Significant Dates 19-26 Sep: Peace and National Unity Week

1. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Afghan Peace and National Unity Week Highlights Kabul -- President Hamid Karzai issued a Presidential Decree on 13 August designating 19-26 September 2012 as Peace and National Unity Week. Following the decree, the High Peace Council held a joint workshop for Provincial Peace Council Chairmen and Provincial National Department of Security Directors. The event evolved into an APRP and PNUW focused workshop where attendees acknowledged the importance of their role in the peace process. During PNUW, about 195 events were organized across all provinces of the country. Nearly 20,000 people actively participated while over 10 million people indirectly received peace messages through TV news, round table discussions, local newspapers, radio talk shows, and word of mouth. Significant Dates 19-26 Sep: Peace and National Unity Week 19 Sep: National Gathering at Loya Jirga Building 20 Sep: One Year Anniversary of the Death of Professor Rabbani 21 Sep: International Day of Peace Afghanistan vs. UK Cricket Match 22 Sep: International Peace Conf. 24 Sep: Ulema Conference Herat Women’s Conf. Terms APRP – Afghanistan Peace & Reintegration Program FRIC – Force Reintegration Cell HPC – High Peace Council JS – Joint Secretariat PJST – Provincial Joint Secretariat Team PNUW – Peace & National Unity Week PPC – Provincial Peace Council F-RIC Website https://ronna-afghan.harmonieweb.org/fric Contact the FRIC leta.s.deyerle@afghan.swa.army.mil Index Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1 Rabbani Interview - - - - - - - -2 Karzai/Fahim Comments - - - 3 Int. Peace Conference - - - - - 4 Ulema Conference - - - - - - - 5 HPC Women’s Shura - - - - - 5 Helmand Poetry Event - - - - -6 Kunduz Ceremony - - - - - - - 7 Badghis Reintegration - - - - -8 PNUW Events in the South - 9 Peace Week Activities - - - 10 Reintegration in the North - 11 Int. Day of Peace Message - 12 Cricket, Unity and Peace - - 13 Afghanistan vs. England - - 14

2. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Rabbani opposes military solution to conflict “There can be no military solution to the process, to the problems of Afghanistan and the people want peace and we will mobilise…” Frontier Post 19 September 2012 • KABUL (PAN): The High Peace Council chairman, pledging continued efforts for national reconciliation, on Tuesday voiced his aversion to a military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. • “There can be no military solution to the process, to the problems of Afghanistan and the people want peace and we will mobilise… Of course, working for peace will not be limited to Peace and National Unity Week...” • Inan interview with NATO TV on the occasion of Peace and Unity Week, Salahuddin Rabbani said they would be pursuing peace because two important events had taken place. • Hereferred to last year’s assassination of father and former High Peace Council head Burhanuddin Rabbani, and International Day of Peace, which falls on the September 21. • According to Rabbani, the message the council is going to • contribution to the peace process is very important. Doha is on track; we are also in talks with Saudis, Qataris and other countries, other friends of Afghanistan in the region.” “So we hope they will help the Afghans in the peace process. I think if Pakistan decides to help us, they are in a much better position to support the peace process,” Rabbani said. Asked about the 2014 pullout of foreign troops, he acknowledged there would be challenges but Afghan national police and army would be in a much better position to stabilise the country. “I hope by 2014 they will be taking even more areas under their control. I request the international friends of Afghanistan to keep sup-porting the training our national security institutions so that they could stand on their feet. • send the people of Afghanistan is • that it will achieve the best result and that this message will reach the opponents who still insist on a • military solution. • He hoped all Taliban leaders would one day come to the negotiating table, saying a number of them interested in a negotiated settlement of the problem were in contact with the High Peace Council. • The top peace negotiator confirmed a Tokyo meeting, attended by Taliban repre-sentatives. • “There are some other talks and meetings taking place. We hope that these contacts and talks will increase in future.” • Peacetalks were not limited to meetings in Doha, he said, stressing the role of Afghanistan’s neighbors in • supporting the process. • “Of course Pakistan is an important country and its

3. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE Defeat the rebels who won’t join the peace process: 1st VP Qasim Fahim September 2012 Karzai urges Afghanistan to rally behind push for peace • Rabbani, killed by a suicide bomber posing as an emissary from the insurgents. Karzai recalled how Rabbani consoled him when the president lost a brother who was gunned down by insurgents in July 2011. Many Afghans criticized Karzai for continuing to pursue reconciliation with the Taliban but Rabbani stood by his side, telling him that “you did not lose the voice of peace. The Afghan nation needs peace.” Associate Press/Richmond Times Dispatch September 19, 2012 • KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan president today urged his nation to rally behind the push for peace despite persistent violence, evoking the memory of former leader who was assassinated while trying to broker negotiations with the “We should all strive for peace,” said Hamid Karzai, Ariana News 23 September 2012 First Vice President Muhammad Qasim Fahim says that if the Taliban and other armed oppositions will not commit to join in the peace process, talking with them endlessly is meaningless and they must be defeated. Addressing the ceremony remembering the ex-chairman of the high peace council Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani’s first death anniversary, Fahim said the insurgents must be suppressed seriously in order to force them enter into peace negotiations. He noted the Taliban and Hizb-e-Islami could live alongside the citizens if they would accept Afghanistan’s constitution. “Regional security is linked with Afghanistan’s stability; if the adding that doing so is a way to continue the mission of slain former President Burhanuddin “Peace must not remain only in slogans, but practical steps should be taken in this respect.” - -Muhammad Qasim Fahim • regional countries won’t cooperate honestly, they will drown in misery,” the first vice president cautioned. • He urged that the regional countries for their own benefit should cooperate sincerely for bringing peace to Afghanistan. • During his speech at the ceremony, the chairman of High Peace Council Salahuddin Rabbani, said the root of insecurity in Afghanistan is outside the country. He urged the religious scholars throughout the country to help in rooting out the insurgency. • At the ceremony, the UN representative also stated their support for peace talks, stressing, “Peace must not remain only in slogans, but practical steps should be taken in this respect.” Reconciliation with the Taliban is one of the major programs of Afghanistan’s government, but the mechanism for this reconciliation has repeatedly encountered wide-spread criti-cisms by the political opponents of President Karzai.

4. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Kabul Hosts International Peace Conference • Kabul – Invited guests from over 15 countries attended an International Peace Conference at the Serena Hotel on September 22, 2012. • Well-known Afghan religious and political leaders, as well as scholars, were present for the event. The participants expressed their support to the peace process and exchanged views and insights on how to bring the two sides to the negotiating table. • Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of all Afghans having a united position when it comes to peace. Attendees listen to guest speakers at the Serena Hotel International Peace Conference Warns Taliban of Failure Afghanistan’s peace negotiations. "Peace cannot be achieved by proclamation or by statements," UNAMA Deputy Special Representative Nicholas Haysom said at the gathering. "Afghans recognize that the destiny is a common one and can only be jointly managed by respecting the differences due to accommodating the aspirations of all, not only by the silencing the guns, but by building a just peace that benefits all.“ The conference was held to bring together several envoys from around the world to discuss solutions to achieving peace in Afghanistan. Saturday, 22 September 2012 Written by Sharif Amiry “The Taliban will not regain power in Afghanistan and the fight against them will continue until they accept the country’s Constitution,” warned First Vice President Mohammed Qasim Fahim. Fahim told those at the two-day Peace and Unity Week conference in Kabul that the Taliban will never again regain power and Afghans will not lose the past decade's achievements. "If they do not accept the Afghanistan Constitution, the fight will continue," Fahim said. He went on to address concerns that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan will see the Taliban gain an upper hand, reassuring that it would not happen. "The Taliban will never return to power again and they will never have the place over the people as they had before," he added. Also at the conference, head of Afghanistan's High Peace Council Salahuddin Rabbani called on religious scholars of all Islamic countries to fight against extremism. Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) reassured that it would support 4

5. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Ulema Conference Champions the Cause of Peace Guest speakers showed full support of the Afghan peace process, while rejecting the acts of terrorists and extremists and continuation of violence against Afghans. High Peace Council Member Waqad, said, “Professor Rabbani was martyred a year ago. I salute him and all the martyrs who gave their lives for Afghanistan. These events to publicize peace will continue.” “Every Afghan needs food for sustenance and security to live,” Waqad said. “It is the duty of all Muslims to help us with peace.” HPC Member Kashaf echoed similar sentiments when he stated, “ Without peace, there is no other way and peace is the only way to follow.” Kashaf then offered that the Ulema Council had always been a great friend of t he HPC and would continue to work together for peace. HPC First Vice Chairman Mujahid concurred with Kashaf by saying, “The Ulema’s first responsibility is to think about everyone and Islam and if there is a difference between them, you must interfere, mediate and make it right.” “Democracy is good,” he said, “but it needs to be in the right context. We are an Islamic country; therefore, our context is Islamic tradition.” Maulawi Joorah, an HPC, Balkh Ulema, member, noted, “The best gift that God has given us is that He made us human. “The second best gift,” he said, “is the ability to speak, but this comes with responsibility. There-fore we should use this gift to resolve our differences.” On 25 September, an Ulema Conference was held as part of a series of events organized for PNUW. The total number of attendees numbered about 130 people from the Ulema Council membership as well as others. Attendees at this event included High Peace Council Members Kashaf, Waqad, Fawzi, Salekzadah, Rohani, Qasemyar, Muzafari, Shafi Nuristani and Maulawi Joura. Joint Secretariat attendees were Minister Stanekzai, Deputy Minister Farhad, and Mr. Hashimimi. Following a recitation of verses from the Quran, HPC Executive Committee Member, Muzafari opened the session by first inviting HPC member Waqda to speak. The common themes of all guest speakers was that Burhanuddin Rabbani was a great jihadi leader who also championed the cause of peace. HPC Women’s Shura Marks Herat PNUW Celebration Other events in Herat included a large gathering of people from the civil society, Provincial Council, diplomatic corps, Afghan politicians, filmmakers, and journalists. Asir Heravi, one of Herat's most famous poets, recited a poem about peace, while folk musicians from Herat and Badghis provinces played their indigenous instruments and sang folk songs. and head of the prisoners’ committee , Wakil Anwar Khan Is-Haqzai, PPC head Malawai Sarwar, and PC chairman Dr. Faizzadeh. The participants stressed the need for peace and discussed ways how to move the peace process forward. They called for a nation-wide support of the peace process and stressed that peace efforts are obligatory on every Afghan. Herat - The September 24 women’s shura, organized by the women’s branch of the High Peace Council in Kabul, had approximately 150 attendees.  Prominent women from Kabul attended, including representatives from Parliament and female HPC members. Speakers included the Herat Governor, HPC member Hawa Allam Nooristani, HPC member 5

6. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Peace Events from around the Provinces Peace Poetry Festival Convenes in Helmand Helmand Province -- Helmand Governor Mohammad Gulab Mangal, NDS Chief BG Nazir Ali Wahidi, Security Commander (PCoP) Colonel Abdul Nabi Elham, and Provincial Council Chairman Abdul Bari Barakzai took part in a poetry festival on the “Day of Peace.” Tribal elders and religious scholars also participated in this event on September 21, 2012. At the poetry festival, the state administrative officials, tribal elders, and cultural and literary personnel took the time to join with the Helmand Governor to insist on bringing forth everlasting peace in the province. They called for the Taliban “waslawalu” (i.e., “warlords”) to join the current peace process. The Helmand Governor pointed to the success of the peace process in Helmand and its effectiveness. At the same time, he noted that tribal elders, religious scholars, “spin jeray” (“graybeards”) all have as their duty to take part in bringing peace forth. This part, he said, included putting an end to violence in the province and taking initiatives to bring good graces to the community. The Provincial Peace Shura Chairman, Malim Shah Wali, complimented the provincial leaders in Helmand for their efforts and added that since the first day of this peace process until today, a large number of “angry warlords” have joined with (reintegrated) with the state (GIRoA). Malim Shah Wali said that the plan has support, such that in the future, peace will be empowered as they have an aim to travel to various districts, and the process will still have success and effectiveness. This is the first time that a poetry festival for peace was convened; poets stressed in their own poems the need to produce peace.. Provincial Governor honours ‘peace advocates’ Rasaniz Daily (Kunduz) 17 September 2012 - A series of cultural and sports activities, such as drawing competition among schoolchildren, volleyball match between ex-Taliban fighters and prison inmates, and a football tournament between the Kunduz districts have been organized to mark the International Peace Day in the last two weeks in Kunduz province. The Kunduz Civil Society Network, in collaboration with the Kunduz University, Department of Education, UNAMA and the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), organized the events. More activities were conducted until the end of September. The Kunduz Provincial Governor honoured the organizations that played the key role in organizing the events to promote peace.

7. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Kunduz Reintegration Ceremony marks Peace Week Activities • Kunduz residents celebrated Peace and National Unity Week at the Kunduz Provincial Center on Sept. 18. As part of the peace activities, eight anti- government elements (AGE) decided to join the peace process by laying down their weapons. • A reconciliation ceremony was held for the Commander, Sarwar, along with his group. • The reintegrees were welcomed by Provincial and Kunduz High Peace Council officials. • In attendance were Mohammad Amwar Jegdalik, the Kunduz Governor, and Assadullah Omarkhail, the Kunduz High Peace Council Director. • Other attendees were the Chief of Police (COP), National Department of Security (NDS) officials, media, key reconciler commanders, and influential community people. A media conference was held where peace program progresses were shared with the press. Newly approved Small Grant Projects (SGP) agreements were prepared and signed. Project inauguration ceremonies were also held during the week. Another event was a huge gathering at the PG office with more than 1000 people. Community elders and Islamic scholars were invited.   The speakers at the gathering delivered their speeches related to the late Professor Rabbani, peace and its importance.   * * * * * * * 7

8. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Badghis Reintegration and Reconciliation Ceremony Badghis Province -- A reconciliation ceremony was held in Badghis Province as part of Peace and National Unity Week. Two groups totaling 26 anti-government elements (AGE) with their 26 weapons, led by Mullah Delbar and Abdul Samad from Qadis District of Badghis Province, joined the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program (APRP.) The Deputy Provincial Governor (PG), heads of National Department of Security (NDS), Provincial Peace Council (PPC), Provincial Joint Secretariat Team (PJST), an APRP Regional Associate, and influential people participated. The head of NDS, Deputy of PG, and PPC secretary gave speeches in regards to peace building, unity and APRP objectives. They passed peace messages and requested other AGEs to joined APRP as well. 8

9. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Southern Afghanistan Celebrates Peace and National Unity Week Contestant speaks at Kandahar poetry contest Kandahar PG opens Ceremony Kandahari women at peace shura PPC Chair speaks at Daman shura Attendees at peace shura in Shah Joy Billboard promotes peace in Zabul 9

10. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Herat Province -- To kick off Herat’s celebration of peace week, the Provincial Peace Council commemorated Rabbani’s death anniversary on September 19, in an event that was attended by more than 2,000 people. Governor Saba, NDS Chief General Saboor, PPC Head Malawi Sarwar, and Chair of the Provincial Peace Council Dr. Faizzadeh spoke, along with Allhaj Mir Abdul Khaleq, former deputy governor and head of the newly formed Herat Jehadi Leaders Council.  The speakers’ remarks focused on memories of Rabbani and were largely apolitical.  Other peace week activities included the reconciliation of a group of 15 former fighters from Ghorian district on September 18, bringing the total of Herat reconcilees since the beginning of the APRP to 650. OnSeptember 20, in a formal ceremony attended by the Governor and other high officials, NDS handed over 235 weapons to the DIAG program. Throughout the week, messages were aired on local radio stations and billboards were put up throughout Herat city commemorating the event. Herat’s civil society held a stadium rally on September 23 to mark to mark International Peace Peace Week Activities in Afghanistan Provinces Day as well as peace week. Governor Saba, who spoke at the rally, said the organizers filled the stadium stands with about 2000 participants.  Speeches were constructive.  Security was good.  All the local journalists were there to cover it.  Bamyan Province -- In Bamyan, the day was marked with songs, claps and laughter as the peace day was celebrated with a concert of local music, drama and poetic speeches. The event was co-organized by UNAMA and a youth group called “Kanoon Tafahum” and brought together well-known singers from Bamyan and Dai Kundi provinces. Bamyan Deputy Governor Mr. Asif Mubaligh led Bamyan officials and Civil Society leaders in speaking about the importance of peace. The Bamyan Governor, Habiba Sarabi, who is the only female provincial governor of Afghanistan, participated in the main peace day event held in Kabul. Balkh Province -- In Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh Province, deputy provincial governor Zahir Wahdat spoke about how Islam promotes peace. “Islam is the religion of peace and wisdom and it denounces violence and murdering of inno-cent people,” said Mr. Wahdat. • Afghan folk music concert at the peace day ceremony in Mazar was performed by a team of local artists representing four different accents of the northern region. • Badakhshan Province -- 39 reconcilees were biometrically enrolled during Peace and National Unity Week in Badakhshan. A huge conference was also held at the Provincial Governor’s office. • Ten thousand people attended a huge gathering and listened to peace related speeches. • Takhar Province -- A huge gathering of more than 3,000 men was held at the provincial capital. Speeches related to the peace program were delivered by various speakers. • Baghlan Province – Minister of Public Works projects salaries were distributed at a ceremony marking Peace and National Unity Week. • Ten men from an anti- government element (AGE) in Jilga District joined the peace program vie the National Department of Security. 38 more AGEs were scheduled to join the peace program from the same district. • Several thousand local people participated in Quran Azimushan recitation programs at ten mosques. 10

11. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Reintegration Ceremonies in Northern Afghanistan 11

12. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 High Peace Council Spokesman Shares Successes of Afghanistan with Great Britain We are organizing hundreds of events throughout our country. We're preparing for an international peace conference, where people will gather from all over the world to give their views of how we can achieve peace for Afghanistan. We recognize the contribution and importance of our women in achieving peace and we are holding a dedicated women's peace conference in the historical city of Herat; we want to listen to everyone who has something useful to say about peace. The aim for peace and unity week is to encourage people that now is the time for national unity and reintegration in order to achieve lasting peace, stability, and dignity in our times. Today as you enjoy the music concert with family and friends, I want you to know that Afghanistan is a friend and an ally! We want to join hands with Peace One Day to say thank you, we are with you, and good luck. We hope we will have peace one day in the world! God bless you all! “ young people, their parents and young athletes. The UN and the Governor of Bamyan Province, our first female governor in the country, are observing Peace Day with the 4th Annual Trek for Peace in Afghanistan’s Central Highlands. There are many other partner organizations that support Peace One Day and are celebrating it with community activities around the country. Today, as I speak, marks the kick-off of the inaugural Roshan Afghan Premier League - one of the most ambitious projects undertaken in this country initiated by Moby Group. TheLeague demonstrates the power of sports in promoting peace and unity. It's designed to bring Afghans from all different parts of the country, promoting togetherness, and creating peaceful Afghan heroes that our nation's children can look up to. And we're going beyond one day. We have embarked on a week of peace and national unity. We are honouring the late Barhanudin Rabbani, who was former President of Afghanistan and Head of the High Peace Council and lost his life in the mission for peace. Sayed Sami Sadat, Director of Strategic Communication and Outreach for the High Peace Council Secretariat, created a video of celebration for the International Peace Day Celebration in London, England. The content of the message, both inspiring and positive, is below. “ Hello London, good evening Wembley! Today I want to recognize the indomitable Afghan spirit, the hearty spirit of a nation that endures, the generous spirit of a people, our people, that offers love, hope and seeks peace. Our country is young, and in our youth we see a remarkable future - one of peace and respect for all - a future without fear. We're joining you in support of Peace One Day full of enthusiasm for the International Day of Peace, 21 September. It is with great pride that today I share with you just a few examples of the many projects we pursue. TheNGO Skateistan is organising a variety of activities culminating in a Peace Day festival with musical performances, photo exhibitions and an Afghan Circus for

13. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Cricket – The harbinger of unity and peace in Afghanistan Sportskeeda by Deepika Goparaju Cricket has been the harbinger of unity and peace in Afghanistan. Cricket brings entertainment and it brings fun. It is one of the many sports which are attached to the emotions of millions of fans and the players stand as inspirational icons for them. But can it bring unity and peace in a country? I did not really think the answer was yes until an Afghan fan, who held a placard saying – “Cricket has brought unity and peace in Afghanistan” (in their match against England in the ongoing T20 tournament), told me I was wrong. Afghanistan’s history is a story of war and civil unrest. It remains extremely poor, landlocked, and highly dependent on foreign aid and trade with neighbouring countries. And from here, a way out is revealed, a team of heroes taking the hopes of their country high and raising its pride in the international (cricket) arena. Like India, the earliest days of cricket in Afghanistan also go back to Britishers’ regime, in the nineteenth century. But unlike India, it did not last long there. The second and the burgeoning era of the game started when the Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan started playing cricket They have got all the basics right and lack only experience. They never step back, rather look forward to take on better teams.. The team is yet to have a lot more international exposure and convert the big chances in the international arena. Despite lacking proper practice infrastructure in their country, they have this zeal to prove that Afghans can also win in cricket. Cricket is not just a game but a ray of hope in their dark, war and poverty ridden lives. Rising in cricket should bring in a lot of hope for the youth of Afghanistan. and it became popular among them. So, technically the roots of Afghan cricket lie in Pakistan. Cricket later became the only game approved by Talibans. Cricket in Afghanistan, fuelled by the success of its national cricket team, is now growing in popularity. It has risen from the lower levels of international cricket to qualify for the Twenty20 World Cups. In only 2008, they were in Division 5 of the World Cricket League, and by 2010 they were competing alongside the best teams in the world at the ICC World Twenty20. Afghanistan has got a lot of raw talent. 13

14. ISAF-FRIC REINTEGRATION UPDATE September 2012 Afghanistan vs. England ICC World Twenty20 Group A Match - September 21, 2012