Serious developments in Pakistan today – 1000’s of troops have been mobilised and moved towards the disputed “Durand Line” following the Taliban sending a convoy accross the border into Pashtun tribal areas inside Pakistan (the infamous ‘AFPAK’ Pakistan border lands have always been a tinder box).
Pakistan now also moving heavy equipment and errecting road blocks and check points on highways and passes.
Pakistan are even errecting barbed wire fencing in Pashtun tribal lands – a very provocative act which will certainly cause the Taliban (and Pashtuns) to respond.
For those who dont know – Afghanistan has never recognised Pakistans border with Afghanistan.
Afghanistan insist that the current border is just the British “Durand Line” – not a real or legal border. The real border of Afghanistan extends to the edge of the Pashtun tribal land – which is the Indus river.
The Taliban nor any previous Afghan Government, has ever regognised the “Durand Line” – much to the contention of Pakistan which came much later in 1947.
A Pakistan source says there are fears that the newly equipped and confident Taliban will occupy areas of the disputed territory currently inside modern Pakistan and spark a civil war (again).
I have just noted that the link supplied above does not go to the correct page, it goes to an earlier story. I am sorry for my mistake (or maybe the site changed the page?), however the correct page is still up can be found on the Arab News site on the index by following the same link (at the time of posting this correction).
I have looked into this and can confirm the following –
1) Many of the Tribesmen that form part of the Taliban have family in Pashtunistan (Pakistan border regions) and have always crossed the border in small numbers – sometimes armed – rarely with incident. This is not a big issue as long as the movements are routine and through established routes.
2) There have been several heavily armed Taliban conveys moving to and from Pakistan in the last few months. They have been identified as diplomatic missions. Again this may look strange to those who dont understand, but routine and expected to those who do. Pakistan actually protect these convoys too as there are very vulnerable to air / drone attack from the usual suspects.
3) The movements of Pakistani armed forces back and forth are again routine, however there has been a significant reinforcement along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in the last week. This reinforcement and the movements of other equipment mentioned by the OP I can confirm are in response to the refugee crisis – not because of Taliban movements.
4) The Pakistan governenment and the Afghanistan government (whoever they are / will be) have no interest in escalating this border dispute. Basically Afghanistan will never except the current border and Pakistan will never except the tribal border. The current border exists as is, and likely will never change for many generations – unless a war between Pakistan and India redraws many of the borders in the region.
5) There is a lot of alarmist reporting from all sides at the moment. We need to be careful how we interpret. The debacle of the Kabul airport is rife with disinformation for example. Remember, there are vested interests in stoking fear between Afghanistan and Pakistan – we need to guard against this.
I hope the above helps those were concerned about the Pakistani troop movements – they are refugee control and nothing more.
During my investigation of this I also discovered that China has moved an additional estimated 3000 troops forward towards the Sino-Tajikistan / Sino-Afghanistan / Sino-Pakistan border to reinforce the estimated 1000 troops already in that section in various observation posts. There is now a chain of Chinese military linking up with the forces facing India accross the entire region.
But,
From Tajikistan sources, Chinese General Haijiang has sent approx 1000 Chinese troops from Xinjiang actually accross the border and into Tajikistan to join the several hundred already there as “guests”. They are now busy expanding a little known base they have there and have been spotted in local towns wearing uniform.
As many here will already know the Russians have never allowed the numbers at thier base inside Tajikistan on the northern Afghan border to drop below 5000 (current estimates are that there are now between 7000 and 10000 Russians at and around the 201st base in Tajikistan along with multiple S300 batteries in a high state of readyness). The Russians have made it very clear for a long time that they will intervene inside Afghanistan if required, sending reminders through state media regularly: https://tass.com/politics/1311005
Maybe like they’ve done forever, they just went to discuss things with family and friends. We in the west thing behind every silver lining there is a dark cloud. The Pakis may have made some deal with the basement dweller in chief and want to distance themselves from any ZATO recriminations. I think we all need to let the dust settle and let Afghanistan be Afghanistan. It’s none of our business. The not so subtle voyeurism in the MSM setting the narrative for everyone. Maybe Reagan was right, the Talies are incredibly brave freedom fighters. Seeing what’s going on I’m giving all of history a rethink. When I was a boy growing up on military bases we still called certain people zipperheads and gooks.
How do you find a drop of water in a bucket full of water ? I heard from a german – Colonel who lived and travelled there for the last ten years, the Taliban have the support of the majority of the Afghanis, being it Tadjiks, Usbeks etc. – there you have your bucket full of water.
Then in space and time the droplets ‘condense’ at certain points where they are joined with the light to medium weaponry – impossible to be detected by the most modern surveillance.
But on top of this – the US and it’s contigents there are and were totally enlightment resistent regarding the situation in the country for tons of reasons – functionally incapable to adequately analyze and act the world beyond their house of mirros – the money flowed in huge rivers all the years – no complaints there….
Just a change in strategy. The US hasn’t left Afghanistan. They will remain there by proxy.
ISIS-K (ISIS Khorasan) will be the US fighting force. Their job is to create chaos. That is all the US did. Now the proxies will do it. It is the formula that worked in Iraq and still works in Syria.
Chaos will be directed at China and Russia, BRI projects and EAEU projects.
The goal is to stop Eurasian development and keep Central Asia as well as South Asia in third world turmoil.
Combat launched from Afghanistan also restricts Taliban development. They will have to protect their country from falling into ISIS control. This suits Pakistan.
So, US and Pakistan interests coincide. They both want Taliban limited. However, the US also wants Afghanistan used to disrupt China and Russia. So, the tension will be how the Taliban are used by Pakistan to limit ISIS-K’s impact.
The long continuum of Wahhabi radical Islam is back for another start in Afghanistan. The US will use it for its goals and interests.
The purpose of that visit was to notify the Iranians that the Taliban were planning to take back Afghanistan, and to make deals and give assurances to the Iranians.
One of the items of the deal was: the Taliban will not attempt to capture Panjshir and Bamiyan provinces, where the Iranian-backed Shiites live. So far, the Taliban have kept their word, it seems.
Another pertinent issue is, Ismail Khan and his lack of resistance to the Taliban. The order for this came from Tehran as well. And he did not flee Afghanistan and go to Iran, as the euronews article states.
Some were hoping that Ismail Khan would resist, and things would get bloody in the Shiite-Persian-majority province of Herat. But Ismail Khan had been told to stand down, as per the Iran-Taliban deal of January 2021.
Ismail Khan is currently one of Iran’s key players in Afghanistan, together with Abdullah Abdullah, Hamed Karzai, and others. He is in Iran, discussing the next moves to be made.
The essence of the deal between Iran and the Taliban was something like: the Taliban will leave northern Afghanistan (the Persian territories) to choose their own fate, and take southern Afghanistan (the Pashto territories) and do whatever they want with them.
I assume part of the deal was, that Iran will also support the Taliban in their endeavor to take the Pashto areas from Pakistan.
The news that Pakistan is fencing the border, seems to support the Iran-Taliban deal ‘hypothesis’, and does not bode well for a Pakistan-Taliban alliance hypothesis at all.
very interesting, much food for thought…imran khan seems a different order of leader, as are putin & xi, i’ve been hoping china & russia can lead the afghan people & imran khan & pakistan’s vipers in the military to pull back the aperture & glimpse the wealth & well being offered all by cooperation & harmony by joining the bri rather than concentrating on borders. economic wealth under the umbrella of the bri will deliver a real unity in each province along with the entire zone. my hope remains the astounding logic shall easily unravel the demented empire’s attempts @ delivering only a continuation of despair & poverty under a fog of self interests. time will tell.
“Taliban have sealed the land-border trade route and stopped the movement of cargo on the transit route with Pakistan,” the Economic Times reported on Thursday, citing Ajay Sahai, the director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).”
