Obama’s Plan and the Future of Afghanistan

Post by Amanda Young, American University ‘13

Last Tuesday, President Obama unveiled his new strategy for the war in Afghanistan at West Point Military Academy. During his speech he announced plans to deploy 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. These troops will have the task of securing major cities and populations so the United States can then begin turning over responsibility to the Afghan forces in 18 months. Finally, there is a light at the end of an eight year long tunnel that cost millions of dollars and hundreds of American and Afghan lives.

As we draw closer to the end of American military presence in Afghanistan, I have to wonder, was it a success? Only time will tell, but if nothing is done to build and strengthen Afghanistan’s infrastructure you can bet these eight years will have been in vain. History has seen it before with World War I. Germany had a huge debt, lacked infrastructure, and had few to no jobs. In such a climate people turned toward extremism and twenty years after the Treaty of Versailles the world would once again find its self amidst a World War. The United States and her allies may have won World War I, but we did not keep the peace. The same idea lies behind Afghanistan. After decades of war and a poor standard of living the people have looked to the only paying jobs; the drug trade and al Qaeda. We were able to stop this vicious cycle in Europe after World War II by rebuilding Europe, creating infrastructures and jobs with the Marshall Plan. Logic tells us that the same thing needs to be done to ensure successful peace in Afghanistan.

On the White House website there are a few lines on“…implementing a civilian-military agriculture redevelopment strategy to restore Afghanistan’s once vibrant agriculture sector”. The White House must implement plans like this immediately after securing the area, so as to give hope and a future to the Afghan people. It is extremely important that the American public and international community stay active and aware even after all the troops are gone. Only then will Afghanistan continue to grow; ensuring lasting peace and we do not find ourselves fighting the same war again in twenty years.

You can find an in-depth break down of his strategy at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/way-forward-afghanistan and the full transcript of the West Point speech at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-address-nation-way-forward-afghanistan-and-pakistan

What would you do for peace and security?

Part 1 of a series of posts by Erick Ford, AIDemocracy Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator, George Mason University

“A human life, I think, should be well rooted in some spot of native land, where it may get the love of tender kinship for the face of the earth, for labors of men go forth to, for the sounds and accents that haunt it, for whatever will give that early home a familiar unmistakable difference amidst the future widening of knowledge.” G. Eliot.

What would we do for peace and security? A generation ago the world witnessed a unified human spirit remove the shackles of dictatorship in Eastern Europe and begin a quest of liberty not seen in generations.  Even stronger today is that same spirit of freedom found in other areas of the world; like Georgia, Ukraine, and even Iraq, and the same belief that freedom is the right given to all mankind.  This simple pursuit of what is believed to be a god given right is always in peril if the new generation is cautious.

Without the support of America and its allies, the spirit of freedom that is taking hold elsewhere in the world could be lost. I call attention to the Caucasus region. Nestled between Russia, the Black Sea, Turkey, the Caspian Sea, and Iran, this region holds vital global interests. Without support, the fragile peace that is being built here could give way to instability and conflict that would threaten nearby regions as well. Over a year ago, the world watched as Russia easily overtook the Republic of Georgia. For nearly a century, this region of the world has pursued the right to exist.  The support of America, NATO, and the European Union will be the deciding factor in this struggle.

Peace and security go hand and hand. It is the basic desire and above all else a simple need for a prosperous society. Lessons learned in the Iraq war and even the American Revolution tell us that for there to be a meaningful victory, a true peace process is needed.

International Troop Commitments in Afghanistan

Afghanistan isn’t just America’s war – a total of 15 countries have military and/or reconstruction personnel in the country.  America isn’t the only one debating the  strategy and timeline in Afghanistan either -  popular support for the war has decreased in countries such as Italy and Germany as well.  Here’s a look at the current coaltion forces in Afghanistan from teh BBC:

Image originally posted Mon Sept 21 2009 at  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8266072.stm

News Brief: Changes in Afghanistan

Guest Post by Amanda Young with commentary from Laura Kavanaugh

Earlier this week, comments made by General McChrystal concerning the strategy in Afghanistan were leaked to the press. He called for a new strategy because he believes the current one will lead to mission failure (a strong statement that has raised concerns). The military has already begun to relocated troops from the sparsely populated mountainous regions that are difficult to cities. This move is in hopes that we can begin to rebuild cities, protect the Afghan people, and help strengthen the government.

