung, 7 April 2010
Thomas Ruttig in an interview (in German) about Karzai's threat to block the upcoming Kandahar operation and about the Germans' mistakes in North-Eastern Afghanistan where they underestimated the Taleban.
Die Unberechenbarkeit des Stammespräsidenten (The Unpredictability of the Tribal President)
Frankfurter Allgemeine, 7 April 2010
Thomas Ruttig is quoted in this article (in German, subscribers only).
Karzais Kritik am Westen (Karzai Criticises the West)
Radio Eins (Potsdam), 7 April 2010
Live interview (in German) with Thomas Ruttig about President Karzai's relationship with the West
Die Marionette will nicht mehr (The Puppet Has Enough of It)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 6 April 2010
This article quotes Martine van Bijlert on Karzai's recent speech in Kandahar. She argues that it mainly was meant to put pressure on the parliament that had rejected Karzai's new electoral law.
Karsai geht auf Distanz zum Westen (Karzai Distances Himself from the West)
ZDF, 5 April 2010
See Thomas Ruttig quoted in 'heute journal' on Karzai's Kandahar speech saying that his threat to give no green light for the planned NATO operation in Kandahar is a reply to Western pressure demanding better governance and effective measures against corruption from him.
'Taliban können nicht besiegt werden' (The Taleban can't be beaten [militarily])
Frankfurter Rundschau, 29 March 2010
In this interview, Thomas Ruttig argues after the Marja and before the Kandahar operation that political approaches to solving the problems in Afghanistan should be given priority.
Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan
Deutsche Welle, 29 March 2010
Listen to an audio file of Thomas Ruttig's (English-language) interview about the significance of President Obama's recent brief visit to Afghanistan. On a question whether Obama was 'lecturing' Karzai on governance, he replied that this would be appreciated by many Afghans.
Who Are The Taliban?
BBC Radio 4, 28 March 2010
Listen to a 30-minutes audio with contributions of Thomas Ruttig, Ahmed Rashid, Michael Semple, Alex van Linschoten, Felix Kuehn, Horia Mosadiq, Prof. Malcolm Chalmers and Sam Zarifi
The unseen downside of Pakistan’s recent crackdown on the Taliban
Foreign Policy blog, 24 March 2010
Thomas E. Ricks quotes Thomas Ruttig's AAN blog on the repercussions of Mulla Baradar's arrests
Afghanistan Should Have a Council of Grandmothers
Change.org blog, 24 March 2010
Thomas Ruttig's recent blog on Guldbudin has convinced this blogger that what Afghanistan really needs is a council of grandmothers. ("Yet again another peace agreement is being discussed (...) with only the armed and angry represented").
Mr. Bad News
Huffington Post, 23 March 2010
Nick Mills' blog about Gulbuddin Hekmatyar refers to the translation of HIG's peace plan on the AAN website as 'a spider's web with himself (Gulbuddin) at the center'.
Five steps to making a deal with the Taliban
BBC, 22 March 2010
A BBC compilation of interviews on the issue of talks with the Taleban quotes Thomas Ruttig as well as Michael Semple and Kandahar-based Felix Kuehn.
How Pakistani Help Gets in Karzai's Way
Time magazine, 20 March 2010
In this analysis by Tim McGirk of the arrests of leading Taleban in Pakistan, Thomas Ruttigis quoted as saying that 'Pakistan would rather there be no talks than talks without their control'.
Bitterer Abschied aus Kabul (Bitter Farewell from Kabul)
Westdeutsche Allgemeine (Cologne), 10 March 2010
In an article on outgoing Kai Eide's, the author quotes Minna Jarvenpaa's AAN blog on UNMA's shift of attention on an aid coordination role under the UN special envoy.
Departing U.N. envoy says Afghan strategy is too 'military-driven'
Stars and Stripes, 7 March 2010
In a review of Kai Eide's tenure as UN special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas Ruttig is quotes as saying that the process of 'Americanisation' is undermining the UN's role as an honest broker.
Tattered parachute
Himal (Nepal), 1 March 2010
In her analysis of 'Afghanisation' - 'the buzz word from the London Conference on Afghanistan' - Aunohita Mojumdar quotes from Anders Fange's recently released AAN paper.
CFC Governance Report February 2010
Civilian-Military Fusion Centre, issue 03/10, 1 March 2010
Overview of governance developments in Afghanistan quotes AAN blogs by Martine van Bijlert and Antonella Deledda on the new electoral law.
CFC Justice & Reconciliation Report, February 2010
Civilian-Military Fusion Centre, issue 03/10, 1 March 2010
Overview of developments justice and reconciliation quotes Sari Kouvo's critical analysis of the amnesty law.
Niederländische Methoden (Dutch Methods)
Neue Zürcher Zeitung am Sonntag, 28 February 2010
In this article about the soon-to-end 'Dutch model' in Uruzgan, Thomas Ruttig is quoted as saying that one aim of the current Marja offensive is to project that the ANA and ANP build-up is working.
Angriff auf Gästehäuser (Attack on Guest Houses)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 27 February 2010
In his report from Kabul, Thomas Ruttig poins at the link between this day's attack and the restarted Indo-Pak talks.
An attack aimed at India
Guardian online, 26 February 2010
Julian Borger's Global Security Blog quotes extensively from Thomas Ruttig's AAN blog on Friday's Taleban-claimed attack on two Kabul guesthouses
Was kann sich in Afghanistan in den nächsten zwei Jahren ändern?
WDR radio, 26 February 2010
On the day of the extension of the German military mandate for Afghanistan, Thomas Ruttig discusses Afghanistan's perspective in the next two years (audio, in German)
Gibt es die Talibanhochburg Marjah überhaupt? (Does the Taleban Stronghold Marja Exist at All?)
Der Standard (Vienna), 25 February 2010
The Marja discussion continues: The Austrian daily answers question of its internet site users about the existence of Marja, quoting experts like AAN's Thomas Ruttig and Bonn University's Conrad Schetter
Presidential Decree De-Fangs Afghanistan’s Election Watchdog
UN Dispatch, 24 February 2010
Blog by Una Moore quotes Martine van Bijlert's blog on Afghanistan's new electoral law.
Nach dem jüngsten NATO-Angriff in Afghanistan
WDR radio, 23 February 2010
In this short interview, Thomas Ruttig discusses repercussions of the latest air strike with civilian casualties in Daykundi province (audio, in German).
Battle for Marja not only militarily significant
Washington Post, 22 February 2010
Thomas Ruttig on Marja: "Marja is not the single most important geographical point in Afghanistan that will turn around the war. (...) It's not the battle of Stalingrad. It's more like a symbol."
Birding in Badakhshan
New York Times online, 22 February 2010
AAN's first Afghanistan birdwatch blog (on Pashto Mashto) has returned via the NYT's 'At War' blog - thanks to Rogene Fisher
How to cook a 3-Star Dinner
Foodie in a War Zone (blog), 22 February 2010
An impressive guest list, an amazing dinner and interesting talk about reconciliation. AAN was there.
In der Opiumhölle (In the Opium Hell)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 20 February 2010
In this report about Helmand where the latest ISAF offensive is continuing, Thomas Ruttig describes the intricacies of Afghanistan's drug economy
Man in the News: Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar
Financial Times,19 February 2010
Matthew Green picks up Thomas Ruttig's point in his analysis of Mulla Baradar's capture that he would not be the first leader of an insurgent movement that brokers a deal from within jail.
Quietly, a critical new electoral reform draft makes the rounds
France 24, 19 February 2010
Article quotes Martine van Bijlert on the deep divide between how the international community and the Afghan government view the post-election debacle: "Whereas international experts and diplomats felt that it was the ECC that in the end provided legitimacy to a flawed process, the Afghan government believes that the ECC made the process unnecessarily complicated and messy, and that they are better off without such a strong international influence on the process."
Apakah Politik Pakistan terhadap Taliban Berubah?
Deutsche Welle radio (Indonesian service),19 February 2010
Interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig about the arrest of Taleban leader Mulla Baradar (same text also in DW's Pashto/Dari, Turkish, Romanian and Bulgarian services)
Afganistán, en el vórtice de intereses enfrentados (Afghanistan, in the vortex of conflicting interests)
Internacional, 19 February 2010
Martine van Bijlert (here described as "Martin") is quoted on the impact of the arrests of senior Taliban leaders in Pakistan, saying that the movement has a history of dealing rather well with the loss of senior figures.
Die starke Hand des Preisringers (The strong hand of the prize wrestler)
Wochenzeitung (Zurich), 18 February 2010
Thomas Ruttig's reportage on Uruzgan and different kinds of official and parallel police (in German, also see NeuesDeutschland, 28 Jan. 2010)
Trumpfkarte für Pakistan (Baradar's Arrest, A Trumpcard for Pakistan)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 17 February 2010
In the commentary, Thomas Ruttig argues that with Mulla Baradar's arrest, Pakistan might have secured influence in a possible Afghan reconciliation -after having arrested Taleban in the past that wanted to talk
Festnahme eines Taliban-Führers (Taleban Leader Arrested)
Deutschlandradio Kultur, 17 February 2010
The Webschau (web review) of this German quality radio station quotes from AAN's blog about MUlla Baradar's arrest
Terrorists Without Borders
The New Republic, 17 February 2010
New York Times journalist David Rhode reviews 'Decoding the New Taliban' with some AAN member contributions and Mulla Zaeef's 'My Life with the Taliban'
Immer wieder Helmand (Helmand, time and again)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 16 Febuary 2010
Thomas Ruttig gives a short overview about previous NATO operations in Helmand and the strategic importance of the current one (in German)
Taliban strategist was seen as future negotiator
Financial Times online,16 February 2010
Thomas Ruttig is briefly quoted characterising arrested Mulla Baradar as 'the day-to-day leader' of the Taleban
Baradar: Why Now?
The New Yorker online, 16 February 2010
'The more the Taliban's leaders enjoying sanctuary in Karachi or Quetta refuse to lash themselves to Pakistani political strategy, the more vulnerable they become to a knock on the door in the middle of the night', writes Steve Coll in his Think Tank blog and links to Thomas Ruttig's blog on the issue which he calls 'authoritative'. Thank you, Steve!
Afghan Drug Trade Affronted by Unlikely Partners: Iran and US
Media Line, 15 February 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on whether the Marjah operation will have a lot of effect on the drug trade: "It does not necessarily follow that if an area comes under increased government control, there will be less drug trade.”
NATO-Truppen stürmen Hochburg der Taliban (NATO troops assault Taleban stronghold)
Süddeutsche Zeitung (Munich), 15 February 2010
This report quotes Thomas Ruttig with doubts whether the Taleban can be permanently pushed out from Helmand (in German; not accessible on the web)
Angekündigte Offensive in Afghanistan (An Offensive Foretold in Afghanistan)
Swiss Radio, 13 January 2010
Listen to a first analysis of Operation Moshtarak in Helmand by Thomas Ruttig (in German, see also the blog on the AAN website in English)
Die Wut der Afghanen (The Rage of the Afghans)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 10 February 2010
Thomas Ruttig and Farshid Hakimyar describe the measured reaction of the Afghan media and parliament about the killing of Afghan civilians in Kunduz last year about which a German parliamentary inquiry starts today.