“But since the Taliban took control of Chaman-Spin Boldak, Pakistani border officials there have begun enforcing visa requirements for Afghans which previously were not as strictly observed.”
“Pakistani border officials at Chaman told Reuters the Taliban had placed concrete barriers to block the road on their side of the Friendship Gate, the crossing point between the two countries.
Pakistan responded by closing its side of the border on Friday, leaving pedestrians, passenger vehicles, and cargo trucks stranded.”
“This is Iran-Afghanistan border and those people over there are Afghan refugees who have just crossed into Iran, a country they call their second home.”
“Islamabad, Aug 17 (EFE).- Pakistan has closed its border for Afghan refugees, officials said on Tuesday, as thousands of people try to escape that country after the Taliban takeover.”
The normal number one step to better options is of course end the war. After that 95% of problems are solved. That’s why I am still skeptical are American forces really leaving Middle East. There are enough money hungry quislings co-operating with Pentagon.
UK has announced a doubling of “humanitarian” aid to Afghanistan. On the surface this seems very generous, however it also provides an excuse for continued military-run logistics to and from the country.
Yeah, I would be skeptical l about “humanitarian aid” from NGOs, esp. British.
Will they ask the new govt what they need?
Or will they decide what is needed and send aid as a front for political or social initiatives of their own and send “aid workers” who also have agendas that might not chime with govt policies and priorities.
The only “aid” I would really trust as genuinely humanitarian might be help provided by, say, the Quakers.
So do you really believe War Party is surrendering when they know losing Afghanistan, Pakistan and whole Central Asia is the end of U.S Empire? Being King of Americas is no way any kind of booby prize. It must smell shit.
So what we have to say about Thierry Meyssan’s point of view?
“Yes, Chinese companies are already mining in Afghanistan, but from now on they will have to pay a price to the US or be subjected to terrorist attacks. So what if it’s a racket?”
Meyssan see world where USA still rules. Really? In fact there has been steady process where U.S no longer can’t enslave Afghans. And Chinese are no way passive clowns. Also try to compare Putin to Gorbatshev. U.S mobsters themselves might see their business wiped out as has happened in street mobsters life of N.Y and N.J. The true story of Mafia was far from glory of Godfather I and II. CIA and Pentagon are slow and stupid. Problems is our stupid common sector of politicians. They are the problem.
Future? The western culture generally is crowling to sunset with no return. Afghanistan is just one stop on that road. Times are totally different now than in 1980’s. West dominating Asia and Russia is not even good joke.
It has been long reported that here have been suspicions that a significant force of Turkish military personnel wearing “Afghan-military-uniforms” had infiltrated the Afghan military.
Over the last couple of years Spec-Ops types, Intel types, and Pilot trainers working inside Afghanistan have speculated that some of the Afghan recruits clearly had NATO experience “tells” in the way they handled themselves and thier kit and that they were either secret-squirrel types keeping an eye on things from the inside or infil from another country – Turkey being the prime suspect.
The Afghan army troops and pilots falling back with some advanced kit and aircraft to the Turkish “guest” base in Uzbekistan would support this.
Clearly these guys had orders to fall back to that position when the order came as there was a big concentration occuring in just a couple of days – clearly not paniked retreat of Afghan military.
From the actions of the Uzbek military this appeared not to have been agreed upon (or at least a show / display for the cameras was put on to pretend it was not agreed and could be denied).
That part is a story for another day.
However, it is public knowledge that 1000 “Turkish-uniformed” Turkish military remain inside Afghanistan, at the very least (if 1000 is the public number it is likely much higher).
It is estimated that around 600 Turk-uniformed-Turks are based at Kabul airport with – get this – plans to take over the running of the airport after the US leaves.
This is not secet or conspiracy.
A simple google search will reveal news sites reporting that the Turks have been in negotiations with the Taliban for months about taking over the running of (at least) Kabul airport.
They have also offered to repair and maintain any NATO equipment which remains – which will remove the comfort blanket from those who thought the Taliban could never maintain any helicopters, light aircraft, and armoured vehicles without the nato parts.
The Turkish (neo-Ottomen) military have now apparently increased their combat troop presence in Afghanistan significantly in the last week – under the cover of the chaos in Kabul.
On Twitter and Instagram there are many photographs of troops wearing what apears to be de-badged Nato uniforms around Kabul and elsewhere – not the scruffy rag-tag assortment of kit some Taliban are using – but well fitted, theatre correct, and properly worn uniform – but de-badged.
I will allow you the fun of picking them out in the crowds in the photos – very easy to do.
Many have speculated that these troops are, quote, “Turkeys Little Green Men”, a clear refeence to the well equiped but badgeless forces deployed to Crimea just before its seperation from Ukraine.
In addition to this, some observers have noted members of the Taliban carrying Turkish issue weapons.
It is more likely they are Turks not Taliban – so it is possible that Turkey that had not only infiltrated the Afghan Army but also the Taliban.
That would mean that Turkey are “inside” just about everywhere in Afghanistan – inside the US/UK NATO hubs, inside the Afghan Army (and airforce, and Intel), and inside the Taliban.
Turkey have shocked many analysts in the last few years with thier ability to expand using proxies and infiltration many areas of the old Ottomen empire – whilst maintaining co-operation with potential adversaries like Russia.
If it is true that Turkey are making a play for a major role in post US Afghanistan they may actually recieve support from all sides – from NATO – of which Turkey is a member, and from Russia – who has military co-operation agreements in Syria, Libya, and Azerbaijan, and with the Taliban.
Turkey has clearly assisted the Taliban through infiltration of the Afghan Army.
This could be a very big developing story – stay tuned.
Further to the above I found all of this from just one article on the Andolu News Agency website:
“For the last 19 years, Turkey has restarted to train the Afghan military and police officers, with 5061 military and 9913 police officers having been trained”.
“Today, Turkey has been providing the largest development assistance in its history, mainly in the fields of education, infrastructure and health”.
“Afghans are the biggest demander and recipient of Turkish scholarships. There are 21 Turkish schools and four education centers in eight provinces with 7080 students, and we plan to open new ones in new provinces”.
“As part of our efforts to reach out to different parts of Afghanistan, we opened our second Consulate General in Herat in June 2020, and our preparations to open the third Consulate in Kandahar this year are ongoing”.
“Afghanistan has been suffering for the last four decades. Peace is long over-due. Following the start of the Afghan Peace Process on Sept. 12, 2020, there is now a historic opportunity to achieve peace. However, we must not forget that the road to peace is long and full of challenges. Besides, the ultimate aim should not be any peace, but a sustainable, enduring one. So, each side bears a historical responsibility not to miss this opportunity. Turkey has always been advocating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. In this regard, we are ready, as long as our help is needed, to support our Afghan brothers to contribute to efforts for achieving a sustainable peace embraced by all segments of the Afghan society and by regional and international actors”.
Official Taliban (Islamic Emirate) response (English version) on Turkish armed forces remaining in Afghanistan after US withdrawl:
Statement number 370 (English) of the Islamic Emirate concerning extension of occupation by Turkish forces in Afghanistan dated
03/12/1442 Hijri Lunar
22/04/1400 Hijri Solar
13/07/2021 Gregorian
:
Everyone is aware that all foreign forces are to withdraw from our beloved homeland on the basis of the Doha agreement – a decision endorsed by the United Nations and the international community as well as welcomed and endorsed by majority of countries including the foreign minister of Turkey who was present at the signing ceremony.
Now as the leadership of Turkey has announced maintaining troops and extending the occupation of our country at the behest and in agreement with America, the following points are worth considering:
1 – The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Afghan people maintain historic, cultural and religious bonds with the Muslim people of Turkey. The extension of occupation will arouse emotions of resentment and hostility inside our country towards Turkish officials and will damage bilateral ties.
