Members of the Antiwar Committee of the Thomas Merton Center are hoping to see “several hundred” protesters turn out Saturday for a march and rally to protest US involvement in all wars. Committee Co-chair Pete Shell says this is the first major anti war march in the city since the Pittsburgh G20 Summit. The organization used to hold regular marches but Shell says they have recently been more focused on joining national events.
The event will begin with a rally at the corner of 47th and Butler Streets at noon Saturday with speeches and a performance by Mike Stout. From there they will march down Butler Street to Doughboy Square for a second rally. Shell says there is a reason why they chose to hold the event in Lawrenceville. “We really wanted to highlight the impact that wars have on the economy at home and the fact that we could really revitalize our economy if we did not have to spend dollars on wars and occupations abroad,” says Shell.
Shell says along with protesting war, the rallies will focus on “speaking out against Arabs and Muslims being scapegoated and harassed.”
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Toomey to Afghan Pres.: Get Rid of Corruption
Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey took his first trip abroad as a U.S. Senator spending the last few days in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Toomey and three other freshman Republicans joined Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on the trip. They spent the past few days meeting with military and political leaders, including General David Petraeus.
Toomey says he delivered a message to Afghanistan’s president, Hamid Karzai.
"The main point that I wanted to stress with him was that his government needed to do more to rat out the corruption that has been, really, very pervasive. I was perhaps a little bit more subtle about it than that, but that was really my essential point."
Toomey says Karzai needs to turn Afghanistan’s government around.
"We’ve put so much resource. We’ve sacrificed many lives. And the ongoing expense of this effort is very significant at a time when we have serious budget constraints. And my message was that it’s really critical for his government to aggressively pursue corruption."
Toomey last visited Afghanistan in 2002, when he was a congressman.
He says there’s a “night and day” difference in the capital city of Kabul, since his last trip, with much more commerce and traffic in the city this time.
Still, Toomey says there’s a lot of work to be done in Afghanistan.
He says he assumes American troops will still be there in 2016, when his Senate term expires.
Toomey and three other freshman Republicans joined Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on the trip. They spent the past few days meeting with military and political leaders, including General David Petraeus.
Toomey says he delivered a message to Afghanistan’s president, Hamid Karzai.
"The main point that I wanted to stress with him was that his government needed to do more to rat out the corruption that has been, really, very pervasive. I was perhaps a little bit more subtle about it than that, but that was really my essential point."
Toomey says Karzai needs to turn Afghanistan’s government around.
"We’ve put so much resource. We’ve sacrificed many lives. And the ongoing expense of this effort is very significant at a time when we have serious budget constraints. And my message was that it’s really critical for his government to aggressively pursue corruption."
Toomey last visited Afghanistan in 2002, when he was a congressman.
He says there’s a “night and day” difference in the capital city of Kabul, since his last trip, with much more commerce and traffic in the city this time.
Still, Toomey says there’s a lot of work to be done in Afghanistan.
He says he assumes American troops will still be there in 2016, when his Senate term expires.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Local Marine Fatally Shot
A marine from Indiana County has been killed in Afghanistan. The Marine Corps says 21 year old Lance Corporal Joshua Twigg of Indiana, Pennsylvania died of gunshot wounds Thursday in Helmand Province. Corporal Twigg was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7 based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Corporal Twigg was a 2007 graduate of Penns Manor High School in Indiana County. He served in Iraq from September 2008 to April 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in July.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
PA Congressman Returns Home from Afghanistan
Pennsylvania Congressman Mark Critz arrived home from a trip to Afghanistan last week. He, along with five other House Armed Services Committee members visited Kabul, Gardez and Kandahar to examine Afghanistan’s economic and security progress.
The Johnstown Congressman says going into the trip, he felt a great deal of pessimism. However, after seeing how optimistic the Afghans are, he left feeling positive that progress has been made.
He says most Afghans only know poverty, instability and lack of freedom, so it is hard for them to see a better future. “We’re doing everything possible to turn Afghanistan, and allow the Afghan citizens to run their country and to have a brighter future…I just don’t know how you describe success.”
Critz says at this point it would be difficult to put a timeline on the war. He says most Afghans can see the goal, but they can’t see the path to get there. “We have to give them a chance." He thinks by the end of this year, they’ll have an idea of how well they’re succeeding.
