The Cool Blue Blog

Al Qaida's Islamic enemy

Last week, the major new facility for Higher Learning opened in Khost Afghanistan

Located in Khost province, 200km away from the capital Kabul, the Zayed University was built at the cost of $4.8 million. It will offer courses in medicine, engineering, agriculture, technology, Islamic studies, arts, literature and education.

And it wasn't built by the Western countries; it was built by the United Arab Emirates

The university was built thanks to a generous grant by the late UAE President His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan...

In remarks after the inauguration ceremony, Al Mazroui reiterated the UAE's commitment to help the Afghan people in health, education, reconstruction, and humanitarian spheres. He said the opening of the university underscored the commitment of Shaikh Khalifa to fulfil the vision of the late Shaikh Zayed.

But it turns out, that the UAE is doing much more than going around offering humanitarian aid. According to the BBC

The BBC's security correspondent, Frank Gardner, can reveal that Arab soldiers have been taking part in dangerous missions alongside US troops in Afghanistan.

Troops from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been delivering humanitarian aid to their fellow Muslims and, on occasion, fighting their way out of Taleban ambushes. Though Jordanian forces have been carrying out some base security duties, the UAE's troops are the only Arab soldiers undertaking full-scale operations in the country.

Until now, their deployment has been kept so secret that not even their own countrymen knew they were here....

...these are not the only coalition troops giving out aid to Afghans. But what is really winning hearts and minds is the Islamic connection....

"We make a contract with the US Army to help the people down here, not to fight".

But I put it to him that in fact his troops have been fighting insurgents as well as handing out aid.

"If we have any types of personal attacks we react with fire. And after that we go to the elders in this area: 'Why are you shooting us? We came here to help you.

"'If you have the same picture of all coalition forces, we are different. We came here to help you.'

"And we try to convince the people about the US, about British. They came here to give you peace."

The same type of Counter-Insurgency (COIN) strategy operating in Iraq is the model here.

The Emirati approach is to meet their fellow Muslims' religious needs first, then build schools and clinics later.

But for this to have a wider, lasting, and national effect, the blueprint would need to be repeated and expanded by others, many times over and throughout Afghanistan.

And that is not likely to happen in the near future.

But the efforts put forth by the UAE is a great start and perhaps other Muslim nations will feel encouraged to help.

And there is no better advertisement for success than, well, success.

 

Progress against the Taliban

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross writing at the Counter Terrorism Blog notes that President Musharraf was not the only loser when Pakistan held successful elections last month

Pakistan's February 18 elections signaled a dramatic shift in Islamist parties' fortunes in the North-West Frontier Province. In the 2002 general election, religious parties won 67 seats in the 99-seat provincial assembly, while in 2008 they won only nine seats. Some commentators have attached great strategic significance to these results. For example, Heritage Foundation research fellow Lisa Curtis wrote that "[p]erhaps the most important outcome" of Pakistan's elections "was the victory of a secular Pashtun party in the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) over religious parties sympathetic to the Taliban." The Christian Science Monitor declared that the victorious Awami National Party (ANP) is "expected to marshal all the province's resources - police, politics, and the law - against extremism."

And the result has been felt in Afghanistan

The troubles in Pakistan’s federally administered tribal areas across the border are being felt in Afghanistan. There have been fewer Taliban trying to infiltrate.

“The Taliban are very opportunistic,” the general said. “They flow and move where the opportunities present themselves. With all of the things going on inside Pakistan right now, that has had an impact in what is going on along the border.”

But in general, how far have we come in Afghanistan and how far do we need to go? SGM Curtis L. Regan CJTF-82, CJ-3 Bagram, Afghanistan gives us a clue

So where are we? Six years ago, there was no Afghanistan government, there was no Afghanistan President, there was no Afghanistan Army, there was no Afghanistan police force, and there were no Afghanistan border patrols.  Criminals did not go in front of duly appointed judges in modern courtrooms, and convicted felons did not go to prison. Afghanistan children did not go to school, young adults did not go to college, and farmers’ produce did not travel to market.  Commerce did not flow, engineering projects did not get off the ground, and corruption reigned supreme.

