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KONAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (July 7, 2008) - As the security
situation becomes more stable in five of this Afghan province's
southern districts, coalition civil affairs teams are helping
improve governance and infrastructure.
Army Capt. Roman Skaskiw, 451st Civil Affairs Battalion, is
responsible for the five southern Konar districts. Although these
districts differ in the quality of governance and development, they
all suffer from a lack of security, power and infrastructure.
"The overall security situation is becoming more stable,"
Skaskiw said. "The reason for the fighting is local animosities
influenced by people who feel they are not getting their share of
the redevelopment. However, development dampens the insurgency, as
evidenced in the improving police, the roads connecting the people
to the government, and the burgeoning health care system."
The civil affairs team works with the Afghan government and
international humanitarian organizations to rebuild infrastructure
and restore stability in areas stricken by war or natural
disasters. Joint civil-military efforts are key components in
winning the hearts and minds of Afghans, buttressing the authority
of the government in Kabul, and providing a central effort in the
U.S.-led counterinsurgency campaign, Skaskiw said. The teams work
in partnership with representatives from U.S. government agencies
such as the State and Agriculture departments and the U.S. Agency
for International Development.
Provincial reconstruction teams were established to facilitate
infrastructure development necessary for the Afghan people to
succeed in a post-conflict environment. Most PRTs are run by Navy
and Air Force officers and are the face of the U.S. redevelopment
aid for millions of Afghans.
"PRTs fill specific needs and challenges, such as security and
stability, which is apparent in Afghanistan's rebuilding process,"
said Navy Cmdr. Daniel Dwyer, the Konar PRT commander. "Development
without security is unsustainable, and security without development
is meaningless."
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