Karzai is geen vredestichter (Karzai is not a peacemaker)
Vrij Nederland (Netherlands weekly), 4 February 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on how Karzai is not really in a position to make peace with the Taliban: his government lacks popular confidence and he is a party to the conflict, making it difficult for him to act independently.
Reintegrating the Taliban, Really
World Politics Review, 4 February 2010
Judah Grunstein's blog on reintergration points towards three other blogs on the subject, including one by Martine van Bijlert ("examined some of the potential pitfalls of implementation in terms of ground-level foot soldiers").
Winning hearts, changing mindsets
The Broker Online, 3 February 2010.
Article on intervention as change management quotes Martine van Bijlert's WRR book chapter "Imaginary Institions; State building in Afghanistan"
All quiet on the Afghan front
Atlantic Times, February 2010
The London conference wanted to turn a new page but instead kepps reading the same, never-ending story. An analysis by Thomas Ruttig (also in The German Times, The Asia Pacific Times and The African Times)
Kein echtes Gegengewicht (Afghan Parliament: No Real Counterweight)
Das Parlament, No 5-6/2010 (1 February 2010)
In her analysis of the decided delay of the parliamentiary elections, Britta Petersen quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig on the shortcomings of the manipulated and sidelined Afghan parliament
The Habitus of Superiority
Brittania Radio, 29 January 2010
Article quotes Thomas Ruttig on the London conference ("has not been sufficiently prepared" and does not promise any notable results) and the reintegration plans (notes, that a similar program had already been applied years ago. One "cannot even call it unsuccessful; it was a grandiose failure.")
M – eine Stadt kennt ihren Herrn ("M" - a town and its master)
Neues Deutschland (Berlin), 28 January 2010
In this reportage from Uruzgan, Thomas Ruttig illustrates the problems Afghan police reform faces and ill-designed policies of Western countries that support militias on the cost of licit state institutions.
Corruption in Afghanistan
Huffington Post, 28 January 2010
Martine van Bijlert on corruption in Afghanistan: "It is true that Afghanistan has traditionally had its share of patronage and petty corruption, but that didn't bother people so much as it does now. Now it seriously affects people's lives and annoys them. It has become blatant and shameless and quite random. (...) The randomness is infuriating and people are powerless against it, leaving them with a sense of injustice."
The Challenges of Reconstruction in Afghanistan
World Politics Review, 28 January 2010
Article describing some of the main discussions which took pace during the conference on PRTs in Prague, quotes Martine van Bijlert on traditional local structures and "her concern that the flurry of new programs and initiatives currently being trotted out as solutions have been designed in a hurry by people not on the ground."
Kurswechsel nach neun Jahren? (Change of Course after Nine Years?)
SWR (German TV), 28 January 2010
In a preview on theLondon conference, Thomas Ruttig is quoted on a possible Western exit strategy saying that 'the international community - including Germany - has taken resposibility for Afghanistan [in 2001] and needs to stick to it. This includes the assessment of what has been done, self-criticism and shifts in the strategy if necessary.'
Afghanistan Seen On Tipping Point In Run-Up To London Conference
RFE/RL, 27 January 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the London conference ("aimed at sending messages and giving a sense of momentum"), the handover of security responsibilities and outreach to the Taliban.
'Für eine militärische Lösung ist es zu spät' (It is too late for a military solution)
tagesschau.de, 27 January 2010
In this interview with the website of German TV prime time news, Thomas Ruttig discusses the London conference and German announcements priot to it.
"Kein Taliban riskiert für eine Handvoll Dollar sein Leben"
Stern magazine (Hamburg), 27 January 2010
In this interview, Thomas Ruttig analyses shortcoming of the London conference, in particular the misconception that many Taleban are economically motivated and can therefore be bought off (in German).
Köder für Taliban-Kämpfer (A Bait for Taleban Fighters)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 25 January 2010
An article by Thomas Ruttig on Germany's future Afghanistan strategy - with a doubled development budget and a tripling number of police trainers (well let's see).
Geld allein lindert keinen Hass (Money Alone Won't Decrease the Hatred)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 25 January 2010
In this commentary, Thomas Ruttig argues that the new reintegration strategy only makes sense when it is embedded in a broader strategy to reform the Kabul government and does not neglect Afghans that do not support the insurgency.
A government that functions now vital for Afghanistan
The Scotsman, 23 January 2010
Article on the political wrangling surrounding the Parliamentary votes on the Cabinet quotes AAN Co-Director Thomas Ruttig and AAN-member Minna Jarvenpaa.
Punching Jello
The Seminal, FDL Diaires, 21 January 2010
The writer of this blog compares the war on terror with 'punching jello' and quotes Thomas Ruttig on the US strategy of strengthening local warlords and the need for political accommodation with the insurgents.
Das letzte Aufgebot (The Last Stand)
Rheinischer Merkur, 21 January 2010
In this preview of the London conference, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on reconciliation and the relation between the central government and local elected bodies.
Allies hatch plan to lure away Taliban fighters
Financial Times, 20 January 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted here, warning that re-integration schemes might simply encourage young men to alternate between fighting on behalf of the Taliban and the government “If you are unlucky you might actually get a form of labour migration, with young men travelling to the areas and joining both sides.”
Obama “magic” just another illusion
Global Post, 20 January 2010
In this article by Jean MacKenzie, Thomas Ruttig is quoted on Western governments dealing directly with and doling out funds to provincial governors that 'this is one of the most basic contradictions within the US Afghan strategy' because it 'undercut[s] the center, which the international community is mandated to strengthen.'
Afghan cabinet woes raise wider government concern
Reuters, 20 January 2010
In this analysis of the new Afghan cabinet, AAN's blog is quoted that the 16 January vote 'reflects a basic weakness of Afghanistan's post-Taleban state institutions: their lack of structure'.
Kabul Attack Highlights Competing U.S., Taliban Urban Strategies
Radio Free Europe, 19 January 2010
Thomas Ruttig comments on the latest Taleban attack in Kabul suggesting, as a conclusion, to to rethink usefulness of the counterinsurgency doctrine as it is being applied currently.
Afghanisches Parlament lehnt Karsais Kabinett erneut ab (Afghan Parliament rejects Karzai's Cabinet again)
Die Welt, 18 January 2010
Article quotes Martine van Bijlert on the partial rejection of Karzai's Cabinet, that 'neither the President, nor the Parliament seem to know what they are trying to achieve'.
Schlüsselministerien in Afghanistan: Konservative legen zu (Key Ministries: Conservatives Get Stronger)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 18 January 2010
Thomas Ruttig reports on the latest set of approved ministers - see also the commentary linked at the end of the article.
Versöhnungsplan mit Taliban (Plan for Reconciliation with the Taleban)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 15 January 2010
Article and commentary by Thomas Ruttig on the Afghan government's draft plan for reconciliation and reintegration, its chances and challenges (in German, with link to the commentary:http://www.taz.de/1/debatte/kommentar/artikel/1/karsais-riskante-strategie/
News Summary, 15 January 2010
Middle East Institute, Pakistan Studies Centre News Summary, 15 January 2010
MEI News Summary quotes Martine van Bijlert's blog (Where are we with the 2010 elections): “If we want to know what the 2010 [parliamentary] elections are going to look like, we should turn to the provincial council elections – which took place at the same time and which still have not been fully resolved.”
2009 Deadliest Year for Afghan Civilians
Deutsche Welle (South Asia program), 13 January 2010
Listen to an audio file of Disha Uppal interviewing Thomas Ruttig on the latest UN findings on civilian casualties.
Karzai's new Cabinet crisis
Globe and Mail, 11 January 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on Karzai's second Cabinet list: “It's an awkward situation, but Karzai didn't seem to be exactly wedded to his first list. I found it surprising he came up with the second list so quickly. … There is a bit of a sense that he is adrift. It's difficult to think of Karzai of having a really clear plan or strategy at this point,” and “All of this could prove to be ultimately irrelevant.”
Karzai selects sacked minister for key post in Afghanistan's new cabinet
The Guardian, 10 January 2010
Thomas Ruttig is quoted on what he calls 'Karzai's usual salami slice tactics' with 'some positive developments ... but at the same ... nominees that pose serious concerns for the international community and most Afghans.'
Jihad Cracking
"View From The Pelican's Nest" blog, 10 January 2010
This blog quotes Thomas Ruttig on how the Taliban’s new tactics are throwing an “ideological bridge” not only to nearby countries but to parts of the current Kabul elite, most notably politically mobilized university students.
British troops set to hand frontline Afghanistan role to US
The Times, 9 January 2010
Here, AAN's co-founder Minna Jarvenpaa is cited - as a Finnish consultant - as co-author of the plan to create a zone of stability in Helmand, along the Lashkargah-Gereshk road and quoted as saying: 'The whole idea is that you focus on the urban centres and you create the space for improving governance,'
Private U.S. Contractors Back In The Spotlight In Iraq, Afghanistan
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (Prague), 8 January 2010
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the problems relating to private security companies: "You are arming and entrenching local armed groups, And where international groups... are [only] a problem as long as they are there -- the national groups will actually stay to be a problem potentially for quite a long while."
Afghanistan 2010 - Jahr der Entscheidung?
Inforadio, 7 January 2010
Listen to a podcast of an interview with Thomas Ruttig on Afghanistan's perspectives for 2010
Ban Ki Moon: Neue Strategie dringend nötig (New Strategy Urgently Needed)
ORF (Austrian) Inforadio, 7 January 2010
Read a short summary and listen to an audio of Thomas Ruttig commenting on the UN's latest calls for a changed Afghanistan strategy.
Cancel the London Afghanistan Conference
The Spectator, 7 January 2010
In his op-ed which calls the forthcoming international Afghanistan conference in London a waste of time (at this point) and proposes its postponement, Daniel Korski of the European Council on Foreign Relations quotes from Thomas Ruttig's blog that the rejection of most of Karzai's ministers by the parliament in Kabul takes away a major yardstick with which his performace was to be measured.
Karsais schöne Demokratie (Karzai's Brave New Democracy)
Wochenzeitung (Zurich), 7 January 2010
Thomas Ruttig comments on the rejection of Karzai's list of ministers by the Afghan parliament.
Do Afghan Cabinet Rejections Mark Decline Of Warlord Power?
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 6 January 2010
In this article, AAN's Thomas Ruttig notes that the parliament's rejection of Karzai ministerial nominees gives the President an opportunity to demand more competent nominees from his allies and 'has increased Karzai's room to maneuver'. He adds that it does not reflect a decline of the warlords' power, though.
Karsai führt alle vor (Karzai makes everyone look like fools)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 4 January 2010
This is the German version of the AAN blog 'The Cabinet Vote: Confusion as Political Principle', dated 3 January 2009.
