Popal argues it would be impossible to pay off the patchwork of insurgent groups attacking the supply routes, since there’s no single commander.
Watan Risk Management also has the highest casualty rate among private security firms, he notes, with an average of 50 deaths per month between May and October 2009.
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You know, Mr. Popal has a point. If his company is paying off the Taliban, then why were they losing so many people every month? This is not me picking a side or anything. I am just saying that if in fact Watan Risk Management is using bribes to protect convoys, then they should get their money back because they are getting a raw deal.
I would also be curious to hear how many of those deaths were do to just the hazards of driving hours and hours on poor roads with horrible driving conditions, on top of attacks by the enemy? You know the saying ‘lies, damn lies, and statistics….’. It is still a sacrifice, but in this discussion it is important to differentiate because the Taliban has nothing to do with those deaths.
The other point to make is that maybe they would have lost twice that many folks if they didn’t pay off those they could deal with? Who knows, but I figured I would post Watan’s side of the story. Rest in peace to the fallen contractors of this company who paid the ultimate sacrifice while delivering this essential cargo for the war effort. –Matt
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Ahmad Rateb Popal. (CBC)
Taliban protection payoffs denied by contractor
April 27, 2010
Allegations that a private security firm has been bribing Taliban and other insurgents to ensure safe passage for NATO convoys in Afghanistan are being denied by a key player in the business.
Allegations that a private security firm has been bribing Taliban and other insurgents to ensure safe passage for NATO convoys in Afghanistan are being denied by a key player in the business.
Kabul-based Watan Risk Management was among the private companies fingered in recent media reports alleging that the firms are paying off insurgents to protect supply routes, essentially funnelling international funds to the very groups troops are fighting against.