2 – The decision of Turkish leadership is ill-advised, a violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and against our national interests. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemns this reprehensible decision in the strongest terms as it will induce problems between Turkish and Afghan nations. And we strongly urge Turkish officials to reverse their decision due to it being detrimental for both countries.
3 – We consider stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation, and invaders will be dealt with on the basis of the fatwa of fifteen hundred distinguished scholars issued in the year 1422 Hijri Lunar (2001) – a fatwa under which the past twenty-year Jihad has been waged.
4 – We urge the Muslim Turkish people and its astute politicians to raise their voices against this decision because it is neither beneficial for Turkey nor Afghanistan, rather it only creates problems and issues between both Muslim nations.
5 – Our policy remains that we seek good and positive relations with all countries based on reciprocal conduct. We neither interfere in the affairs of others nor allow others to interfere in our own affairs.
6 – We remind Turkish officials that it is better we maintain positive and good relations in light of accepted principles instead of making such ill-advised decisions, to extend hands of cooperation to one another and to adopt common understanding and positions for common challenges and interests.
7 – We had been in contact with Turkish official for some time and held multiple meetings where they assured us that they would not make such a unilateral decision without our approval. The current decision they have made is a breach of their own covenant.
8 – If Turkish officials fail to reconsider their decision and continue the occupation of our country, the Islamic Emirate and the Afghan nation – in line with their religious, conscientious and patriotic duty – will take a stand against them as they have stood against the two-decade occupation, in which case the responsibility for all consequences shall fall on shoulders of those who interfere in the affairs of others and make such ill-advised decisions.
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
03/12/1442 Hijri Lunar
22/04/1400 Hijri Solar
13/07/2021 Gregorian
Also worth considering is the Statement from Sergei Tsekov, a member of the Republic of Crimea and Russian Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs:
“Turkey will consider the issue carefully, and decide against meddling in Afghan affairs. The Taliban has proven its capability as a paramilitary organization. Yes, it’s banned in our country and considered a terrorist movement. But if they will engage in direct talks with the legitimate [Kabul] government, it will be, of course, to Afghanistan’s benefit,”
A confidential Russian report suggests that the US, UK, and Turkey are laying “traps” for the Taliban, namely that British forces are running around Kabul (well reported) and provoking incidents and marking targets for future drone strikes and that they have airdropped SAS into contested areas to ralley resistance and co-ordinate future air strikes.
The Russian report goes on to say that Turkey are being particularly beligerant towads the Taliban and refusing to vacate Afghan Army bases and Airfields (including Kabul airport). This may be a provocation to conduct counter strikes against Taliban under article 5.
On public record is this:
Andrey Serenko, the Head of the Center for Afghan Policy Studies, said that after September 11 2021 there will be prospects for direct clashes between the Taliban and the Turks. “The Taliban tried to avoid confrontations with NATO forces to the very last. They know that the latter operates on the principle of retaliation following an attack on one of the member-states. If the Taliban will attack the Turks to remove them from the country it could allow to the alliance to conduct air strikes in return. This is definitely is not in the Taliban leaders’ interests.” .
also,
Aside from fearing a NATO counterstrike, Serenko believes that the Taliban still have a full plate in establishing control over the country and it is not a done deal and the Taliban lacks resources to hold large cities.
“So now the Taliban’s problem is not to seize lands but to retain them. Thus, the movement is hardly eager to engage in clashes with the Turks,” stressed Serenko.
However it may well be that NATO is planning to cause chaos in Afghanistan through Turkey and thier imported Jihdi proxies (Syria model) in order to draw in Russia who are on record stateting that they will intervene in Afghanistan in the event of chaos.
Such an intervention would draw Russian forces from other sensitive areas, such as the Baltics, Ukraine, Black Sea and Syria. It may be Russia has anticipated this and will only intervene as part of a wider coalition from the Stans and China.
The Afghan issue appears far from settled, and far from being a new opportunity for growth, trade and peace, Afghanistan may actually be a trap to draw in Russia and China into a Syria / Ukraine / Libya style sink-hole, with Turkey (and the British) again being right in the middle of it.
Sorry to have somewhat hijacked this thread but I think the Turkish angle is very important – and so does Russian Diplomat Vyacheslav Matuzov. On Turks in Afghanistan:
“Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party are essentially, well, they are Muslim Brotherhood that is banned in Russia. With one hand Erdogan seeks to promote Islamic ideology with a dash of neo-Ottomanism in various regions. This fact explains the Turkey’s attempts to strengthen its influence in Libya, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. They are also looking north. This geographic region includes not only Azerbaijan. They are becomming a direct threat to Russia. According to the Turanian concept, Turkey’s interests include the Volga region, Tatarstan, Tuva and other regions of Russia. I am not yet even talking about Kazakhstan. They have established a major foothold there and we are watching very closely, as you can be assured the Americans will be close with them. Turkey is one of the leading NATO member-states. One shouldn’t forget about this fact.”
Also,
From Alexander Bolgov:
“Azerbaijan’s victory in the Karabakh war was largely facilitated by Turkey’s assistance. Now Erdogan wants to use this success in Central Asia. He has untold numbers already inside Afghanistan. But Ankara is not the only power which has interests in the region. Russia, China, and even the British are watching”.
Also,
On Tuesday the Russian army announced the readiness of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems at the Russian base in Tajikistan which in turn reveals its concern about the possibility of an explosion in the security situation in Afghanistan due to Turkey transporting various jihadist groups, which some of them are present in Idlib and other areas of Syria. In Syria they are under the protection of Turkey, which prevents President Putin from any action that directly targets these groups. However this is currently not the case in Afghanistan – unless Turkey consolodates its hold and establishes “Refugee Centres” and other shielding facilities for terrorists. President Putin also made a second phone call to his Uzbek counterpart Shaukat Mir Daif and discussed with him the details of coordination and joint cooperation to confront possible developments in Afghanistan. It should be noted that “the Afghan airforce” along with Turkish Advisors effectively invaded Uzbekistan under cover of retreating from the Taliban, and at one one point they were engaged by
Uzbek air defences.”
“Russian security announced that they are working with China to thwart many terrorist attacks planned by the militants of the Turkish backed Islamist “Tahrir Party”, which is mainly active in the autonomous republics within the borders of the Russian Federation, whose population is mostly Muslims, and their number exceeds 20 million”.
Also,
Iran News reported – “Turkish Defence Minister ‘Hulusi Akar’ visited Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan several times in 2021 in a new attempt by Ankara to develop military relations with these two countries. There are currently Turkish troops and groups in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, all of which constitute the backyard of Russia, which President Erdogan has previously challenged in Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Lithuania. As all moves by Turkey are backed by NATO (especially the US and UK) we could be witnessing the prepartions of a major Turkish intervention in Afghanistan, which will lead to Civil War, and which will draw in Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and China – the very nations the US seeks to weaken and ultimately destroy”.
I get the impression that Erdogan is bluffing in Afghanistan. He grandstands from a position of weakness and desperation, not secret strength. His political legitimacy rides on Turkey being a major, if not the #1, player in the Islamic world. Yet he chose NATOstan over SCO, and has been ignored in the political negotiations over Afghanistan. So he clings desperately to a security foothold at the Kabul airport, without which Turkish proxy networks–including ETIM–would lose considerable ground.
“It is estimated that around 600 Turk-uniformed-Turks are based at Kabul airport with – get this – plans to take over the running of the airport after the US leaves.”
Erdogan can’t help it — it’s in his nature. However, this time around, the Magnificent Sultan will “be taken care of” by a battle.hardened, highly solidified government in Afghanistan backed up by reliable neighbouring allies. Erdogan’s departure to afterlife is long overdue. If the Afghans take care of it, that’s one more thing to celebrate about the Taliban government.
The long-term fate of the opium ratline will be a critical indicator of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) political legitimacy and strength.