Noting the murders of 8 humanitarian aid workers, including 6 Americans, Critz says it's still a dangerous country. He says the number of car bombs in Afghanistan has increased, which is a direct result of the effort that the U.S. and international community is putting forth now. “The push is very strong in the Helmand Province and you’re going to see it get worse before it gets better.”
He says getting Afghans completely on their feet could be a 5, 10 or even 20 year process, but as long as progress is being made the U.S. will continue to help.
Critz says no one can say how much this will cost, and America should just analyze it as it goes. He says by the end of this year, the Provisional Reconstruction Team should be able to make a very strong analysis on the way things will move forward, specifically regarding troops in Afghanistan. “At that point we take it to the American people and say ‘look, this is what our experts in the field are saying, what is your advice and what do you think we should do?’”
The Johnstown Congressman says going into the trip, he felt a great deal of pessimism. However, after seeing how optimistic the Afghans are, he left feeling positive that progress has been made.
He says most Afghans only know poverty, instability and lack of freedom, so it is hard for them to see a better future. “We’re doing everything possible to turn Afghanistan, and allow the Afghan citizens to run their country and to have a brighter future…I just don’t know how you describe success.”
Critz says at this point it would be difficult to put a timeline on the war. He says most Afghans can see the goal, but they can’t see the path to get there. “We have to give them a chance." He thinks by the end of this year, they’ll have an idea of how well they’re succeeding.
Noting the murders of 8 humanitarian aid workers, including 6 Americans, Critz says it's still a dangerous country. He says the number of car bombs in Afghanistan has increased, which is a direct result of the effort that the U.S. and international community is putting forth now. “The push is very strong in the Helmand Province and you’re going to see it get worse before it gets better.”
He says getting Afghans completely on their feet could be a 5, 10 or even 20 year process, but as long as progress is being made the U.S. will continue to help.
Critz says no one can say how much this will cost, and America should just analyze it as it goes. He says by the end of this year, the Provisional Reconstruction Team should be able to make a very strong analysis on the way things will move forward, specifically regarding troops in Afghanistan. “At that point we take it to the American people and say ‘look, this is what our experts in the field are saying, what is your advice and what do you think we should do?’”
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Pennsylvania Man Member of Human Terrain Teams
They're called "Human Terrain Teams." They help give the U.S. military commanders insight into the culture of the civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq. A Pennsylvania man helps prepare the 5-member teams at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Harry Pecote, a 49-year-old father of six from Erie, Pennsylvania is a Civil Affairs Officer in the army. He train officers, anthropologists and political scientists to be members of human terrain teams.
Pecote says the team members get to know civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan in an effort to promote peace and reduce military and civilian deaths.
"We're not seeking ideally the local government official or police chief. We want to know what is the true mindset of the person in the street, what does the village really feel, what do they think. Often there is a disconnect between what the local government says and what the local population is truly thinking."
Pecote says during his trips to Iraq and Afghanistan, he's noticed that every region in each country is different....
"Village by village, it will vary and that's one of the problems we have as a military and as Americans in general. We look at people as Iraqis or Aghanis and that would be like saying someone from Western Pennsylvania is the same as someone from Eastern Pennsylvania whereas the people grew up with different cultures, different perspectives."
When he's not serving, he owns and operates an antique shop.
The program started in 2006. The teams typically consist of five members. Several hundred have been deployed since it started. Three have died.
It has been criticized by anthropology groups who see it as a way to weaponize anthropology.
Pecote says the team members get to know civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan in an effort to promote peace and reduce military and civilian deaths.
"We're not seeking ideally the local government official or police chief. We want to know what is the true mindset of the person in the street, what does the village really feel, what do they think. Often there is a disconnect between what the local government says and what the local population is truly thinking."
Pecote says during his trips to Iraq and Afghanistan, he's noticed that every region in each country is different....
"Village by village, it will vary and that's one of the problems we have as a military and as Americans in general. We look at people as Iraqis or Aghanis and that would be like saying someone from Western Pennsylvania is the same as someone from Eastern Pennsylvania whereas the people grew up with different cultures, different perspectives."
When he's not serving, he owns and operates an antique shop.
The program started in 2006. The teams typically consist of five members. Several hundred have been deployed since it started. Three have died.
It has been criticized by anthropology groups who see it as a way to weaponize anthropology.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Toomey: Obama, Wrong on Economy, Right on Afghanistan
Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey is criticizing President Barack Obama's economic policies, but says the president is making the right call by sending 30-thousand more troops to Afghanistan.