Afghaans parlement stemt kabinet Karzai weg (Afghan parliament votes off Karzai cabinet)
De Standaard, 4 January 2010
This Belgian daily quotes Thomas Ruttig's latest blog on the voting off of a large part of the Cabinet, high-lighting how this can be seen as a success for Karzai.
'In Afghanistan sollten den Worten Taten folgen' (In Afghanistan, Words Should Be Followed By Deeds)
Swiss Radio DRS4, 4 January 2010
Listen to Thomas Ruttig's interview (in German), i which he says that Ban Ki Moon's words that the UN would not support Afghan elections before reforms of the procedure need to be followed by deeds.
More on "Moderate" Taliban
MILNEWS.ca blog, 3 January 2010
This blog quotes comments by Thomas Ruttig on the possibility of "peeling off" some of the Taliban.
Counterproductive action
Inwent website, D&C 01/2010.
Martine van Bijlert (incorrectly still described as adviser to the EUSR) is misquoted on what she is supposed to have said during a VENRO conference in November 2009.
Scenariusz komedii wojennej (Comedy War Scenario)
Śladami jeźdzców apokalipsy blog, 1 January 2010
Polish blog picks up Martine van Bijlert's story about the 'very high-ranking dog' in Uruzgan.
Decoding the New Taliban - book review
Orient (Germany), 2010/01
Book review by Gunther Mulack discusses Antonio's Giustozzi's book and quotes Martine van Bijlert (without proper reference) on the various kinds of Taliban.
CIA base attacked in Afghanistan supported airstrikes against al-Qaeda, Taliban
Washington Post, 1 January 2010
In this article about the Taleban attack on the CIA-FOB Chapman, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted as saying that the attack shows that there 'needs to be much better screening of people joining the Afghan security forces. . . . I know from visits in Afghan provinces this is done in a very sloppy way.'
Afghanistan ska lära fred från Nordirland (Afghanistan to learn peace in Northern Ireland)
Amnesty Press (Sweden), 29 December 2009
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the possibilities for negotiations with the Taliban.
Aussie explosive detection unit, black labrador Sabi rescued from the hand of Taliban
whatsonxiamen.com / Daily Telegraph (Australia), 28 December 2009
The Daily Telegraph also pick up on the story of the "very high-ranking dog", quoting Martine van Bijlert and her blog on the Australian sniffer dog that lived with Mullah Hamdullah for over a year.
Il cane rapito dai talebani diventa un eroe (Dog kidnapped by Taliban becomes a hero)
Il Giornale (Italy), 27 December 2009
Italian newspaper picks up on Martine van Bijlert's version of the story of the 'very high-ranking dog'.
Aussie bomb dog Sabi stolen by Taliban
The Daily Telegraph, 26 December 2009.
The story of the "very high-ranking dog".
'Nicht die Afghanen für unsere Fehler büßen lassen' (Don't Make Afghans Pay for Our Mistakes)
Welt-Sichten 12-2009/01-2010
In this extensive interview with a German development magazine, Thomas Ruttig analysis the West's flawed policies vis-a-vis Afghanistan (in German).
Miracle-return bomb-sniffing dog 'had been adopted by Taliban leader who tried to sell her back to Australian owners'
Daily Mail, 22 December 2009
Article quotes Martine van Bijlert - both her blog and in person - on the story of the 'very high-ranking dog'.
Ikkje berre ein hund (Not just a dog)
Blogg (Norway), 22 December 2009
Norwegian blog site points readers to Martine van Bijlert's "very high-ranking dog" story.
Afghanistan's parliament to vote on cabinet next week (audio)
Radio Australia, 22 December 2009
With Waheed Omar, President Hamid Karzai's spokesman; Martine van Bijlert, Co-Director of Afghanistan Analysts Network; and Khaled Pashtun, an MP for Kandahar
Pertukaran Anjing yang Buat Uring-uringan Pemimpin Taliban (Dog exchange results in cranky Taliban leader)
Kompas (Jakarta), 22 December 2009
The story of the "very high-ranking dog" gets picked up in Indonesia as well.
Hamid Karzai defends new Cabinet
Times Online, 21 December 2009
Martine van Bijlert on the new Cabinet: “[Karzai] has listened to the internationals and given them the ministries they wanted, (...) He has divided the other ones between people who had outstanding promises.”
A 'very high-ranking mutt' inspires a shaggy dog tale
The Age, 20 December 2009
An Australian paper picks up Martine's recent blog on the release of the 'very high-ranking dog' in Uruzgan.
Karzai lauded for 'competent cabinet picks'
Edmonton Journal (CanWest), 20 December 2009
"After the U.S. started talking tough, there was a hope and expectation that maybe something would really change," said Martine van Bijlert, of the Afghanistan Analysts Network in Kabul, in an interview. "But what this signals is it's business as usual."
Karzai's new Cabinet too big for graft reform
Reuters, 20 December 2009
On the new Cabinet: "The internationals will be relatively satisfied because the (ministers) they can work with have been kept," said Martine van Bijlert, "I think for Afghans it shows that nothing has been added to the mix or there's very little that signals change,"
Karzai tweaks Afghan cabinet
Calgary Herald, 20 December 2009
"After the U.S. started talking tough, there was a hope and expectation that maybe something would really change," said Martine van Bijlert, of the Afghanistan Analysts Network in Kabul, in an interview. "But what this signals is it's business as usual."
Human Terrain
The National (Abu Dhabi), 17 December 2009
Steve Coll discusses AAN member Antonio Giustozzi's latest books - "Decoding the New Taliban" and "Empires of Mud" - singling out contributions by Joanna Nathan, Martine van Bijlert, Graeme Smith and Thomas Ruttig.
“Dacă ne retragem, Afganistanul ne va bântui”
Adevarul (Romania), 8 December 2009
The leading Romanian daily nterviews Thomas Ruttig on the fatal German-led airstrike in Kunduz
A new way forward for Afghanistan
The International, 6 December 2009
Thomas Ruttig on the risks of engaging local militias: “No matter how well-trained and culturally aware the special forces are they will never be able to get to know enough about a local area to trust the people they are dealing with.”
Stanford conference on Afghanistan, Pakistan draws passion, anger
Stanford University website, 4 December 2009
Article on the Stanford Afghanistan conference quotes Thomas Ruttig. Among others: "Don't think there are silver bullets in Afghanistan, The system is too centralized and overpersonalized. (...) Let's talk about democracy in Afghanistan again,"
Talking with the Taliban
Time magazine, 30 November 2009
In this analysis of the pros and cons of negotiiating with the Taleban, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted: 'Even before 9/11 the [Taleban] wanted to play ball. We didn't take them seriously then, but we should start doing that now.'
Afghan Taliban may wait out Washington’s 'endgame'
Reuters, 27 November 2009
Thomas Ruttig says in this article that a timline for withdrawal 'might help the Taliban to pursue the approach they have been pursuing, to outwait the West's engagement in Afghanistan. Let's not forget, for Afghans, the war has gone on for 30 years.'
Liberal Peace is dead? Not so Fast
Open Democracy, 27 November 2009
This long and interesting blog/essay by Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh quotes Martine van Bijlert: "In the last eight years international contractors, policy makers and military have become part of an intricate patronage and racketeering network, sometimes as hostage, sometimes as unwitting contributors, but often as an active party seeking to further their perceived economic, political or security interests.”
Top German commander resigns over deadly air strike
France24.com, 26 November 2009
According to Thomas Ruttig the German public response to the Kunduz strike is also “linked to how the German government has dealt with its military mission in Afghanistan. (...) The German government, like many Western governments, has claimed that this is not a war, it’s a stabilization exercise and development mission, (...) there was not enough transparency on how the situation looked like in Afghanistan.”
Zermürbt zum Korruptionsmakler (The Demoralised Turn to the Corruption Broker)
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung online, 25 November 2009
In this reportage describing corruption mechanisms, Thomas Ruttig is quoted being sceptical about anti-graft steps announced by the Afghan government but also says that certain donor practices encourage corruption.
Troop increase for Afghanistan must be linked to reforms, says expert
Deutsche Welle, 24 November 2009
In this interview, Francesc Vendrell argues that any increase to the troop levels in Afghanistan should only be made on the condition that Kabul carries out an ambitious reform program (full transcript).
Amnesia and Arrogance on Display in US Aid to Afghan Militias
The Moderate Voice (blog), 23 November 2009
Blog on CDI quotes Jon Boone quoting Thomas Ruttig.
US pours millions into anti-Taliban militias in Afghanistan
Guardian, 22 November 2009
Thomas Ruttig is quoted as saying that the latest US-supported militia project (CDI) risks losing control over groups which have in the past turned to looting shops and setting up illegal road checkpoints when they lose foreign support.
Reasons behind the return of the caravan of terror
The Telegraph (India), 20 November
The article discusses 'Decoding the Taliban' and refers to Martine van Bijlert's contribution on Uruzgan to the book.
Korruption vil fortsat trives i Afghanistan
Kristeligt Dagblad (Denmark), 20 November 2009
In this article in Danish, Thomas Ruttig is quoted as follows: 'If Karzai is serious, the international community needs to support him robustly, The US and other countries must make clear to the warlords that there will be no tolerance for violence and for further disappropriation of external funds. But the international community itself has lost a lot of credibility'.
'Aus dem Wundertäter wird der Sündenbock' (Miracle Worker Became Scapegoat)
Berliner Zeitung, 20 November 2009
Francesc Vendrell in an interview with the Berlin daily says that no one could have succeeded in the Afghan president's position because hope was put into a person, not institutions. And he comments on the German discussion about 'war' in Afghanistan: 'A
Afghanistan President Karzai inaugural: promises of a clean cabinet
Christian Science Monitor, 19 November 2009
"The current pressure by the international community seems largely aimed at getting a cabinet that they are happy with and that they can show to their home audiences as a step in the right direction," says Martine van Bijlert, co-director of the Afghanistan Analysts Network in Kabul. "This is partly about not having obvious names in it that everybody recognizes – so they can come out publicly and say we welcome this cabinet."
Afghanistan to form anti-graft unit as pressure grows
Reuters, 17 November 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted here as follows: 'On the one hand the [Afghan government is] responding to the international demands to do more against corruption, but we will have to wait [for ajudgement] until they become active and come up with results,
"Decoding the New Taliban"
New Yorker, 12 November 2009
In his blog "Think Tank" Steve Coll singles out the contributions by Joanna Nathan and Thomas Ruttig in his discussion of Antonio Giustozzi's new book "Decoding the New Taliban".
The Economist encircled the elections (translated from Chinese)
Yeeyan.org, 11 November 2009
AAN's "Martin Wan Bai Jie Lete" on the need to better supervise the elections and not just take for granted or wish that the second time will be better.
