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The Government Media and Information Center (GMIC) was established four years ago with the financial help of western countries, particularly the US.

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Its role is to co-ordinate between the government and the western media in Kabul, and it is monitored by US advisors.

However, as the GMIC matured, it started to oppose the international community and the US in some cases.

Two weeks ago, the US Embassy cut its funding to GMIC and withdrew its advisors as tensions rose between the two institutions.

The cause of the problem seemed to be GMIC's decision to condemn the killing of civilians in operations conducted by foreign troops. But was this the real reason behind the spat?

The Activities of GMIC

When GMIC was formed, the UK, Canada and the Netherlands also helped alongside the US. Canada and the Netherlands soon cut their help, but aid from the US and the UK continued.

Western embassies provided all the necessary equipment and facilities to the GMIC, and set it up in an office in the Shashdarak area of Kabul city where the rent is $9,000 per month.

GMIC's personnel all have good salaries. Although their wages have not been disclosed, some reports suggest GMIC employees get paid as much as $5,000 per month.

GMIC's Activities during the Presidential Election

The GMIC was established at a time when preparations were under way for the presidential elections, so the center played a major role in President Karzai's election campaign. The head of the Nai Media Watchdog, Sediqullah Tawhidi said the center was established to organise President Karzai's election campaign.

A former employee of the center said on the condition of anonymity that "most of the election campaign of President Karzai was organised through this center."

Karim Khuram at the Presidential Palace

GMIC's operations continued after the presidential election. But after Karim Khuram was appointed as Karzai's chief of staff, tension emerged between him and Karzai's spokesman Waheed Omer, leading ultimately to Omer's resignation. Allegations of corruption are also thought to have played role.

Khuram's Appointments

After Mr Khuram became Karzai's chief of staff, he appointed Sefatullah Safi as deputy director of the GMIC. It seems Mr Khuram was not acting illegally by making appointments at the GMIC but he was, nevertheless, trying to bring the GMIC under his control. Until his arrival, all employees had short-term contracts. One GMIC employee who asked not to be identified said that because Mr Omer wanted to have influence inside GMIC, all the employees had short-term agreements and he never asked President Karzai to give them permanent and official contracts.

Anti US Media

Allies of Mr Khuram caused two problems: they created tensions among GMIC personnel and generated a lack of trust between GMIC and the US Embassy.

Apparently, it was a press conference held by GMIC about a Nato-led operation that killed civilians that increased tensions between it and the US Embassy but there are reports that there were other major problems behind the scenes that caused the suspension of US funds.

The US Embassy in Kabul said that it will review its funding of the center but what really forced the US to do this?

Using US money and facilities to establish anti-US media are reportedly the real cause of tensions.

Using US money Against the US

Co-operation of several GMIC personnel with anti-US media is what concerned US the most. The head of GMIC says that his staff is permitted to do their own private work after their official work time.

Isaf's Role in the Suspension of Funds

There are reports that Isaf played a role in suspension of funds to GMIC. But apparently tensions between the US Embassy and GMIC are the underlying cause. The US Embassy in Kabul has persuaded the US government to resume its funding, but this is temporary. US aid to GMIC raises many questions? The major question is why the public is unaware of the conflicts that are going on within the organisation, and the uneasy relations between the US and the center.

What Will Replace Western Aid?

Some reports say that GMIC had a major in role Karzai's re-election campaign. It seems that US aid to GMIC will be cut by the end of this year. So what will keep the center alive? The head of GMIC, Hakim Aashir, believes that after US donations stop, individuals close to Pakistan and Iran will start providing funding.