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KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - In Kunar province, a remote, mountainous region in eastern Afghanistan where recent operations have worked to rid violent areas of hundreds of Taliban, more than 100 religious leaders joined coalition forces in a peaceful celebration, Aug. 17.
The local Mullahs, religious and provincial leaders sat side-by-side with members of the Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Iowa National Guard’s 734th Agribusiness Development Team for an iftar hosted by the coalition forces.
Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during Ramadan and is often done as a community. Though they are not neighbors in the sense that their homes are next door, the point of this iftar was to show how servicemembers from Forward Operating Base Wright are just as much a part of the Kunar community.
“There are huge differences between our cultures, especially in Kunar where much of the population is very conservative,” said U.S. Army Capt. Andrea Kuhlman, Kunar PRT supply officer from Brevard, N.C. “By hosting iftar and inviting the Mullahs, it shows that we can help them progress without offending their culture or taking away what is important to them. We respect the Mullahs’ position of authority in their society.”
The festivities provided a venue for members of the coalition forces to get better acquainted with the much-respected religious leaders within the province they are currently working. For some, like the newly arrived 734th ADT, this was the first time they would meet.
“It's important to us to respect Islam and the culture of Afghanistan as we establish a positive presence in the community,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lewis, deputy commander of the ADT and a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “By hosting this iftar, Gov. [Fazlullah] Wahidi provided an excellent opportunity for us to start to get to know many of the local religious leaders in a very culturally appropriate way.”
Additionally, it provided a unique cultural experience for many of the military members.
“I was greeted by several men who seemed happy to share iftar with us,” said Kuhlman, who was also invited to share a meal with the local security eating outside. “Many of them thanked me for coming, shaking my hand and putting their hands on their hearts as is their custom.”
The governor took time to address the crowd packed into the banquet hall after they finished a traditional feast of bread, meats, rice, soup and fruits.
“We respect the coalition forces as they are showing respect to our Mullahs and our traditions,” said Wahidi, Kunar provincial governor. “Inviting someone to dinner during Ramadan is very important and we thank them for that.”
The PRT also brought the Mullah’s what Wahidi called the best gift that can be given – Holy Qur’ans and prayer rugs.
“I thought it went well, and when Gov. Wahidi presented the gifts of the Holy Qur’an and prayer rugs I think it showed all the Mullahs and other guests that we want to help them and the region,” said Kuhlman.
A previous iftar had been held by the PRT, Aug. 14, to recognize the justice officials in the region and commend them for the landmark work they have been doing.
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.20.2010 12:59 |
| Story ID: | 54918 |
| Location: | KUNAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
This work, PRT, ADT break fast with local Mullahs, by 1st Lt. Amy Abbott, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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