'Militärisch nicht mehr zu gewinnen' (No military victory possible anymore)
Salzburger Nachrichten (Austria), 7 November 2009
The Austrian daily publishes a long interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig on future strategies for Afghanistan (in German)
Afghanistan: 'Das ist Krieg, Mann gegen Mann' (Afghanistan - That's War)
Die Presse (Vienna), 5 November 2009
The Viennese daily reports on an Afghanistan conference in Bavaria in which AAN's Thomas Ruttig participated. He pleaded for a 'comprehensive political strategy' in which a dialog with 'pragmatic, politically thinking Taleban is only one element'. At the same time, he added, there is a tradition of struggles for democrac in Afghanistan. Therefore, those alternative forces need to be supported and strengthened as a counterweight to surging Islamist forces.
Am Ende gibt es nur Verlierer (In the End, There Are Only Losers)
Rheinischer Merkur (Bonn), 5 November 2009
An analysis of the Afghan elections as a manifestation for the failed democratisation of Afghanistan by Britta Petersen quotes AAN's Francesc Vendrell and Thomas Ruttig on the necessity of an 'emergency government' and a Loya Jirga as a way out of the current crisis as well as on the failed post-2001 disarmament of militias as a major reason for this failure.
Democratie in Afghanistan en Burma?
VPRO Radio (podcast), 3 November 2009.
Radio interview with AAN´s Martine on Karzai's second term and on how to deal with the country´s corruption.
Afghanen bang dat het Westen nu verkeerde conclusies zal trekken (Afghans fear the West will draw the wrong conclusions)
3 November 2009, Reformatorisch Dagblad.
Interview with Martine van Bijlert on the elections and what will happen now.
Grading the Afpak experts
The Afpak channel (Foreign Policy), 3 November 2009.
Afghan experts informally predicted the election results and Martine van Bijlert did well.
Afghan Electoral Outcome Presents Both Problems, Opportunity for US
Voice of America, 3 November 2009
AAN advisory board member Francesc Vendrell is quoted as saying that after the elections 'one is faced with an administration in Kabul that has little legitimacy'. He is sceptical about the international response: 'The [US] administration, as well as other European governments, will probably claim that things are now fine'.
Karzai vows to stamp out corruption during the second term
Radio France International, 3 November 2009.
Quotes from a radio interview by Martine van Bijlert ("Martina van Bylitt from Afghanistan Analysts in Holland") on the emerging narratives on the elections.
Westen schluckt Karsais Sieg (The West Swallows Karzai's Victory)
Financial Times Deutschland, 2 November 2009
The German daily also quotes Francesc Vendrell's proposal to install an 'emergency government' in Afghanistan to lead the country out of the crisis.
'Karzai will unbedingt an der Macht bleiben' ('Karzai tries to stay in power, no matter how')
Berliner Zeitung, 2 November 2009
In this interview, AAN's Thomas Ruttig says that he does not share US Secretary of State's assessment that the withdrawal of Dr Abdullah from the second election round does not undermine President Karzai's credibility
'Karzai will unbedingt an der Macht bleiben' ('Karzai tries to stay in power, no matter how')
Berliner Zeitung, 2 November 2009
In this interview, AAN's Thomas Ruttig says that he does not share US Secretary of State's assessment that the withdrawal of Dr Abdullah from the second election round does not undermine President Karzai's credibility
Herausforderer Abdullah will Stichwahl in Afghanistan boykottieren (Abdullah Will Boycott Run-Off)
Saarbruecker Zeitung, 2 November 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted with his doubts that a second round of elections will produce a more legitimate outcome than the first one.
Afeganistão. Karzai vai a votos sozinho na segunda volta
Informacao (Lisbon), 2 November 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted with his doubts that a second round of elections will produce a more legitimate outcome than the frirst one.
Ein Land in der Sackgasse (A country in a cul-de-sac)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 2 November 2009
Find an English and extended version of this commentary provided by AAN's Thomas Ruttig to the Berlin daily under his logs on this website.
Afghaanse schijnverkiezing (Afghanistan's pretend-election)
De Standaard Online (Belgium), 2 November 2009.
Martine van Bijlert warns that if the second round is to take place, it threatens to be as problematic and marred by fraud as the first one.
Abdullah's withdrawal leaves Afghanistan with a stained president
Sydney Morning Herald, 1 November 2009
In Paul McGeough's article, AAN's Martine van Bijlert analyses that Dr Abdullah might 'be doing many of the stakeholders a favour [by opting out], because there were very few people who really want this second round to happen'.
Analysis: Karzai will struggle for credibility
The Times, 1 November 2009
In Tom Coghlan's analysis, AAN's Martine van Bijlert is quoted as saying: 'All indications are that the second round will be a repeat of the first one (in terms of fraud), but there will be much less appetite (among voters) for it. It will damage Karzai's legitimacy rather than build it up.'
Afghanistan faces a crisis of credibility.
Globe and Mail, 1 November 2009
Article quotes Martine van Bijlert on Abdullah's withdrawal: “My sense is there has been quite a push to find other ways of resolution without going ahead with an election,”
Concerns rise about runoff election
UPI, 29 October 2009
This analysis of the news agency quotes Francesc Vendrell saying that the people's faith already has been badly shaken by the widespread fraud in the first round and that the IEC remaining in position in its current form 'will only come as confirmation.'
Former UN Envoy To Kabul Suggests Emergency Administration For Afghanistan
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 28 October 2009
In this interview, AAN Advisory Board member Francesc Vendrell says the notion that a coalition between Karzai and Abdullah could work is misguided. The two men already shared power in interim and transitional administrations between 2001 and 2005 and it led to 'paralysis'.
Taliban-Angriff gefährdet Stichwahl in Afghanistan (Taleban Attack Jeopardises Run-Off in Afghanistan)
Reporterwelt-Blog, 28 October 2009
Read here German journalist Britta Petersen's original article (in German) submitted to Financial Times Deutschland and messed up there. AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted as saying that the attack will further limit the UN role during the upcoming run-off.
Week in Review 10/18-10/24
Yale Afghanistan Forum, 26 October 2009
This blog discusses last week's events following the presentation of the ECC's findings and refers to AAN's latest blog for Afghan reactions to the prospect of a second round.
Why Afghanistan's Run-off's Are Doomed
The Atlantic Wire, 26 October 2009
John Hudson's blog describes a run-off as as "Afghanistan's kiss of death" and quotes Martine van Bijlert on the role of the IEC: "without big changes, voters will feel that the outcome will be determined not by their votes but by the IEC".
A Relativitiy
World of Facts (blog), 25 October 2009
Blog quotes earlier Economist article: "Among a relatively few foreign experts on the country—as opposed to the thousands of fat salaried Western consultants bunkered in Kabul—the mood is bleak. “We think we’re at the center of things, but we’re not, we’re at the margins of Afghanistan,” says Martine van Bijlert of the Afghanistan Analysts Network, a think-tank. “And we’re so busy having meetings and discussing our plans we’re not even seeing what’s coming at us.”
Noch viel Raum für Manipulationen (Still Much Room for Manipulations)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 24 Oktober 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig explains that the IEC and the ECC operate with diiferent 'final results' and why Karzai's 0.33 per cent under the 50 per cent threshold still holds open the chance that there will be no second round.
Taliban tells voters to boycott second round
Radio France Internationale, 24 October 2009
Martine van Bijlert comments on the recent Taliban statement and predicts "a messy" second round in terms of fraud. She called on the UN and other international actors to be ready to deal with the fraud, instead of simply hoping things will be better.
'Demokratischer Firnis' ('Democratic Paint-Over')
Rheinpfalz (Ludwigshafen), 22 October 2009
The daily from South-Western Germany quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig criticising the premature calling of a second round of elections in Afghanistan.
Seitensprung mit drei Pässen (Escapade with Three Passports)
Wochenzeitung (Zurich), 22 October 2009
In this article, AAN's Thomas Ruttig explores how conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran are interrelated and points at contradictory US policies: supporting Iranian Baluch group Jundullah for 'regime-change' in Iran while it is an ally of the Afghan Taleban (not on the web).
Überstürzte Wahlen ohne Kontrolle (A Precipitous Poll without Monitoring: Afghanistan's Second Round)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 22 Oktober 2009
In this article for the Berlin daily, AAN's Thomas Ruttig points to the factors that make a better election and a more legitimate outcome of the second round on 7 November unlikely. He says that it is not sufficient to put 'democratic paint' over an election machine that has proven to be 'rusted through'.
Afghanistan's permanent election: seconds out, round two
The Economist, 22 October 2009
In a long article about Afghanistan's "permanent election" the Economist quotes Martine van Bijlert that without big changes, voters will feel that the outcome will be determined not by their votes but by the IEC.
Stichwahl in Afghanistan (Run-off in Afghanistan)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 21 Oktober 2009
AAN's Martine van Bijlert comments in this article that the run-off could open the way 'towards more positive scenarios' provided that the Karzai camp does not mobilise with the slogan of a 'stolen victory' from round one.
'Die UN sind kein völlig unabhängiger Akteur' (The UN Are Not a Completely Independent Actor)
Standard online (Vienna), 21 October 2009
On the Austrian daily's website, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted as saying that 'Western governments were in favour of a smooth election outcome' but that the UN now has moved closer to the election's reality.
Afghanistan election Q&A
The Guardian, 21 October 2009
On the role of the IEC: "If there are no proper changes in the IEC then people will still feel that this is an election that will be shaped by IEC and it's not their votes that will determine the outcome, it's the IEC," said Martine van Bijlert, co-director of the Afghanistan Analysts Network.
Afghan run-off faces huge challenges
BBC online, 21 October 2009
'The electoral commission is not independent because it has all been appointed by President Karzai,' former EU Afghan Envoy and AAN Advisory Board member Francesc Vendrell is quoted in this piece.
Mann des Südens gegen Mann des Nordens (Man of the South against Man of the North)
Frankfurter Rundschau, 21 October 2009
In an analysis of the two competitors of Afghanistan's second round of presidential elections, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted that Karzai cannot be made responsible for everything that went wrong in the country but that much was triggered by the Bush administration's policies.
Martine van Bijlert over Afghaanse verkiezingen (audio in Dutch)
NOS Radio 1, 21 October 2009
Martine van Bijlert on the international pressure on Karzai to agree to a second round and the need to prevent a repeat of the fraudulent first round.
Nieuwe verkiezingen in Afghanistan
Radio 1 Journaal Fanlog, 20 October 2009.
This blog quotes an excerpt of a radio interview with Martine van Bijlert (although the author had trouble remembering AAN) who called Karzai's press conference a "remarkable scene" confirming suspicions of foreign pressure.
Chaos und Zahlensalat in Kabul (Chaos and a Jumble of Figures in Kabul)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 20 Oktober 2009
In this article, AAN's Thomas Ruttig explains the ruling of the ECC (in German).
Afghanistan election runoff poses daunting challenges
The Christian Science Monitor, 20 October 2009
Ben Arnoldy quotes Martine van Bijlert on the possibility of a negotiated settlement after Karzai's press conference: "It's not that it's not a scenario any more, (b)ut if it's a likely scenario, you don't come out that strongly saying there will be no coalition government."
Onzekerheid in Afghanistan duurt voort (Confusion in Afghanistan continues)
Volkskrant daily (NL), 20 October 2009
Article quotes Martine van Bijlert that, if they are not careful, the two candidates may be bluffing each other into a second round without meaning to.
