Elders from Gereshk, listen intently as Haji Kaduz, a historically respected tribal elder speaks during the security Shura in Gereshk, Gereshk district, Helmand province, Nov. 24. Haji Kaduz called out the local population to take responsibility for their own security and problems dealing with insurgents. Members of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, alongside Coalition forces representatives held a security Shura in hopes of urging local citizens to take responsibility for the further stabilization of the area. (U.S. Marine photo/Sgt. Brian Kester)

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2010-12-D-213
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 18, 2010) — District governors from across northern Helmand assembled at the Musa Qal’ah District Center for the Northern Helmand Stability Shura, Dec. 14.

Also in attendance were Lt. Col. Dan T. Canfield, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, and other coalition forces leaders.

The shura was lead by the district governor of Musa Qal’ah, Naimatullah Sameen, who greeted his fellow district governors and expressed his admiration for their presence and continued progress in security and economic development in the surrounding districts.

“I am proud of our friends who traveled here today. This is a very important step for us, and a golden chance for the future and history of our people,” said Sameen, through an interpreter.

As a result of planning between the Afghan government and its coalition force partners, numerous development projects and employment opportunities have been created throughout northern Helmand.

“In the Musa Qal’ah District Center, over 52 projects are under construction, and 19 have been completed. Almost 500 previously unemployed men are now employed due to these projects,” Sameen added.

In addition to the economic growth and development throughout the province, security across Helmand has improved due to the joint efforts of Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces.

“The key to success is teamwork. The [Afghan National Army], [Afghan Uniformed Police] and [coalition forces] by themselves are good, but working all together, they become great,” said Canfield. “I see the same cooperation between Musa Qal’ah and the governor’s leadership.”

Together, the Afghan security forces, coalition forces and the people of Afghanistan continue the progress of bringing peace and security to the province.

“The Musa Qal’ah people hate war, and they have returned to their usual style of life,” said Sameen. “They have formed self defense forces against the enemy and they are defending themselves and their homeland.”