After eight years in Afghanistan a mission focused on civilian protection, reconstruction, and strengthening the Afghan government that will lay the groundwork for a responsible exit sounds like the right plan, but the General believes more resources are needed for this strategy to succeed.  In this case “resources” means American soldiers. Many people speculate that the general will ask President Obama for more troops to be sent to Afghanistan today, even though President Obama made it clear during his interview on Meet the Press that, “Until I’m satisfied that we’ve got the right strategy I’m not gonna be sending some young man or woman over there- beyond what we already have”. President Obama’s decision has become even more difficult now that current polls show that the majority of Americans no longer support the war.

Afghanistan has witnessed 30 years of war and America and its allies have an important responsibility to establish security and support the reconstruction of the country’s infrastructure and rule of law systems.  Many agree on this goal, but disagree on the correct strategy – will a troop surge further reconstruction efforts or fuel discontentment in the region and among Americans impatient to bring our troops home?  Are we repeating mistakes made in Iraq by burdening the military with reconstruction missions typically carried out by civilian specialists? How can we increase the capacity of USAID (still w/o an administrator) and the State Dept quickly to ensure that the military’s efforts are appropriately supported?

To learn more about General McChrystal’s recommended strategy and President Obama’s interview with Meet the Press click here:

General McChrystal: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8266072.stm
President Obama: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32935603/ns/meet_the_press//

Building American-Iranian understanding, one chickpea cookie at a time

A guest post by Patrick Cox, Global Peace & Security Advocate, University of Dallas, TX

When I had inquired into participating in my university’s International Day Festival, I discovered from the Office of International Student Services that I might very well be the only Persian on our small, private liberal arts university campus. I have yet to come across anyone else from a Persian background, so I guess my university has half of a Persian. Located near the Dallas Cowboys’ Texas Stadium in the suburb of Irving, the University of Dallas is a far cry from the consciously cosmopolitan atmosphere that I had been accustomed to at Boston University in my undergraduate years.

Held every spring in the center of campus, the International Day Festival is a meeting of cultures and a chance for members of the university community to explore other countries and their cultures and ethnic foods. This year, the Festival boasted booths with student representatives from Thailand, Latin America, Africa, India, the Arab World, and more, and it happened to fall on the day before Norouz, the Persian New Year. So, on March 19th, I packed my car with books on Iran, my laptop, an Iranian flag, Persian sweets, handcrafts, artwork, and other eye-catchers for the booth and headed to campus.

The Power of Performance to Promote lasting Peace

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1218/p09s02-coop.html

” Baghdad – The actor stands on a makeshift stage at a bombed-out, dusty intersection in Baghdad. It’s an unusually cool evening in September, and a crowd that looks like most of the neighborhood has assembled to enjoy the rare entertainment.  “Sunni! Shiite!” he yells. “Whatever ethnic group – I don’t care! Spurn each other’s hand no longer. Long life and success – to both of you!”  This is the message of reconciliation carried by the Al Mada street theater troupe, led by one of Iraq’s rising female stars, Ghada Hussein Al-Almy . . .”

So begins an article published yesterday in the Christian Science Monitor that shows a side of Iraq not often portrayed in the mainstream media.   The article, titled “ In Iraq, a different kind of drama stages a message of reconciliation “, discusses an Iraqi “theatre resistance” troupe that seeks to reclaim culture as a tool for peace in a country where culture it is often used for divisive ends.  Ms Almy, a professor at Baghdad University, is described as part of a growing network of female community leaders in Iraq engaged in grassroots, creative efforts to fight back against terrorists and suicide bombers.  “We are trying to use culture as a weapon” she is quoted as saying, “we want to make the terrorists feel the strength of our culture.”

