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| Afghanistan |
| State interfering with private security forces |
| 2011-12-30 |
| KABUL -- Afghan officials have seized millions of dollars worth of armored vehicles and weapons from private security firms in recent weeks, a move that has exacerbated concerns about the government's plan to replace the hired guns that protect convoys and installations with an unprepared state-run guard force. The government has disbanded 57 security companies. Of the 46 that remain, 23 are Afghan-owned and 23 are foreign firms with operations in Afghanistan. The companies provide security to clients ranging from tiny aid organizations to large construction and shipping companies. For years, diplomatic missions and private security firms have complained that importing armored vehicles and weapons into Afghanistan is virtually impossible without paying bribes. "What they are trying to do is unbelievable," said Doug Brooks, president of the International Stability Operations Association, an advocacy group that represents security firms in conflict zones. "I think, in private, the recognition is universal, even among people in the Afghan government: All of them privately say this is not going to work the way it's intended." |
| Posted by:Anguper Hupomosing9418 |