New battleground in N Afghanistan?
al-Jazeera online, 19 October 2009
In a contribution for al-Jazeera, Aunohita Mojumdar quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig saying that the deterioration in Kunduz did not come as a surprise but was foreseeable for 'two, three years'.
Election Uncertainty Concerns Allies (audio)
ABC Radio Australia, 19 October 2009
Audio featuring Martine van Bijlert, co-director, Afghanistan Analysts' Network; Rahm Emanuel, White House chief of staff; John Kerry, chairman of US Senate Foreign Relations Comittee; Fahim Dashti, editor-in-chief, Kabul Weekly
Kazai about face could salvage Afghan election
The Christian Science Monitor, 19 October 2009
Martine van Bijlert is quoted: "This is at least not a worsening of the situation. The situation is clearer than it has been and it is potentially moving toward one of the better case scenarios," But: "Whether this step really enhances the legitimacy of the process, depends mainly on how it is perceived. If for instance Karzai accepts the outcome, but at the same time people around him are spreading mixed messages or conspiracy theories, then it will remain a muddled matter in the public perception,"
Les talibans aussi veulent négocier
Le Soir (Brussels), 19 October 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on his opinion to differenciate between 'pragmatic (and not 'moderate') and radical, intransigent Taleban and Francesc Vendrell on his rejection of talks with Hezb-e Islami.
Un retour aux urnes avant l’hiver ?
Le Soir (Brussels), 17 October 2009
The statements of AAN Advisory Board's Francesc Vendrell and of Thomas Ruttig at a presentation of the European Policy Center in Brussels are quoted in a report on Afghanistan in this Belgian daily's
The Af-Pak Rubik's Cube Changes Again
Andrew Sullivan's The Daily Dish, 16 October 2009
One of the US' most influential bloggers, Andrew Sullivan, finds Martine's 'whole post is well worth reading'. Thanks, Andrew.
Afghanistan election outcome: Karzai could face runoff
Christian Science Monitor. 16 October 2009.
Ben Arnoldy from the Christian Science Monitor qoutes Martine's latest blog in his article on a possible runoff.
US focuses on Taliban’s border ‘post office’
Financial Times, 12 October 2009
In an article that reports that the US military has started 'watching' Taleban activity in Quetta, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the significance of the Taleban leadership council and relations between Afghan and Pakistani Taleban.
Afghanistan: Is it Mission Impossible? (with F. Vendrell)
BBC Radio 4, 6 October 2009
This is the transcript on a BBC Radio 4 dicussion in which our Advisory Board member Francesc Vendrell took part. On the question whether mission Afghanistan is still possible to accomplish he said that it becomes increasingly difficutl for 'lack of vision and courage on the part of the international community [...]. It requires a basic shift in policy that I fear many governments may well shy away from.'
Am Ende profitieren die Radikalen (In the end, the radicals will gain)
Suedwestpresse (Ulm), 10 October 2009
The daily from Ulm in Southern Germany publishes an interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig saying that ignoring electoral fraud will play into the hands of the Taleban. He pleads for establishing a 'new consensus' about where Afghanistan should head to. (In German.)
Afghan election audit ends, but no results yet
McClatchy, 9 October 2009.
On the subject of election-related violence Martine van Bijlert is quoted as saying that politically violence wasn't a rational option for Abdullah.
How the War in Afghanistan undermines Obama's Other Goals
Media Monitors Network, 9 October 2009.
The article quotes AAN's report "The Other Side" as warning that “a deepening sense of occupation and undercurrents of anti-Westernism” were increasing the Taliban’s appeal.
Experte: Duldung des Wahlbetrugs stärkt Taliban (Expert:: Condoning Electoral Fraud Strengthens Taleban)
Maerkische Oderzeitung (Frankfurt/O.), 5 October 2009
This German daily also prints parts of an interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig distributed by dpa (German Press Agency, in German) - see 'Der Standard', 3 October 2009.
Experte: Duldung des Wahlbetrugs stärkt Taliban (Expert: Condoning Electoral Fraud Strengthens Taleban)
Der Standard (Vienna), 3 October 2009
The Austrian daily prints parts of an interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig distributed by dpa (German Press Agency, in German) saying that a lack of Western reaction to electoral fraud strengthens feelings of resignation amongst Afghans. He pleads for establishing 'a new consensus' amongst Afghans in which direction their country should head.
'Eide steht auf der Seite Karzais' ('Eide stand on Karzai's side', not on the web)
Frankfurter Allgemeine, 2 Oktober 2009
In an article about Peter Galbraith's criticism of Unama's approach regarding electoral fraud, Thomas Ruttig's AAN blog of 29 September is quoted calling the 'Friends of Afghanistan' reported 'consensus' about a Karzai victory a 'disservice to Afghan democracy' (in German, not on the web).
The Afghan Elections: Who lost What?
Testimony to the US House of Representatives by Christine Fair, 1 October 2009
Quoting Martine van Bijlert: “The standard line in this kind of case is that there were irregularities, but that they didn't affect the outcome of the elections. Reports from the provinces suggest otherwise. They suggest that these irregularities were actually designed to affect the outcome of the elections and that they probably did."
Ausbilder gesucht (Trainers looked for)
Rheinischer Merkur (Bonn), 1 October 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted in an analysis that deals with the new German governments 'first foreign policy dossier', Afghanistan.
VN-gezant Kabul weg uit Kabul na ruzie met chef (UN envoy leaves Kabul after argument with boss)
NRC Daily (Netherlands), 30 September 2009.
AAN is quoted as source for the news on Gailbrath's dismissal.
Conflict binnen VN over fraude Afghanistan (Conflict within the UN over Afghanistan's fraud)
Volkskrant Daily (Netherlands), 30 September 2009.
AAN is quoted on sources of conflict between Eide and Gailbrath's that ultimately led to Gailbrath's dismissal.
VN sturen Amerikaanse gezant de laan uit (UN dismisses American envoy)
De Standaard Daily (Belgium), 30 September 2009.
Article on Gaibrath's dismissal quotes AAN on the fact that the UN had initiated an internal inquiry into a leak to the press on the existence of fake polling stations.
An election under siege
ECOCN.org, 29 October 2009
Martine van Bijlert, of the Afghanistan Analysts Network, a think-tank, believes that fraud is inevitable so long as Mr Karzai’s henchmen are worried about the outcome. She argues that the focus now should be on ways to detect fraud before it happens, “rather than simply hoping it will be better this time”.
New road paved with promises and projects
Brisbane Times, 28 September 2009
In this third and last part of a series on the Khost-Gardez highway Thomas Ruttig takes exception to an anthropologists' assessment of the locals as savages.
Afghanistan's electoral well-crafted: the mimic or the dog? - Full comment
Edublogs.org, 27 September 2009
This blog that seems to have been translated into Russian and back (thank you Google), quotes Martine as having said: ‘The mains intention why you haven’t seen a in number cosmopolitan intransigence up to this time is that it is unclear what gracious of results are contemporary to be presented’.
The Road to Perdition
The Brisbane Times. 26 September 2009.
Article by Paul McGeough, as part of a series on the intrigues surrounding the Khost-Gardez road, discusses the respective roles of Pacha Khan Zadran and Jalaluddin Haqqani. Quotes Thomas Ruttig.
As Germany Votes Afghan Mission Gets Growing Attention
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 26 September 2009
In this analysis of German parties' positions on Afghanistan on election eve, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted extensively.
Obama hat noch kein Rezept (Obama Hasn't Found a Recipe Yet)
Tagesspiegel (Berlin), 23 September 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig comments on General McChrystal's assessment on the US approach to Afghanistan.
Afghans on troop surge debate: It's the corruption, stupid
Christian Science Monitor (online), 23 September 2009
In an analysis of what should be done to address electoral fraud, AAN's Thomas Ruttig pleads for preparing a Loya Jirga by 'jirgas at the local level and have residents, officials, and international actors all make commitments to each other'.
Diplomaten statt Soldaten (Diplomats instead of Soldiers)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 22 September 2009
In a comment for the Berlin daily, AAN's Thomas Ruttig argues that politicians should take back the lead from the military again in developing an Afghanistan strategy and that a clean-up of the electoral fraud must be the first step for the West if it wants to regain Afghans' confidence.
Reconciliation as the post-election national agenda
UNAMA Afghan Update, Peace Day Special Issue, 21 September 2009
This UNAMA publication quotes Thomas Ruttig's proposals on a reconciliation mechanism from his paper 'The Other Side'.
Afghan role at stake in German poll
BBC News, 18 September 2009
In an analysis of the impact of the Afghan issue on the German elections, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted extensively.
Vorläufige Mehrheit für Karsai (Preliminary Majority for Karzai)
tageszeitung (Berlin), 17 September 2009
In an article for the Berlin daily, AAN's Thomas Ruttig explains what is left to be done (by the ECC) after the announcement of the preliminary final result of the 20 August election.
Raus aus Afghanistan - Aber wie und wann? (Out of Afghanistan - but how and when?)
Stern (Hamburg), 17 September 2009
In his analysis of options for an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan, Christoph Reuter quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig on how Afghan democracy was pevented from emerging at the Emergency Loya Jirga.
100 Prozent für Hamid Karsai (100 per cent for Hamed Karzai)
Freitag (Berlin), 11 September 2009
In his analysis of the Afghan elections' current status for this Berlin weekly, Thomas Ruttig comes to the conclusion that a recognition of a manipulated victory by the international community would be a carte blanche for the Afghan all-party narco-mafia to continue pillaging the country (in German).
The Afghanistan election fiasco was wholly predictable
Times Online. 11 September 2009.
In an article that explores the origins of this year's electoral fraud, Martine van Bijlert is quoted: “In 2005 [the fraud] wasn’t just small-scale, we saw the seeds of massive, organised fraud, especially in the southeast. What we are seeing today is a development of that, (...) The problem is a basic lack of rule of law. In eight years we haven’t established a culture where you follow rules.”
Fraud watchdog annuls Afghan votes
ABC News, 11 September 2009
Martine van Bijlert, co-director of the Afghanistan Analysts Network, says it is hard to tell what the controversy means for the long-term progress of the country. She thinks that ironically, the situation is so bad it might actually do some good."There is now actually a chance to signal to the Afghan people that things that are not acceptable will not be accepted and that it might change."
Eight years after 9/11, Taliban roils 80 percent of Afghanistan
Christian Science Monitor (online), 11 September 2009
In this analysis by Aunohita Mojumdar, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the growing influence of the Taleban in Kunduz province.
Afghanistan - Mangel an Glaubwürdigkeit (Afghanistan's Elections - A Lack of Credibility)
Tagesspiegel (Berlin), 11 September 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig warns that a second round of voting would be marred by the same security situation as the first one and that turn-out might even drop further.
