KABUL (SW): At the peak of war season, the crucial Ministry of Defense (MoD) continues to operate under interim-minister, a situation analysts believe would hamper security forces’ moral on the front.
So far, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s three choices to head the MoD fall short to secure the seat in cabinet. First, it was the then Army Chief Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi who was turned down by the Wolesi Jirga (WJ) i.e. (lower house). Later Gen. Afzal Ludin declined the offer with thanks citing concerns over political repercussions.
Last but not the least, Masoom Stanikzai, Interim Minister for Defense, was rejected by the WJ by a difference of 84 to 104 votes on Saturday (04 July).
In eyes of former Air Chief, Gen. Atiqullah Amarkhail, the situation is detrimental to the soldiers’ moral. "In view of the raging war, the Wolesi Jirga should not have a decisive say over the sensitive issues of national security related to the ministries of Defense, Interior and National Directorate for Security (spy agency)”.
Amarkhail said that the MoD rules and guidelines have clear obligations and authorities marked for the minister but not for the interim or acting minister.
Office of the Chief Executive told SW that the President and his CE Abdullah Abdullah has not discussed new names for the post yet. Javaid Faisal, Spokesman for the CE said Stanikzai would head the ministry until then.
57 years-old Stanakzai, a Kabul Telecommunication Institute graduate has also attended the Kabul Military Academy. He served as the telecommunications minister from 2002 to 2004, Advisor on Security to the former president Hamid Karzai and as secretary of the High Peace Council. The man has been on the hit list of Taliban surviving two serious attempts on his life so far.
Saleh Mohammad Saleh, WJ member however, argued that the government has so far failed to nominate a worthy candidate. He stressed that the President and CE should overcome their differences related to the cabinet formation for the greater good of the nation.
According to the MoD sources, Afghan security forces are fighting militants on at least 21 fronts.
