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PRTs: Spreading, Yes, But Effective?

The Bread Guy

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http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/10/448F8C8D-7BFB-4D84-B965-3FEE0FAE3C4F.html

"International civilian and military units -- known as Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) -- have now spread to 22 locations in Afghanistan, a sign of their popularity with Afghan, U.S., and NATO leaders. But it's unclear how effective the teams are in stabilizing regions and extending Kabul's control â “ their main goals...."

Highlights:

Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah:  "While it will not do the job of counterterrorism in a specific term and manner, it is a complement to the efforts of stabilization of Afghanistan and in the war in a broader sense."

Robert Perito, specialist with the U.S. Institute for Peace, a congressionally funded organization (that on 26 October will release a major study of Afghan PRTs):  "I think that's one of the major failings of PRTs, is that they have not established standards and they have not established measures of effectiveness .... What you are left with then is anecdotal information, where people will tell you a story about a PRT doing this or not doing that, and people's impressions, so it is in fact very difficult to evaluate what they have accomplished."

"A report commissioned last summer by Britain's Department for International Development said most PRTs remain primarily military missions. It said they are not equipped to deliver assistance in ways that will have a long-term developmental impact in rural Afghan communities. "

 
The Main highlight you missed was providing Security for the Presidential Elections.

The more people that see them helping/working to make their lives easier...

"Hearts and Minds and a bridge or two"

They might not be as well equiped as they should be; but, they are more visable to the eventual stability of Afghanistan.

Ben
 
Maybe a group of sociologists could put together a survey to ask the local people in the PRTs area. This will be better than a set of bureacratic standards drawn up far away from the reality on the ground. It will aslo have the added benefit of the locals being participants in the process, after all they are the reasons the PRTs are there.
 
Are you talking about questions the PRT's should ask the locals to make them feel more part of the process, or an actual survey paper?
 
Initially questions the PRTs could ask and probally are but long term follow up for a paper could prove useful too.
 
Part of CIMIC's job is to do a villiage/ area assessment. Part of this process entails seeking out the various role players in the area and starting a relationship by dialogue, on their needs and expectations. Much of the project criteria is results based management, with the long term viability and sustainment already incorporated.
 
Sooo, it's already being done upfront.  Good to know.

Thanks recceguy.

Ben
 
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