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CAMP HANSON, Afghanistan - Helmand province Marines met with District Gov. Abdul Mutalib Majbor and local village elders, in Camp Hanson, Afghanistan, Oct. 6, to discuss issues related to Marjah’s progress in security, development and governance.
The Arabic word shura, which literally translates to consultation, is believed to be the manner by which ancient Islamic tribes selected leaders and made major decisions. To this day, many Islamic countries favor this method of discussing business and politics.
While international forces have improved their ability to operate within the framework of the local culture here, Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment have embraced this ancient tradition and have agreed to host weekly shuras at their forward operations base here, allowing Majbor to discuss major problems and issues concerning locals and village elders of Marjah.
First Lt. Jason N. Deane, officer in charge of non-kinetic operations with 2/9, explained how big of step this was for the local government. Majbor recently started touring the district, asserting his influence on a local populace that is still wary of the Taliban, he explained.
On his first visit, Majbor exhorted the locals to stand up to the Taliban.
“If they come to your homes in the night, ask them what they have done for your community,” said Majbor. “What buildings have they made? And tell them to take you to them, but they can’t because there are none. They can’t even support their stomachs.
Ask them, if they can’t support themselves, how can they support you?”
To encourage greater public participation, Majbor announced his decision to make Camp Hanson the regular location for future weekly shuras. The base is closer to the people of Marjah, which reduces their travel time and ads convenience. It’s also safer. As 2/6 and 2/9 push the enemy progressively farther from the city center, it has become an area of relative safety.
“Because the governor has recently committed to being up here at least once a week, that’s a step in the right direction,” said Deane. “It’s a big deal for the people up here because at least weekly, people in Marjah have access to their government.”
Majbor reminded the elders how critical their input is to the future of Marjah.
“If our ancestors, grandfathers, and great-great-grandfathers were facing any problems, they always held shuras, talking with each other and solving their own problems,” said Majbor. That’s why we had a very strong and united community and government in the past.”
Throughout the shura, education, infrastructure, and unity were hot topics. Village elders voiced their concerns and agendas to the governor, assuring him that their part in local governance would be more prominent now.
As the meeting came to an end, smiling locals welcomed the governor with handshakes and hugs.
“I need your ideas, and I need your opinions,” said Majbor. “I need to hear from you on how I can help you to give you a prosperous life. It is through these meetings that we will overcome our enemies and establish peace.”
| Date Taken: | 10.06.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.19.2010 02:01 |
| Story ID: | 58382 |
| Location: | CAMP HANSON, AF |
| Web Views: | 412 |
| Downloads: | 7 |
This work, Marjah governor tells citizens 'stand up to Taliban' during shura, by Cpl Andrew Johnston, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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