US D 101. ?.:AF 3/3 Purpose To ensure that U.S. Army personnel have a relevant, comprehensive guide to help enhance cultural understanding; to use in capacity building and counterinsurgency operations while deployed in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. "We are experiencing a tectonic change in military operations because of culture." -MG John M. Custer, Ill About This Book The Smart Book contains information designed to enhance Soldier's knowledge of Afghanistan, including history, politics, country data and statistics, and the military operational environment. The Smart Book concludes with an overview of the culture of Afghanistan including religion, identity, behavior, communication and negotiation techniques, an overview of ethnic groups, a regional breakdown outlining each province, a language guide, and cultural proverbs, expressions and superstitions. Focus "We all must understand the people of Afghanistan. Operate in a way that respects their culture and religion." -General Stanley A. McChrystal Commander, ISAF 11COIN Training Guidance," 10 November 2009 Table of Contents Page Topic 9 History 19 Political Flag of Afghanistan 20 22 Political Map Afghan Provinces 23 24 Political Structure 25 President of Afghanistan and Cabinet 27 29 Provincial Governors Country Data Location and Bordering Countries 30 31 Comparative Area 32 Social Statistics 33 Economy Overview Education Table of Contents Topic Military Operational Environment Terrain and Major lines of Communication by ISAF RC International Security Assistance Force {ISAF) Missions Afghan National Army Afghan National Police Insurgency Overview Map Taliban Intent Taliban Governance FATA-NWFP of Pakistan Taliban Safe Haven landmines Opium Poppy Cultivation Culture and Communication Holidays -2010 Religion in Afghanistan Afghan Identity Page 37 38 39 41 43 44 4S 46 47 48 50 51 58 60 62 67 r Table of Contents Topic Page Afghan Psyche and Behavior 70 Geert Hofstede's Five Dimensions of Culture 72 Communicating with Afghans 75 Meetings and Negotiations 77 Communications-Things to Avoid 79 Dining With Afghans 80 Afghan Family life 81 Buzkashi -Afghan Pastime 82 Ethnic Groups 83 Ethnolinquistic Composition Chart 84 Pashtun 85 Tajik 88 Hazara 90 Uzbek 92 Nurestani 93 Turkmen 94 Table of Contents Topic Kuchi {Nomadic) Baluch Other Ethnic Groups Breakdown by Climatic Region Southern and Western Regions Herat, Farah, Nimruz, Helmand, Kandahar Northern Region Faryab, Jowzjan, Sar-e-Pul, Balkh, Samangan, Baghlan, Kunduz, Badghis Northeastern Region Takhar, Panjshir, Nurestan, Badakhshan Eastern Region Konar, Nangarhar, lowgar, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Ghazni, Zabul, Laghman Central Region Ghar, Daykundi, Oruzgan, Wardak, Kabul, Kapisa, Parvan, Bamyan Language Guide Cultural Proverbs, Expressions, and Idioms Afghan Supe rstitions TRADOC Culture Center Information Page 95 96 97 98 100 112 130 140 160 178 199 200 201 g HISTORY 9 History Timeline • 334-326 BCE: Alexander the Great's conquests Establishes many trade centers in Afghanistan to include Kandahar and Herat • 30-248 CE: Kushan Empire The Kushans were great patrons of Buddhist art and culture; Bamiyan Buddha statues erected • 642-1187 CE: Islamic Conquest of Afghanistan Resulting in the conversion of Afghanistan to Islam from the pre-invasion practices of Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and other belief systems • 962-1186: Ghaznavid Dynasty A Persian dynasty of Turkic origins centered in Ghazni, brought in language (Dari) and a rich Persian culture to Afghanistan • 1219: Mongol Invasion The Mongols devastated Afghanistan, killing the population of major city centers, causing the population to revert to an agrarian rural society • 1747-1826: Durrani Empire This was the beginning of the modern Afghan State and the Pashtun ruling class History Timeline 1839-1842: First Anglo-Afghan War The start of the "Great Game", which was a power struggle between Russia and Great Britain in an effort to win power and dominance in the region; Britain occupies Afghanistan and uses it as a buffer to protect British India from Russian territory 1878-1880: Second Anglo-Afghan War Afghans attempt to oust British control of the country 1893: British establish the Durand Line This disputed border sepa rating Afghanistan from British Indian territories would eventually lead to strained relationships between Afghanistan and the new state of Pakistan; Durand line designed with the defense of India in mind 1919: Third Anglo-Afghan War After which Afghanistan gains full independence from Britain • 1919-1929: The Kingdom of Afghanistan King Amanullah moved to end his country's long-standing isolation and develop diplomatic relationships with most major countries; slavery abolished in 1923 • 1973: Republic of Afghanistan Monarchy abolished; establishment of a republic Afghan-Soviet War Soviet Losses: 14,553 Dead 53,753 Wounded Afghan Losses: 1 Million Afghans killed 5 Million fled country 2 Million lOPs (Internally Displaced Persons) During the 1980s, one out of two refugees in the world was an Afghan Soviet Occupation Dec 1979-Feb 1989 History Timeline • 1978: Coup by communists backed directly by Soviet Union • 1979: Soviets invade, install pro-Moscow government • 1980s: Anti-Soviet jihad fought by the Mujahedeen • 1989: Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan • 1992: Last Communist regime falls; Mujahideen forces vie for power and factional infighting begins • 1994: Civil war intensifies; 70% of country destroyed; Taliban rise to power • 1996: Taliban capture Kabul and declare Islamic Emirate; Osama bin Laden relocates to Afghanistan • 1996-2001: Era of Taliban government's "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan"; based loosely in Shari'a Law • 1998: U.S. cruise missiles strike an AI Qaeda terrorist training complex in Afghanistan Banned by the Taliban Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Suppression of Vice (PVSV) Firecrackers Education for Women Nail Polish Satellite Dishes • Christmas Cards • Movies • lobster Dancing Music Western Haircuts Hanging pictures in Home Beard Trimming Statues Wine/Alcohol Kite Flying Stuffed Animals Computers Sewing Catalogs Clapping During Sporting Events "Innovative form of Shari'a combining Pashtun tribal codes" History Timeline • Sep 2001: Northern Alliance leader Ahmad Shah Masood killed by AI Qaeda; attacks on World Trade Center and Pentagon • Oct 2001: Coalition forces begin air and ground operations in Afghanistan, support t o Northern Alliance • Nov 2001: Northern Alliance captures Kabul • Dec 2001: Taliban fall from power; Bonn Agreement establishes Afghan Interim Administration with Hamid Karzai elected as chairman • Jun 2002: Hamid Karzai becomes interim President • 2002-2003: International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces responsible for Kabul • Aug 2003: NATO assumes command of ISAF • Jan 2004: NATO/ISAF assumes responsibility for Northern Afghanistan and begins gradual transition of responsibility from the US led coalition United States in Afghanistan History Timeline • Jan 2004: New constitution introduced • Oct 2004: Presidential elections, Karzai elected • Oct 2006: NATO assumes responsibility for security across Afghanistan • Jul 2007: Former King Zahir Shah dies • Aug 2007: Opium production soars to a record high, according to UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) • Nov 2009: President Karzai sworn in for second term amid controversy and accusations of ballot stuffing • Dec 2009: President Obama to increase troop strength in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 100,000 • Jan 2010: Taliban introduce a "Code of Conduct" in an effort to reduce civilian casualties, soften their image, and win allies POLITICAL lCJ FLAG OF AFGHANISTAN • Black stands for the time period of 1839-1919 when the Afghan people fought three wars of independence against the British Empire • Red represents blood, sacrifice, and the continuous challenge of the people to overcome hardship • Green is the color of Islam and symbolizes peace The writing on the flag emphasizes the importance of Islam by stating: 11There is no God but God and Mohammad is his prophet" The mosque with the mihrab, is from seal of Abdur Rahman Khan, added by Habibullah Khan (who ruled 1901-1919}. ---- ·--- • NV.J..SI>IVd """_,, VIONI =• • av&YWVlSI '-:: ~, -~~';...'"'i-;;;.1 NV.LSIN3W>Hin .L d'VII\Il'VJI.lllOd AFGHAN PROVINCES Afghanistan's 34 Provinces are divided into districts. The number of districts has changed with the division or merging into other districts. The 325 districts that existed prior to 1979 changed with a reorganization in 2004 to an even larger number of 397. Currently, the Afghan Ministry of Interior (Mol) recognizes 398 districts. As Afghanistan continues to organize itself, this number may change over time. POLITICAL STRUCTURE • Exe cutive -President is head of both state and government Provincial governors for each of Afghanistan's 34 provinces appointed by t he president • Legislative -National Assembly consists of two houses: Lower-Wo/esi Jirga (the House of the People) Responsibility for making and ratifying laws and approving the actions of the president Upper-Meshrano Jirga (the House of Elders) Advisory role with vet o power • Judicial -Supreme Court All justices (nine, including Chief Justice) appointed by the president and approved by the Wo/esi Jirga Subordinate by high courts and appeals courts President of Afghanistan and Cabinet Minister a~ Interior Minister of Agriculture Minister of Counternarcotics