Ballots cancelled in Afghanistan's tainted poll
ABC News Australia, 9 September 2009
Martine van Bijlert says it's hard to tell what the controversy means for the long term progress of the country. Ironically, the situation is so bad it might actually do some good: "Because there is this potential for confrontation, there is now actually a chance to signal to the Afghan people that things that are not acceptable will not be accepted and that it might change."
Machtkampf der Wahl-Kommissionen (Power Struggle of the Election Commissions)
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, 9 September 2009
Christoph Ehrhardt quotes AAN's last report on electoral fraud and Thomas Ruttig as saying that 'all cases of manipulations needs to be painstakingly scrutinised - even when it takes longer then expected'.
Karzai beschadigd en verzwakt na 'overwinning' (Karzai damaged and weakened after 'victory')
Volkskrant Daily (Netherlands), 9 September 2009.
Article quotes AAN's Martine van Bijlert on the current tussle between the IEC and ECC and the need to publicly deal with the fraud.
Nederland handhaaft beleid in Afghanistan (Netherlands continues its policy in Afghanistan)
Metro Daily (Netherlands), 9 September 2009.
Article quotes Martine van Bijlert, saying that military means will not be enough to turn the situation around, pointing to the importance of good governance and restored confidence.
Karzai leads Afghan vote, but election watchdog finds fraud
Christian Science Monitor (online), 8 September 2009
In the daily's Global News Blog, Aunohita Mojumdar quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig welcome that the international community is now standing up to Afghan election fraud 'late but not too late'.
Disillusionment over Afghanistan Grows in West
Spiegel (English version), 8 September 2009
Pursuing the question whether the war in Afghanistan still can be won, Susanne Koelbl refers to the AAN report on electoral fraud and quotes Thomas Ruttig as saying that 'Afghans don't need agricultural experts from Kentucky' but loans, irrigation systems, fertilizer, seeds, markets -- and peace.
Karsai vor gefälschtem Wahlsieg (Karzai heads to a fraudulent election victory)
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 7 September 2009
In an article for the Berlin daily, AAN's Thomas Ruttig predicts that the preliminary final result will not be announced before 'Massud Day' on 9 September.
Afghan Reaction To [Kunduz] Strike Muted
Washington Post, 7 September 2009
This article by Pam Constable quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig on the misguided 4 September airstrike saying that 'many residents want U.S. and NATO forces to take action against the Taliban, but 'precisely, without collateral damage'.
Luftangriff am Fluss (Air Assault at the River)
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 5 September 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig describes the NATO attack on two tankers hijacked by Taleban in Kunduz province and Ulrike Winkelmann describes the reaction of the German authorities after allegations that many civilians were killed.
Caught in a swirl of deceit
Sydney Morning Herald, 5 September 2009
On the fraud clouding the Afghan elections, AAN's Martine van Bijlert warns that if President Karzai does not acknowledge 'what happened, people will see his next term as more of the same.'
Der große Betrug am Hindukusch (The Great Fraud in the Hindukush)
Neues Deutschland (Berlin), 4 September 2009
In a report from Kabul, AAN's Thomas Ruttig calls the international community to come out with clear words and to initiate an Afghan all-party conference including democratic and non-armed politial forces.
More troops 'no help' for Afghanistan, Vendrell
Radio Australia, 3 September 2009
Interview with AAN's advisory board member Amb. Francesc Vendrell
Afghanistan after the Elections; What Next?
Carnegie Endowment presentation (transcript), 3 September 2009
Martine van Bijlert's article on Imaginary Institutions in Afghanistan was quoted during a Carnegie Endowment event.
NOS Acht Uur Journaal (Netherlands 8 o' clock news)
NOS Journaal, 3 September 2009 (probably temporary link).
Martine van Bijlert is interviewed on the electoral fraud in Afghanistan. Featuring complaining tribal elder ("In our area nobody voted, but at the end of the day the boxes were all full for Karzai").
EU Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt visits Afghanistan (and meets AAN)
Swedish Presidency of the European Union. 2 September 2009.
An brief overview of Carl Bildt's program in Kabul makes mention of a dinner with AAN.
Afghan Elections 2009: Milestone for Progress or Mirror of Malaise?
Blog on Norwegian Peace Building Centre website, 1 September 2009.
Article quotes Martine van Bijlert's blog featuring a voter who remarks: “Ask any shepherd in the mountains who the next king will be and he will say: whoever the West supports. Ask the leaders of the biggest parties, they will say the same. The vote has no value.”
Excuse me, Carlotta, but...
Angry Arab News Service, 1 September 2009
The Angry Arab quotes Carlotta Gall quoting Martine van Bijlert, and suggests that Carlotta declared the election a success on the first day.
Depois da euforia pós-eleitoral, a confrontação com a realidade afegã
O Diplomata, 31 August 2009
Martine van Bijlert is quoted in a Portugese blog by Alexandre Guerra on O Diplomata, on the likelihood of systematic fraud in the past elections.
Fraude zet Afghanistan op scherp (Fraud polarises Afghanistan)
Volkskrant Daily (Netherlands), 31 August 2009.
The Volkskrant mentions how according to Martine van Bijlert glossing over irregularities will only undermine the establishment of a more democratic culture in Afghanistan. And also: "We will probably never know how the Afghans really voted".
Rising signs of fraud muddel Afghan elections
Washington Post, 31 August 2009.
"It does indicate there were a lot of allegations that have to be taken seriously, and if fraud did take place, that it was systematic," said Martine van Bijlert, an analyst with The Afghanistan Analysts Network, an independent policy-research organization. Concern was mounting among members of the international community, but there was uncertainty about how to deal with it, she said.
Increasing Accounts of Fraud Cloud Afghan Vote
New York Times. 30 August 2009.
Article by Carlotte Gall on the Pol-e Charkhi fraud quotes AAN's Martine van Bijlert.
Tekenen van fraude in onveilige regios (Signs of fraud in insecure areas)
NRC Daily. 29 August 2009
Dutch daily quotes Martine van Bijlert who describes different patterns of irregularities (ballot-stuffing before, during and after election day, and voter intimidation). She emphasises that it is much too early to say that the irregularities did not affect the outcome of the elections and that if the internationals ignore the fraud they threaten to further undermine popular confidence in their role.
Voting for Afghanistan. Again and again and again.
www.crikey.com.au / 27 August 2009.
Article by Jeff Sparrow quotes several sources on Afghanistan's electoral fraud, including Martine van Bijlert's recent blog.
Rauchen verboten - köpfen auch (Smoking prohibited - and also beheadings)
SWR 2 (German radio), 27 August 2009
Listen to AAN's Thomas Ruttig in an interview on the new Taleban layha (handbook or code of conduct).
Rätselraten um Hintermänner (Guess work about the instigators)
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 27 August 2009
In an analysis of the latest car-bomb attack in Kandahar, AAN's Thomas Ruttig points to possible 'freelance' Taleban commanders.
Was the Afghan election rigged and where is the proof?
MacClatchey Daily, 26 August 2009.
Martine van Bijlert gives first impressions on the legitimacy of the elections.
Leichte Führung für Karsai (Karzai in a Slight Lead)
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 26 August 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig reports the first partial election results presented in Kabul and discussions about a possible 'government of national unity' (in German, the text contains a printing error on the number of Karzai votes).
Hamid Karzai leads in first presidential poll in Afghanistan
Digital Journal, 26 August 2009
Nothing can be determined and no clear winner can be established, at least according to Martine van Bijlert, an analyst at the Afghanistan Analysts Network, "It's too early to say anything at the moment."
Afghanistan: Popular Anger Simmers over Electoral Fraud Allegations
eurasia.net, 26 August 2009
Aunohita Mojumdar quots Thomas Ruttig's blog on the first partial results saying that 'tallies are no check against ballot stuffing'.
Afghan election fraud allegations mount as Karzai lead widens
Christian Science Monitor. 26 August 2009.
Martine van Bijlert: "The standard line in this kind of cases is that there were irregularities, but that they didn't affect the outcome of the elections. Reports from the provinces suggest otherwise. They suggest that these irregularities were actually designed to affect the outcome of the elections and that they probably did,"
"Alle Zahlen beruhen auf unsauberen Grundlagen" (All figures on a dodgy basis)
Frankfurter Rundschau, 25 August 2009
In an interview with the Frankfurt daily, AAN's Thomas Ruttig comments first partial results from Afghan presidential election.
Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah neck-and-neck in Afghan elections
The Telegraph. 25 August 2009.
Martine van Bijlert: "It's too early to say anything at the moment. It's such a small sample. They are separated by 10,000 and we have only had ten per cent of the vote."
Early election results give Karzai a narrow lead
The Guardian, 25 August 2009.
Van Bijlert said allegations of vote-rigging and multiple voting cast doubt on the data. "We will probably be able to get a better sense of the plausibility of the figures once we have more detail."
Karzai narrowly ahead says election commission
Radio France, 25 August 2009.
Martine van Bijlert on her observations on election day and the "allegations of ballot stuffing and votes being added".
Foreigners Neglet (sic) Afghan Voting Endeavors
The Palestine Telegraph, 25 August 2009.
This article in the Palestine Telegraph quotes extensively from Martine van Bijlert's blogs and other news articles: "Most observers are treating the election as if it is over, but I think the real contest is just beginning. The main question is how much blatant breaking of the law will be accepted for the sake of [what seems to bring] short-term stability,"
Only the Most Modest Hopes of an Afghan Turning Point
POMED Wire (Project for Middle East Democracy), 25 August 2009.
Website quotes election blogs by Martine van Bijlert and Alex Strick van Linschoten on their election observations (which were apparently reposted on the Open Democracy website).
Claims of Fraud and Victory
Foreign Policy Blogs Network, 25 August 2009
Patrick Frost points to Martine van Bijlert's blog on 'examples of fraud from down on the ground (in the dirt?)' and keeps hoping that the totality of the accusations does not undermine the legality of the election’s final results.
Afghanistan: Internationals claim victory while Afghans cry fraud
Eurasianet.org. 24 August 2009.
Martine van Bijlert comments on the problems of disenranchisement and fraud: "The main question is how much blatant breaking of the law will be accepted for the sake of [what seems to bring] short-term stability, Much of the fraud has been widespread, blatant and linked to government or electoral officials. If that is left unchallenged and unacknowledged, the message to the population is clear: this is how it is going to be."
New Tactics for the Taliban: US Army Applies Lessons of Iraq to Afghanistan
Spiegel online, 24 August 2009
In an analysis of the new US tactics in Helmand province, Susanne Koelbl quots AAN's Thomas Ruttig on a proposed broad approach to reconciliation.
Wahlen in Afghanistan: Karsai sieht sich als Sieger (Elections in Afghanistan: Karzai considers himself the winner)
taz.de (Germany), 24 August 2009
Taz quotes Martine van Bijlert on fraud in among others Ghazni and low turnout in the south.
Goochelen met de uitkomst in Afghanistan (Working the results in Afghanistan)
Radio Nederland Wereldomroep (Radio Netherlands World Service), 24 August 2009.
This article in Dutch quotes Martine van Bijlert's the post-election blog "How much are we expected to believe?"
