CAMP MOREHEAD, Afghanistan – Members of the U.S. Special Forces team at Camp Morehead’s Advanced Operations Base met with the Wardak governor in Maidan Shar, the capital of Wardak province, Feb. 5.
“Our purpose visiting with you today is to build a relationship and foundation to help develop stability and security throughout your province,” said Maj. Kevin Trujillo, AOB commander, to Mohammad Halim Fidai, Wardak provincial governor. “These are your people, and we want you to know the ways we can help them, as well as hear your thoughts on ways we can better support you and the people of your province.”
In the past, U.S. Special Forces teams have helped Afghans by partnering with Afghan National Army commando’s and ANA special forces. It is this type of relationship with Afghan forces that the Special Forces teams believe are the key to increasing security, governance and development within rural Pashtun areas.
Fidai, the youngest governor of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, knew all too well the challenges that the AOB faced, but was eager to form a connection to help bring peace to his people.
“I trust special forces more than any other forces. Efficiency, effectiveness, resources, these are all things you demonstrate,” said Gov. Fidai. “I think special forces have the right type of tactics to achieve the goal we need. Although there is no simple solution, together I think we can be successful [bringing peace to the people].”
According to the governor, the key to success is two-fold. Each task has its own set of challenges, but peace is reliant on the success of both.
The first task consists of gaining the support of the people, especially the younger generation, which Fidai sees as the future of the country. One of the most difficult, yet worthwhile ways to achieve this is gaining support from the religious communities and mosques in the area through their participation in future shuras.
“It is so important to gain the mosque support so it doesn’t become an [insurgent] brain-washing center for young Afghans. Naturally, all Afghans go to the village mosques. It acts as the community hub, as a public discussion forum, as their television [news] source,” the governor said. “If we do not work to gain their support, each mosque could become intelligence centers for enemies. This is why it is vital to gain the trust of these religious centers.”
This support of the people is vital in another way, as it helps dissuade those opposed to peace and stability from acting against the will of the people.
“I will tell you there are people opposed to you, very powerful people, and right now they have support,” the governor continued. “What I want to do is link you to the people that would support you so that through them, others will trust and support you more, and remove the power of those [in league with insurgents].”
Through this support, the second task of removing the fear and doubt that has been instilled in Afghans should come naturally.
“The villagers have the desire to stop the insurgents from the west from pushing through and using their villages, but they are afraid, afraid of being attacked or loved ones being killed,” said a special operations team leader. “What we are trying to do right now is show them that there are forces supporting them so they don’t need to be afraid, they can stand up and speak out against those who would do them harm without fear of attack.”
Governor Fidai echoed the team leader’s thoughts. Behind closed doors, people like the coalition presence, they want to support the government and they want to be part of the democratic process, but pressure from outside forces prevent them from doing so, he said.
With these two tasks accomplished, the governor believes it will pave the way for a safer Afghanistan where its people are able to live in peace.
“I believe we have the types of forces necessary to achieve our goals: the Afghan National Army Kandaks, special forces, U.S. Special Forces, and U.S. Army,” the governor said. “There are many opportunities, provided that we work as a strong team, and that efforts do not become a victim of a political agenda, or the victim of competition [between allied forces].”
| Date Taken: |
02.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
02.08.2011 10:27 |
| Story ID: |
65010 |
| Location: |
CAMP MOREHEAD, AF |
| Web Views: |
128 |
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