Minister of B orders and Tribal Affairs Minister of Commerce Minister of Communications Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs Minister of Economy Minister of Hajj and Islamic Affairs Minister of Education Minister of Finance Minister of Foreign Affairs National Security Advisor irector, National Olrectorat of Security Minister of Higher Education Minister of Refugees Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Minister of Justice Minister of Work, Social Affairs, Martyrs, and Disabled Minister of Mines Minister of Public Health Minister of Public Works Provincial Governors Faryab Abdul Haq Shafaq Herat Ahmad Yusef Nuristani Kapisa Khoja Ghulam Ghous Abubake Laghman Lutfallah Mashal Nuristan Jamaluddin Badre Parwan Abdul Basir Salangi Uruzgan Asadullah Hamdam President Hamid Karzai Bamlyan Habiba Sorabl Ghazni r. Muhammad Osman Osman Jowzjan Mohammad Hashim Zareh Khost Tahr Khan Sabari (Acting) Logar General Abdurrahman Paktla Juma Khan Hamdard Samangan Qazi Enayat Enayatullah Wardark Mohammad Halim Fidai Badghis Mohammad Ashraf Nasser! Daykundi Sultan Ali Rozgani Ghar Baz Mohammad Ahmadi Kabul Haji Din Mohammad Kunar Syed Fazal Ullah Wahedl Nangarhar Gul Agha Sherzai Paktika Abdul Quyum Katawazy Sar-i Pol Sayed Iqbal Munib Zabul Del Bar Jan Arman Baghlan Mohammed Akbar Barakzai Farah Rohul Amin Helmand Mohammad Gulab Mangal Kandahar Tooryalal Wesa Kunduz Mohammad Omar Sulaimon Nimroz Ghulam Oastageer Azad Panjshir Bahlul Bahlj Takhar Abdul Latif lbrahimi As of7 JAN 10 Herat Kandahar Helmand Nangarhar W ardarkAhmad Yusef Nurlstani Tooryalai Wesa Mohammad Golab Mangal Gul Agha Sherzai Mohammad Hallm Fidai COUNTRY DATA q LOCATION AND BORDERING COUNTRIES location: South Central Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran Border Countries: • China • Iran • Pakistan • Tajikistan • Turkmenistan • Uzbekistan COMPARATIVE AREA SOCIAL STATISTICS Population: 28.396 Million (2009 est.) 0-14 years: 44.5% (male 7,664,670/female 7,300,446) 15-64 years: 53% (male 9,147,846/female 8,679,800) 65 years and over: 2.4% (male 394,572/female 422,603) (2009 est.) Total Fertility Rate: 6.53 children born/woman Under-5 Mortality: (m/f) 232/237 per 1000 Life Expectancy at Birth: Total population: 44.64 yrs Male: 44.47 yrs Female: 44.81 yrs (2009 est.) Literacy: Age 15 and over can read and write total pop.: 28.1% male: 43.1% female: 12.6% (2000 est.) School life expectancy: total : 8 years male: 11 years female: 4 years (2004) Percentage of population using improved drinking-water sources, 2006, total: 20% GOP per capita: $700 (2008 est.) Labor force: 15 million (2004 est.) Unemployment Rate: 40% Urban Population: 24% of total population u ECONOMY OVERVIEW Wheat and cereal production along with fruit and nuts have long been Afghanistan's traditional agricultural mainstays Afghanistan is extremely poor, landlocked, and very dependent on foreign aid There is a shortage of housing, clean water, electricity, medical care, and jobs Other challenges include corruption and a huge illicit opium trade Agriculture: 80%, Industry: 10%, Services: 10% (2004 est.) Afghanistan has a wealth of natural resources to include: natural gas, petroleum, oil, marble, gold, copper, chromate, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, and salt Exploration indicates abundant deposits of precious and semi precious gemstones, including emerald, ruby, sapphire, garnet, lapis, kunzite, spinel, tourmaline, and peridot; most mining and exportation of these precious and semi precious gems is illegal Illegal and unregulated deforestation has depleted much of the country's timber industry and has left much of the once forested areas barren Afghan hand woven rugs are one of the more popular exports along with leather, furs, and hand crafted replica antiques Overall the economy of Afghanistan has improved significantly since 2002 due to the infusion of billions of US dollars and international aid Exchange rate: 1 $US = 50 Afghanis (AFs) ECONOMY OVERVIEW CONT. Afghanistan's economy remains weak as economic production is insufficient to generate sufficient personal incomes, to sustain an effective public sector or to finance its wide-ranging imports of finished goods and services. In addition to the continuing problems of security, low employment, poor labor productivity, a lack of capital and poor capital productivity, a lack of a comprehensive set of policies to encourage entrepreneurship make the situation very discouraging. The Afghan economy has historically remained mostly agricultural in spite of the fact the country is only 12% arable and less than 6% is cultivated; there is almost no use of modern farming techniques to include: the use of farm equipment, chemical fertilizer, or pesticides; irrigation is primitive and totally dependent on the winter snows and seasonal rainfall; fruit and nuts exports average around $115 million a year but could easily be ten times that amount with a little investment. Although security has been a major hindrance to Afghanistan's economic progress, the ability of the Afghan government to extend its reach throughout the country poses the biggest threat to future economic growth; illicit opium production and trade generates roughly 3 billion dollars a year and remains one of Kabul's largest policy concerns. An ISAF unit in a relatively permissive area had a difficult time maneuvering large vehicles along a road because it was lined with fruit trees. To improve mobility, the unit had the trees cut down. Many people in the village had their livelihoods destroyed. lEOs began appearing along the road shortly thereafter. "We all must understand the people of Afghanistan. Operate in a way that respects their culture and religion." Ge neral Stanle y A . McChryst a l Co mmande r, ISAF EDUCATION In 1969 Afghanistan tried its hand at compulsory public education for children between the ages of 7 and 15, but the initiative never had a chance to grow roots. When the Soviets invaded 10 years later, many programs, including compulsory public education, were terminated. Prior to 1969, education was purely at the discretion of the family. Even then, much of the education offered concentrated on rote memory of the Quran, and was reserved for males only. Families that elected not to send their children to school often did so out of a need for extra hands to maintain the household and field duties. Dari is the language of the educated in Afghanistan. Regardless of their ethnicity, if a family could pool the resources to send their children through an extensive education, they would become fluent in the Dari language. But after the Soviet withdrawal, any semblance of public education disappeared. Even Kabul University closed its doors. The Taliban had a very different approach to education. Outside of religious education for boys only, public education was forbidden, especially for girls. The result of the last three decades is a literacy rate less than 40%. Most of the literate were concentrated in urban areas, while rural locations accounted for less than 10% of the literate. ·w·. • ~ ' ~ ) I ( ' ~~ . ) ~ . "' ,' "''' .. ... I MILITARY OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT 3/ TERRAIN & MAJOR LINES OF COMMUNICATIONS BY ISAF RC -Major Roads International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Missions • • Conduct security and stability operations • Support the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) • Disarm illegally armed groups • Facilitate ammunition depots managements • Reconstruction and development • Humanitarian Assistance • Governance • Counter-narcotics ISAF PRT LOCATIONS AFGHANISTAN Provincial Reconstruction Team ISAF RC AND PRT LOCATIONS 26 PRTs, each commanded by a military officer (usually a l TC) Includes: -Military Component (Civil Affairs/Force Protection) -Civilian Police Advisors -Civilian representatives of US (or other national) government foreign agencies Focus is on development , reconstruction and extending the reach of the central government into the provinces. AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY Afghan National Army (ANA) • Strength: 97,000 troops (as of January 2010) • Target Strength: 240,000 (within five years) • Capacity: participates in 90% of ISAF operations and leads 62% of joint operations • Well respected by the Afghan population IANA Command Areas of Responsibility 201 51 Corps AFGHAN NATIONAL POLICE Afghan National Police {ANP) • Strength: 94,000 (as of January 2010) • Target Strength: 134,000 (within five years) • Composition of the ANP -Afghan Uniformed Police -Afghan Border Police -Afghan National Civil Order Police -Afghan Counter-Narcotics Police • Viewed as corrupt; are known to extort the local population; generally not trusted INSURGENCY OVERVIEW "41,"' ' '"' r A. N Mahsud!Tehrik-Taliban PAK(TTP) 0 He--lslaml Gulbuddin (HIG) C)Tehrik-i-Nefaz Shariat Mu hammad (TNSM)fTTP 0Hexbe-3 1slami Khalis (HIK) c::> Haqqani Network {HQN) 0 Nazir Q Key ai-Oa'ida concentration '? Taliban overarching goals: • Expel foreign forces from Afghanistan • Undermine GIRoA's authority and perceptions of security • Establish a Sunni state under Taliban Supreme Leader Mullah Omar Afghan Taliban Intent Taliban Code of Conduct published by Taliban leadership, Mid July 2009 (Mullah Omar's COIN guidance -a population-centric strategy) "This is our mission: to keep people and their property safe. Do not let those people that love money take our local people's property and cause them problems." "Keep good relationships with your friends and the loca l people, and do not let the enemy divide I