Efforts in Eastern Afghanistan Boost Confidence in Afghan Government
Progress in eastern Afghanistan continues as more Afghan security forces take the lead in security operations, more
reconstruction and development projects provide sorely needed quality-of-life improvements, and the national government
extends its reach, a senior military officer in the region said recently.
Army Brig. Gen. Rodney Anderson, deputy commander for support for Combined Joint Task Force 82 and Regional Command
East, said he's seen "many encouraging signs" since the 82nd Airborne Division's arrival in February.
"This will take some time, but in pursuit of the (United Nations') Millennium Development Goals and supporting the
Afghan National Development Strategy, we firmly see signs and clear evidence of movement toward a stable Afghanistan,"
he told Pentagon reporters via video teleconference from Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.
Anderson said projects being undertaken in Regional Command East -- an area about the size of South Carolina that
includes 14 of the country's 34 provinces -- reflect eight goals the U.N. adopted in 2000 to improve health, education
and economic and social lives worldwide by 2015.
They also support aims of the Afghan National Development Strategy, a five-year plan being finalized by the Afghan
government to establish milestones in the security, governance, development and other arenas, he said.
Among the most promising developments in Regional Command East has been the building of about 480 miles of roads that
have spurred gas stations, hotels and other commerce. Meanwhile, the NATO International Security Assistance Force is
partnering with the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, whose capability is increasing daily, he said.
As development continues and security improves, Anderson said, there's a steady growth in confidence in the Afghan
government.
While buoyed by steady progress, Anderson conceded challenges to be overcome. Security remains shaky in some areas, with
"harassing attacks" against platoon-sized coalition outposts and Afghan civilians inflicting casualties. But despite a
stepped-up Taliban presence in the south, near Kandahar, enemy activity in the east has remained relatively stable since
Ramadan.
Corruption, including pay and kickback schemes, is evident throughout the Afghan government. While corruption hinders
development progress, Anderson said, it hasn't brought it to a stop. Other challenges include narcotics and limited
government capacity at the community and district levels, he said.
Anderson said he credits partnerships between coalition forces, the Afghan National Army and National Police and
international organizations including the U.S. Agency for International Development with addressing these challenges
head-on.
"In places we have been able to provide security ... and deliver reconstruction and development aid, the population has
been very supportive of the government," he said.
"That has been our key to success -- to have the Afghans take the lead and to demonstrate to those locations that might
have previously had a Taliban presence that reconstruction and development and the security of their own police is
definitely in their best interest."
ENDS