(NOTE: This is the second of two posts that examine military and humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan – as viewed through the lens of “3 Cups of Tea” author, Greg Mortenson. Read the first post here.)
What’s the secret of success in Afghanistan? It depends on whom you ask. But if you’re Nobel-nominated author Greg Mortenson, it’s all about relationships. More & better relationships.
That sounds like a very soft answer to a very hard question. But looks can be deceiving – especially when it’s time to operationalize a “relationship” strategy.
In a recent analysis, the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) observed:
The challenge the U.S. faces in its current wars…above all…is to build an effective and integrated civil-military effort that can choose its wars more carefully, carry out armed nation building, and plan and actually execute the necessary programs that support the “shape, clear, hold and build” philosophy that General Stanley McChrystal, and the new leadership of NATO/ISAF, have suggested.
Of course, our military is best equipped to shoulder the responsibility for the “clear” and “hold” aspects of this strategy. We exist to defend and protect. That’s what we do.
But the question remains – how do we successfully “build” in Afghanistan?
That’s where the wisdom of Greg Mortenson can make a huge impact. Our military leaders acknowledge that the armed forces, alone, shouldn’t provide a total solution to this challenge. Nor can we depend solely on the institutionalized diplomacy of the State Department.
In a decentralized tribal culture like Afghanistan, sustainable progress comes through personal interaction. It’s all about forging relationships based on mutual respect with villagers. And that’s where non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can make a tremendous difference.
However, organizations involved in infrastructure development and humanitarian outreach can’t work in isolation. To ensure their safety, efficiency and effectiveness, they must work in close collaboration with military and diplomatic arms of our government.
In short, success depends on the degree of cooperation among everyone on the ground. It’s an “all hands” endeavor. And it’s never too soon to strengthen the ties that connect the many moving parts in this complex equation.
On Saturday 4/17, those shared interests will come together, when several non-governmental organizations reach out to military representatives, to raise awareness about the work they’re doing to help the Afghan people. They’ll also explore ways to coordinate their efforts more closely with our armed forces – now, and when priorities shift full-tilt into “build” mode.
This lunch session follows “Afghanistan: The Next Phase” – a Military Symposium, where Army Chief of Staff, General George Casey will join other military leaders to discuss the road ahead in Afghanistan counterinsurgency efforts. Sponsored by The World Affairs Council of Dallas and The Association of the United States Army North Texas Chapter, the event is free and open to the public, if you reserve a seat by tomorrow (4/15).
The NGO forum is also open to anyone interested in how Americans and Afghans can work together toward a brighter future for that country. Leading the session is Dina Fesler, founder of “War Kids Relief” – an organization devoted to empowering Afghans through cross-cultural communication, support and specialized vocational training.
(For a powerful peek into the work Dina does in getting up-close and personal with Afghans, check out this stirring video…)
For more information before or after Saturday’s event, contact organizer John Stettler. John is a Dallas entrepreneur who embraces Greg Mortenson’s belief that relationships – both here and in Afghanistan – are central to stability in that region.
Here are John’s coordinates:
jmplastinc@aol.com
972-636-9555
John puts his money where his mouth is – with selfless support of both our military and humanitarian resources. He may not be on the front lines, but he’s making a difference with his time, his talent and the tools available to him.
With people like that representing America’s interests, it seems the relationships we build in Afghanistan are destined to have a lasting impact.
Jeff
P.S. To learn about how our military built relationships with Afghan people while I was deployed as a trainer with the Army, 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.