As a combined joint and multi-national task force, we are intent on increasing interoperability with the fledgling Afghan National Security Forces, fostering regional military professionalism within the Afghan National Army, and demonstrating by example the role of the Afghan National Police in a democracy.  Reciprocal military-to-military contact is the primary method of executing these goals.  The reciprocity concept means all sides – US Forces, host nation forces, and international partners – participate and benefit.

This success is especially critical in the company of an unprecedented media presence.  The media alone can make the difference between success and failure, particularly in elongated military operations and global campaigns like the ones we are currently engaging in Iraq and Afghanistan.  And all at a time when our Allies must trust and have confidence in our efforts - Once this trust is violated, this relationship becomes ineffective.

Early in this war the enemy shifted from conducting conventional operations to pursuing an insurgent strategy to topple the newly established political system and discredit the duly elected government of Afghanistan.  We therefore adapted a strategy to effectively meet this threat.  Counter-insurgency operations are complex and require a deep understanding of the enemy and his intent.  Additionally, counterinsurgency operations require patience, perseverance, initiative, and discipline to defeat the enemy.  Inherent to this success is the essence of our campaign objectives and counter-insurgency operational activities.

Sustained Armed Forces presence in a region promotes a secure environment in which diplomatic and economic programs can flourish. This sustained presence of strong, capable ground forces is the most visible sign of US commitment – to allies and adversaries alike.  But presence alone does not defeat an insurgency, regardless of the length of time and manpower committed to the endeavor.  Determining the military actions and civil activities necessary to achieve the desired political end-state is quite challenging in counter-insurgency operations.  Success takes years and requires perseverance and a long term commitment to solving the real problems.  Conversely, daily operations require rapid and aggressive responses to changing conditions based on localized conflict from competing groups.

Where do we go from here and how do we succeed in the end? A simple but effective Counter-insurgency strategy executed deliberately and consistently over a protracted period of time, with professional poise and steadfast determination from all elements of security and support.

But as SGM Regan points out we need more

The Nation is best served when Congress remains focused toward concrete resolution of all armed conflict.  The effectiveness of the Military’s collective efforts overseas speaks well for the institutional soul of today’s Armed Forces.  Our values and the laws governing warfare teach us to respect human dignity, maintain our honesty, and do what is right. Adherence to our values distinguishes us from terrorists, insurgents, and other lawless factions. The ultimate success of this Counter-Insurgency Operation depends on maintaining the obligatory value systems in all that we do, and that we continue to occupy the moral high ground, be it with prisoners of war, suspected enemy personnel, or our own countrymen.

The necessity and required outcome of this conflict remain unchanged.  Strong resolute men must remain steadfast in the prosecution of terrorists and insurgent forces and a strong, capable, self-reliant Nation must follow in the wake of fanatical tyranny.  Evil must be eradicated, and ideology must be constrained to lawful and legitimate means of debate.  Free people must be endowed with the choice of personal religious practices, the pursuit of happiness, and the rewards that come with hard work, creative thinking, and personal expressions of excellence.  Coercion, abuse of power, and tyrannical submission of individual rights and liberties cannot go unchecked. 

Yeah, but are our political institutions up to this task?

Our military is...

Family affair

Americans Donate School Supplies

Combined Joint Task Force –76 coordinates delivery of backpacks and supplies to the children of Afghanistan.

By U.S. Army Sgt. Mayra Kennedy
345th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 7, 2006 —The commander of Combined Joint Task Force - 76 gathered with Afghan officials here June 19 and in support of the ongoing humanitarian mission donated 2,050 school supplies to Afghan children.

Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, CJTF – 76 commander, presented the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police with the donation, primarily from families at Fort Polk, La., and Fort Drum, N.Y.
                  
“A lot of organizations in the U.S. are contributing school supplies for Afghan children,” said Freakley, who explained how the donation will be divided among the two organizations. “This is the first time that we’ve donated supplies to the ANA and ANP.  We are trying to make a better life for the people of Afghanistan.”

He explained that the donation was given to the army and police because they know best who is in need of the supplies.
                  
Afghan Gen. Esmatullah Darrlatzai, ANP commander of the Regional Command South, received half of the school supplies, which will be given to those in need.
                  
“This is the best way to see and keep the people supporting the government,” said Esmatullah.

