Note: To learn more about the military’s “Next Phase” vision for Afghanistan, check out the event listed at the end of this article – from the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth.
If you’ve been tracking recent news, you know that our Commander in Chief made a “touch-and-go” trip to Afghanistan yesterday, to address U.S. troops and allies, as well as native Afghan forces we’re training. In his remarks, the President reinforced his desire to forge a long-term commitment:
“We want to build a lasting partnership, founded upon mutual interests and mutual respect. And I’m looking forward to returning to Afghanistan many times in the years to come.”
President Obama with troops in Afghanistan (AP)
Peace – Easier Said Than Done
As a soldier who served in that war-torn nation, I realize just how much change is needed for President Obama to make good on his promise.
In today’s environment, no one feels completely safe visiting Afghanistan. It’s tough even for Afghans to sleep soundly. And the only certain thing is uncertainty.
So – was President Obama merely being gracious to his Afghan hosts? Or should we interpret his words literally?
To me, the most insightful aspect of Sunday’s speech wasn’t about diplomacy and rallying troops as they brace for more battles ahead. Instead, it was when President Obama spoke to something much more fundamental. Take a closer look at his comments…
“Al Qaeda and the violent extremists whom you’re fighting against want to DESTROY. But all of you want to BUILD – and that is something essential about America…You’re bringing hope and opportunity to a people who have known a lot of pain and suffering.”
Hard to imagine anything rising from the ashes of war in such a desolate, impoverished region. And yet, the United States has been integral to that process before – both at home and abroad.
So, assuming that the President meant what he said, let’s imagine for a moment. Exactly what would it take to build an Afghanistan that’s stable and free from the danger of terrorism?
The Road Ahead – What’s Next?
On one hand, the vision of a secure, peaceful Afghanistan may seem too far away for us to invest in such grand thoughts. And yet, if our ultimate goal is to help the Afghan people achieve lasting progress, focusing solely on immediate military campaigns would be short-sighted.
Anyone who follows this blog or has read my book knows that these issues weigh heavily on my mind. Clearly, we won’t succeed by imposing our will on Afghans. Instead – as in any effective “change management” challenge – the key to progress is in finding common ground with Afghan culture and values. But we can’t expect that process to be fast or easy.
That’s why I’m particularly interested in an upcoming Military Symposium, sponsored by the Dallas/Fort Worth World Affairs Council:
“Afghanistan: The Next Phase”
Featured Speaker: General George Casey, Jr.
Chief of Staff – U.S. Army
Saturday, April 17
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Dallas InterContinental Hotel
The session is OPEN to the public. And it’s FREE – if you RSVP by April 15th.
I look forward to hearing what General Casey and others see on the horizon!
In the meantime – tell me – what would you like to hear from our President or our military leaders about how America can best help Afghans move forward?
Jeff
P.S. To learn more about my experiences when I was deployed as an Army trainer in Afghanistan, check out my book, “Afghan Journal: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan.” Read an excerpt and reviews at the “Afghan Journal” site, or buy the book at Amazon.com.