Pat Toomey lives in Allentown, and says he disagrees with the economic plans President Obama touted during a town hall meeting there.
Toomey says the government is making the recession worse with what he calls out of control spending, and he wants to see the federal budget capped.
Toomey doesn't think Obama's doing everything wrong, though-he supports the decision to increase the US military presence in Afghanistan.
"I do think that we can win in Afghanistan. I think it's vitally important that we not allow the Taliban to reestablish Afghanistan as a sanctuary for terrorist groups like al Qaeda. So I support the president's decision."
Democratic incumbent Arlen Specter opposes the increase. Toomey calls the stance "unfortunate," arguing Specter's making a political calculation to appeal to liberal voters.
Pat Toomey lives in Allentown, and says he disagrees with the economic plans President Obama touted during a town hall meeting there.
Toomey says the government is making the recession worse with what he calls out of control spending, and he wants to see the federal budget capped.
Toomey doesn't think Obama's doing everything wrong, though-he supports the decision to increase the US military presence in Afghanistan.
"I do think that we can win in Afghanistan. I think it's vitally important that we not allow the Taliban to reestablish Afghanistan as a sanctuary for terrorist groups like al Qaeda. So I support the president's decision."
Democratic incumbent Arlen Specter opposes the increase. Toomey calls the stance "unfortunate," arguing Specter's making a political calculation to appeal to liberal voters.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Protest of President's Plan for Afghanistan
Peace groups plan to protest President Obama’s plans to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan and to demand an end to the war. several peace groups will hold an emergency protest demanding an end to the war.
Pete Shell of the Thomas Merton Center Antiwar Committee says the longer the military stays there, the more resistance will grow. "The war is unpopular, it’s unwinnable, and it’s wrong.”
The president says the troops are needed because the situation has deteriorated and the additional personnel will help train the Afghan military so they can take over the job of security sooner. Mr. Obama says troops would start leaving in July 2011.
The protests are part of a nationwide day of actions sponsored by a wide variety of antiwar and peace groups, including the National Assembly to End the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and Occupations, United For Peace and Justice, Code Pink, Iraq Veterans Against the War, ANSWER, and others.
The Pittsburgh protest will take place this evening at 6 o'clock in Schenley Plaza in the Oakland part of Pittsburgh. Legal observers from the ACLU are expected to be present in order to help ensure that protesters’ constitutional rights are respected. That's the scene of more than 100 arrests during the G20 Summit in September.
Pete Shell of the Thomas Merton Center Antiwar Committee says the longer the military stays there, the more resistance will grow. "The war is unpopular, it’s unwinnable, and it’s wrong.”
The president says the troops are needed because the situation has deteriorated and the additional personnel will help train the Afghan military so they can take over the job of security sooner. Mr. Obama says troops would start leaving in July 2011.
The protests are part of a nationwide day of actions sponsored by a wide variety of antiwar and peace groups, including the National Assembly to End the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and Occupations, United For Peace and Justice, Code Pink, Iraq Veterans Against the War, ANSWER, and others.
The Pittsburgh protest will take place this evening at 6 o'clock in Schenley Plaza in the Oakland part of Pittsburgh. Legal observers from the ACLU are expected to be present in order to help ensure that protesters’ constitutional rights are respected. That's the scene of more than 100 arrests during the G20 Summit in September.
PA Delegation on President's Afghanistan Plan
Members of Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation are weighing in on President Barack Obama's new war strategy for Afghanistan. Senator Arlen Specter says he opposes the president's plan to send an additional 30 thousand troops there starting in January. Specter says Al Qaeda can operate out of other countries like Yemen and Somalia, so it doesn't make sense to center the fight in Afghanistan, where no one has succeeded in the past.
Senator Bob Casey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee, travelled to Afghanistan in August. He issued a statement saying the country deserves a full accounting of the challenges posed in Afghanistan. Casey's committee plans to question Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Democratic Congressman Jason Altmire of Pittsburgh's North Hills says he fully supports the Administration’s decision to provide commanders in Afghanistan with additional troops. "Make no mistake, the war in Afghanistan is still the central front of the war on terror. In order to keep our country safe, we must take the actions necessary to stabilize Afghanistan and to ensure that it will never again be a safe haven for Al-Qaeda or other terrorist groups.”
Congressman Joe Sestak, who is challenging Specter in the May Democratic Primary, says
the president has presented a plan to allow the nation to complete a mission that is as indispensable today as it was 8 years ago....