Clearly, there is huge demand pressure on the opium production. As poppy harvests taper, prices will rise, and with that increasing incentive for growers and smugglers to subvert the IEA’s mandate.
The question: is the new IEA government capable of managing that economic incentive? To what extent will their enforcement be violent or legal?
“I consider Daesh their tool,” Karzai told VOA’s Afghan service in an exclusive interview in Kabul, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “I do not differentiate at all between Daesh and America.”
As Americans, it’s deeply embarrassing watching these two “reporters” try, yet abjectly fail to meet Pepe’s discourse with them. Unbelievable.
They had to no set questions for Pepe, other than what Escobar prompted them…. with valuable, insightful information. Instead, there they were, quipping about how M. Obama pronounced Iran, or Max being detracted by the name “Afghanistan” with it’s “too many nasal sounds! These is 13 year old mentalities.
Meantime, we applaud, as always Pepe’s immense knowledge about the intricacies of The Taliban, Pakistan, China and Russia. Thank you, sir!!
They are wise enough to know Pepe can carry the two of them plus a few more because he is special, so, they kept quiet. And besides Afghanistan is not their ‘beat’.
A good interview is 90% from the source, 5% Intelligent answers, 5% conversation.
This was massive information, up to date, and historical, all focused on the facts of the day.
And I want to thank you, Amarynth, for securing it in such timely fashion.
Typo/Brain cramp: should be 5% intelligent questions. In other words, brief and to the point. This was the case with the two hosts. A few questions, and Pepe poured out the Intel.
I thought that Max and Ben did very well. Sure, there was a little unnecessary banter about pronunciation, but that is not a huge crime.
Perhaps Rubicon stopped watching after that?
Ben seems to be the one in charge or coordinating what comes up on the screen.
That was handled smoothly, both the presentation of maps and other documents, etc. plus moving among different views.
I think Ben guided the conversation well, moving from topic to topic.
I don’t think Pepe was patronizing them when he said “Good question; . . . that’s a very good question . . . ” and then expounded on the topics raised.
They were great and did not interrupt—as so many young interviewers do on videos. Their questions were pretty concise.
I think they all did a great job. It certainly was not embarrassing to me, despite the pronunciation silliness.
BTW, if we are being critical, “As Americans, it’s deeply embarrassing” is a dangling construction .
no. but as said, b4 om got moved off the pot, the next one will/may not even finish one term! how ironic, if the west cannot see it, they (s)elect a lower than normal human IQ to start the war and now again (s)elect a memory-challanged to finished off the war – one never knew how he walked into it and one does not remember how he walked out of it! can you not see that black comedy dark satire, they cover your eyes w? its blinding watching from the eastern smiley eyes?! at least the invaders didnt get time to leave thousands of landmines behind for decades more of chaos unaccountable (yet!) how will history reads you? self-style freedom fighters and defenders of ‘human rights’?!
‘A war begun for no wise purpose, carried on with a strange mixture of rashness and timidity, brought to a close after suffering and disaster, without much glory attached either to the government which directed, or the great body of troops which waged it. Not one benefit, political or military, was acquired with this war. Our eventual evacuation of the country resembled the retreat of an army defeated.’
GR Grieg. British Army chaplain (First Afghan War 1843).
Absolutely Fantastic Conversation. Probably the best ever. I just can’t rate it highly enough. Intelligent. Informative. And laced throughout with good humor. I learned so in those 2 hours. And all up to date.
Thank you to Pepe and the folks at Greyzone. Keep up the great work
Such a great interview.
So many interesting sweeping overviews and smaller details.
Escobar is an absolute treasure.
Ca. 48:00 the conversation turns to 9/11, bin Laden, and the Taliban.
Crucial!
Pepe suggests that the Taliban 2.0 will make a point of demonstrating to the world that Taliban 1.0 had zero to do with 9/11.
He reminds viewers that Tal 1.0 offered to turn over bin Laden to the US—or to another Muslim country, for detention and trial–if the US would produce evidence that bin Laden caused 9/11. The Americans refused. Either I didn’t know that, or I had forgotten it.
No one in the USA is going to want to hear, now, or take on board that the country and its “allies” were also *lied into* Afghanistan (and the ulterior motive) as well as *lied out of* of the country.
Furthermore, if the Taliban 2.0 is successful in putting across that Tal 1.0 had notthing to do with 9/11, that pretty much punctures the official narrative. We might finally be able to be forced to discuss openly what really happened and who was responsible. The damage control and spin will be fascinating.
I don’t know about you but I find infuriating the common casual mention (as established fact) in all kinds of contexts that 19 rag-heads with boxcutters brought down The Towers.
So, back to Pepe. Do spend the time to watch the whole video. Pepe is so charming and eloquent and fun to listen to and watch in addition to his being such a font of both foreground and backgroun information. In the “encyclopedic knowledge” department he is a master.
Regarding “Pipelineistan (ca. 57:00), I recall very clearly reading a story in The Nation mag—might even have been a cover story—on American insterests in controlling one or more gas pipelines in Afg—as underlying motivation for invasion of country. This was shortly after the bombing began.
Serious developments in Pakistan today – 1000’s of troops have been mobilised and moved towards the disputed “Durand Line” following the Taliban sending a convoy accross the border into Pashtun tribal areas inside Pakistan (the infamous ‘AFPAK’ Pakistan border lands have always been a tinder box).
Pakistan now also moving heavy equipment and errecting road blocks and check points on highways and passes.
Pakistan are even errecting barbed wire fencing in Pashtun tribal lands – a very provocative act which will certainly cause the Taliban (and Pashtuns) to respond.
For those who dont know – Afghanistan has never recognised Pakistans border with Afghanistan.
Afghanistan insist that the current border is just the British “Durand Line” – not a real or legal border. The real border of Afghanistan extends to the edge of the Pashtun tribal land – which is the Indus river.
The Taliban nor any previous Afghan Government, has ever regognised the “Durand Line” – much to the contention of Pakistan which came much later in 1947.
A Pakistan source says there are fears that the newly equipped and confident Taliban will occupy areas of the disputed territory currently inside modern Pakistan and spark a civil war (again).
Main stream media beginning to pick up this potentially explosive development now:
https://www.arabnews.pk/node/1718806/pakistan
I have just noted that the link supplied above does not go to the correct page, it goes to an earlier story. I am sorry for my mistake (or maybe the site changed the page?), however the correct page is still up can be found on the Arab News site on the index by following the same link (at the time of posting this correction).
I have looked into this and can confirm the following –
1) Many of the Tribesmen that form part of the Taliban have family in Pashtunistan (Pakistan border regions) and have always crossed the border in small numbers – sometimes armed – rarely with incident. This is not a big issue as long as the movements are routine and through established routes.
2) There have been several heavily armed Taliban conveys moving to and from Pakistan in the last few months. They have been identified as diplomatic missions. Again this may look strange to those who dont understand, but routine and expected to those who do. Pakistan actually protect these convoys too as there are very vulnerable to air / drone attack from the usual suspects.
3) The movements of Pakistani armed forces back and forth are again routine, however there has been a significant reinforcement along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in the last week. This reinforcement and the movements of other equipment mentioned by the OP I can confirm are in response to the refugee crisis – not because of Taliban movements.
4) The Pakistan governenment and the Afghanistan government (whoever they are / will be) have no interest in escalating this border dispute. Basically Afghanistan will never except the current border and Pakistan will never except the tribal border. The current border exists as is, and likely will never change for many generations – unless a war between Pakistan and India redraws many of the borders in the region.
5) There is a lot of alarmist reporting from all sides at the moment. We need to be careful how we interpret. The debacle of the Kabul airport is rife with disinformation for example. Remember, there are vested interests in stoking fear between Afghanistan and Pakistan – we need to guard against this.
I hope the above helps those were concerned about the Pakistani troop movements – they are refugee control and nothing more.