separate you ." Intentions • We don't have to beat ISAF militarily, just outlast international will to remain in Afghanistan • Continue population outreach and protection programs • Continue successful asymmetric operations • Expand lethal lED and high-profile attacks to deny ISAF freedom of movement • Emphasize increasing violence in RC North and RC West • Demonstrate Taliban reach and perceived control of all Afghanistan • Make the main enemy the United States Directives • Reiterated prohibitions on the following: Mistreating population Forcibly taking personal weapons Taking children to conduct jihad Punishment by maiming Forcing people to pay donations Searching homes Kidnapping people for money Taliban Governance Inner Shura committees: 1 TB Structure 2009 I • Inner Shura: Supreme ruling body; decisions • Military Inner Shura based on consensus and ·Finance ·Ideology Mull ah Om ar and -18 members within Omar's guidance • Administrative organized in committees ·Political • Propaganda • Intelligence I • Regional Shura I Committees: Direct and oversee policy; limited decision-making authority Regional Shuras r-----t • Provincial Shura: Regional Commander r-Enforces and implements -15-20 members Ad hoc shuras directives; represents or committees local concerns Although largely • Decision delays as fighters require recreated, the Taliban guidance from smaller core of TBSL senior structure in 2009 decision-makers is more consolidated likely due to lack of freedom of movement and operational ~Provincial Shuras 'I Governors commander losses FATA -NWFP of Pakistan Federally Administrated Tribal Areas-FATA North-West Frontier Province-NWFP Afghanistan Punjab FATA: Taliban Safe Haven • Made up of seven tribal agencies (Khyber, Kurram, Orazkai, Mohmand, Bajaur, North and South Waziristan) • 3 million tribesmen of FATA are part of the 28 million Pashtuns in Pakistan (15 million Pashtuns in Afghanistan) • Development, literacy, and health facilities are low -Per capita income US $500 -Literacy rate: 17°/o (3°/o for females) -Madaris (some built with AI Qaeda money) are a primary means of education and remain popular • Tribes on both sides of border intermarry, trade, feud, celebrate with one another; adhere to Pashtunwali TALIBAN SAFE HAVEN CONT. • FATA tribes more rigid and conservative due to a uniquely oppressive administrative system -Ruled directly by the Pakistani President whose agent is the Governor of the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) -Governor appoints " political agents" to each agency -Agents adhere to the "Frontier Crimes Regulation" (FCR), a legacy of British colonialism -FCR gave no constitutional, civic, or political rights to FATA tribesmen -FATA traditionally off limits to journalists, NGOs, human rights organizations and political parties -Mullahs and de facto religious parties have filled the void • Since the fall of the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan, the area has been destabilized as Pakistani Intelligence (lSI) used FATA as a safe haven for Taliban reconstitution and later as a staging area for TB recruitment, training and operations in Afghanistan LANDMINES • Mines have killed and/or maimed about 150,000 Afghans since 1989 • Every month 55-60 people fall victim to landmines • 32 of 34 provinces affected • Mined areas marked by signs and/or red painted rocks • Adversely effects nomadic migratory tribes such as the Kuchi Opium Poppies in Afghanistan '----------- NV!SI>IVd ~~""'~lll "'~'e-.>.1..-.o"d ~a:JO·or o"ttt oJJO~ 1 OHezbe-lslaml Gulbuckhn {HIG) C)Tehnk-t-Nefaz Shariat Muhammad (TNSM)fTTP c::> NaZir C)Haqqan1 Network (HQN) Q Key al-Qa'tda concentration ..._. NOI.LVJIN n II\III\IOJ ONV 3Hn.LlnJ Victory of the Muslim Nation Parade in front of Eid Gah Mosque, Kabul HOLIDAYS (dates* for 2010) 26 Feb: Mawlid ai-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad) 21 Mar: Nowruz {Persian New Year) • 28 Apr: Victory of the Muslim Nation {Withdrawal of Soviet Forces) 01 May: Labor Day • 19 Aug: National Day {Independent Sovereignty from Britain) 09 Sep: Masood Day, commemorating the assassination of Northern Alliance leader Ahmad Shah Masood • 10 Sep: Eid ai-Fitr (After a month of fasting, Afghans visit and/or entertain their friends and give gifts) • 15 Nov: Eid-ai-Adha {Feast of the Sacrifice -commemorates the Prophet Abraham's devotion to God) 16 Dec: Ashura (Shi'a day of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Husayn at the Battle of Karbala in 680 C.E.) Note: The week prior to Eid ai-Fitr is an appropriate time to provide performance or other types of bonuses to Afghan national employees such as interpreters/translators; dates for religious holidays are approximated; each year the holidays are adjusted to the lunar calendarGo AFGHANS CELEBRATING Nowruz Nowruz (Persian New Year) • Majority of Afghan Muslims are Sunni of the Hanafi School of thought (Hanafi is the oldest, largest, and most liberal of the four main schools of Sunni Islam) • Shi'as in Afghanistan are "Twelvers" along with smaller numbers of lsmaillis; most are from the Hazara and Qizilbash groups • Sufism , a mystical school of Islam, is practiced by many Afghan Sunni and Shi'a Muslims in a form unique to Afghanistan • Islam in Afghanistan can include many local superstitions such as the use of folk medicines and remedies ISLAM Abrahamic religion-shares roots with Judaism and Christianity Qur'an holy book-infallible authority Five Pillars: Testimony of faith (Shahada}, Prayer (Sa/at), Charity (Zakat}, Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), Fasting during month of Ramadan (Sawm) Other Beliefs: Faith (/man), Oneness of God (Tawhid}, Prophets, Angels, Judgment Day, the Books (Qur'an, Bible, Torah), Fate and Predestination Division between Sunni and Shi'a not as important as ethnic/tribal differences Pervasive part of daily life-Prayer Sx/day, education, Friday mosque gatherings Religious figures (mullahs) respected and influential -The Mullah is a religious leader or teacher -Most are qualified by their ability to quote the Koran from memory Often times the Mullah retains the role of a leader who arbitrates local disputes based of Islamic principles, and teaches Islamic law and doctrine literacy issues: misinterpretation; opportunity for perceived religious authorities to mislead those who cannot read DISTRIBUTION OF SHI'A AND SUNNI The Shi'a of Afghanistan, who are primarily Hazara, are located in the center,the capital, and other major cities of the country. The center of the country is mountainous and harsh terrain that has provided security and seclusion from other groups that have threatened and/or discriminated against the Hazara in the past. Hazara today can hold government posts, obtain higher education, and participate in the military. ETHNOLINGUISTIC GROUPS AND ISLAMIC SECTS Turklc KlrghiZ Turkmen Uzbec Pashtun o.p OIZJibash -TaJik Other ~Brah..n Nur.stam CJ Sparsely Populated or Lmnhab4ted Note the Hazara, the minority Shi'a Muslim group, in the center. The remaining ethnic groups are predominantly Sunni Muslim. AFGHAN IDENTITY Lo and Decision-Makin Least Important ~-------------~ndividual or Self " My name is Hamid Karzal" Ethnlclty "Qawmm" , • .,..._______ Tribe or Sub Tribe Tribe "I belong to the Popalzal Tribe" "Deh" or "Qarriya" ly Bloodline "I am a descendant of Ahmed Shah Durrani, the first king of Most Important Afghanistan " Allegiance is given to family above all other social groupings; family is also the main source of an Afghan's identity and is the primary factor in decision-making. Ethnic groups, tribes, and community define one's loyalty. Self is the least important consideration in such a collective society. AMERICAN IDENTITY Least Important Most Important While Afghan society is in general collective and group-oriented, individualism and independence are characteristic of American culture and permeate most aspects of American society. Independence is of great value in America, and Americans place emphasis on individual liberties and personal freedoms. In general, in America, the individual represents themselves, and family ties usually carry less significance in America than they would in Afghanistan. The nuclear family, more often than the extended family, serves as the primary support for most individuals in America, but individuals are expected at some point in their early adult life to support themselves. Additionally, in America an individual's social network is an important factor which creates their identity. Americans share a strong sense of national unity. AFGHAN SHURA OR TRIBAL COUNSEL "Holding routine jirgas with community leaders that build trust and solve problems is an offensive operation." It is important for the soldier to realize that Afghans are a tribal society and that individual Afghans (regardless of position) often times cannot make decisions for the tribe. The " Shura" is an older and highly successful form of democracy that has been used for centuries in Afghanistan to solve problems and reach agreement /consensus within the tribe. Attending these Shuras are an incredibly important way to meet with tribal leaders who can make decisions and implement change. But most importantly it is a great opportunity for soldiers to build relationships of trust and foster cooperation with Afghans. AFGHAN PSYCHE AND BEHAVIOR Influences and corresponding mindsets/behaviors • Recent history of conflict: Suspicion, warrior mentality, basic survival, uncertainty Soviet Invasion and Mujahideen: M any Afghans refer to this time period as an example of thei r strength; it is a source