Today we observed Remembrance Day in Musa Qala, particularly poignant and pertinent given the recent loss of our first Gurkha. The service was a combination of the Christian and Hindu reflecting the mix of personnel currently serving in Musa Qala. Nothing, however, seems to have dented the Gurkhas’ natural positive outlook nor cheerful courtesy that they seem to maintain at all times. The operation in which Rifleman Yubraj Rai lost his life has led to Afghans being able to return to their homes just to the south of Musa Qala after a period of several months. My military stabilisation team colleagues formed an integral part of the operation from the outset and were able immediately to begin engaging with the local population to assess their needs on returning home. At the same time two gangs of labourers from the Cash for Works project managed by an Afghan NGO went into the area to start the clear up. Our next task must be to get the Afghan civilian authorities into the area to begin listening, and to start to deliver services to, their people. Meanwhile, back in Musa Qala it is very much business as usual despite the temporary absence of the District Governor. Regular meetings, or “shuras” must go on to discuss justice and security and other themes with our local hosts. The new Afghan National Army battalion that shares our camp and operations has just arrived and must learn, as I have, what it means to live and work with the remarkable UK military and understand their specific language. Many is the time that I have observed an Afghan interpreter’s bafflement when hearing for the first time such phrases as “no dramas, chaps, I’ll pop up and square that away”. But I think as the Afghan soldiers looked down on this morning’s Remembrance Day parade, everyone understood and respected what the ceremony taking place represented.
Posted at 18:41 13 November 2008 by James Donally | Comments[0]
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