During my investigation of this I also discovered that China has moved an additional estimated 3000 troops forward towards the Sino-Tajikistan / Sino-Afghanistan / Sino-Pakistan border to reinforce the estimated 1000 troops already in that section in various observation posts. There is now a chain of Chinese military linking up with the forces facing India accross the entire region.
But,
From Tajikistan sources, Chinese General Haijiang has sent approx 1000 Chinese troops from Xinjiang actually accross the border and into Tajikistan to join the several hundred already there as “guests”. They are now busy expanding a little known base they have there and have been spotted in local towns wearing uniform.
As many here will already know the Russians have never allowed the numbers at thier base inside Tajikistan on the northern Afghan border to drop below 5000 (current estimates are that there are now between 7000 and 10000 Russians at and around the 201st base in Tajikistan along with multiple S300 batteries in a high state of readyness). The Russians have made it very clear for a long time that they will intervene inside Afghanistan if required, sending reminders through state media regularly:
https://tass.com/politics/1311005
Interestingly, the British have been seen assisting “resistance” forces with Spec-Ops and logistical support, to the point that Lavrov has gone on record to warn that Russia is closely watching “SAS trained forces” in Panjsir (in other words he knows the SAS themselves are present along with British Intel):
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9909029/Armed-guerrilla-resistance-led-deposed-vice-president-forming-Afghanistan-Russia-says.html
It is also interesting that the British are formenting decent and demoralisation within the US forces at Kabul:
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/british-and-us-troops-reportedly-odds-afghanistan-uk-engages-rescue-missions
Last sentance….decent … dissent?
Thanks for these updates. A
Maybe like they’ve done forever, they just went to discuss things with family and friends. We in the west thing behind every silver lining there is a dark cloud. The Pakis may have made some deal with the basement dweller in chief and want to distance themselves from any ZATO recriminations. I think we all need to let the dust settle and let Afghanistan be Afghanistan. It’s none of our business. The not so subtle voyeurism in the MSM setting the narrative for everyone. Maybe Reagan was right, the Talies are incredibly brave freedom fighters. Seeing what’s going on I’m giving all of history a rethink. When I was a boy growing up on military bases we still called certain people zipperheads and gooks.
The winners of the war. https://theintercept.com/2021/08/16/afghanistan-war-defense-stocks
Why would Pakistan do this? I thought they were backing the Taliban?
My biggest question is, How did the Taliban defeat the US even though the US had air superiority the entire time?
The answer to that question could lead to kicking the US out of Iraq and Syria, too.
How do you find a drop of water in a bucket full of water ? I heard from a german – Colonel who lived and travelled there for the last ten years, the Taliban have the support of the majority of the Afghanis, being it Tadjiks, Usbeks etc. – there you have your bucket full of water.
Then in space and time the droplets ‘condense’ at certain points where they are joined with the light to medium weaponry – impossible to be detected by the most modern surveillance.
But on top of this – the US and it’s contigents there are and were totally enlightment resistent regarding the situation in the country for tons of reasons – functionally incapable to adequately analyze and act the world beyond their house of mirros – the money flowed in huge rivers all the years – no complaints there….
Outstanding 2 hour video, packed with the latest up to the hour info on Taliban and Afghan.
Last weekend was the loud “crack” we’ve been waiting to hear for the last decade. It was the sound of the camel’s back breaking.
This will so embolden groups in Syria and Iraq that I would not be surprised to see two more “involuntary withdrawals” in the next 60 days.
no. ther others not just 2 in the vacinity and island afar will hv to wait at least until over the next cny but ‘voluntary’ is not prohibited anytime
a joy, thank you, pepe, saker & the grayzone. so many questions answered, dots connected & with humour.
What a treasure of info this video is!
After watching it, I still can not imagine what in the world forced Americans to abandon Afghanistan, with such high stakes involved.
I can imagine level of butthurt for doing so, anyway.
Just a change in strategy. The US hasn’t left Afghanistan. They will remain there by proxy.
ISIS-K (ISIS Khorasan) will be the US fighting force. Their job is to create chaos. That is all the US did. Now the proxies will do it. It is the formula that worked in Iraq and still works in Syria.
Chaos will be directed at China and Russia, BRI projects and EAEU projects.
The goal is to stop Eurasian development and keep Central Asia as well as South Asia in third world turmoil.
Combat launched from Afghanistan also restricts Taliban development. They will have to protect their country from falling into ISIS control. This suits Pakistan.
So, US and Pakistan interests coincide. They both want Taliban limited. However, the US also wants Afghanistan used to disrupt China and Russia. So, the tension will be how the Taliban are used by Pakistan to limit ISIS-K’s impact.
The long continuum of Wahhabi radical Islam is back for another start in Afghanistan. The US will use it for its goals and interests.
https://per.euronews.com/amp/2021/08/16/ismail-khan-left-afghanistan-and-entered-mashhad-iran — Ismail Khan has been in Mashad, Iran, for a few days now. Almost no coverage in the Western media. Hold that thought, we will return to it in a second.
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/iran-taliban-growing-ties-whats-different-this-time/ — The Taliban leadership visited Iran in January 2021.
The purpose of that visit was to notify the Iranians that the Taliban were planning to take back Afghanistan, and to make deals and give assurances to the Iranians.
One of the items of the deal was: the Taliban will not attempt to capture Panjshir and Bamiyan provinces, where the Iranian-backed Shiites live. So far, the Taliban have kept their word, it seems.
Another pertinent issue is, Ismail Khan and his lack of resistance to the Taliban. The order for this came from Tehran as well. And he did not flee Afghanistan and go to Iran, as the euronews article states.
Some were hoping that Ismail Khan would resist, and things would get bloody in the Shiite-Persian-majority province of Herat. But Ismail Khan had been told to stand down, as per the Iran-Taliban deal of January 2021.
Ismail Khan is currently one of Iran’s key players in Afghanistan, together with Abdullah Abdullah, Hamed Karzai, and others. He is in Iran, discussing the next moves to be made.
https://bernard-henri-levy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BHL-massoud-afghanistan-septembre-2019.png — The son of Ahmad Shah Masoud, sadly, has been meeting with the Jews, in the person of the infamous Bernard Levy. Many in Iran were looking to him to lead the Persian territories of Afghanistan back to the bosom of Iran, but he is lost now.
The essence of the deal between Iran and the Taliban was something like: the Taliban will leave northern Afghanistan (the Persian territories) to choose their own fate, and take southern Afghanistan (the Pashto territories) and do whatever they want with them.
I assume part of the deal was, that Iran will also support the Taliban in their endeavor to take the Pashto areas from Pakistan.
The news that Pakistan is fencing the border, seems to support the Iran-Taliban deal ‘hypothesis’, and does not bode well for a Pakistan-Taliban alliance hypothesis at all.
very interesting, much food for thought…imran khan seems a different order of leader, as are putin & xi, i’ve been hoping china & russia can lead the afghan people & imran khan & pakistan’s vipers in the military to pull back the aperture & glimpse the wealth & well being offered all by cooperation & harmony by joining the bri rather than concentrating on borders. economic wealth under the umbrella of the bri will deliver a real unity in each province along with the entire zone. my hope remains the astounding logic shall easily unravel the demented empire’s attempts @ delivering only a continuation of despair & poverty under a fog of self interests. time will tell.
Bravo to Pepe, Max and Ben! Superb!
https://www.rt.com/business/532464-afghanistan-trade-india-blocked-taliban/
“Taliban have sealed the land-border trade route and stopped the movement of cargo on the transit route with Pakistan,” the Economic Times reported on Thursday, citing Ajay Sahai, the director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).”
And a little under two weeks ago:
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-close-border-crossing-with-pakistan-call-visa-free-travel-afghans-2021-08-06/
“But since the Taliban took control of Chaman-Spin Boldak, Pakistani border officials there have begun enforcing visa requirements for Afghans which previously were not as strictly observed.”
