Sada- e Azadi

Post Number: IJC MDDTIG 0040
Application Closing Date: 29 February 2012
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
Location: Kabul, Afghanistan
Post – Local Civilian Hire (LCH) Grade - 6
** Only Afghan local nationals are eligible to apply for this post **

Afghanistan is an impoverished country. Not long ago, few experts would disagree with that statement. But today, a knowledgeable geologist would have another answer.

As most Afghans have become painfully aware, there is a clear connection between the growing of poppy, processing of opium, narcotics trafficking and financing for the enemy bombs and guns that have caused so much trouble for Afghanistan.

Transition is spreading across Afghanistan with increasing speed. Security responsibility for cities, districts and provinces are being handed over to the Afghan National Security Forces. International troops will remain but will provide assistance and training. Even training centres will be handed over for Afghan forces to run.

In the distant and sparsely populated areas of Paktika province, it is challenging for the government to spread its authority. Luckily, residents in the Sarrwoza district are aware of the consequences of people uniting with the government:

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Snow, rain and temperature changes may cause avalanches in mountainous Afghanistan. In rural areas, avalanches happen without people witnessing them but sometimes people might be in the way of this powerful act of nature.

In the developed world, postal services are inventing new ways to increase profits as people are communicating more through the internet instead of sending letters.

In early January in Kandahar province, senior Afghan Commanders from 205 Hero Corps had a co-ordination meeting with the Afghan National Police and ISAF forces.

The Herat governor was the first to buy a ticket for the grand opening of the Herat National Museum.

Everyone needs resources to survive. Safe water, grain and livestock are among the vital resources Afghans have long toiled to keep producing for themselves and others to make sure their families are fed and their thirst is quenched. Fuel is a resource needed to keep Afghan families warm during the colder months.

From last summer, international troops have been handing over security responsibility to Afghan forces around the country. In mid-January, a hand-over ceremony took place in Ghazni district, Ghazni province, where Polish troops stepped down and Afghan forces took the lead.

Unemployment in Afghanistan is a serious problem which the government of Balkh is anxious to tackle. Officials know that with increased employment comes improved living conditions and better security.

Qalat Bazaar, lying on both sides of Highway One in the capital of Zabul province, has grown in size and economy over the last 10 years. Back then, no one had heard of computers or mobile phones – and the Taliban regime never allowed people to own a TV set.

Showcasing their athletic talents and competition, the youth of Farah expressed their gratitude to government officials for choosing to build a new stadium and to farmers who enabled the funding by refusing to grow poppy.