The article is written by Edward O’Connell and Cheryl Benard, directors of the RAND Alternative Strategy Initiative.  I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. O’Connell at an AID retreat recently where he spoke about the untapped potential of grassroots cultural and civil society groups (like Al-Mada street theatre troupe)  in the Middle East.   Government and military officials in Iraq and elsewhere often turn to supposed experts when their best allies are really women like Ms. Almy who have a deep understanding of the problems on the ground and the will and power to change them from the inside.  The better strategy according to Mr. O’Connell is to partner with these moderates and progressives and support their efforts.   In fact, sometimes the best foreign policy approach is to connect civic organizations in the US to civic organizations in Iraq (or elsewhere), NGO to NGO, in order to build smart, sustainable peace and a civil society that is self-sufficient and resilient against terror and other outside threats.

This leaves planty of opportunity for ‘ordinary Americans’ to contibute to peace building efforts by connecting their communities to NGOs and moderates in unstable areas of the world.  Supporting creative approaches to activism can be particularly effective.   Performing arts entertain while they educate and the emotional connection a performer is able to make with his or her audience has tremendous power to effect change.  Incorporating issues into art creates a safe space for conversation on divisive topics, while often humanizing and neutralizing the issues.  Furthermore, performance art appeals and is accessible to a broad audience, spanning all ages, educational levels, and backgrounds.

For these reasons, theater, dance, and music are frequently used by activists around the world.  Examples include teen HIV/AIDS education troupes in Uganda, JaNaM socialist street theatre in New Delhi, the environmentally conscious works of  New Zealand’s dance theatre group Soul Speed, and the work of the Freedom Theatre in the occupied  territories (palestine).  In these and other countless instances, culture and the creative human spirit have shown themselves stronger than war, disease, apathy, ignorance, and politics and proven that their ’soft power’ should not be underestimated.

A Call for More Youth Foreign Service Opportunities

On his transition website, President-elect Obama has outlined his agenda for service and defense.  These plans include initiatives to expand domestic community service opportunities as well as civilian-military cooperation (details below the fold).  These plans are a step in the right direction, but I believe we should go even further to provide civilians and especially youth opportunities for foreign service (in addition to domestic service).

I envision a Humanitarian Corps, analogous to the military, but equipped to pursue humanitarian and peace building missions.  While the Peace Corps is a valuable institution that should be expanded and supported, as Obama plans to do, we need a civilian agency that can take on large scale projects and crises as well.  The Peace Corps places individuals or small groups in communities where they are needed.  What we need in addition is an agency that can place large units of people trained in development, reconstruction, and emergency response in areas recovering from conflict, natural disaster, and/or humanitarian crisis.  This humanitarian corps would also assist with general development projects like the Peace Corps does, but on a larger scale.  Corps members would receive training on the local area (culture, language, history) so they could best meet the needs of the communities they serve.  Lastly, this group would be able to coordinate their efforts with the military, USAID, NGOs, the UN, and other agencies, and fill the capacity gaps within our development, foreign aid, and military missions.

A humanitarian corps would serve several purposes.  First, it would bolster U.S. relations and global security with a long-term “hearts and minds” approach.  Second, it would alleviate strains on our troops by allowing them to focus on military concerns.   Third, and most importantly, it would provide an invaluable opportunity for youth to engage in public diplomacy and become more informed and involved in the world around them.

There are thousands of college graduates each year searching for opportunities to travel, learn, and explore before settling into a career or grad school.  More and more of them are pursuing careers in the non-profit sector and they need real international expertise and on-the-ground experience.  Furthermore, student activists around the country are clamoring for opportunities to take direct action on issues they are passionate about  - genocide, HIV/AIDS, climate change, Millennium Development Goals – I believe that given the opportunity, these young people would embrace a civilian humanitarian corps, I know I would.

