Winds of Goodness

The UAE shares its peacekeeping contributions in Afghanistan

United Arab Emirates Armed Forces

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces’ belief in its humanitarian role inspired it to be part of the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The purpose of its presence in Afghanistan has been threefold: offering humanitarian assistance, providing security and stability, and assisting with reconstruction and development of the country. The duties included a strong commitment to reviving hope in the hearts of Afghans, who are fellow Muslims. The Winds of Goodness mission was a demonstration of the UAE’s willingness to support the Afghan people in rebuilding their lives by reconstructing infrastructure, helping them overcome difficult living conditions, and promoting political, economic and social stability.

Overall, the UAE has been a significant contributor to Afghanistan with the UAE Armed Forces and UAE Red Crescent. The UAE Task Force began operations in Afghanistan in 2003, when the troops first started extending assistance to the country. Together with the Red Crescent and other humanitarian organizations, the ISAF coalition has been helping the country work toward redevelopment and reconstruction and has ensured that the security and humanitarian work have been coordinated and complementary.

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, the UAE has striven to bring stability and renovation to Afghanistan. The initiatives include charitable endeavors to support the people of Afghanistan, part of Sheikh Khalifa’s efforts to boost humanitarian work in allied and friendly countries worldwide. This follows the precedent set by the founder of the nation, the late Sheikh Zayed. One of the tenets of UAE foreign policy is the development of closer ties with its neighbors and those in the Arabian Peninsula. As a consequence, aid was distributed for projects throughout Afghanistan.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, minister of foreign affairs of the UAE, has emphasized how Afghanistan continues to face significant challenges. They include peace and security, economic recovery and countering terrorism and regional instability.

The UAE has contributed generously to the international efforts aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan and supporting its bid to restore security. Its financial contributions total more than U.S. $1.5 billion since the Tokyo Conference in 2009.

Internationally, the UAE Armed Forces have dealt with natural and man-made crises and have been involved in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions since 1976. This is in line with Sheikh Zayed’s firm belief in Arab solidarity and call for cooperation among nations, which is based on the principle of friendship, mutual respect and noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Highlighting the Winds of Goodness mission in Afghanistan, the UAE Armed Forces created the book Lending a Hand, which illustrates the history of the Armed Forces’ participation in international operations.

During his visit to the UAE in 2011, then-Afghan President Hamid Karzai noted the crucial role the UAE Task Force played in the reconstruction and delivery of humanitarian assistance in addition to the core mission of maintaining security and stability. He also stressed how the generous pledge made by the UAE at the Paris Conference further developed the already strong bonds between the two countries. “The strengthening of the affinity between Afghanistan and the brotherly country of the UAE is our goal and desire,” he said.

With natural insights into the broader cultural needs of the Afghan people and with the aim of meeting the needs of fellow Muslims, the UAE Task Force in Afghanistan was welcomed by the country as allied Muslim Soldiers who understand and appreciate the Afghan hospitality they encountered.

To assist the economic growth of a country beset by a legacy of civil wars, violence and instability, the Emirati Soldiers committed to bringing stability to Afghanistan and to delivering assistance to the Afghan government in all spheres, including military and economic development. Humanitarian projects in health care, education and basic infrastructure for communities cannot succeed in an environment of ongoing instability where inhabitants are regularly threatened by insurgent forces.

The language skills and cultural awareness of UAE Task Force personnel offered a significant advantage in delivering effective community development initiatives in a Muslim country such as Afghanistan. The construction of mosques and provision of traditional festive gifts by UAE Task Force personnel met a specific cultural need in local communities and is considered an essential element of successful community development in many parts of Afghanistan.

Throughout its long-term presence in Afghanistan, the UAE Task Force built many mosques of varying size in different areas. The most significant are the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Ahmed Khalifa Al-Suwaidi Mosque. Other small mosques in villages and remote areas have also been provided. In addition, the task force has helped build schools to teach boys and girls, as well as provided school supplies, books and other essentials. The task force also has helped establish vocational institutions and universities, such as the University of Sheikh Zayed.

The approach of the UAE Task Force has so far proved to be a successful foreign policy led by humanitarian principles. There is cause for optimism because Afghanistan is now involved in a determined nation-building process aimed at securing the country from insurgents, drug traffickers and drug dealers.