of pride and glo ry and also fueled ongoing suspicion of outside forces and their objectives. Civil War: After the Soviet withdrawal, fighting amongst Afghan ethnic groups for control of the country increased sectarianism, resu lting in a significant decline in an already weak sense of nationalism. Taliban: Due to the incredibly anarchic situation during the Afghan Civil W ar, the Taliban were initially welcomed by t he majority of hopeful Afghans. This sense of hope, however, turned into betrayal when the Ta liban government turned inward, repressive, and was seen as detrimental t o the people. This betrayal has resu lted in a mindset of di strust towards government. Current situation : With the defeat of the Taliban, Afghans expected improvements to their lives through the assistance of the international community. Almost a decade after the Ta liban, the standard of living has not measurably improved. As the national government, which is backed by the US and NATO partner countries, is increasingly seen as corrupt, the sense of disappointment ha s resulted in a population often ambivalent to all sides . AFGHAN PSYCHE AND BEHAVIOR Influences and corresponding mindsets/behaviors continued • Religion: "lnsha'allah" attitude Fatalism: Religion is often used as a source of comfort in a situation where many Afghans live in poverty; fatalism provides a way to cope with a lack of food, clean water, security, and healthcare. Islam a sour ce of guidance: Problems within a family or community are often resolved by consulting religious texts or those who are familiar with the texts; a religious leader is often the source consulted due to the high rate of illiteracy. Most are not ex t remist: The majority of Afghans are not extremist, but are religiously conservative; extremism that does exist is a result of the Soviet-Afghan War and the importation of AI Qaeda ideology. • Traditional Afghan values: Ho spitality, Ho no r, Family Regardless of past and present events, most Afghans are committed to maintaining their traditional values and customs. - Hospitality is a trademark of Afghan culture; regardless of their opinion of a person, they will be hospitable. - Honor is a common Afghan value behind behaviors such as: saving face, not saying "no," being hospitable and giving, and guarding the virtue of female family members. - Family is the priority for most Afghans and is often the driving force behind many of their actions. 71 GEERT HOFSTEDE'S FIVE DIMENSIONS OF CULTURE Low vs. High Power Distance -Afghanistan is a high power society as members do not see themselves as equals but subject to those in power Individualism vs. Collectivism -Falling under a tribe or ethnic group would define Afghans as a collective society; individuals answer to the tribe as a whole Masculine vs. Femininity Afghanistan is very much a masculine society where competition, assertiveness and power play a crucial role in every day life; women play a subordinate role in this society Low vs. High Uncertainty Avoidance A high uncertainty avoidance society prefers rules and structured activities like tribal laws and religious values to dictate daily life; superstitions can also p lay a role Long vs. Short Term Orientation Afghanistan is a short term oriented society where saving face, respect for tradition, and immediate stability are important Application of the Five Dimensions of Culture High Power Distance It is critical to identify the power broker of a community, whether it be the local mullah, tribal elder, politician, or businessman; directly dealing in a positive manner with those with power will increase the effectiveness of meetings and negotiations Collective Society -For any decisions of significance, expect a consensus approach that may require patience on the part of Soldiers Masculine Society In Afghanistan, men and women have very distinct gender roles and norms of interaction that may not conform to Western values; consult your Rules of Interaction should any situations of concern arise High Uncertainty Avoidance Soldiers should attempt to provide full explanations, assurances, and demonstrate beneficial outcomes when introducing new concepts. It is also advisable to arrange meetings that do not disrupt daily religious and cultural rituals, such as prayer Short Term Orientation At the end of a meeting, do not expect command decisions to be made in a timely manner Hofstede's Cultural Value Country Comparison 100 • United States ...... 80 r • Afghanistan 60 -r---I I Mexico lJ 40 -b • Iraq ~ ' • Germany 20 - .....,.. i South Korea I I ....... [ lowValue I 0 -I PDI IDV MAS UAI LTO PDI -Power Distance Index IDV -Individualism MAS -Masculinity UAI -Uncertainty Avoidance Index LTO-Long-Term Orientation 100 -being high value 0 -no value 1 ; , COMMUNICATING WITH AFGHANS Greeting: • Handshake or right hand over heart with slight nod • Greeting in Pashtu or Dari is appreciated • Men should not attempt to greet a woman unless the woman initiates the greeting • It is preferable to greet the eldest or most senior first Small Talk: • Casual conversation is a must at the beginning of every encounter • Consists of repeated inquiries about health, family, weather, crops • Do not make specific inquiries about female family members • Build rapport by sharing personal information (within the limits of your comfort and security) • Accept offerings of food or tea (if you m ust decline, do so gracefully) COMMUNICATING WITH AFGHANS CONT. • Possible lines of communication that may contribute to greater efficiency and maximum impact: -Through government authorities in the cities -Through religious figures in villages • Providing gifts, such as school supplies, for children can help build rapport • Avoid communicating preference for one ethnic group over another • Respect for the elderly can be the first step towards communication; do not be afraid of a hug or a kiss MEETINGS AND NEGOTIATIONS To foster rapport and willingness to cooperate: Do not expect to address your goals during the initial meetings • The first few meetings should focus on the goals and interests of the Afghans • Never make a promise that you cannot keep • Try to compliment the leader and avoid negatively affecting his honor • Try not to openly disagree with their goals in public; instead, suggest further discussion may be needed • Do not openly express anger or shout, as such behavior is viewed as disrespectful and shows a lack of self control • Greet in Dari and/or Pashtu at the start and end of m eetings • In negotiations, allow your counterpart to ask about your agenda, only allow for small pieces to be revealed (enough for your counterpart to feel comfortable and build his trust in you) 77 saJJO:I A~!JnJas ue4S:J." pue sn li~!M SU!~aall\l pau!qWO) COMMUNICATING WITH AFGHANS -THINGS TO AVOID • Pointing at some one • Sticking out the tongue • Yelling at someone in front of others • Spitting, whether on the ground or at someone • Sitting with legs stretched in front of others, especially the elderly • Talking with hands in pockets or behind one's back • Making offensive hand gestures • Talking to females directly or inquiring about an Afghan's wife or older female family members DINING WITH AFGHANS • To be invited is an honor, and attending a meal is a powerful way to build rapport • Do not expect a quick dinner, nor a mixed gender dining arrangement • Try to take a small gift (no alcohol); the gift will not be opened in front of you • Allow the host to seat you • Most likely floor seating-do not sit with legs stretched out in front of others • Food is often served and consumed from common plates; always use right hand (silverware may or may not be available) • Try to avoid leaving excess food on your plate and expect offers of 2 nd and 3 rd helpings Afghan Family Life • In rural areas, life centers on the Qalah (pronounced "kala"), a walled compound/fort occupied by an extended family • Extended family obligations, often supersede other responsibilities, including allegiance to spouse, job, and individual need • Most marriages are arranged (between cousins) to reinforce alliances and/or ensure that property & wealth remain in family control • Privacy & Protection from strangers or non-family members is a paramount concern ---however, privacy from family is virtually unknown Buzkashi -The Afghan National Sport Buzkashi literally means "goat grabbing" in Dari. The origins of this game are believed to go back to the era of the Mongol conquest, when the Mongol riders would hunt, kill and pick up goats without dismounting from their horses. Purportedly, Afghan horseman learned to fight back and retook their animals from the Mongols who wanted to ride away with the livestock. Today buzkashi is an organized field game of ten to twelve players per team. The teams must transport the headless carcass of a calf or goat, weighing up to 60 kg, (130 lbs) the length of a football field and back, and then over a goal Line, without dropping it or allowing someone from the other team to wrestle it from them. In bigger cities, tournaments are played in stadiums. The rules forbid the use of knives or any direct physical attack of the person carrying the carcass. It is a rough sport that requires exceptional riding skills and well-trained horses. Buzkashi is typically played on special occasions, such as the Afghan New Year (Nowruz), Eid, and weddings, though typically women are not allowed to watch. ETHNIC GROUPS fXlliQ8ljU/Un J0 pa1e1ndod AjasJeds c::::J !U81SUON !048J8 ~ HHUO ,.,f8J. - 4S8QI!Z!O A U0l498d oaqzn eJeZeH U8W)IJOJ. )t8WIV Zl46J!)I 4001"8 = :) p pn.t u et ueJI !Ill JH :IVSI AS NOI.LISOdiAIO) JI.LSin9NilONH.L3 PASHTUN largest single Afghan ethnicity Pashtu primary language President Hamid Karzai is Pashtun Independent, fierce View themselves as rightful leaders of Afghanistan Ghilzai Pashtun tribe forms backbone of Taliban The term "Afghan" is historically synonymous with Pashtun Pashtun proverb: " I against my brother; my brother and I against my cousin; I, my brother, and my cousin against the stranger" tJ••btuow.li-The Way of the Pashtun Pashtunwali is a term coined by anthropologists; while the term itself is unfamiliar to Pashtuns, it is an accurate description of an unwritten code or set of values important to their way of life •!