“Pakistani border officials at Chaman told Reuters the Taliban had placed concrete barriers to block the road on their side of the Friendship Gate, the crossing point between the two countries.
Pakistan responded by closing its side of the border on Friday, leaving pedestrians, passenger vehicles, and cargo trucks stranded.”
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/464120/Refugees-seek-asylum-in-Iran-as-Taliban-takes-over-in-Afghanistan
“This is Iran-Afghanistan border and those people over there are Afghan refugees who have just crossed into Iran, a country they call their second home.”
https://www.laprensalatina.com/pakistan-keeps-borders-shut-for-afghan-refugees/
“Islamabad, Aug 17 (EFE).- Pakistan has closed its border for Afghan refugees, officials said on Tuesday, as thousands of people try to escape that country after the Taliban takeover.”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58187983
“Pakistan fences off from Afghan refugees”
The normal number one step to better options is of course end the war. After that 95% of problems are solved. That’s why I am still skeptical are American forces really leaving Middle East. There are enough money hungry quislings co-operating with Pentagon.
“There are enough money hungry quislings co-operating with Pentagon.”
What happens when suddenly there is not enough money ?
UK has announced a doubling of “humanitarian” aid to Afghanistan. On the surface this seems very generous, however it also provides an excuse for continued military-run logistics to and from the country.
Yeah, I would be skeptical l about “humanitarian aid” from NGOs, esp. British.
Will they ask the new govt what they need?
Or will they decide what is needed and send aid as a front for political or social initiatives of their own and send “aid workers” who also have agendas that might not chime with govt policies and priorities.
The only “aid” I would really trust as genuinely humanitarian might be help provided by, say, the Quakers.
So do you really believe War Party is surrendering when they know losing Afghanistan, Pakistan and whole Central Asia is the end of U.S Empire? Being King of Americas is no way any kind of booby prize. It must smell shit.
So what we have to say about Thierry Meyssan’s point of view?
“Yes, Chinese companies are already mining in Afghanistan, but from now on they will have to pay a price to the US or be subjected to terrorist attacks. So what if it’s a racket?”
https://www.voltairenet.org/article213772.html
Meyssan see world where USA still rules. Really? In fact there has been steady process where U.S no longer can’t enslave Afghans. And Chinese are no way passive clowns. Also try to compare Putin to Gorbatshev. U.S mobsters themselves might see their business wiped out as has happened in street mobsters life of N.Y and N.J. The true story of Mafia was far from glory of Godfather I and II. CIA and Pentagon are slow and stupid. Problems is our stupid common sector of politicians. They are the problem.
Future? The western culture generally is crowling to sunset with no return. Afghanistan is just one stop on that road. Times are totally different now than in 1980’s. West dominating Asia and Russia is not even good joke.
Chinese according to 2 new books are up to no good:
https://www.theoccidentalobserver.net/2021/08/20/crime-corruption-and-interference-chinas-ccp-confluence-in-pc-canada/
As for poppy production it will never go away by whoever is in power! The temptation is just too great and easy.
The Taliban just cut the balls off the CIA by ending Poppy production. About time.
Turkey making a play for Afghanistan?
It has been long reported that here have been suspicions that a significant force of Turkish military personnel wearing “Afghan-military-uniforms” had infiltrated the Afghan military.
Over the last couple of years Spec-Ops types, Intel types, and Pilot trainers working inside Afghanistan have speculated that some of the Afghan recruits clearly had NATO experience “tells” in the way they handled themselves and thier kit and that they were either secret-squirrel types keeping an eye on things from the inside or infil from another country – Turkey being the prime suspect.
The Afghan army troops and pilots falling back with some advanced kit and aircraft to the Turkish “guest” base in Uzbekistan would support this.
Clearly these guys had orders to fall back to that position when the order came as there was a big concentration occuring in just a couple of days – clearly not paniked retreat of Afghan military.
From the actions of the Uzbek military this appeared not to have been agreed upon (or at least a show / display for the cameras was put on to pretend it was not agreed and could be denied).
That part is a story for another day.
However, it is public knowledge that 1000 “Turkish-uniformed” Turkish military remain inside Afghanistan, at the very least (if 1000 is the public number it is likely much higher).
It is estimated that around 600 Turk-uniformed-Turks are based at Kabul airport with – get this – plans to take over the running of the airport after the US leaves.
This is not secet or conspiracy.
A simple google search will reveal news sites reporting that the Turks have been in negotiations with the Taliban for months about taking over the running of (at least) Kabul airport.
They have also offered to repair and maintain any NATO equipment which remains – which will remove the comfort blanket from those who thought the Taliban could never maintain any helicopters, light aircraft, and armoured vehicles without the nato parts.
The Turkish (neo-Ottomen) military have now apparently increased their combat troop presence in Afghanistan significantly in the last week – under the cover of the chaos in Kabul.
On Twitter and Instagram there are many photographs of troops wearing what apears to be de-badged Nato uniforms around Kabul and elsewhere – not the scruffy rag-tag assortment of kit some Taliban are using – but well fitted, theatre correct, and properly worn uniform – but de-badged.
I will allow you the fun of picking them out in the crowds in the photos – very easy to do.
Many have speculated that these troops are, quote, “Turkeys Little Green Men”, a clear refeence to the well equiped but badgeless forces deployed to Crimea just before its seperation from Ukraine.
In addition to this, some observers have noted members of the Taliban carrying Turkish issue weapons.
It is more likely they are Turks not Taliban – so it is possible that Turkey that had not only infiltrated the Afghan Army but also the Taliban.
That would mean that Turkey are “inside” just about everywhere in Afghanistan – inside the US/UK NATO hubs, inside the Afghan Army (and airforce, and Intel), and inside the Taliban.
Turkey have shocked many analysts in the last few years with thier ability to expand using proxies and infiltration many areas of the old Ottomen empire – whilst maintaining co-operation with potential adversaries like Russia.
If it is true that Turkey are making a play for a major role in post US Afghanistan they may actually recieve support from all sides – from NATO – of which Turkey is a member, and from Russia – who has military co-operation agreements in Syria, Libya, and Azerbaijan, and with the Taliban.
Turkey has clearly assisted the Taliban through infiltration of the Afghan Army.
This could be a very big developing story – stay tuned.
Further to the above I found all of this from just one article on the Andolu News Agency website:
“For the last 19 years, Turkey has restarted to train the Afghan military and police officers, with 5061 military and 9913 police officers having been trained”.
“Today, Turkey has been providing the largest development assistance in its history, mainly in the fields of education, infrastructure and health”.
“Afghans are the biggest demander and recipient of Turkish scholarships. There are 21 Turkish schools and four education centers in eight provinces with 7080 students, and we plan to open new ones in new provinces”.
“As part of our efforts to reach out to different parts of Afghanistan, we opened our second Consulate General in Herat in June 2020, and our preparations to open the third Consulate in Kandahar this year are ongoing”.
“Afghanistan has been suffering for the last four decades. Peace is long over-due. Following the start of the Afghan Peace Process on Sept. 12, 2020, there is now a historic opportunity to achieve peace. However, we must not forget that the road to peace is long and full of challenges. Besides, the ultimate aim should not be any peace, but a sustainable, enduring one. So, each side bears a historical responsibility not to miss this opportunity. Turkey has always been advocating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. In this regard, we are ready, as long as our help is needed, to support our Afghan brothers to contribute to efforts for achieving a sustainable peace embraced by all segments of the Afghan society and by regional and international actors”.
Link to source:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/analysis/opinion-celebrating-100-years-of-turkish-afghan-diplomatic-relations/2160829
This back story is also worth a quick read as it is clearly a way for Turkey to maintain not just a military presence but a civil aviation presence (with all that entails – including benefits for certain types of farmers):
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/afghanistan-turkey-kabul-airport-exploring-troops-taliban
.