Afghanistan-Wahl mit zahlreichen Unregelmäßigkeiten (Afghan Elections with Several Irregularities)
Tagesspiegel.de (Berlin), 22. August 2009
In a report about the Afghan elections, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted as saying that the Taleban threat campaign contributed to a low voter turn-out.
Zeit der Ungewissheit (Period of Uncertainty)
Tagesspiegel (Berlin), 22 August 2009
The Berlin daily extensively quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig on post-election perspectives for Afghanistan.
British soldier killed in Afghanistan was son of SAS hero.
Times Online. 22 August 2009.
In an article which discusses both the latest death in Helmand and the Afghan elections, Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the emerging patterns in the south of low voter turnout and full ballot boxes.
Vote counting underway in Afghanistan elections
ABC News (radio interview and transcript), 21 August 2009.
Martine van Bijlert give first impressions after polling day: a sense of relief, but at the same time insecurity, differences in turnout and reports of fraud.
Karzai, Abdullah both claim victory in early vote results
France24, 21 August 2009.
The article on early claims of victory and reports of possible fraud quotes AAN's Martine van Bijlert
Afghan poll faces major hurdles.
ABC News. 21 August 2009.
AAN's Martine van Bijlert describes initial election day impressions.
'Die Milizen können jederzeit mobilisiert werden' (The militias can be mobilised any time)
Der Standard (Vienna), 21 August 2009
An interview by the Vienna weekly with AAN's Thomas Ruttig about Afghan elections turn out, accusations of manipulation and the likelihood of violent outbreaks. (in German).
Presidential elections in Afghanistan (audio file)
Radio New Zealand, 21 August 2009.
Martine van Bijlert gives her first impressions of the Afghan Presidential elections
Afghan voters brave rockets, bombs
Washington Times, 21 August 2009
In an article from Shiberghan (Northern Afghanistan), AAN's Martine van Bijlert's pre-election report is quoted, including her assessement that there is 'appetite for non-factional alignment' among Afghans.
«Die Afghanen wollen ein besseres Leben» (The Afghans Want a Better Life)
Schaffhauser Nachrichten (Switzerland), 20 August 2009
Jan Jirat of the Swiss daily extensively interviews AAN's Thomas Ruttig on the Afghan elections and perpectives of the country (in German).
Afghanistan: From Insurgency to Insurrection
The Economist. 20 August 2009.
AAN's Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the international involvement in Afghanistan: “We think we’re at the centre of things, but we’re not, we’re at the margins of Afghanistan, And we’re so busy having meetings and discussing our plans we’re not even seeing what’s coming at us.”
"Jullie buitenlanders bepalen wie de president wordt." ("You foreigners determine who will be the President")
Reformatisch Dagblad (Netherlands). 20 August 2009.
Journalist Ab Jansen gives a very good summary of 'How to Win an Afghan Election'.
Sprengsätze an der Urne (Explosive Devices at the Ballot Box)
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 20 August 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig reports from the run-up to the elections in Paktia and Paktika provinces (in German).
Wahlen in schwarzen Löchern (Elections in Black Holes)
Neues Deutschland (Berlin), 20 August 2009
AAN's Thomas Ruttig reports from the run-up to the elections in Paktia and Paktika provinces (in German; free for subscribers only).
Afghan elections: What's at stake?
Christian Science Monitor, 20 August 2009
In a pre-election report, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quotes as saying that a 'high reported turnout would put more question marks about [the] legitimacy [of the elections] than low turnout'.
Anschläge überschatten Präsidentenwahl (Attacks overshadow presidential elections)
Spiegel online/dpa, 20 August 2009
The website of the German weekly cites AAN's Thomas Ruttig about the security situation and the turn-out on election day in Southeast Afghanistan.
Wahlen in Afghanistan (Elections in Afghanistan)
Radio1 (Potsdam/Germany), 20 August 2009
Listen to AAN's Thomas Ruttig reporting from a polling site at the Tera Pass in Paktia province (in German).
Day of Reckoning
The Sydney Morning Herald. 20 August 2009
An article describing the likelihood of fraud in the Afghan elections quotes (and attributes) from 'How to Win an Afghan Election'.
Blutige Wahlen in Afghanistan (Blood-stained Elections in Afghanistan)
Financial Times Germany, 20 August 2009
In a report about the vote in Afghanistan, the paper quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig as saying that the UN had transferred political responsibility for the elections to Afghan institutions too early.
Britney Spears votes in Afghanistan
The Age (Australia), 20 August 2009
AAN's Martine van Bijlert is quoted on electoral fraud and fake registered voters.
Presidential elections in Afghanistan (podcast)
Nine to Noon, 20 August 2009
Martine van Bijlert on New Zealand radio talking on the Afghan elections.
Ethnic strains, backroom deals pull at Afghan election outcome
National Post (Canada)
Article quotes AAN's pre-election report: “Afghans view the upcoming elections with a mix of indifference and anticipation,” writes Martine van Bijlert of the Afghanistan Analysts Network. “There is a widespread conviction that the elections will be ‘fixed’ by a combination of international interference, deals between political leaders and fraud."
'We Don't Have Any Alternative to Karzai'
Washington Post, 19 August 2009
In a report from Eastern Afghanistan, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on reasons why President Karzai is the favourite in the upcoming elections.
Menschen haben große Angst vor den Taliban (People are afraid of the Taleban)
Domradio (Cologne), 19 August 2009
Interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig about the pre-election situation in Southeastern Afghanistan. Here the audio.
Will fraud mar credibility of Afghan elections?
New Kerala, 19 August 2009
The Indian newspaper discusses the credibility of the Afghan presidential elections and quots Kai Eide, Sima Samar and AAN's Thomas Ruttig as saying: "It's about elections that are acceptable for Afghans,"
Afghaanse keuze: deze of geen verkiezing (The Afghan choice: this election or no election)
De Volkskrant Daily (Netherlands). 19 August 2009.
AAN's Martine van Bijlert is quoted about the likelihood of fraud in the Afghan elections and the necessity to acknowledge what really happens.
Election a key moment for Afghanistan
National Post, 19 August 2009.
The article quotes Martine van Bijlert's pre-election report: "Afghans view the upcoming elections with a mix of indifference and anticipation, (...) There is a widespread conviction that the elections will be ‘fixed' by a combination of international interference, deals between political leaders and fraud.
On eve of elections, fraud concerns loom
France 24. 18 August 2009.
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the opportunities for fraud presented by insecurity and a lack of tranpsarency.
Elke dag zes agenten doodgeschoten (Every day six policemen killed).
De Standaard Daily (Belgium). 18 August 2009.
AAN's Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the linkages between governance and the insurgency.
Afghan warlord General Dostum returns to boost Karzai’s campaign
The Times Online, 18 August 2009.
AAN's Martine van Bijlert is quoted on General Dostum's return to Afghanistan.
Bird's eye view of the Afghan presidential debate
Foreign Policy. The AfPak Channel, 18 August 2009.
Martine van Bijlert's blog on the presidential debate is posted on the AfPak Channel.
Nato-Kommandeur hält Taliban für stärker als 2001
Spiegel online, 18 August 2009
The German weekly's website quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig on the lack of observer's presence during Afghanistan's presidential vote.
Peace Talks with Taliban Top Issue in Afghan Vote
New York Times. 17 August 2009.
AAN's report on the Taliban by Thomas Ruttig is quoted in an analysis by Carlotta Gall.
Het lijkt wel of men naar ons kijkt (People seem to be looking at us).
Volkskrant blog. 17 August 2009
Journlist Rob Vreeken describes meeting AAN's Thomas Ruttig ("What can you say, a bomb is a bomb").
Fragezeichen über Kabul (Question Mark over Kabul)
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 17 August 2009
From Kabul, AAN Thomas Ruttig reports on the campaign for the 20 August presidential election and on the influence of polls and afghan perceptions.
Gibt es den guter Krieg? (Is There a Good War?)
Swiss Radio DRS4, 17 August 2009
Listen to an interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig on backgrounds of the current situation in Afghanistan, part of a feature also covering Kosovo and Haiti.
Praktizierter Frieden in Afghanistan (Peace Work in Practice)
n-tv, 17 August 2009
In a portrait of German nurse Karla Schefter who established a hospital in Wardak province20 years ago that survived all political turns in Afghanistan, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is praising Karla's work as 'revolutionary'.
The Corruption Factor
Montreal Gazette, 16 August 2009
In a piece about corruption, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on links to the drug business.
Revitalised Taliban to dog Afghan election winner
Sindh Today (DPA). 16 August 2009.
AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the latest Taliban attack in Kabul. The article was also published on prokerala.com and in part on Hindustan Times (Taliban still around, deadly).
A Taliban attack on the electoral process, or just on NATO?
France 24. 16 August 2009.
In an article by Leela Jacinto AAN's Martine van Bijlert and Thomas Ruttig are quoted on the Taliban involvement in the latest attack in Kabul, and the implications for the elections.
Karzai counts on tribal vote to win Kandahar
Mail & Gaurdian Online. 16 August 2009.
The article quotes AAN reporting that up to 3 million of the registered voters may not exist.
Dreigementen van de Taliban vooral grootspraak (Taliban threats largely bluster)
Trouw Daily (Netherlands), 15 Augustus 2009.
AAN co-director Martine van Bijlert is interviewed about the prospects for deals, fraud and violence in the coming elections.
Abdullah Abdullah throws down election gauntlet to Karzai
The Times. 15 August 2009.
In an article by Jeremy Page AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted, saying that the international community's legitimacy is at stake in this election.
Warten auf eine neue Generation (Waiting for a New Generation)
Tagesspiegel (Berlin), 15 August 2009
In an analysis of the upcoming elections and prospects of democracy in Afghanistan by Ulrike Scheffer, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted along with women's activist Soraya Parlika, minister Ehsan Zia and civil society activist Islamuddin Hanifi (in German).
Helicopters, crowds and cash as Afghan campaign heads into home stretch
Christian Science Monitor, 14 August 2009.
Martine van Bijlert on the meaning of Afghan campaign rallies: "Campaign rallies tell you nothing about people's convictions or how they are going to vote. A lot go because they are told they are going to something else, or because they are summoned (...) a campaign is about image and perceptions, It shows strength – if you don't do it at all, you are not a serious candidate."
Obama's campaign lessons go online the Afghan way
Radio France 24, 13 August 2009
Thomas Ruttig from AAN is quoted in a piece about the Afghan online election campaign on the English website of the station.
Mehr Eigenverantwortung für die Afghanen (More responsibilities for the Afghans)
n-tv, 12 August 2009
In a pre-election report on the role of the Bundeswehr during the Afghan elections, the private German TV station quots Thomas Ruttig's election report published by the Berlin thinktank SWP.
Reden mit den Taliban – und dann? (Talk to the Taleban - and then?)
Tagesspiegel (Berlin), 12 August 2009
The German daily extensively quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig on chances to talk to the Taleban and about the ceasefire in Badghis province (in German).