•Melmastia-Hospitality •!•Badal-Justice/Revenge • !•Nanawateh-Asylum • !•Zemaka-Defense of land/earth • !•Nang-Honor • !•Namus -Honor of women •!•Hewad-Nation -"Pashtunistan" • !•Dod-pasbani -Protect Pashtun culture • !•Tokhm-pasbani -Protect the Pashtun • !•De Pashtunwali Perawano-Adhere to Pashtunwali PASHTUNS AND ISLAM One thing that is common to most Pashtuns is their commitment to Islam as both a value system and a social structure. Many times their strong belief in Islam is blended with Pashtun tribal tradition. Still, they do rely on the pillars of Islam to live their lives and often the Mullah takes on the role of a community leader and arbitrator. The mosque is the center of the community. Pashtuns also rely heavily on the code of conduct known as Pashtunwali. It is an unwritten law passed down from one generation to the next. It covers many aspects of life to include: self authority, equality, assembly or counsels, elders, respect for all people, remedies for grievances, clan relationships, care for the needy, need for protection, hospitality, and many other day to day ways in which one and the tribe are to behave. At times it may supersede Islam. TAJIK 2"d largest ethnic group (25-30% of population) • Refer to themselves as "Farsiwan" or speakers of Farsi/Dari • Formed the backbone of Northern Alliance against Taliban • Social organization by geography, not tribe • Tied together by perceived threat of Pashtuns • Ahmad Shah Masood, Leader of the Northern Alliance, was Tajik Mostly Sunni Muslim, with few Shi'a Tajik Militiaman VHVZVH Hazara • Mongolian descent • Tribal and agrarian • Distinct ethnic and religious group • Vast majority Shi'a Muslim • Historical target of discrimination by Sunni Tribes; mostly by Pashtuns • Still perform the most menial jobs • Often anti-government, anti-Pashtun • Persecuted by Taliban • Occasional feuds with nomadic Kuchi UZBEK o Turkic-Mongol descent o Located in Northern Afghanistan and Uzbekistan o Uzbek and Dari speakers o Most Sunni Muslim o Introduced Buzkashi, Afghanistan's NURESTANI • Located primarily in NE Afghanistan • Claim lineage to Alexander the Great and/or Quraysh tribe of Arabia (who rejected Islam); both stories believed to have originated in myth Previously named "Kafirs"-infidels; they were forcibly converted to Islam by Amir Abdur Raham Khan in 1895 • Converted to Islam late 19th century 15 tribes with numerous sub-groups • 5 languages with several dialects • Tepid relations with other Afghans • Animosity towards Arabs • Protective of distinctive culture • Many have European features-light eyes, hair TURKMEN Turkic-speaking group Turkic-Mongol origin Tribal structure based on pat rilineal; meaning "father line" Farmer-herdsmen Jewelry and carpet makers Considerable contributions to the Afghan economy KUCHI (NOMADIC) • Nomadic herdsmen • Primarily Pashtun and Baluch • May seasonally relocate and/or cross-national borders • High illiteracy rate • Feud with settled populations over free grazing • Number around 3 million • Continue to fall victim to landmines emplaced during and after Soviet AfghanVVar~--------------------~ BALUCH Baluch: Iranian descent; speak Baluchi (Iranian language) Their traditional homeland is the Baluchistan Plateau largely pastoral and desert dwellers; Sunni Muslim Baluchi Nationalism, which continues to this day, has resulted in several uprisings that have been violently put down by Pakistan Have a distinct cultural identity maintained by their isolated and nomadic life style Known for their beautiful natural colored camel hair rugs OTHER GROUPS Pashai . Very little known about them . characterized by language-Pashai (Dardic language) . Many consider themselves Pashtun . . . often associated with or referred to as Kohistani Inhabit Nuristan, parts of laghman, and N. Nangarhar Many in timber and livestock businesses Qizilbash . . . lmami Shi'a group Thought to be descendants of Persian mercenaries and administrators of Safavid empire; were influential in Afghan court and government due to higher levels of education and experience Appear to inhabit urban centers as professionals (doctors, teachers, engineers, lawyers) Kabuli (Kabul) . Elites . Heterogeneous urban population of Kabul City . Ethnic-neutral (i.e. mixed) . Generations of intermarriages . Speak Dari in addition to mother tongue . Often secularly educated . Familiar with/adopt Western-oriented outlook . Many left capital during past three decades of war Other Ethnic Groups . Gujjar: Nomadic; language not Indo-European; millennia old traditions; possibly related to Nuristanis . . . Hindus: known for moneylending; persecuted under Taliban; many returning to Afghanistan Sikhs: known for craftsmanship; must carry knife; persecuted by Taliban; many returning Aimak: Perisan-speaking, nomadic/seminomadic, Mongolian/Iranian mix Provinces by Region I I Southern and Western Regions: Herat, Farah, Nimruz, Helmand, Kandahar Eastern Region: Konar, Nangarhar, Lowga r, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Ghazni, Zabul, Laghman Northern Region: Faryab, Jowzjan, Sar-e-Pul, Balkh, Samangan, Baghlan, Kunduz, Badghis - Northeastern Region: Takhar, Panjshir, Nurestan, Badakhshan Central Region: Ghor, Daykundi, Oruzgan, Wardak, Kabul, Kapisa, Parvan, Bamyan 99 ~VHVONV)I 1 0NVII\Il3H 'znHII\IIN 'HV~V:I '.iVH3H SNOI93~ NH3.lS3M ONV N~3H.lnOS Southern and Western Regions The southern and western climate generally covers the Herat, Farah, and Nimruz provinces in the West and the Helmand and Kandahar provinces in the South. This region has incredibly hot summers. Snow rarely falls in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar during the winter, whereas the Western provinces will see some snow with little to no accumulation. Nimruz and Farah provinces have large, sandy deserts known locally as Registan or "Sandy Land.'' The entire southern region experiences high winds and sand storms from MaySeptember. The region has a Pashtun majority, followed by a concentration of Baluch in the southernmost areas. There are pockets of Tajik populations in the region, and a small amount of Hazaras and Aimaks. The security situation has been unstable, and insurgent groups have controlled districts in the region. Helmand province is of great significance as it is responsible for over 50% of the world's opium production. Western Afghanistan -Herat Ethnic Groups: Pashtun Tajik Hazara languages: Pashtu Dari Herat Province -Capital: Herat Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Bounded by the Khorasan desert in the west, mountains in the east and north fertile tract that contains the districts of Herat, Ghoryan, Obe, and Karukh One of the country's richest agricultural communities; agriculture, livestock, and carpet weaving Most of the opium production takes place in Shindand District where insurgent groups are very active High level of criminal activity throughout the province-particularly rural areas Once a center of Persian poetry and philosophy, Herat is still in Iran's sphere of influence Western Afghanistan-Farah Ethnic Groups: Pashtun -80% Tajik -14% Other-6% languages: Dari-50% Pashtu-48% Farah Province -Capital: Farah Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Desert plains south of Farah Rud; mountainous north and east of Farah City Gth largest opium producing province; 9% of arable land under opium poppy cultivation Opium poppy is mainly cultivated in the Bala Buluk and Bakwa districts Taliban pressure combined with government sponsored poppy eradication programs have pushed residents into arms of insurgency Tomb of Syed Muhammad Jaunpuri (who claimed to be the Mahdi) visited every year by many; home to many ruined castles, including "Castle of Infidel" 0~ Southern Afghanistan -Nimruz Ethnic Groups: Baluch -61% Pashtun -27% Tajik Uzbek languages: Baluchi -61% Pashtu-27% Dari-10% Uzbek -10% Nimruz Province -Capital: Zaranj Geography and Climate: Economy: Desert; arid; nearly all of the province (95.3%) is made up of flat land According to USAID, less than a quarter of Nimruz's trade with Iran is legal and more than 70 % of the local population participates in smuggling activities Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Important transit point to Pakistan and Iran; fertile Khash Rod District prime opium growing area Narco-trafficker violence to support economic interests; corruption with Afghan Border Security personnel Significance: The ancient city of Zaranj was the capital of the Saffarid Empire '--· Southern Afghanistan -Helmand Ethnic Groups: Pashtun -92% Baluch languages: Pashtu-92% Baluchi Dari Helmand Province-Capital: Lashkar Gah Geography and Climate: Deserts in the south, hills in the north, and the fertile Helmand River Valley along the length of the province Economy: Opium cultivation and production; almost every family is involved in the drug trade; 94% of population lives in rural districts Drug