Afghan Border Police commanders in southern Afghanistan, together with coalition forces hosted a security shura in the border town of Spin Boldak, Aug. 31.

The shura is a weekly meeting held by the local Afghan Security Forces where leaders get together to share ideas and resources.

The Shura was hosted by ABP Lt. Sadullah Asad, and attended by ABP Commander Sultan Muhammad and Afghan Highway Patrol Commander Sahib Jan.

Col. James D. Edwards, commander of in the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, and Lt Col. Andy Green, commander of the 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, also attended from the coalition forces.

One of the issues covered was about keeping the upcoming elections free and safe for all the people of Spin Boldak.

“Each [local Afghan] commander picks a topic important in his area and everyone talks about possible solutions,” said Green.

Green also added that the Afghan security forces were in the lead trying to find solutions and that his job is to assist in that process.

He offered to allow local candidates to come onto his base and record campaign speeches to be played over local radio stations, thus allowing the people of Spin Boldak a chance to hear from all candidates in the upcoming elections.

The Afghan commanders agreed and made plans to help each candidate get to the base to record their campaign message.

Coalition forces act as mentors and trainers to Afghan security forces to increase their capacity to provide security for Spin Boldak.

Sadullah said that their relationship with coalition forces is very good, and that their continued commitment to help Afghanistan build a free government makes him believe in a bright future for his country.

“It’s their country,” said Green. “With a little bit of work they could be running this place all by themselves.”

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