Earlier this month, the army distributed school supplies to at least one school and an orphanage in the Kandahar Province where 1,200 Afghan boys and girls benefited from the donations.

During a visit at a school in Lashkar Gah, Esmatullah said children received him and his soldiers with open arms and he wanted to repay their sentiments by providing school supplies.

“Both generals need to know this is an initial down payment,” said Freakley.  “If they need more, they need to tell their mentors so that we can help out.”

Czech Generator

Master technician turns lights on in Gardez

April 5, 2006

KABUL, Afghanistan (Army News Service, April 5, 2006) – After 20 years of darkness, the lights are finally back on in Gardez, thanks to the Czech Republic’s donation of a generator and the talents of Yvan Nobile, master technician.

Between years of conflict and a lack of maintenance, the city’s generator died years ago, plunging the small metropolis into a world of darkness and back into the nineteenth century. Enter the Czech Republic with its donation and Nobile, with more than 40 years of electrical expertise.

“The equipment was in poor shape,” said Nobile, a spry French-American master electrical engineer. The Governor of Gardez had tried to fix the problem and realized he needed help. That’s why they sent me. I know electrical systems. I’m what they call a troubleshooter.”

Since the city didn’t have a new electrical switchboard to transmit electricity to the power lines, Nobile rigged up its old switch as a temporary “fix” until the new one is ready for installation in April.

“The equipment was old and damaged,” reflected Nobile. “It was dangerous to work with it … I could have blown myself up.”

To avert any glitches when giving the city the go-ahead to turn the power back on, Nobile inspected the city’s power lines and meters to ensure they could still handle the electrical load.

“It was wonderful,” Nobile added. “Everyone was happy when the lights went on. Once the new switchboard is here and installed, this will help Gardez generate monies to sustain itself.“

Nobile said he will train city workers how to maintain the switchboard when he installs the new one, just as he had when setting up the generator.

(Editor’s note: Maureen Ramsey serves with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan Engineer District Public Affairs Office.)

Lava Dogs' dual mission

Marines Stymie Taliban, Earn Afghan Villagers' Trust

The Marines of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment have a dual mission: to track down insurgents and to ensure Afghan villagers have the opportunity to live in peace.

By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joe Lindsay
Task Force Lava Public Affairs

RECHAH LAM, Afghanistan, March 28, 2006 — The primary mission of the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Marine Regiment is to track down insurgents and render their operations ineffective.

But another mission is to ensure villagers are afforded the opportunity to live in peace – so that farmers can farm, shop owners can sell their wares, and children, including girls, can attend school without fear of retribution.

The Lava Dogs, as the 1/3 Marines are known, took on these missions after arriving in eastern Afghanistan from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, about three months ago. Their investment in Afghans’ lives has paid huge dividends in trust and in intelligence-gathering, which has led to further victories on the battlefield, said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. James Robertson, section leader of the battalion’s combined anti-armor team.

“Going to villages, meeting with elders and showing our support to villagers has been something we have done since day 1, and is something we will continue to do as long as we are here,” said Powell, of Portland, Ore.

This show of support to the villagers of Afghanistan was evident on a recent mission to the tiny village of Rechah Lam, in Kunar Province.

“We get out to Rechah Lam as much as possible, because for some reason that village has been a place where the insurgents think they can control the villagers through intimidation and threats,” Robertson said. “An [Afghan National Police] outpost near Rechah Lam was attacked by insurgents, and we headed out there immediately.

“The village elders informed us that members of the Taliban had been in the village the day before, threatening to kill villagers who allowed girls to attend school,” Robertson continued. “We came back and brought school supplies for those girls and, as a result of our continuous show of force and support, the Taliban have not been back since, and those little girls are getting the education they so desperately need.”

Besides school supplies, the Lava Dogs also gave out winter clothing, shoes, blankets and basic food staples. Navy corpsmen provided medical check-ups, with an emphasis on providing care for children, said Marine 1st Lt. Carl DeSantis, the distributed-operations platoon commander.

“Rechah Lam, in particular, has been getting a lot of pressure from the Taliban to shut down the girls’ school,” DeSantis said. “We are not going to let that happen. All children deserve an education. The insurgents are steadfast against girls receiving any type of schooling. This is the type of enemy we face, an enemy that wants to keep the people enslaved both mentally and physically.”