Production/Trafficking: Produces SO% of World's opium Dangers/Concerns: Security is extremely poor; serious infiltration of anti-government forces Significance: One of the early centers of Zoroastrianism; was also known as "White India" due to its populations of Brahmans and Buddhists Southern Afghanistan -Kandahar Ethnic Groups: Pashtun languages: Pashtu-98% Kandahar Province -Capital: Kandahar City Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: More than four-fifths flat land; arid Agriculture; recently growing dependence on poppy cultivation Statistically the second largest poppy producing province in the country Security situation remains volatile; insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts Considered the birthplace of modern Afghanistan; home province of President Hamid Karzai NORTHERN REGION FARYAB, JOWZJAN, SAR-E-PUL, BALKH, SAMANGAN, BAGHLAN, KUNDUZ, BADGHIS Northern Region The northern climate area pertains to the provinces of Badghis, Faryab, Jowzjan, Sar-e-Pul, Balkh, Samangan, Baghlan, and Kunduz. Winters here can be very cold with accumulating snowfall especially in the areas around the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in Balkh province. Also on this plain, the summers can reach temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Uzbeks are the ethnic majority in this region, followed by Tajiks and Hazaras; there are also pockets of Pashtuns and Turkmen. In recent years threat activity has been low, but some poppy cultivation and trafficking is ongoing (esp. in Sar e-Pul). Mazar-e-Sharif is famous for its Blue Mosque, which receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year at Nowruz {Persian New Year). Northwest Afghanistan-Badghis Ethnic Groups: Tajik-62% Pashtun-28% Uzbek-5% Turkmen-3% Languages: Dari-56% Pashtu-40% Badghis Province-Capital: Qala-1-Naw Geography and Climate: Murghab River in the north and the Hari-Rud River in the south; bordered on the north by the Desert of the Sarakhs; extremely mountainous and remote Economy: Agriculture and animal husbandry Drug Opium poppy cultivated mainly in the Production/Trafficking: Ghormach, Murghab and Qadis districts; opium is not a major source of income for the province Dangers/Concerns: Security situation has deteriorated in the northern districts of Ghormach and Murghab; Pashtun population generally sympathetic to the local Taliban Significance: Badghis = "Lap of Wind"; Emir relocated Pashtun tribes to province in late 19th century 115 Northwestern Afghanistan -Faryab Ethnic Groups: Uzbek-54% Tajik-27% Pashtun-13% Turkmen Language: Uzbeki Dari Pashtun Faryab Province-Capital: Maymana Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: I Dangers/Concerns: Significance: I Two thirds mountainous or semi mountainous Agriculture; industrial commodities; handicrafts-rugs and carpets Little poppy cultivation but one of the most important transit areas for drug trafficking, especially Bilchiragh, Gorziwan and Kohistan Improvised explosive device attacks against International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in Maimana City; violent demonstrations with some involvement of the locals Named after a town founded by Sassanids and later destroyed by invading Mongols in 1220 117 Northwestern Afghanistan -Jowzjan Ethnic Groups: Uzbek -40% Turkmen -29% Tajik-12% Pashtun-17% languages: Dari Uzbek Turkmen Jowzjan Province-Capital: Sheberghan Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: More than one quarter mountainous; two thirds of the area flat Agriculture Most local commanders involved in the narcotics business Some unrest; factional clashes continue to cause instability; there are indications that Darzab district may serve as a base for Anti Government Elements (AGE) Traditional powerbase of Uzbek warlord Rashid Dostum Northwestern Afghanistan -Sar-e Pol Ethnic Groups: Uzbek Hazara Pashtun Tajik Languages: Dari-56% Uzbek -19% Sar-e-Pul Province -Capital: Sar-e Pol Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: 75°/o mountainous terrain,14°/o flat Agriculture; area largely undeveloped Poppy cultivation is ongoing; transit area for drug trafficking Relatively calm and stable; some unresolved land disputes Named after Buddhist disciple Sariputta, who originated from the area Northwestern Afghanistan -Balkh Ethnic Groups: Tajik Pashtun Turkmen Uzbek languages: Dari-50% Pashtu-27% Turkmen -12% Uzbek -11% Balkh Province -Capital: Mazar-e-Sharif I Geography and Climate: 50% mountainous, 50% flat Economy: Mazar-e-Sharif is a commercial and financial center; poppy production still a significant source of income Drug Poppy and hashish cultivation in Balkh still Production/Trafficking: significant; reportedly 40% of poppy cultivated land destroyed by government; remaining 60% is under control of local commanders and individuals Dangers/Concerns: Criminality mostly tied to opium and I hashish trafficking Located along the historic Silk Route, was Significance: I the ancient center of Zoroastrianism and the Bactrian Empire 123 Northwestern Afghanistan-Samangan Ethnic Groups: Majority Uzbek and Tajik Pashtun Hazara Languages: Dari-75% Uzbek-22% Samangan Province-Capital: Aybak Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Four fifths mountainous; 12°/o of the area flat Agriculture Poppy eradication successful; few remote areas do continue poppy growing Rui Do Ab and Dara-i-Suf districts still the two major drug transit areas Relatively calm and stable Was once the ancient Buddhist center of Takht-e Rostam Northern Afghanistan-Baghlan Ethnic Groups: Tajik-50% Pashtun -20% Hazara -15% Uzbek -12% Tatar-3% languages: Dari Uzbek Baghlan Province-Capital: Puli Khumri Geography and Over half mountainous Climate: Lies on main route to Northern provinces Economy: Agriculture Drug Significant amounts of cultivation and IProduction/Trafficking: trafficking I Dangers/Concerns: Opium cultivation remains major concern Significance: In 1st century CE was the site of a famous Zoroastrian fire temple; currently has the only functioning cement factory in Afghanistan 127 Northern Afghanistan-Kunduz Ethnic Groups: Pashtun Tajik Uzbek Hazara Turkmen Languages: Pashtu Dari Kunduz Province-Capital: Kunduz Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: % flat; 12% mountainous; fertile land; route to access Tajikistan Agriculture Very little production; part of Kabul-Pulikhumri-Kunduz-Tajikistan drug route Illegally armed groups and warlords; community support for Anti-government elements; Chahar Dar considered a high threat district On 4 September 2009 German ISAF elements called an air strike against two NATO fuel trucks that had been captured by insurgents; as a result of the US aircraft attack, more than 90 people, among them at least 40 civilians, who had gathered to collect fuel. N~HSH>I~a~a 1N~.lS3HnN 1HIHSrN~d 1H~H>I~.l NOI93}:1 NH3.lS~3H.lHON Northeastern Region: I The northeastern border climate is made up of the highest elevations in the Hindu Kush mountain range which leads up to the Himalayan Mountains. During the winter months, these mountains are impassable and during the summer, heavy poppy trafficking is pervasive. The provinces covered in this region are Takhar, Panjshir, Nurestan, and Badakhshan. With the exception of Nurestan, which is almost 100% Nurestani, the region has an ethnic majority of Tajiks; Uzbeks are the next largest group, and there are a few Hazara and Pashtun populations. Although the Panjshir and Badakhshan provinces never came under Taliban control, there is some Taliban activity in the region. Nurestan is an area of concern as Taliban have been able to operate openly in the region. 131 I Northeast Afghanistan -Takhar Ethnic Groups: Majority: Uzbeks and Tajiks Minorities: Pashtuns and Hazara Languages: Dari Uzbek Pashtun Takhar Province-Capital: Taloqan Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Border with Tajikistan; more than half mountainous; one third flat terrain Salt mines one of country's major mineral resources; agriculture, trade and services Used by drug traffickers as a secure passage to Tajikistan Internal disputes between local commanders, tribal leaders, and drug traffickers Location where Ahmad Shah Masood, the Tajik Northern Alliance commander, was assassinated Northeastern Afghanistan -Panjshir Ethnic Groups: Mostly Tajik Some Hazara (Small number of Pashtun, Nurestani, Pashai) Hlsa4-AwaH Panjsher Languages: Dari (Small pockets of Pashtu speakers) Panjshir Province -Capital: Bazarak {formerly part of Kapisa Province) Geography and Climate : Panjshir valley; mountainous, high peaks; streams, greenery Economy: Non farm-related labor, agriculture, trade and services Drug Production/Trafficking: Virtually poppy-free Dangers/Concerns: Relatively secure; some unexploded ordinances Significance: Panjshir =Five Lions; Tomb of Shaheed (martyr) Ahmad Shah Masood, commander of Northern Alliance; anti-Taliban area 1 ') Northweastern Afghanistan-Nurestan Ethnic Groups: Nurestani -99% Languages: Nurestani -78% Peshayee -15% Nurestan Province-Capital: Parun Geography and Climate: 99% mountainous; most impassable regions Economy: Agriculture, livestock, day labor; trade across border with Pakistan; one of poorest regions Drug Production/Trafficking: Land unsuitable for poppy cultivation; some drug trafficking across border Dangers/Concerns: Poor security/some parts under "enemy" control lack of infrastructure; local militias stronger than government Significance: Until the 1890s, the region was k nown as Kafiristan (Persian for "Land of the non-believers") because its inhabitants were non-Muslims Northeastern