General John Craddock, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, welcomes Lieutenant-General Vlastimil Picek, the Czech Republic’s Chief of Defence Staff, to SHAPE Headquarters

Thursday 12 February turned out to be a busy day for General John Craddock who welcomed his American colleague General David Petraeus, Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), for discussions on Afghanistan. After the meeting General Craddock said:

“Our discussions today were very helpful. We agree that the comprehensive approach is essential in Afghanistan to see real, meaningful and enduring change.”

Later in the morning he welcomed Lieutenant-General Vlastimil Picek, the Czech Republic’s Chief of Defence Staff, to SHAPE Headquarters where the two military leaders discussed ongoing operations.

GEN Craddock paid tribute to the Czech Republic for its support to Afghanistan and to the ISAF mission saying:

“The Czech Republic’s contribution to NATO operations is highly valued,” said Gen Craddock. “The professionalism and dedication of their military personnel is outstanding and underpins all that they have achieved on behalf of NATO and their own nation.”

Despite the killing some 26 people and wounding 55 more the Taliban attacks in Kabul yesterday can be argued to be a failure. Yesterday morning suicide bombers carried out a series of attacks in Kabul targeting civilian establishments including the Ministries of Justice, Education, Finance and the Detention Centre Headquarters. The Taliban were quick to claim responsibility for the attack and would like the world to believe that these callous actions were somehow justifiable.But the choice of targets speaks volumes about the Taliban’s contempt for civil progress and attempts to provide a future for the people of Afghanistan.

The response of the ANSF on the other hand shows that they have come a long way in developing professional and effective forces.The speed of their response and the bravery shown in so quickly overwhelming the terrorists undoubtedly prevented even greater carnage.By stepping up to the challenge in such an impressive manner they arguably prevented the attacks from being quite the propaganda success the Taliban had hoped for. Of the eight insurgents killed, three managed to blow themselves up but five were shot dead before they could detonate their bombs and inflict more pain and damage to the population. General David D. McKiernan, Commander International Security Assistance Force, said yesterday evening “The situation could have been much worse had it not been for the swift response of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The ANSF’s increasing professionalism is forcing the Taliban to resort to more extreme and desperate measures resulting in the tragic loss of innocent Afghan lives.”

We will continue to do everything we can to support the ANSF in the development of their capabilities so that they can eventually provide the security that the Afghan people overwhelming desire and deserve.

We thought that the following quotes from speakers at the recent Munich Security Conference were worth sharing.

By His Excellency HAMID KARZAI, President of Afghanistan: On the development in his country: “Afghanistan is not a failed state …it was a destroyed state.”

And on wishing his countrymen welcome home- “This is perhaps the right time for me to call for a process of reconciliation. We will invite all those Taliban who are not part of al-Qaida, who are not part of terrorist networks, who want to return to their country, who want to live by the constitution of Afghanistan, and who want to have peace in the country and live a normal life to participate, to come back to their country. And I would request the international community to back us in this fully.”

In an ironic riposte to the allegation that the government benefits from the drug trade -“Some accounts say that drugs from Afghanistan creates 50 billion to 100 billion dollars. I don’t know where it is,” he said “even if half of it stayed in Afghanistan, even if 1o per cent stayed in Afghanistan, we would not need the help of the countries here today. We would not be so miserable. We would be a donor country.”

And on the issue of civilian casualties – “people wholeheartedly support the international forces. Afghan people will participate and support the fight on terrorism. They consider themselves partners but partners must not find themselves under attack. Need better coordination.”