Commerce Stability Program empowering Afghans

ZABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.27.2010

Story by Sgt. Gerald Wilson 

2d Cavalry Regiment

ZABUL, Afghanistan- The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan working alongside Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces from the Provincial Reconstruction Team are working together to empower the people of Shah Joy with hope in a brighter, safer future. A great example of GIRoA’s efforts is the newly developed the Commerce Stability Program.

CSP is a village-level security force made up of local men similar to a neighborhood watch. Like the Minutemen of old, these individuals agree to take up arms and defend their homes. The program hires men from each village and paying them to man observation posts. CSP is run by the Ministry of the Interior, but they are supervised by the Afghan National Police. They work together toward a common goal of providing a safe environment for the people.

Capt. Max Pappas, Team Leader of the Shah Joy PRT said, “The idea that there is a Pashtu face on security in Zabul province and Shah Joy is a powerful message to the citizens.”

“The intent behind the program is to provide the locals with some type of empowerment,” he said. “They have been completely sidelined by the war.”

Pappas went on to explain that the program will better allow for communication between the local population and ANSF forces. This interaction between the ANP and Pashtun natives is critical for the future success of the region.

According to Pappas, most of the ANSF forces providing security for these villages are made up of police officers from other tribes that speak Dari. Some of the ANSF don’t share the same language or religious ideals as the villagers of Shah Joy. By working side-by-side with the ANP, the CSP program is promoting cooperation and understanding between tribes.

CSP guards are hired on a one year contract. As that contract comes to an end each is given the chance to continue working by working for the ANP.

Pappas said that GIRoA is working hard alongside Coalition forces to spread the idea of a safe and secure Afghanistan to the more remote villages of Shah Joy district and the entire Zabul province letting citizens know they have better and brighter future to look forward to.

“The most powerful message we can pass is that sense of hope,” he said, “and a sense that GIRoA is here to stay.”

• Date Taken: 09.27.2010
• Date Posted: 09.27.2010 02:40
• Story ID: 57032
• Location: ZABUL, AF