"It is a difficult decision. After years of war and with economic challenges at home, the American people are justified in their concern about an increased commitment in Afghanistan. But the President has made the right call. If we leave Al Qaeda behind in a safe haven and are struck again, what can we ever say to those we swore to protect?"
Sestak added that the clear emphasis of the overall goal must remain focused on eliminating the safe haven in Pakistan. And second, we should measure our progress not by a fixed timetable, but by benchmarks of achieving America's security.
Senator Bob Casey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee, travelled to Afghanistan in August. He issued a statement saying the country deserves a full accounting of the challenges posed in Afghanistan. Casey's committee plans to question Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Democratic Congressman Jason Altmire of Pittsburgh's North Hills says he fully supports the Administration’s decision to provide commanders in Afghanistan with additional troops. "Make no mistake, the war in Afghanistan is still the central front of the war on terror. In order to keep our country safe, we must take the actions necessary to stabilize Afghanistan and to ensure that it will never again be a safe haven for Al-Qaeda or other terrorist groups.”
Congressman Joe Sestak, who is challenging Specter in the May Democratic Primary, says
the president has presented a plan to allow the nation to complete a mission that is as indispensable today as it was 8 years ago....
"It is a difficult decision. After years of war and with economic challenges at home, the American people are justified in their concern about an increased commitment in Afghanistan. But the President has made the right call. If we leave Al Qaeda behind in a safe haven and are struck again, what can we ever say to those we swore to protect?"
Sestak added that the clear emphasis of the overall goal must remain focused on eliminating the safe haven in Pakistan. And second, we should measure our progress not by a fixed timetable, but by benchmarks of achieving America's security.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Specter, Sestak Disagree Over More Troops in Afghanistan
Pennsylvania’s two leading Democratic Senate candidates have different opinions on whether more troops are needed in Afghanistan.
Senator Arlen Specter says he opposes sending 30-thousand additional troops to Afghanistan, unless their mission is “indispensible in [the] fight against al Qaeda.”
Challenger Joe Sestak supports the increase, as long as it’s accompanied by clear goals and benchmarks, but both men agree that US forces should be focused on disrupting terror networks, rather than rebuilding the country.
Specter says American troops shouldn’t spend resources propping up Hamid Karzai’s government, which he calls unreliable.
"We don’t want to fight a war against the Taliban. That’s not in the US national interest. Al Qaeda, yes, but if al Qaeda can organize elsewhere, then I’m opposed to sending more troops to Afghanistan.
Sestak says he’s also lost faith in the Karzai government, and wants to see US officials build more partnerships with regional tribal leaders. He says he’s opposed to an Afghanistan mission focused on rebuilding the country and its government.
"It needs to be primarily and near-exclusively on al Qaeda, but with a sub-goal of leaving behind conditions that leave a probability that al Qaeda will not come back."
Specter agrees, saying he doesn’t support “a war on the Taliban,” instead of al Qaeda terrorists. Both men are calling for an increased focus on Pakistan.
President Obama will announce his new Afghanistan strategy tonight at 8. WDUQ-FM will broadcast the president's address.
Senator Arlen Specter says he opposes sending 30-thousand additional troops to Afghanistan, unless their mission is “indispensible in [the] fight against al Qaeda.”
Challenger Joe Sestak supports the increase, as long as it’s accompanied by clear goals and benchmarks, but both men agree that US forces should be focused on disrupting terror networks, rather than rebuilding the country.
Specter says American troops shouldn’t spend resources propping up Hamid Karzai’s government, which he calls unreliable.
"We don’t want to fight a war against the Taliban. That’s not in the US national interest. Al Qaeda, yes, but if al Qaeda can organize elsewhere, then I’m opposed to sending more troops to Afghanistan.
Sestak says he’s also lost faith in the Karzai government, and wants to see US officials build more partnerships with regional tribal leaders. He says he’s opposed to an Afghanistan mission focused on rebuilding the country and its government.
"It needs to be primarily and near-exclusively on al Qaeda, but with a sub-goal of leaving behind conditions that leave a probability that al Qaeda will not come back."
Specter agrees, saying he doesn’t support “a war on the Taliban,” instead of al Qaeda terrorists. Both men are calling for an increased focus on Pakistan.
President Obama will announce his new Afghanistan strategy tonight at 8. WDUQ-FM will broadcast the president's address.
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