Afghanistan-Badakshan Ethnic Groups: Majority Tajik Languages: Dari Badakhshan Province-Capital: Fayzabad Geography and Climate: Between Hindu Kush and Amu Darya; only province to border China via Wakhan Corridor; prone to earthquakes and seasonal flooding Economy: Agriculture; rich in natural minerals Drug Believed to be a major drug smuggling Production/Trafficking: route Dangers/Concerns: Insufficient protection of the Tajik-Afghan border Significance: Rich in minerals; has attracted China who has helped with reconstruction of roads and infrastructure EASTERN REGION KONAR, NANGARHAR, LOWGAR, PAKTIA, KHOST, PAKTIKA, GHAZNI, ZABUL, LAGHMAN Eastern Region The eastern border region is extremely mountainous. During the summer, the temperatures can reach in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and during the winter, the mountains are impassable due to heavy snowfall. With many narrow canyons, valleys, and mountain passes, this region provides treacherous terrain that is perfect for guerilla warfare operations. The Pashtun are the ethnic majority in this region, with much smaller numbers of Tajiks and Hazaras. The security of the region is threatened by its insecure border with Pakistan, which allows for free migration in both directions and smuggling of the region's natural resources. The region is also known as an insurgent hideout, especially in the province of Konar. The provinces covered in section include Konar, Nangarhar, Lowgar, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Ghazni, Laghman, and Zabul. Eastern Afghanistan -Konar --":"--=-::--Ethnic Groups: Pashtun -95% Nurestani -5% Kuchi (seasonal) languages: Pashtu Konar Province-Capital: Asadabad Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Embedded in Hindu Kush; heavily mountainous and forested Agriculture, livestock, day labor; some timber (smuggling to Pakistan) Trafficking of heroin and opium into the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan Established base of insurgent groups; possible AI Qaeda sanctuary Looting of national assets (timber and gems) is a destabilizing factor for province; with some of the largest forests in Afghanistan, trees are now rapidly being cut down illegally and smuggled to Pakistan 14'1 Eastern Afghanistan -Nangarhar Ethnic Groups: Pashtun -90% Pashayee -7% Tajiks Gujar languages: Pashtu-92% Dari-8% r I Nangahar Province-Capital: Jalalabad Geography and Climate: More than % mountainous; 2/5 flat land Economy: % agriculture; trade and services Drug Opium and cannabis production prevalent; once center of poppy production (95% decrease in I Production/Trafficking: 2005) Dangers/Concerns: Illegally armed groups, anti-government elements active and heavily armed; migration I from and to Pakistan Significance: Jalalabad is considered one of the most important cities of the Pashtun culture; the mausoleum of both Amir Habibullah and King Amanullah is located in Jalalabad, and the great Pashtun leader Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan) is also buried there 145 Eastern Afghanistan -Lowgar Ethnic Groups: Pashtun -60% Tajik/Hazara 40% Languages: Pashtu -60% Dari-40% Lowgar Province-Capital: Pol-e-'Aiam Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Flat river valley (Lowgar River); rugged mountains in East, South, and Southwest; Tera Pass a critical chokepoint Agriculture, livestock; Ainak copper mine, Mohammad Agha mine; rich with minerals Consistently poppy-free between 2002 -2009 Assessed as medium threat; some antipersonnel mines; Taliban assassinated governor in 2008 During Soviet-Afghan War, -350 Soviet tanks destroyed in the Tera Pass by the Mujahideen Eastern Afghanistan -Paktia Ethnic Groups: Pashtun -91% Tajik-9% languages: Pashtu Paktia Province -Capital: Gardez Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Seta-Kandow (KG) Pass in Zadran Arc is the premier mountain range in Paktia Forestry and the mining of chromites and natural gas; grains, crops and apple, walnut, and apricot orchards Significant precursor trafficking occurs along the eastern belt of Paktia Security situation remains volatile; insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts KG Pass is the historical home to antigovernment elements and Haqqani Network; Shah-i Kot Valley in Zormat District, a mountainous region historically used as a base for renegades nl4Sed :sa~en~ue1 %66 -unl4Sed :sdnOJ9 J!U4H Khost Province-Capital: Khost Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Dominated by the Khost Valley and the mountains that surround it; natural forests run along the border Agriculture and animal husbandry Heroin and opium are trafficked into the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) region of Pakistan where insurgent groups linked to the Taliban and AI-Qaeda dominate Security situation remains volatile with an insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts Once part of Paktia province; Khost City the first to be liberated from communist rule during Soviet occupation nt4Sed :sa3en3uel unt4Sed :sdnOJ9 :>!U4l3 Paktika Province -Capital: Sharan Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Arid; high desert; 32% mountainous Agriculture and animal husbandry; overail literacy rate in province is extremely low at just2% Heroin and opium are trafficked into the FATA region of Pakistan Security situation remains volatile with an insurgent presence active or at least present in alI Districts Once part of Paktia province, was the site of many battles during Soviet occupation 1'j l Eastern Afghanistan -Ghazni Ethnic Groups: Pashtun -48.9% Hazara -45.9% Tajik-4.7% Kuchis (summer) languages: Pashtu -51% Dari-47% Ghazni Province-Capital: Ghazni Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Arid; level towards the Southeast, more mountainous and wet toward the Northwest Agriculture, animal husbandry and day labor Poppy-free Security situation remains volatile with an insurgent presence active or at least present in all Pashtun districts; Hazara areas low threat Was once the center of the Ghaznavid Empire, which ruled much of India, Central Asia, and Persia Eastern Afghanistan -Laghman Ethnic Groups: Pashtuns-58% Pashai Nurestani Languages: Pashtu-58% Peshayee -33% Dari-9% Laghman Province-Capital: Mihtarlam Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: 55.4% mountainous; 40.9% flat Trade and services, non-farm labor, agriculture and livestock; rich with stones and minerals Some poppy growing; smuggling center for heroin Large number of illegally armed groups; active anti-government elements Once the center of Mahayanist Buddhism with several monasteries 1~7 Eastern Afghanistan-Zabul Ethnic Groups: Pashtun Kuchi {seasonal) languages: Pashtu-80% Dari-20% Zabul Province -Capitai:Qalat Geography and Climate: Remote and sparsely populated; 41% mountainous; arid; severe drought has reduced fertility of the land Economy: Agricultural communities established along Arghandab and Tarnak rivers; animal husbandry Drug Production/Trafficking: Some relatively small scale opium cultivation; widespread trafficking along Ring Road and easy overland access to Pakistan Dangers/Concerns: Security situation remains volatile with an insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts Significance: Pashtun residents deeply conservative; infrastructure is largely undeveloped; only Qalat City has electricity and only Ring Road paved 1';9 CENTRAL REGION GHOR, DAYKUNDI, 0RUZGAN, WARDAK, KABUL, KAPISA, PARVAN, BAMYAN Central Region The central climate area is generally covered by the Hindu Kush Mountains. Summers can reach temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and winters will be bitterly cold with very heavy snowfall. The provinces in this area are Ghor, Daykundi, Oruzgan, Wardak, Kabul, Kapisa, Parvan and Bamyan. This area is considered to be a high desert with terrain similar to southern Arizona and the mountains of central Nevada and eastern California. The area hosts a mix of Pashtun, Tajik, and Hazara, with several other groups in smaller numbers. As the physical center of the country, the region has been influenced by several cultural movements and the Silk Road. The Buddhists statues of Bamyan, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, are a wellknown artifact of the region's rich cultural past. The security of the region has deteriorated, especially in Oruzgan and Wardak. Central Afghanistan-Ghor Ethnic Groups: Tajik-58% Hazara-39% Pashtun-3% Languages: Dari-97% Pashtu-3% Ghor Province-Capital: Chaghcharan Geography and Climate: I Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: ~ Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Extremely mountainous and characterized by small, isolated villages, which are generally inaccessible during the winter months Agriculture and animal husbandry Was cultivating opium poppy but between 2007 and 2009 had become poppy-free Lowest threat province in region The Minaret of Jam, the second tallest minaret in the world and a national treasure, is located in a remote valley on the banks of the Hari Rud River 6 Central Afghanistan-Daykundi Ethnic Groups: Hazara-86% Pashtun -8.5% Baluch -3.5% languages: Dari-91% Pashtu -13% Daykundi Province -Capital: Nili Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: 90% of terrain mountainous Agriculture; 99% of the population of Daykundi lives in rural districts while 1% lives in urban areas Primary transit route for traffickers who transport drugs from the north of Bamyan to the south of Daykundi to provinces like Helmand and Oruzgan Gizab District recently under AGE control (Pashtunpopulated