Ensuring that schools, including girls’ schools, are left free to operate is an important element in the war on terrorism, said DeSantis, of Reno, Nev.

“In my opinion, the people we really need to concentrate on are the children,” he said. “They are the least biased, and they are not set in their ways as much. They haven’t lived through the Russian war, and they are going to be either the future leaders of democracy or the future fighters against it.”

Long-haul truckers

Airmen train Afghan Soldiers for first long-haul mission

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

3/20/2006 - KABUL, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- U.S. Airmen recently trained Soldiers from the Afghan National Army’s Central Movement Agency for their first long-haul convoy mission.

The mission March 12 covered hundreds of miles from Kabul to Kandahar and involved two trucks, each carrying 6,000 liters of fuel.

The Airmen and ANA soldiers rose to the challenge when the coalition’s forward operating bases needed fuel and contractors were not available. They planned and coordinated the mission in a single day, said Maj. Richard Jones II of the 755th Expeditionary Mission Support Group.

Major Jones is the senior mentor with an embedded training team that arrived in January to teach ANA soldiers how to operate tactical cargo vehicles. At the time, the Central Management Agency had no working vehicles and its soldiers were living in the cabs of old trucks, he said. Further, many soldiers assigned to the agency had no experience as drivers.

“Now we have a brand-new fleet of vehicles and have moved into new buildings. (The) ANA is becoming a self-sustaining force, no longer relying on local contractors, but making nationwide movements on their own,” Major Jones said.

Task Force Sword

Civil Affairs Mission Helps Afghan Villagers

Coalition forces along with the village inhabitants build schools and  irrigation systems,  as well as provide humanitarian assistance.

By Staff Sgt. Marti Ribeiro
Combined Joint Task Force 76 Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, March 7, 2006 — To an American soldier, stepping into Mollai is like stepping back in time; mud huts, with no indoor plumbing or electricity and built into the side of a mountain across from their main water source – a mountain stream.

But this is everyday life for the inhabitants of Mollai, a small village in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan.

Mollai, consisting of six small villages with approximately 4,000 people, is self-sustaining with water, food, religion and education. But Coalition forces have joined with the village inhabitants to improve their quality of life by building schools and irrigation systems, as well as providing humanitarian assistance through the distribution of rice, beans, clothes, shoes and school supplies.

Recently, soldiers from Task Force Sword visited Mollai and conducted a tri-fold mission to inspect current construction projects for quality control, to conduct a civil affairs assessment of the village and to distribute humanitarian assistance items.

According to TF Sword officials, the main reason for the visit was to inspect the current progress on the construction of a girls’ school. The school will educate elementary through high school and will house more than 300 students. The construction of girls’ schools is still a new concept in Afghanistan. The Taliban prohibited girls from attending school during its reign.

But, since 2001 when U.S. troops ousted the Taliban, girls’ schools have been showing up all over the country. The demand for these construction projects requires the U.S. military to hire building contractors, to construct these types of facilities. However, these contractors also help out the locals by hiring village inhabitants to complete the work.

“This helps boost their economy,” said Lt. Col. Gary Russ, TF Sword Civil Affairs Officer in Charge.

“Twenty-one of the villagers have been hired to help build the school,” said the chief village elder speaking through an interpreter.

Members of TF Sword monitor the six-month project continually during the construction process by members of TF Sword.

“We typically visit a project like this about five times during the construction phase,” said Sgt. 1st Class Alfonso Gonzales, construction inspector for TF Sword.

During the inspection, village elders expressed concern that the school would not be large enough to hold the number of female students in the village.

Through the use of an interpreter, Russ and Gonzales negotiated with the village elders to construct a larger school.

“We’ve already programmed the budget for this project, so unfortunately we are unable to change at this point in the construction process,” Russ said. “But, there are other ways to resolve this issue.”

Russ worked with the elders to develop a plan to construct a larger school with the help of the local villagers.

“If you can donate time and labor, I think we can get this accomplished,” Russ said to the chief village elder.

The elder agreed that if the villagers and the contractor work together they can build a larger school.