Der Sack und der Esel (The Sack and the Donkey)
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 12 August 2009
In an op-ed for the Berlin daily, AAN's Thomas Ruttig calls the balance of the Karzai years 'devastating' - but adds that balming the President is like beating the bag instead of the donkey (in German; English version in our blogs).
Afghanistan vietnamiseert (Afghanistan 'vietnamising')
Arnold Karsken. De Pers Daily (Netherlands). 12 August 2009.
The article describes the increasing parallels between the Afghanistan and Vietnam wars. It quotes AAN's election report on the Afghan perceptions that the elections are being fixed by international interference, deals between leaders and fraud.
Wahl in Afghanistan: Mit Sicherheit gefaehrlich (Election in Afghanistan surely dangerous)
Sueddeutsche Zeitung (Munich), 10 August 2009
In a report from Kabul on the pre-election security situation, AAN's Thomas Ruttig latest report for SWP (in German) is quoted.
Themenpaket Afghanistan (Focus Afghanistan)
dpa (German Press Agency), 9 - 13 August 2009
In an extensive background package on the Afghan presidential elections, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the possible election outcome and the danger of violence in its aftermath.
Taliban-Nadelstichtaktik macht Nato ratlos (Taleban Tactics of Pin Pricks Leaves Nato at a Loss)
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 8 August 2009
In an article from Kabul, AAN's Thomas Ruttig calls the new Nato secretary-general's call for more international troops to be sent to Afghanistan a 'helpless' move and points to renewed support for talks with the Taleban, including by former UN and EU colleague Michael Semple.
Afghan Leader Courts the Warlord Vote
The New York Times, 7 August 2009
In an article by Richard A, Oppel jr about President's Karzai's strategy for re-election, AAN's Thomas Ruttig is quoted as saying that the inclusion of warlords in the power set-up undermines the standing of the incumbent.
Amerikanen in Afghanistan nog zoekende
Radio Nederland Wereldomroep, 29 July 2009
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the role of the US and the UN in Afghanistan.
Bundeswehr faces uphill battle against Taliban
Deutsche Welle radio (Voice of Germany, online version), 28 July 2009
In a report about the Afghan-German operation in Kunduz province, Thomas Ruttig says that pushing the Taleban out of a district is much easier than keeping them out permanently.
Taliban: Die Herzen der Afghanen gewinnen (To Win the Afghans' Hearts)
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (online version), 28 July 2009
Thomas Ruttig is quoted with an assessment of the Taleban's updated code of conduct (layha).
Sorgen um Präsidentenwahl in Afghanistan (Concerns about Afghanistan's Presidential Elections)
SR DRS (Swiss Radio), 26 July 2009
As part of a broader feature about the upcoming elections, listen to an audio file (in German) of an interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig: «It won't be elections according to Western standards».
Die Strukturen der Taliban (The Taleban Structures)
Salzburger Nachrichten (Austria), 24 July 2009
The Salzburg daily also publishes Willi Germund's interview with Thomas Ruttig on the AAN report dealing with the Afghan insurgency and reconciliation (see below, Tagblatt),
Afghanen begrüßen Offensive (Afghans Welcome Offensive)
Financial Times Germany, 24 July 2009
In an article on the Afghan-German operation against insurgents in Kunduz, the daily quotes AAN's Thomas Ruttig as saying that it only will be successful if the security forces retain a lasting presence in the area.
Reconciliation Emerges As Possible 'Endgame' In Afghanistan
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 23 July 2009
In a background article on chances for reconciliation in Afghanistan, Abybakar Siddique quotes Thomas Ruttig as saying that this requires 'knowing the precise character of the insurgency' and the factors driving it.
Auch die Taliban sind in der Offensive (The Taleban Are on the Offensive, Too)
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 23 July 2009
Thomas Ruttig's article discusses recent insurgents attacks in Gardez and Jalalabad as examples of the Taleban's improved ability for coordinated attacks (title of the online version: Ruhe vor dem Grossen Knall).
"Dolchstoss" gegen "Stahlnetz"
die tageszeitung (Berlin), 21 July 2009
The article authored by Thomas Ruttig discusses the US/British/Afghan military operations in Helmand and the Taleban reaction to it.
Wenig Chancen gegen Taliban
Tagblatt (Switzerland), 16 July 2009
Interview with Thomas Ruttig on the AAN report 'The Other Side'. (Small Chances Against the Taliban).
Taliban's influence rising in Afghanistan: study
Hindustan Times, 15 July 2009
The Indian daily reports on the major findings of AAN's first report 'The Othe Side'.
Erneut wurde eine deutsche Patrouille beschossen
Hamburger Abendblatt, 14 July 2009
(Again a German Patrol under Fire). The Hamburg daily quots major findings from Thomas Ruttig's AAN study about the Afghan insurgency.
Wieder Angriff auf Bundeswehr in Kundus
BILD (Germany), 14 July 2009
In an article about insurgent attacks on Bundeswehr soldiers in Northern Afghanistan, German's most influential tabloid refers to the AAN report "The Other Side".
Studie sieht wachsenden Einfluss der Taliban
Die Zeit (Hamburg, online version), 14 July 2009
The German weekly picks up on the AAN report "The Other Side" and emphasises findings that Taleban influence moves beyond the Pashtuns.
Taliban-Einfluss in Afghanistan wächst
DPA, 14 July 2009
DPA (german press agency) quotes extensively from the latest AAN report on the Afghan insurgency (Taliban influence grows).
Explosion Kills Afghan Police Chief and 3 Officers
The New York Times, 14 July 2009
The article discusses insergency-related violence in South Afghanistan and quotes AAN's report on the Afghan insurgency (incorrectly referring to AAN as 'an independent group of diplomats').
'Natürlich wollen die meisten Afghanen Stabilität' (Of course, most Afghans want stability)
Deutschlandfunk (German radio), 3 July 2009
Transcript of a radio interview with AAN's Thomas Ruttig in which he emphasises that the majority of Afghans is intereted in stability, jobs and also a decent life and warns against 'alarmism' in regard to Taleban attacks in Germany.
US-Armee startet im Süden Offensive gegen die Taliban
Mitteldeutsche Zeitung (Halle/Germany), 2 July 2009
Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the need to respect and reassure the population that the Taliban will not be back (US Army starts southern offensive against the Taliban).
War or Help for Reconstruction? The Bundeswehr Mission in Afghanistan.
WDR 5 (Western German Radio, Cologne area), 25 June 2009
Thomas Ruttig is interviewed about the German involvement in Afghanistan (podcast, in German).
US and Taliban to Redouble Afghan Efforts
New York Times, 31 May 2009
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on people's attitudes towards the upcoming elections.
Het wespennest van de dorpspolitiek
De Volkskrant (Amsterdam), 4 May 2009
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the relationship between local communities and the Taliban (The hornet’s nest of village politics).
Rule of Law Deficits as a Security Challenge: 'Touching the Surface'
NATO Review May 2009
In this article Sari Kouvo discusses the link between the lack of rule of law and security in Afghanistan.
Karsai kandidiert mit Warlord-Septett (Karzai Runs with Warlord Septett)
Die Tageszeitung (Berlin), 28 April 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig describing the implications of Karzai's electoral alliance with Afghan warlords.
Der Vormarsch der pakistanischen Taliban (Pakistani Taleban on the March)
Frankfurter Allgemeine, 23 April 2009
Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the advance of the Pakistani Taliban (which is also the title of the article).
Afghanistan's decisive days
The Guardian online, 16 April 2009
In this op-ed, AAN advisory board member Francesc Vendrell assesses the new Afghanistan policy of the Obama administration.
We’re sick of war: a Taleban leader risks his life to point out a new route to peace
The Times Online, 15 April 2009
Martine van Bijlert is quoted on the relationship between local communities and the Taliban.
(I am not) The Afghanistan Analysts Network
Ghosts of Alexander weblog, 15 April 2009
The Afghan Analyst meets Afghanistan Analysts Network
No one wants to be Number Two
The Asia Pacific Times, April 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig
Wenn ‘ein paar Rupien’ die Wahl entscheiden
Neues Deutschland (Berlin), 28 March 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig (When “a Few Rupees” Decide the Elections).
Versöhnung, nicht Kapitulation
Die Tageszeitung (Berlin), 27 March 2009
AIRCH Commissioner Nader Nadery interviewed by Thomas Ruttig (Reconciliation, Not Surrender).
Waiting for a New Concept. In Afghanistan, the West increasingly lacks credibility
The Atlantic Times, March 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig
Keine Gespräche ohne Strategie
Die Tageszeitung (Berlin), 14 March 2009
Commentary by Thomas Ruttig (No Talks without a Strategy).
The Dutch model: Afghanistan’s Uruzgan province
The Economist, 12 March 2009
Thomas Ruttig is quoted on the Dutch engagement in Uruzgan.
Karsai pokert mit Verfassung
Die Tageszeitung (Berlin), 28 February 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig (Karzai’s Poker Game with the Constitution).
US-Truppen machen, was sie wollen
Die Tageszeitung (Berlin), 24 February 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig (US Troops Do Whatever They Want)
An Inundation of Envoys
ISN Security Watch (ETH Zurich), 24 February 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig and Michael F Harsch
Militärische Mittel führen zu keiner Lösung
Stuttgarter Zeitung, 20 February 2009
Interview with Thomas Ruttig (Military Means Do Not Lead to Any Solution).
Hamid Karzai in der Klemme: Die USA wenden sich von ihrem Favoriten ab
Freitag 8/2009 (Berlin), 19 February 2009
Thomas Ruttig is quoted (Hamed Karzai in the Squeeze: The U.S. turn away from their favourite)
Afghanistan kann nicht auf Obamas Kurswechsel warten
Zeitung (Berlin), 14 February 2009
Commentary by Thomas Ruttig (Afghanistan cannot wait for Obama's Change in Course)
Taliban kündigen Offensive an: Strategiewechsel auf beiden Seiten
Die Tageszeitung (Berlin), 11 February 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig (Taliban Announce Offensive: Change of Strategy on Both Sides)
Anschlagsserie in Kabul: Totaler Taliban-Terror
Die Tageszeitung (Berlin), 11 February 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig (Series of Attacks in Kabul: Total Taliban Terror)
Kupons und Bomben: 20 Jahre sowjetischer Truppenabzug aus Afghanistan
Neues Deutschland (Berlin), 9 February 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig (Coupons and Bombs: 20 Years after the Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan)
Präsidiale Demokratiekultur
Die Wochenzeitung 4/2009 (Zurich), 22 January 2009
Article by Thomas Ruttig (Presidential Culture of Democracy)
Nationale Versöhnung auf Kosten der Opfer? (National Reconciliation at the Expense of the Victims?)
qantara.de
Thomas Ruttig reviews the immunity bill passed by the Afghan lower house.
Failed State oder Failed Aid
medico international, medico-rundschreiben 1/2007, January 2007
Thomas Ruttig critically reviews the five years since the Bonn Afghanistan conference (in German).
