Despite challenges, progress continues in southern Afghanistan Published Oct. 5, 2007 By Capt. Bob Everdeen, USAF Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat NAWBAHAR, Afghanistan -- A provincial-level shura, or meeting, took place in this small, remote district of Zabul Province Oct. 2. Although the shura was facilitated by Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat--a joint U.S. Air Force and Army unit stationed in the country since April--the meeting was strictly an Afghan affair. More than 125 men and boys attended the shura, including six main leaders who spoke to the attentive crowd. The major topics of discussion were security of the area, the types of support and assistance the Afghan government can provide to the people, and what reconstruction needs are highest in the district. As with many of the villages and districts in the southern province, top concerns include clean drinking water, protection from insurgents such as the Taliban and improved healthcare opportunities. "We had a woman die last winter due to complications with her pregnancy," said one of the leaders through an interpreter. "We had no doctor, the clinic was in bad shape and the roads were impassable." These are the types of tragedies the Afghan government works daily to avoid in this war-torn country. With the help of worldwide organizations such as the International Security Assistance Force, progress is being made. PRT Qalat is part of ISAF. "Thank you for inviting us to this shura during this most holy time of Ramadan," said Army Lt. Col. James Bramble, PRT Qalat commander. "We look forward to working with the people of Nawbahar in the future on security, governance and reconstruction issues."