While the quality control/quality assurance team conducted their inspection, the civil affairs team spoke with the villagers through an interpreter to assess the quality of life for the inhabitants of Mollai.

“We talk to them about health issues and other things regarding quality of life,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Weston McAuslan, leader of the 405th Civil Affairs team attached to TF Sword.

When TF Sword completed the construction inspection and civil affairs assessment, they moved onto the humanitarian mission. Soldiers unloaded Humvees full of rice, beans, shoes, school supplies, toys and candy for village elders to distribute accordingly.

“We empower the leadership by giving them the authority to distribute the items,” said Sgt. 1st Class Elrado Mason, TF Sword Civil Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge.

The items distributed come from a multitude of areas. The rice and beans were from the humanitarian assistance compound and the rest of the items came from donations from churches and support groups back in the states.

“Most of the shoes we gave out today were donated by the Soldiers of Task Force Sword,” said Lt. Col. Thomas E. Killgore, TF Sword chaplain who helped distribute the goods to the village elders.

“It’s great to be a part of something like this,” Killgore said. “Three separate missions came together as one team and worked in one cohesive motion.”

Public Service

U.S., Coalition Efforts Helping Improve Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

   

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2006 – Humanitarian efforts continue in Afghanistan as coalition forces helped remove snow from impassable roads and built "hygiene facilities" at a small school. In addition, international diplomats visited a provincial reconstruction team Jan. 21.

U.S. troops from Task Force Sword have stepped in to help clear roads that are nearly impossible because of snow and ice, Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials said.

"It's a joint effort between the (U.S.) military, Afghan government and contractors hired by the provincial reconstruction teams," Lt. Col. Jud Cook, Task Force Sword deputy commander, said today.

This joint team has successfully cleared roads in Sharona, Orgun-E and various forward operating bases around Afghanistan. Task Force Sword has used equipment from its road construction projects to clear the ice and snow. By next month, the task force also will have 20 sand and salt spreaders attached to 5-ton trucks to help clear the roads.

The snow and ice removal helps accomplish the military mission by allowing trucks to travel to remote locations. It also makes these same roads available to civilian and commercial traffic, Cook said.

In Uruzgan province, Afghan construction workers completed male and female hygiene facilities and a fresh water well at a local boy's school in central Afghanistan over the past week. U.S. forces funded the projects, which cost more than $30,000 and employed eight Afghans for a period of two months. The hygiene facilities were built over existing hot springs, allowing local residents to enjoy hot water in a building where electric water heaters are not available.

"The construction of these facilities not only provided jobs and much needed currency for the local residents, but they also show the Afghan people that coalition and U.S. forces are here to help," said Army Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara, Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesman.

More then 90 construction and renovation projects are currently under way in the Uruzgan province, totaling more than $6 million.

Diplomats from around the world visited the provincial reconstruction team in Panjshir province Jan. 21 to witness reconstruction efforts of Combined Joint Task Force 76 and the newest PRT. Before visiting the Panjshir PRT, CJTF 76 commander Army Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya briefed government officials from 13 nations and the European Union about reconstruction projects.

"The day highlighted how coalition military and civilian agencies, whether coalition or not, can and should provide effective mutual support on the security and humanitarian fronts," Richard Smyth, the task force's political adviser, said.

The first of its kind, the Panjshir PRT is a joint effort between the members of CJTF 76 and the U.S. Embassy. Fletcher Burton, a U.S. State Department civilian, is its commander.

"Today we had a very interesting visit to Bagram Airfield and then to Panjshir to see how the American PRT is doing," Regis Koetschet, French Ambassador to Afghanistan, said. "Two months ago, we had a meeting with (CFCA Commander Army Lieutenant) General Karl Eikenberry, and he talked about this new type of PRT here in Panjshir. This was an excellent opportunity to see how it worked on the ground.

"The visit was a good opportunity to see this new type of integration of military and civilian agencies," Koetschet said. "I'm quite impressed by this new type of PRT."

(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news releases.)

The Wild Wild West....of Afghanistan

Windmills Provide Inexpensive Water Source for Afghan Farmers

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Jan. 19, 2006 – Coalition forces are installing windmills across southern Afghanistan to provide farmers with water 24 hours a day.

