Embassy of Afghanistan

Herndon High Political Science student Belol and Mr. Mohammad Taqi Khalili, Political Counselor of Embassy of Afghanistan.  Mr. Khalili answered student questions and provided a slide-show of present day Afghanistan.  Pictures below also include examples of the Q&A session, art work at the embassy, students in Georgetown and a photo-op at a nearby statue..  The students and faculty members greatly appreciated the warm hospitality we experienced at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C.  This meeting took place December 9th, 2010.  

Belol (in Farsi)- We frequently hear in the news about America soldiers fighting the Taliban, but we don't hear about Al Qaeda. Does that mean that the Al Qaeda threat has been eliminated?  ANSWER- The Afghan government is trying to expel the very real threat of Al Qaeda from Afghanistan.  This is also Pakistan's responsibility.  

Sam and Miya...and President Harmid Karzai.

Amalia- In July, 2011 U.S. troops will begin their withdrawal from Afghanistan.  What consequences do you see for Afghanistan if we leave? What consequences do you see for Americans if we stay? 

Libby (left)- How serious did you consider the first round of Wikileaks, which dealt with Afghanistan and Iraq and the most recent Wilileaks releases?  ANSWER- Wikileaks hasn't been a devastating shock to the relationship between the U.S. and Afghanistan.

Ismita (3rd from right)- In the past the Soviet Union tried to exploit Afghanistan.  Osama bin Laden exploited Afghanistan as a terrorist training zone.  Do you think the U.S. is exploiting Afghanistan in any way?  ANSWER- I don't get that impression. The U.S. has been helping Afghanistan.  Neighboring countries might feel that Afghanistan has been invaded by the  U.S., but in reality the U.S. is there to help.  Afghan people do not  consider the U.S. as an invading army but rather a helping force.

Ashley (right)- Do you think fighting corruption should be given an increased focus in order to further our chances of winning the war?  ANSWER- We are doing a lot against corruption, many people have been fired.

Brooke- In his book "Bush at War" author Bob Woodward described a 2001 conversation between American CIA agent Cofer Black and Russian officials. The Russians told Black the U.S. would never succeed in Afghanistan.  Since we've been in your nation for 10 years, could it be said the Russians were right?  ANSWER- The U.S. and Afghanistan are partners and all Afghanistan believes that there has been success. And we believe there will be continued  success.

We were served delicious traditional Afghan desserts and tea.

Antwanett and Nyeisha

Kseniya (being served)- Is there any lingering service bitterness towards Russians  for the Soviet invasion in 1979 and subsequent turmoil?  ANSWER- Afghanistan wants to have good relations with all nations including Russians.  What's done  is done.  

Elizabeth- In the 2010 wikileaks it was reported that special black operation teams were holding Taliban leaders without trial, it was also reported that drones, operated from Nevada, were being used to kill Taliban leaders. How do you feel about the use of such tactics? ANSWER- We support the actions the United States takes to protect Afghanistan. What is important is that terrorism is being eradicated.

Rohafza discusses her Afghan background with Mr. Khalili. 

Sanford- The nation of Iran was helpful to Afghanistan after 9/11 but the U.S. has many problems with the  government of Iran.  How is your current relationship with Iran?  ANSWER- Afghanistan is attempting to get the  U.S. and Iranian officials to set aside their differences because both nations are helping out Afghanistan. We are friends with both nations.

Cupcakes from TLC's show "DC Cupcakes"

Zoe (left)- The Philosophy and values of the Taliban are repulsive to Americans. Why do  you think the Taliban are able to gain followers?  ANSWER- Pakistan shares a border with Afghanistan that is 2000 kilometers.  As a result it is difficult to keep an on and control this area resulting in people outside Afghanistan coming in. The Taliban not only gain followers from Afghanistan.

Sarah (right)- Do you support the U.S. giving over $1Billion when it is alleged that the Pakistani government has given funds to the Taliban?  ANSWER- We have support but concern. Is Pakistan focused on fighting terrorism or not? Where is the focus? The U.S. should support and give funds to Pakistan they should watch them.

Conor- We hear so much bad news in America about Afghanistan. What positive aspects of Afghanistan would you like us to tell our friends and family? ANSWER- There are many good things about Afghanistan.  I would like to take all of you on a trip there. The Afghan people are willing to work with the US forces. We are not just a country that is a battleground. At the same time we don't want to be forgotten after you withdraw. It is the youth's job to be optimistic and make Afghanistan great. 

Samantha- Last June villagers in the town of Gizab came together and kicked out the Taliban.  Is there a way to inspire all Afghan's to unite and plan similar attacks on the Taliban and win the war?  ANSWER- The best way to combat the Taliban is unity. We will still need international assistance but unity is the key.

Ryan- What do Afghan's want in the coming years?  What is their vision for the future?  ANSWER- We want to be free. We want to rebuild from 30 years of war.  We want sovereignty over our land and ourselves.  We want to be partners with the international community.

Antwanett and Sanford

Joe (right)- If Pakistan can't stop attacks into Afghanistan, would you consider using Afghan forces in Pakistan to stop those attacks?  Or would you like the U.S. to do that?  ANSWER- You ask tough questions.......

Ian (right)- After March of 2003, when the U.S. invaded Iraq, did you think the U.S. provided enough resources to be successful against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan?  ANSWER- We were pleased that the  U.S. was able to still focus their forces in Afghanistan despite your engagement in Iraq. We were pleased you did not lose sight of the problems in Afghanistan.

Clare (left with Nyeisha)- Did you live under Taliban rule and if so, could you describe what it was like?  ANSWER- I didn't live in Kabul when the Taliban were in control.  It was a time of terribleness and  sadness. Women had very few rights like not even being able to outside without permission.  Things have changed.

Miya- I've noticed there are many interesting works of art here in the embassy.  Would you mind describing the work of art on that  wall:

ANSWER- This is a reproduction of one  of the "Buddhas of Bamyan" which were built in 507 and 554.  They were destroyed by the Taliban because they were considered "idols."

Elizabeth (left)- The Afghan government had the chance to work with President Bush and President Obama. Under which president leadership do you think was best at keeping Afghanistan safe and stable?  ANSWER- The changing of leadership did not affect the policy of helping Afghanistan.

Diana (center)- How did you think 9/11 would affect your nation?  ANSWER- It was a new chapter for Afghanistan. Most Afghans condemned the attacks.  I knew nothing would happen in Afghanistan without the international community.

Jeff (left)- Do you support the Obama administration strategy of negotiating with senior members of the Taliban as reported last July by The Guardian newspaper in the U.K.? ANSWER- We support negotiation with the opposition.

Tom (2nd from left)- Could the Afghanistan economy function without the sale of opium?  ANSWER- Yes.  In some provinces the situation has gotten much better. People have more options to make money. It reminds me of a bazaar where people come from all over to sell their goods and Afghanistan is now shutting the door of those trying to sell drugs. It's like the USA and Mexico drug trafficking that happens on your border. 

Brendan (right)- Which government had more loyalty among the Afghan people, the USSR 's backed government in the 1980's or the current Karzai government?  ANSWER- Well of course the Karzai government has way more support among the people. People are able to be open and criticize the government. It is beyond comparison to the former communist government.

Amalia and Rohafza

Hanging out with Civil War hero, General Phil Sheridan.