Official Taliban (Islamic Emirate) response (English version) on Turkish armed forces remaining in Afghanistan after US withdrawl:
Statement number 370 (English) of the Islamic Emirate concerning extension of occupation by Turkish forces in Afghanistan dated
03/12/1442 Hijri Lunar
22/04/1400 Hijri Solar
13/07/2021 Gregorian
:
Everyone is aware that all foreign forces are to withdraw from our beloved homeland on the basis of the Doha agreement – a decision endorsed by the United Nations and the international community as well as welcomed and endorsed by majority of countries including the foreign minister of Turkey who was present at the signing ceremony.
Now as the leadership of Turkey has announced maintaining troops and extending the occupation of our country at the behest and in agreement with America, the following points are worth considering:
1 – The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Afghan people maintain historic, cultural and religious bonds with the Muslim people of Turkey. The extension of occupation will arouse emotions of resentment and hostility inside our country towards Turkish officials and will damage bilateral ties.
2 – The decision of Turkish leadership is ill-advised, a violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and against our national interests. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemns this reprehensible decision in the strongest terms as it will induce problems between Turkish and Afghan nations. And we strongly urge Turkish officials to reverse their decision due to it being detrimental for both countries.
3 – We consider stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation, and invaders will be dealt with on the basis of the fatwa of fifteen hundred distinguished scholars issued in the year 1422 Hijri Lunar (2001) – a fatwa under which the past twenty-year Jihad has been waged.
4 – We urge the Muslim Turkish people and its astute politicians to raise their voices against this decision because it is neither beneficial for Turkey nor Afghanistan, rather it only creates problems and issues between both Muslim nations.
5 – Our policy remains that we seek good and positive relations with all countries based on reciprocal conduct. We neither interfere in the affairs of others nor allow others to interfere in our own affairs.
6 – We remind Turkish officials that it is better we maintain positive and good relations in light of accepted principles instead of making such ill-advised decisions, to extend hands of cooperation to one another and to adopt common understanding and positions for common challenges and interests.
7 – We had been in contact with Turkish official for some time and held multiple meetings where they assured us that they would not make such a unilateral decision without our approval. The current decision they have made is a breach of their own covenant.
8 – If Turkish officials fail to reconsider their decision and continue the occupation of our country, the Islamic Emirate and the Afghan nation – in line with their religious, conscientious and patriotic duty – will take a stand against them as they have stood against the two-decade occupation, in which case the responsibility for all consequences shall fall on shoulders of those who interfere in the affairs of others and make such ill-advised decisions.
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
03/12/1442 Hijri Lunar
22/04/1400 Hijri Solar
13/07/2021 Gregorian
Screen shot on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/zabehulah_m33/status/1414838286124789760?lang=en
Also worth considering is the Statement from Sergei Tsekov, a member of the Republic of Crimea and Russian Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs:
“Turkey will consider the issue carefully, and decide against meddling in Afghan affairs. The Taliban has proven its capability as a paramilitary organization. Yes, it’s banned in our country and considered a terrorist movement. But if they will engage in direct talks with the legitimate [Kabul] government, it will be, of course, to Afghanistan’s benefit,”
A confidential Russian report suggests that the US, UK, and Turkey are laying “traps” for the Taliban, namely that British forces are running around Kabul (well reported) and provoking incidents and marking targets for future drone strikes and that they have airdropped SAS into contested areas to ralley resistance and co-ordinate future air strikes.
The Russian report goes on to say that Turkey are being particularly beligerant towads the Taliban and refusing to vacate Afghan Army bases and Airfields (including Kabul airport). This may be a provocation to conduct counter strikes against Taliban under article 5.
On public record is this:
Andrey Serenko, the Head of the Center for Afghan Policy Studies, said that after September 11 2021 there will be prospects for direct clashes between the Taliban and the Turks. “The Taliban tried to avoid confrontations with NATO forces to the very last. They know that the latter operates on the principle of retaliation following an attack on one of the member-states. If the Taliban will attack the Turks to remove them from the country it could allow to the alliance to conduct air strikes in return. This is definitely is not in the Taliban leaders’ interests.” .
also,
Aside from fearing a NATO counterstrike, Serenko believes that the Taliban still have a full plate in establishing control over the country and it is not a done deal and the Taliban lacks resources to hold large cities.
“So now the Taliban’s problem is not to seize lands but to retain them. Thus, the movement is hardly eager to engage in clashes with the Turks,” stressed Serenko.
However it may well be that NATO is planning to cause chaos in Afghanistan through Turkey and thier imported Jihdi proxies (Syria model) in order to draw in Russia who are on record stateting that they will intervene in Afghanistan in the event of chaos.
Such an intervention would draw Russian forces from other sensitive areas, such as the Baltics, Ukraine, Black Sea and Syria. It may be Russia has anticipated this and will only intervene as part of a wider coalition from the Stans and China.
The Afghan issue appears far from settled, and far from being a new opportunity for growth, trade and peace, Afghanistan may actually be a trap to draw in Russia and China into a Syria / Ukraine / Libya style sink-hole, with Turkey (and the British) again being right in the middle of it.
Sorry to have somewhat hijacked this thread but I think the Turkish angle is very important – and so does Russian Diplomat Vyacheslav Matuzov. On Turks in Afghanistan:
“Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party are essentially, well, they are Muslim Brotherhood that is banned in Russia. With one hand Erdogan seeks to promote Islamic ideology with a dash of neo-Ottomanism in various regions. This fact explains the Turkey’s attempts to strengthen its influence in Libya, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. They are also looking north. This geographic region includes not only Azerbaijan. They are becomming a direct threat to Russia. According to the Turanian concept, Turkey’s interests include the Volga region, Tatarstan, Tuva and other regions of Russia. I am not yet even talking about Kazakhstan. They have established a major foothold there and we are watching very closely, as you can be assured the Americans will be close with them. Turkey is one of the leading NATO member-states. One shouldn’t forget about this fact.”
Also,
From Alexander Bolgov:
“Azerbaijan’s victory in the Karabakh war was largely facilitated by Turkey’s assistance. Now Erdogan wants to use this success in Central Asia. He has untold numbers already inside Afghanistan. But Ankara is not the only power which has interests in the region. Russia, China, and even the British are watching”.
Also,
On Tuesday the Russian army announced the readiness of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems at the Russian base in Tajikistan which in turn reveals its concern about the possibility of an explosion in the security situation in Afghanistan due to Turkey transporting various jihadist groups, which some of them are present in Idlib and other areas of Syria. In Syria they are under the protection of Turkey, which prevents President Putin from any action that directly targets these groups. However this is currently not the case in Afghanistan – unless Turkey consolodates its hold and establishes “Refugee Centres” and other shielding facilities for terrorists. President Putin also made a second phone call to his Uzbek counterpart Shaukat Mir Daif and discussed with him the details of coordination and joint cooperation to confront possible developments in Afghanistan. It should be noted that “the Afghan airforce” along with Turkish Advisors effectively invaded Uzbekistan under cover of retreating from the Taliban, and at one one point they were engaged by
Uzbek air defences.”
“Russian security announced that they are working with China to thwart many terrorist attacks planned by the militants of the Turkish backed Islamist “Tahrir Party”, which is mainly active in the autonomous republics within the borders of the Russian Federation, whose population is mostly Muslims, and their number exceeds 20 million”.
Also,
Iran News reported – “Turkish Defence Minister ‘Hulusi Akar’ visited Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan several times in 2021 in a new attempt by Ankara to develop military relations with these two countries. There are currently Turkish troops and groups in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, all of which constitute the backyard of Russia, which President Erdogan has previously challenged in Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Lithuania. As all moves by Turkey are backed by NATO (especially the US and UK) we could be witnessing the prepartions of a major Turkish intervention in Afghanistan, which will lead to Civil War, and which will draw in Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and China – the very nations the US seeks to weaken and ultimately destroy”.