"Windmills for the farmers provide an easy energy source to a rural area," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Andrew Mazerik, a civil affairs officer with Task Force Bayonet of the coalition's Combined Joint Task Force 76. "There's not a lot of maintenance needed for the windmills, and this effort shows that the Afghan government is doing something for the people."

The program began with the installation of a test windmill at Kandahar Airfield three months ago. Two windmills were installed in Uruzgan Province shortly afterward, officials said.

More recently, village elders in Helmand, Kandahar and Zabul provinces met with their governors and local provincial reconstruction team commanders to decide where other windmills could best be used.

The first windmills in Helmand and Zabul provinces are expected to be operational within weeks. A total of 30 will be installed by spring.

Afghans who work for an American construction company, C&C, construct the windmills in Kandahar. They are purchased with Commander's Emergency Relief Program funds for about $15,000 each.

Farmers can use the windmills to power irrigation systems for crops, such as soybeans and wheat, while avoiding operating costs and maintenance problems of diesel-powered mechanical generators. They also share water with their neighbors.

"An entire village can be supported by the windmill," Mazerik said. "It works on gravity, and it depends on how big the holding tank is. A standard size windmill pumps 10 to 30 gallons per minute. It can supply a lot of water.

"They're a positive reinforcement and a beautiful symbol," he added.

Afghanistan: Year in Review

Afghanistan: year in review

By Staff Sgt. Jess  Harvey

KABUL, Afghanistan (Army News Service, Jan. 3, 2006) – One year can change the face of a nation. Afghanistan made significant advancements in 2005 toward autonomy and security. The changes started in the first few days of the new year.

January

The Ghazni Province held a women’s shura, or council, with the help of the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team. The shura proposed to give the women of Ghazni more of a voice in government and was supported by the governor of Ghazni, Asadullah Khalid.

February

Afghanistan’s 120 cadets took their place in history when they reported for duty at the new National Military Academy of Afghanistan in Kabul. The academy, modeled after the U.S. Military Academy, is a four-year, degree-granting institution for commissioning second lieutenants for the Afghan National Army.

During opening ceremonies, Abdul Rahim Wardak, Afghanistan’s minister of defense, described the academy’s role as vital to the future of the country, saying it will produce “loyal, professional and true leaders for Afghanistan’s future without any ethnic, language and tribal distinction.”

March

In March, the National Army Volunteer Center, a recruiting station for the Afghan National Army, opened in the Panjshir Valley. This area is immersed in the history for the struggle for Afghan independence.

April

Afghan democracy also took a step forward with the opening of the Guzara and Obe district courthouses in the Herat Province under the Afghanistan Rule of Law Project.

“After 25 years of warfare and the destruction or decay of so many courthouses, this event celebrates a new beginning,” said Inge Frylund, a rule of law adviser with the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Later, coalition members helped dedicate a new school in Ahmad Aba, in Paktya Province.

“After so many years of warfare, I realize that there are a lot of projects that need to be done in Afghanistan. We need roads, and we need hospitals, and we need businesses, but of all these things, I believe that education is perhaps the most important,” said Lt. Col. Brendan O’Shea, the reconstruction team commander.

May

Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry assumed command of Combined Forces Command, Afghanistan in early May from Lt. Gen. David Barno. In his remarks, Eikenberry thanked U.S. and Coalition troops for their devotion to duty and pledged to continue Barno’s efforts.

“We will continue to work together, build security forces and support the rebuilding of Afghanistan,” he said. “Our mission will continue in the same direction … working with the United Nations, Coalition forces, and most importantly, the Afghan government.”

The Afghan government also introduced its Tahkim-e Solh (Strengthening Peace) program to reintegrate noncriminal combatants and insurgents, including low-level members of the Taliban. Professor Sibghatullah Al-Mojaddedi, who announced the program, encouraged Afghans to live together as brothers as their grandparents lived in the past and to not allow enemies to break them apart.

June

The 36th class graduated from the Afghan National Army’s basic training at the Kabul Military Training Center, bringing their troop levels to approximately 25,000.

The Afghan National Police also made gains, with the graduation of 11 officers from a crime scene investigation course.

