Marines Hosts Forum to Promote Afghan Solutions for Afghan Problems

FORWARD OPERATING BASE CAFERETTA, AFGHANISTAN

01.09.2010

Story by Cpl. Zachary Nola 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

FORWARD OPERATING BASE CAFERETTA, Nimruz province, Afghanistan — Third Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment blended the old with the new when they hosted a large shura, Jan. 9, where tribal elders from the city of Delaram, surrounding villages, and towns situated in the nearby provinces of Farah and Helmand, came to talk with one another about local concerns and hear from the local government.

When most Americans think "government" they likely think of the president, the constitution and Washington D.C., where elected officials gather to help run their nation.

Most Afghans, however, know very little about centralized government. When not ruled by communists, soviets, warlords or the Taliban, Afghans have chosen to govern themselves through tribal means.

While this tribal rule is similar to most other forms of government with rules, customs, traditions and village elders acting as leaders, it has presented challenges to Afghan and coalition forces, and the reconstruction effort they support.

One challenge is showing support for the Afghan government while at the same time respecting Afghan tradition.

However, the shura on Jan. 9, incorporated the ancient tribal tradition with the modern day centralization.

"The provincial governor and the district governor are here," said Maj. James Coffman, 40, the civil affairs officer for 3/4. "This is designed specifically for them as a forum for them to gain more momentum, more trust and confidence and to show the populace here that the government of Afghanistan is here, [the Afghan government] is going to stay here and going to help [the populace] rebuild."

The meeting also helped 3/4, Afghan national security forces, International Security Assistance Forces and non-government organizations meet many Afghan elders for the first time.

"This shura is great opportunity for all of us to develop good relationships with key leaders in the local area," said Coffman a native of Rome, Ga. "It's a good opportunity for us to get a lot of the leaders in one location at one time. Some of [the elders present], especially those from some of the smaller villages and some of the villagers further out, we've never met."

While hearing from local leaders and meeting coalition forces will help the process to secure and rebuild Delaram, the primary goal of the meeting was to facilitate a discussion between local Afghans on how they themselves can stabilize and secure the area.

"The biggest thing is Afghan solutions to Afghan problems. They have to be able to have the Afghan solution for these Afghan problems," said Coffman. "We need to see everything through an Afghan lens and the easiest way for us to do that is to say 'here's the problem' and take their advice on how to solve it and then help facilitate and support them in that process."

While security was the topic of most conversations other concerns included water, reconstruction and winterization needs.

"I would like to ask [local leaders] if they are able to provide electricity because winter is coming and I would like to have some heat," said a local school teacher, through an interpreter.

During his address to the shura Col. George S. Amland, deputy commander of Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan, emphasized coalition support for the areas elders and government officials while assuring local leaders that such support would not impede Afghan culture and traditions.

"International forces, and Americans, and Afghan national army will come soon in greater numbers. They will support your district governor, they will support your provincial governor and they will support your local security forces. They will provide once again that opportunity for you to choose the path that the people of Delaram will take," said Amland. "And while we are here, we want you to know we have the utmost respect for your religion, your culture and your customs. We are not here to interfere with any of them, we are not here to take your property, we are not here to change your religion and we are not here to change any of your customs."

While centralized government is not common in this part of the world the events of Jan. 9, showed a democratic, Islamic republic can coincide with Afghan traditions.

Some Afghans present traveled a mile or so to attend the meeting, others traveled many miles. But the point isn't about who traveled farther. The point is they came. They came to work with coalition forces, the government, each other and except the responsibility of supporting a government run by Afghans for Afghans.

"We are here to help you rebuild your community and offer you that opportunity that even Americans take as one of our most precious rights," said Amland. "It is the right for you to choose a better life and to do it without looking over your shoulder or worrying about someone else taking it away from you."

• Date Taken: 01.09.2010
• Date Posted: 01.11.2010 01:48
• Story ID: 43644
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE CAFERETTA, AF