Gizab annexed to Oruzgan province in 2006, but change not shown on maps) Part of ethnic region of Hazarajat; Nili first city to have female mayor (Ms. Azra Jafari) Central Afghanistan -Oruzgan Ethnic Groups: Pashtun Hazara Kuchi {seasonal) languages: Pashtu-90% Dari Oruzgan Province-Capitai:Tirin Kot Geography and Climate: Around three quarters of the province (72%) is mountainous or semi mountainous terrain Economy: Agriculture (grains, apricots, and almonds) was the primary source of livelihood, but many farmers have switched to poppy production Drug Production/Trafficking: Opium is now the province's main source of revenue Dangers/Concerns: Security situation remains volatile with an insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts Significance: Well-known as the birthplace of Taliban leader Mullah Omar 1 7 Central Afghanistan -Wardak Ethnic Groups: Pashtun -70% Hazara/Tajik 27% Languages: Majority Pasthu Some Dari Wardak Province-Capital: Maidan Shar Geography and Climate: 4/5 mountainous; Southern outcrops of Hindu Kush Economy: Trade, agriculture and livestock; stone quarrying; marble factory; marble mines inactive Drug Production/Trafficking: After five years of continuous cultivation, the province has regained its original poppy-free status as of 2008 Dangers/Concerns: Increasing physical presence of Taliban; lack of confidence in government; land disputes between Hazara and Kuchi Significance: During the Soviet-Aghan war, much of the population emigrated from the province to Iran (Hazara) and Pakistan (Pashtun), and many have returned since the fall of the Taliban, putting a strain on the already damaged infrastructure. Central Afghanistan -Kabul Ethnic Groups: Pashtun -60% Tajik Hazara Uzbek Turkmen Baluch Sikh Hindu languages: Pashtu Dari Kabul Province -Capital: Kabul City (Capital of Afghanistan) Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Valley at crossroad; Kabul River; Arid, semi-arid steppe; low precipitation, dry and dusty Industrial; international trade partners Drug route connecting South to North; Route to Pakistan; Small cultivation in Surobi As capital, security imperative; target of high profile and complex suicide attacks Was center of Zoroastrianism; Occupied by many forces to include: British, Soviets, Taliban; Destroyed by civil war after Soviet departure Central Afghanistan -Kapisa Ethnic Groups: Tajik-30% Pashtun -27% Pashai-17% Nurestani languages: Dari Some Pashtu Kapisa Province-Capital: Mahmud Raqi Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Partially surrounded by mountains; two rivers Agriculture; talc mine; "Mela" -trade day once/week At one time a huge location of poppy cultivation, but has become poppyfree Satisfactory security Destroyed by Cyrus the Great; part of Buddhist kingdom; known for wine · ~' Central Afghanistan-Parvan Ethnic Groups: Tajik/Hazara 71% Pashtun -29% Languages: Dari-70% Pashtu-30% Parvan Province-Capital: Charikar Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: 2/3 mountainous; 1/4 flat land; Parvan River; main route from Kabul to North; Salang Road Industrial crops; herbs Regained its original opium poppy free status in 2008 (and continued to be poppy free in 2009) after five years of continuous cultivation between 2003 and 2007 Relatively secure Long history of battles; 1840-defeat British; resisted Soviets and Taliban Central Afghanistan -Bamyan Ethnic Groups: Majority Hazara Tajik-15% Tatars languages: Dari-96% Some Pashtu Bamyan Province-Capital: Bamyan Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Dry mountainous terrain; several rivers, including Punjab; Band-e-Amir lakes Agriculture, livestock; day labor secondary Some reports of trafficking; small scale poppy cultivation Many landmines Cultural capital of Hazaras; generally opposed to Taliban; strategically placed to thrive from Silk Road; Buddhists of Bamyan statues destroyed by Taliban; first female governor BLr Major Languages • Persian (Dari) • Pashto • Uzbeki • T men • Nuristani • Balochi • Pashai LANGUAGE GUIDE • Dari (Afghan Persian/Farsi) and Pashtu are the official languages of Afghanistan • Pashtu was declared the National Language of the country during the beginning of King Zahir in 1933; however, Dari has always been used for business and government transactions • Pashtu is primarily spoken in Southern areas and the Eastern areas bordering Pakistan; Dari is used in much of the rest of the country • Dari only differs slightly from Persian Farsi; both use the same alphabet • Pashtu has an alphabet distinct from Farsi/Dari; there are two main dialects (Southern and Northern) that slightly vary from one another (all dialects are mutually understood by all Pashtu speakers) • A significant percentage of the vocabulary of both languages is borrowed from Arabic DiFections *shamaal *rooba roowi shamaal makhamakh between straight *gharb *sharq gharb sharq *chap chop *junoob left junoob ~htun on bottom Dari Hello salaam Hello(formal) salaam alaykum Rep ly waalaykum asalaam Goodbye khudaa aafayz How are you? chetoor astayn? IGeneral Terminology Rep ly salaam Good Evening soub bakhair Reply soub bakha ir Reply khudaa aafayz I am fine khoob astum Please Thank you Reply lutfan tashakur khoyesh maykonum Yes No This/that Here/there belay nay eel oo eenjaloonja Do you understand? I don 't understand Sorry faameedayn? na faameedum Can you repeat that Speak slowly takraar kounayn ? aastaa-staa gap bayzanayn I you they bobakhshayn Show me neshaan betayn he/she/it Hello ma shumaa (pi/pol ite) too (sg/familiar) oonaa 00 yours a z ahumaa theirs a z oonaa ' --- Salaamu ala ikum Good morning Sahaa r pa khair Goodbye De khuday pa amaan Howareyou? Tsunga ye? Please Lutfan Yes No Ho Na Do you understand? Taase puhezhai? Can you repeat that Taase byaa wayalai sai? Show me Maa te washayaast I you Za taa se yours staasi I Pashtu Reply walaikum salaam Good Evening Mashaam pa kha ir Reply Pa makha desha I am fine Za sha yam Thank you Reply Manana Hila kawam This/that Here/there Dagha!Hagha Dalta!Halta I don 't understand Za na puhezham Speak slowly Qaraar wawaayaast they he she haghoi hagha hagha theirs De haghoi Medical Terminology Pashtu Dari Where Is the pain? Dard cheri day? Where are you Injured? Zakham cheri day? Where Is the pai n? kujaa-ayt dard maykona? Where are you Injured? kujaa-ayt zakhmee shuda? Hand Stomach shekam dest Groin qadkashak I am going to dress the wound ma zakhama paansmaan maykonum I am going to g ive you an Injection ma sumaa-ra petchkoree maykonum I am going to give you this medicine ma be shumaa ee dawaa-ra maytum Hospital shafaakhaana Doctor daaktar Sic k mareez Wounded zakhmee Shot marmee khoo rda Burnt soukhta Injury zakhem Infection zakhem meekroubee Blood khoon Bandage baandaazh Dead mourda Medicine dawaa Injection petchkoree Arm Stomach Nas I am going to dress the wound Za pa zakham patai !agawam I am going to give you an Injection Za taase te pechkaari !agawam I am going to give you this medicine Za taase te dagha darmal darkawam Hospital Doctor Sick Roghtun Daaktar Naarogh Wounded Shot Burnt Zakhmo lllolshtaiay Swadzedalay Injury Blood Bandage Zakham lll.lna Pata1 Dead Medicine Injection Maray Dermal Pechkaari Hand Laas Directions/Orders Dari Pashtu Stop Stop Stop or I'll shoot Do not (person) (a veh•cle) move draysh aga nay draysh draysh raeer rnaykounurn shour nakhou Do not Do not ra ise Surrender shoot your weapon tasleern shou faeer nakou salaaeeta baa laa nakou Put your weapon down Hands up Lie down Sit down salaaeeta pertou destaa baalaa prout kou beeshee Getup Tum around Walk forward Walk forward (t o me) (a w ay from me) estaad shou daorbukhou paysh byo doorburou Come here Come out Stay there Stay here eenia bjaa beeroon byaa oonja beash eenja beash Move Hurry Be quiet Hands down arakat kou ajala kou khaarnoosh baash destaa paayeen Please open the door Open the door lutfan darwaazara waaz kona yn darwaazara waaz kou Can we come In and ask Can I s ee your papers? you some questions? maytaanum asnaadaitouna maytaanayn daroun byaayaym ou az bebeenurn? shumaa chand sawaal kounayn? We must search you We must search your house rnaa beayad shurnaara maa beayad khaana-ay shumaara talashee konayrn talashee konayrn You are free to go You are under arres t Di s pe rse maytonayn burayn bendeet maykonum doorshawayn Go home Go away Form a line One at a time khaana burayn bunou lain shawayn yak yak nafer Stop Do not (person) (a ;:~rcle) or l~,t~~oot move Drezh Wsdrezha Drezh yaa za daz kawarn Ma shora Do not Do not ra ise Surrender shoot your weapon Taslirn Daz rna kawa Khpala wasta rna akhla Put your weapon down Hands up Lie down Sit down Khpala wasta kshezhdai Laasuna porta Prol Kshenai Getup Tum around Walk forward Porta sai Shaa garzd Makh te dzai Come here Come out Stay there Stay here Datta raasai Raa wawdzai Halta paata sai Datta paata sai Move Hurry B e quiet Hands down Dzai Zhar Chup sai Lasuna kshata Please open the door Open the door Lutfan darwaaza khlaasa krai Darwaaza khlaasa krai Can we come In and as k Can I see your pape rs? you some questions? Za staase asnaad katalai sam? Muzh danana tlai su , ao tso pushtane kawafa i su? We must search you We must search your house Muzh taase talaashi kaw u Muzh staase kor talaashi kawu You are free to go You a re under arrest Taase tlay sai Taase bandyaan yaast Disperse Go home Go away Fonn a line One at a time Khwaara sai Korta dzai Hista dzai Qataar sai Pa waar yao Dari People Algham dl"ess kaal aa~ay afghaanee Pashtu Wom an Shodm Shodzo Yl Young We stem Afghanr Dzwaon Grorbo Afghaanr Algham Policeman Bomber TIHe f soldter Polia Bam Ghol Afghan oal