“The CSI course is only one of many ways in which the ANP is improving their skills,” said Dave Barrington, an ANP mentor employed by DynCorp International. “Together with cooperation from the Afghan government, the Office of Military Cooperation – Afghanistan and Germany, the lead nation for Afghan National Police reform, we are making significant progress in rebuilding the capabilities of the local police.”

July

Another milestone was met in early July, when the first class of Afghan National Army soldiers graduated from an advanced mine countermeasures course taught by a French army captain. Taking part in the five weeks of training were soldiers from the ANA’s Engineer Company, 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps, Combat Support Kandak Battalion.

The opening of a renovated bank, the first in Kabul since 2001, signaled economic opportunity for Afghans and reliable payroll for government officials and ANA and ANP soldier and officers.

“There have been a lot of issues in getting government workers paid due to the financial infrastructure in this country,” said Lt. Col. Christopher M. Nolta, a Coalition engineer and liaison officer with the Afghan government. “This bank’s opening will make getting officials paid a lot easier, and that will increase the stability and security of this country in a big way.”

August

Canada assumed command of the reconstruction team in Kandahar, one of the provinces in Regional Command South, which is scheduled to be transferred to NATO control in 2006.

“This transfer of authority marks the beginning of a significant transition to what will ultimately be a NATO-led effort,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling, deputy commander for Combined Joint Task Force 76. “The U.S. remains committed to doing our part in the strengthening of democracy here in Kandahar province and throughout Afghanistan.”

Also in August, the ANP grew in ranks and capability as the Kabul Police Academy graduated the first class of officers from its comprehensive, three-year training course. The 210 cadets spent 3,400 hours studying 23 subjects ranging from criminal investigations and social sciences to police tactics and operations.

September

September brought more change with the opening of the first paved road, aptly named “The Road of the Future,” in Paktika Province, The province’s governor, Gulab Mangal, described the road as a visible symbol of the improving quality of life and infrastructure that come with peace in the province. Afghan masons and laborers finished the 2.6-kilometer road in three months using large stones, assuring it will last many years.

On a momentous day, ANA troops and ANP officers, with a little help from Coalition forces, ensured the safety of 6.4 million voters in the national assembly elections on Sept. 18.

October

In an apparent response to the elections, more than a dozen former enemy combatants in Kunar Province approached Afghan government officials to express their intent to join the the Takhim-E Solh program.

“These developments illustrate that the government of Afghanistan’s successful parliamentary elections are signaling a beginning of the end for the enemies of Afghanistan,” said Brig. Gen. James G. Champion, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force 76.

Later in October, a veterinary clinic opened in Parwan Province. Sgt. Pedro Meza, a project officer with the Bagram PRT, described the project as critical to reconstruction.

“If the people have the resources to take care of their animals, then livestock can bring life to the economy,” he said.

November

The Afghan Ministry of Interior improved its ability to provide safety and security for the people of Afghanistan by dramatically rearranging its leadership and pay structures. In part by reducing the number of general officers, the ministry created a more efficient force, with clearer chains of command and communication.

“We want to increase the capabilities of our force to create a secure environment for Afghan families, businesses and communities,” said Yousuf Stanizai,spokesman for the Ministry of Interior. “Having too many general officers undervalues the meaning of rank and can damage the discipline within an organization. This is something we want to avoid.”

December

The ANA and ANP secured Kabul as Afghanistan’s first parliament in more than 35 years. More than 6,500 members of the Afghan security forces worked together to provide security for the dignitaries and nearly 2 million residents.

“It was a great team effort - to secure an important moment in history for the Afghan people – the ANA and ANP working together for the good of the national security,” said the Afghanistan chief of staff for the Office of Security Cooperation, Col. Thomas Pope.

Also in December, Khatol Mohammadzai, an officer in the Afghan National Army, became the first Afghan woman inducted into the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame in Washington D.C.

“Being invited to America is something I never thought would happen. I broke all the chains women have faced in my country to be here today,” she said. “I am honored to be here with other strong women from all over the world.”

(Editor's note: Air Force Staff Sgt. Jess Harvey serves with the Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan Public Affairs. Information in this article was compiled from stories and news releases published throughout 2005 by the public affairs office of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan.)