I get the impression that Erdogan is bluffing in Afghanistan. He grandstands from a position of weakness and desperation, not secret strength. His political legitimacy rides on Turkey being a major, if not the #1, player in the Islamic world. Yet he chose NATOstan over SCO, and has been ignored in the political negotiations over Afghanistan. So he clings desperately to a security foothold at the Kabul airport, without which Turkish proxy networks–including ETIM–would lose considerable ground.
“It is estimated that around 600 Turk-uniformed-Turks are based at Kabul airport with – get this – plans to take over the running of the airport after the US leaves.”
Erdogan can’t help it — it’s in his nature. However, this time around, the Magnificent Sultan will “be taken care of” by a battle.hardened, highly solidified government in Afghanistan backed up by reliable neighbouring allies. Erdogan’s departure to afterlife is long overdue. If the Afghans take care of it, that’s one more thing to celebrate about the Taliban government.
Excellent, wide-ranging discussion.
The long-term fate of the opium ratline will be a critical indicator of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) political legitimacy and strength.
Clearly, there is huge demand pressure on the opium production. As poppy harvests taper, prices will rise, and with that increasing incentive for growers and smugglers to subvert the IEA’s mandate.
The question: is the new IEA government capable of managing that economic incentive? To what extent will their enforcement be violent or legal?
“Cocaine Import Agency” — brilliant!
The video mentions Hamid Karzai, America’s former puppet president of Afghanistan, and how has turned over a new leaf.
Here’s the Voice of AmeriKKKa’s article in which Karzai spills the beans:
Former Afghan President Karzai Calls Islamic State ‘Tool’ of US
https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/former-afghan-president-karzai-calls-islamic-state-tool-us
Or as Karzai specifically states,
“I consider Daesh their tool,” Karzai told VOA’s Afghan service in an exclusive interview in Kabul, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “I do not differentiate at all between Daesh and America.”
America is Daesh/ISIS.
As Americans, it’s deeply embarrassing watching these two “reporters” try, yet abjectly fail to meet Pepe’s discourse with them. Unbelievable.
They had to no set questions for Pepe, other than what Escobar prompted them…. with valuable, insightful information. Instead, there they were, quipping about how M. Obama pronounced Iran, or Max being detracted by the name “Afghanistan” with it’s “too many nasal sounds! These is 13 year old mentalities.
Meantime, we applaud, as always Pepe’s immense knowledge about the intricacies of The Taliban, Pakistan, China and Russia. Thank you, sir!!
It was the Beaver and Wally on a show with Hunter S Thompson.
They are good guys that do excellent work.
They are wise enough to know Pepe can carry the two of them plus a few more because he is special, so, they kept quiet. And besides Afghanistan is not their ‘beat’.
A good interview is 90% from the source, 5% Intelligent answers, 5% conversation.
This was massive information, up to date, and historical, all focused on the facts of the day.
And I want to thank you, Amarynth, for securing it in such timely fashion.
Typo/Brain cramp: should be 5% intelligent questions. In other words, brief and to the point. This was the case with the two hosts. A few questions, and Pepe poured out the Intel.
I thought that Max and Ben did very well. Sure, there was a little unnecessary banter about pronunciation, but that is not a huge crime.
Perhaps Rubicon stopped watching after that?
Ben seems to be the one in charge or coordinating what comes up on the screen.
That was handled smoothly, both the presentation of maps and other documents, etc. plus moving among different views.
I think Ben guided the conversation well, moving from topic to topic.
I don’t think Pepe was patronizing them when he said “Good question; . . . that’s a very good question . . . ” and then expounded on the topics raised.
They were great and did not interrupt—as so many young interviewers do on videos. Their questions were pretty concise.
I think they all did a great job. It certainly was not embarrassing to me, despite the pronunciation silliness.
BTW, if we are being critical, “As Americans, it’s deeply embarrassing” is a dangling construction .
If Insiders in DC are pissed, Biden’s Life may be short.
no. but as said, b4 om got moved off the pot, the next one will/may not even finish one term! how ironic, if the west cannot see it, they (s)elect a lower than normal human IQ to start the war and now again (s)elect a memory-challanged to finished off the war – one never knew how he walked into it and one does not remember how he walked out of it! can you not see that black comedy dark satire, they cover your eyes w? its blinding watching from the eastern smiley eyes?! at least the invaders didnt get time to leave thousands of landmines behind for decades more of chaos unaccountable (yet!) how will history reads you? self-style freedom fighters and defenders of ‘human rights’?!
‘A war begun for no wise purpose, carried on with a strange mixture of rashness and timidity, brought to a close after suffering and disaster, without much glory attached either to the government which directed, or the great body of troops which waged it. Not one benefit, political or military, was acquired with this war. Our eventual evacuation of the country resembled the retreat of an army defeated.’
GR Grieg. British Army chaplain (First Afghan War 1843).
Another failure to learn (and I’m told the basis of a popular meme in Bangladesh)…
Rambo in Afghanistan…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsCNZN3v2l0
Absolutely Fantastic Conversation. Probably the best ever. I just can’t rate it highly enough. Intelligent. Informative. And laced throughout with good humor. I learned so in those 2 hours. And all up to date.
Thank you to Pepe and the folks at Greyzone. Keep up the great work
For me…this article pulled together the context of Afghanistan from russia times onwards.lots details and seems to be indepth…. cohesive
https://annebonnypirate.org/2021/08/17/afghanistan-the-end-of-the-occupation/
Such a great interview.
So many interesting sweeping overviews and smaller details.
Escobar is an absolute treasure.
Ca. 48:00 the conversation turns to 9/11, bin Laden, and the Taliban.
Crucial!
Pepe suggests that the Taliban 2.0 will make a point of demonstrating to the world that Taliban 1.0 had zero to do with 9/11.
He reminds viewers that Tal 1.0 offered to turn over bin Laden to the US—or to another Muslim country, for detention and trial–if the US would produce evidence that bin Laden caused 9/11. The Americans refused. Either I didn’t know that, or I had forgotten it.
No one in the USA is going to want to hear, now, or take on board that the country and its “allies” were also *lied into* Afghanistan (and the ulterior motive) as well as *lied out of* of the country.
Furthermore, if the Taliban 2.0 is successful in putting across that Tal 1.0 had notthing to do with 9/11, that pretty much punctures the official narrative. We might finally be able to be forced to discuss openly what really happened and who was responsible. The damage control and spin will be fascinating.
I don’t know about you but I find infuriating the common casual mention (as established fact) in all kinds of contexts that 19 rag-heads with boxcutters brought down The Towers.
So, back to Pepe. Do spend the time to watch the whole video. Pepe is so charming and eloquent and fun to listen to and watch in addition to his being such a font of both foreground and backgroun information. In the “encyclopedic knowledge” department he is a master.
Regarding “Pipelineistan (ca. 57:00), I recall very clearly reading a story in The Nation mag—might even have been a cover story—on American insterests in controlling one or more gas pipelines in Afg—as underlying motivation for invasion of country. This was shortly after the bombing began.
I did an online search for “The Nation Afghanistan Pipelines 2001” and did not get the Nation hit but did get this one, from November 2001, which sounds very similar:
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/pipeline-politics-oil-gas-and-the-us-interest-in-afghanistan/213804
From this search I got a lot more hits for stories on this subject well before and shortly after the bombing began.
A similar search but for 2002 also gives lots of hits.
Charlotte Dennett has written a very good book about pipelines, including the TAPI (among other interesting realities): ‘The Crash of Flight 3804.’
Isn’t that why Bezos and Gates are beginning to dig in Greenland? For those very same minerals?