Rethinking Counter Terrorism

As I write this, terrorists are attacking Western and Indian targets in Mumbai in one of the safest, most cosmopolitan areas of India. Meanwhile, threat levels blare orange as Americans travel home for the holiday. I am reminded of how closely we are all connected and of the need to work together to inspire hope in place of hatred.

Just this past weekend, AID hosted a Rethinking Counter Terrorism Retreat in LA which featured activists, professionals, filmmakers, and regular volunteers who have chosen to focus not on our differences but on the common bonds of humanity that unite us.* These individuals give poor communities a path to development in place of the desperation that leads to conflict and terrorism. Access to education, jobs, health care, and more equal rights provides individuals in vulnerable areas with a real future, giving them a strong reason to choose peace over war.

As you count your blessings this Thanksgiving, consider those less fortunate and what you can do locally to support the common goal of a safer, happier world. Here’s hoping a ‘Green level’ holiday is not too far off.

* The Retreat featured guests from CARE International, Help the Afghan Children, Principle Pictures, Serving Women Across Nations (SWAN), and the RAND Alternative Strategy Initiative.

From Hey Y’all to Hola – Don’t be a Foreigner

Something a bit lighter than usual:

Now that being international is sexy again, here is a simple tip for first time travelers visiting a new country – know your social etiquette! Knowing the proper manners and customs can be the difference between being considered an “international visitor” or a “foreigner.” We are so used to our own social rituals that it is easy to forget styles of greeting, meeting, and eating vary drastically from place to place. For the same reason, we are prone to subconsciously judging others who are unfamiliar with the mannerisms, speech patterns, and social rituals we consider normal.

The same applies domestically. It seems that what is sometimes mistaken for an ethnic, racial, educational, income or some other divide is in fact cultural. Social interactions have a very different pace in urban areas compared to rural areas and ideas of hospitality vary North to South and East to West in the US as well as around the globe. So whether you are traveling the country or traveling the world, pay close attention to local etiquette and do your research with handy guides like Behave Yourself!: The Essential Guide to International Etiquette (Michael Powell). Not only does it prevent you from offending others by incorrectly displaying your feet or shaking with the wrong hand (the left is for wiping …), you’ll be able to interpret local gestures and cues better (friendly ones and not so friendly ones…). And even if you’re not traveling anytime soon, it makes for some pretty entertaining reading.

Putting your Money where your Morals are

Last week, our office meetings were all about the money – budgets, grants, financial retirement planning, and fair trade. As Americans, often our real power comes not from our ballots, but from our wallets. Yet with markets and companies so hopelessly intertwined, and with all the different steps and materials that go into each product, it is extremely challenging – and not always the most rewarding – to shop responsibly. For example:

· Most retirement portfolios invest a substantial percent in “large-cap” companies, which includes major arms manufacturers, oil companies, and others with questionable records (Nike, Wal-mart, Nestle…), because these companies have the largest returns.

· Seemingly reputable brands are often owned by disreputable parent companies. Both Kraft foods, Nabisco and Philip Morris are owned by Altria

· With so many variables to consider, which do you choose? Fair trade or organic? Sweat-free or locally produced? Environmentally sustainable or socially responsible?

Luckily, with a little research, there are ways to spend responsibly without sacrificing your budget, retirement fund, or sanity. Here are some solutions and resources to help you become an informed shopper:

1) Be Label Savvy – Know your symbols: Fair Trade, Organic, etc, and look for Who (brand),

What (ingred.), Where (produced), and How (its made)

2) Act Local – Support local producers and ask local shops to carry responsible products

3) Invest in the Future – before making a big purchase or investment – from a diamond ring, to

a college education, to a retirement fund – know where the money is going,

and ask the institution or company to divest from irresponsible sources

Learn More:

The Rough Guide to Shopping with a Conscience –covers shopping, finance, travel, and more

The Blue Pages – rates companies based on ethical policies and practices

The Green Pages – directory of socially responsible companies / products / services

www.responsibleshopper.org

www.transfairusa.org – Fair Trade

http://www.socialfunds.com/ – information on socially responsible investing