Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
New York Times
June 12, 2008 To the Editor:
I am writing to express our serious concern and disappointment over “As Ills Persist, Afghan Leader Is Losing Luster” (front page, June 7). Should there be any truth in the views expressed by the anonymous sources, why were the comments not made on the record?
In the spirit of responsible journalism, at least one on-the-record critical view should have been presented.
President Hamid Karzai and the government of Afghanistan are committed to our partnership with the international community as outlined in the Afghan National Development Strategy and the Afghanistan Compact signed in London two years ago. It is with this spirit that we are going to Paris to further solidify our partnership in support of peace and stability in Afghanistan and a world free of terror.
In fulfillment of our obligations the Afghan government has taken strong measures in fighting narcotics and corruption while striving to bring good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights.
Some examples include the number of poppy-free provinces tripling this year (compared with only six in 2006) and imprisonment of several senior government and nongovernment figures on corruption charges.
We agree that warlordism is a serious challenge to the rule of law and delivery of justice. The Afghan government has worked hard for the last six years to tackle this issue without international backing. As a result, many warlords have either transformed into positive elements or have been brought to justice.
Our struggle for justice and ending impunity at times has suffered setbacks because of blatant interference. This and all other allegations made in the article can be rebutted with facts. We invite The New York Times, in the interest of openness, to have its sources reiterate its points on the record.
Humayun Hamidzada, Kabul, Afghanistan, June 7, 2008
The writer is spokesman and director of communications, office of President Hamid Karzai.
June 12, 2008 To the Editor:
I am writing to express our serious concern and disappointment over “As Ills Persist, Afghan Leader Is Losing Luster” (front page, June 7). Should there be any truth in the views expressed by the anonymous sources, why were the comments not made on the record?
In the spirit of responsible journalism, at least one on-the-record critical view should have been presented.
President Hamid Karzai and the government of Afghanistan are committed to our partnership with the international community as outlined in the Afghan National Development Strategy and the Afghanistan Compact signed in London two years ago. It is with this spirit that we are going to Paris to further solidify our partnership in support of peace and stability in Afghanistan and a world free of terror.
In fulfillment of our obligations the Afghan government has taken strong measures in fighting narcotics and corruption while striving to bring good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights.
Some examples include the number of poppy-free provinces tripling this year (compared with only six in 2006) and imprisonment of several senior government and nongovernment figures on corruption charges.
We agree that warlordism is a serious challenge to the rule of law and delivery of justice. The Afghan government has worked hard for the last six years to tackle this issue without international backing. As a result, many warlords have either transformed into positive elements or have been brought to justice.
Our struggle for justice and ending impunity at times has suffered setbacks because of blatant interference. This and all other allegations made in the article can be rebutted with facts. We invite The New York Times, in the interest of openness, to have its sources reiterate its points on the record.
Humayun Hamidzada, Kabul, Afghanistan, June 7, 2008
The writer is spokesman and director of communications, office of President Hamid Karzai.