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Transcript of Directorate for Human Capital Instructors: Leonard R. Hawley, former DAS State Tim Hollifield, U.S....
Directorate for Human Capital
Instructors:Leonard R. Hawley, former DAS State Tim Hollifield, U.S. Army LTC Ret’d
MoDA IVBusiness Etiquette
and Rapport Building(in Afghanistan)
This presentation is unclassified
Directorate for Human Capital
AGENDA Introduction (and Caveats)
Social Customs and Values National Character Hospitality, Honor and Shame Cycles of Life
Etiquette Meetings and Introductions Public Protocol and Communication Home Visitation and Social Interaction
Rapport-building and Negotiation Tools you can use Leveraging Cultural Narratives
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Directorate for Human Capital
In a remote part of Afghanistan, a PRT
Commander and his Political Advisor
stopped at a small road side tea house
to talk to the villagers gathered there. The Commander didn’t
want to drink and politely turned down the offered tea. Turning to
the locals, the tea house owner said in Dari, “These foreigners
think what we eat and drink is dirty.” The POLAD understood
and quietly told the Commander to accept the tea,…
The American Military Advisor: Dealing with Senior Foreign Officials in the Islamic World, Michael J. Metrinko (2008)
Another True Story…
Directorate for Human Capital
Impossible to cover every aspect of AFG Social Customs and Etiquette
Everyone will have a different experience (please share!)
Disconnect between ideal values or norms and actual practice (especially living at subsistence level)
Contradictions and exceptions to every rule and generalization (individual and collective behavior)
“Only constant is change,…only absolute is complexity”
Caveats and Disclaimers
Directorate for Human Capital
The Cultural Iceberg
Directorate for Human Capital
Values Influence Customs and Etiquette
American values are individualist: Life, (Human Rights and Equality) Liberty, (Inherent Personal Choice) …and pursuit of Happiness (An Abstraction)
Afghans values are collectivist: Blood, (Lineage and Descent) Patronage, (Security and Econ Provision) …and pursuit of Honor (An Abstraction)
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vent
loss
Directorate for Human Capital
Religious Shura
Provincial Gov’t
Druglord
Multiple Centers of Power and Influence
“Ahmad, Mamood, Kalbi,
Maqsud…”
Tribal Jirga Warlord
Tribal Malik
Village Mullah
Zamindar
Taliban Commander
GIRoA
Badmashi
Taliban Shadow
Governor
CSTC-A
Tribal Kinsmen
ISAF
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Afghan National Character
Weak national identity; sub-national (local, regional, ethnic) identity stronger
Honor (and shame) serves as a form of social currency
Past is important: long memories, focus on genealogy and lineage
Strong social emphasis; customs reinforce collaboration/communal harmony
Not a disposable culture; everything recycled or repaired when possible
Directorate for Human Capital
Afghan National Character
Weak national identity; sub-national (local, regional, ethnic) identity stronger
Honor (and shame) serves as a form of social currency
Past is important: long memories, focus on genealogy and lineage
Strong social emphasis; customs reinforce collaboration/communal harmony
Not a disposable culture; everything recycled or repaired when possible
Afghan ingenuity: tree trunk used as water pipe; tooth-paste box used to make remote airplane
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Honor (and Shame)
ghayrat wa namus (pride and honor the safe-guarding of personal, family, women’s honor as well as property) bey-ghayrat - without pride ben-namus - without honor tauba tauba - “shame, shame (on you)”
izzat (honor, “face” -- as in “saving face,” or reputation
In Afghan society, women are the ultimate repositories of honor for each family, clan, lineage honor --- why?
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Directorate for Human Capital
Hospitality
Cornerstone of Afghan culture; a matter of social obligation and honor/pride
Mehman Nawazi (Dari) or Melmastia (Pashto): extending hospitality and invitation to friends or strangers
Saleh Samarkandi:
Insincere hospitality
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Directorate for Human Capital
Morals and Values wafadari - loyalty and fidelity to family
and friends and keeping one’s pledges
qawmparasti - Ethnic/tribal fidelity
adab - respect or deference shown to rish-e-safeyd / speen-gireh (elders, lit. “white beards”) or key leaders
sadaqat wa imandari - honesty and integrity
rishwat - Corruption, bribery
wasita - Connections, social or political ` influence
Considered immoral but unavoidable
Important Distinction: Use of the word jihadi ▪ Synonymous with mujahidin or veteran not terrorism▪ Use “dushman” instead (or takfiri, munafiq,…etc.) ▪ Even serves as M.O.S in ANSF
Directorate for Human Capital
Afghan Courtesy
Great courtesy given to acquaintances and guests (in private or official spaces)
No longer extends to public space i.e. waiting in line, getting on a bus, etc.
Still many formulaic expressions of politeness: Response to expression of thanks --- “qabli ta-shakur nast”
Response when someone apologizes for turning their back to you --- “gul pusht-eh ruh nadareh”
When receiving a compliment --- “chesm makhbool ast”
After labor/physical task --- “khasteh nabsheed” or “dast-e shoma dard nakoneh”
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Courtesy and Good Manners
mu’adab (polite, courteous)
Adab-etch-tim-mah-e(“possessing social graces, charisma”)
aklak (Dari) or khoost bar-khord (Farsi)(“Good Manners”)
Note: These qualities are cultivated by observing proper etiquette and protocol
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Politeness as a “Lost” Cultural Value Most Afghans now lament loss of
former gentile and polite society
Many complain that their countrymen have become greedy and rude
Conflict society: Social norms and processes subordinate to competition for scarce resources / subsistence
Sarah Chayes: “The whole of Afghan society suffers from PTSD”
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“Afghans will never surrender in war or give up in a fight,...but they will always surrender to kindness.” --- Joseph David Osman
Neo-patrimonialism: Unregulated accumulation and redistribution of resources to establish, maintain or increase a ruler’s power, mercy and grace
Directorate for Human Capital
Hospitality: An Undervalued Practice
For Afghans, hospitality is:
A social obligation and cornerstone of culture and identity (should be reciprocated)
Both etiquette and part of negotiations (process as important as content)
A means of winning honor or patronage
Something to be reciprocated
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Hospitality: A form of reception, accommodation, and entertainment extended to guests or visiting officials (formal and informal)
“A guest is God’s friend!”
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From An Expert: On Hospitality
“We don’t have the funds …but also the same habit [of wining and dining foreign guests]…Arabs, Iranians, and Afghans, if their means allow, are going to have a table groaning with food…we have a very different tradition…so,…we’re going to look a little cheap to them. They’re going to look a little profligate to us.”
– Amb. Ronald Neumann
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Directorate for Human Capital
Children ensure continuity of lineage and serve as only “retirement plan”
Shab-e shash (“six nights after birth”)
When son is born, family arranges celebration and feast
Childhood ends around 10 -12 years of age
Cycles of Life: Birth / Childhood
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Most important ceremony in Afghan society; Marriage = Family / Tribal Alliance
Engagement: Ruybar / Khasgari / Shirini-khuri
Wedding: Mendhi / Mahr / Nikkah / Kamar Bastan
Cycles of Life: Marriage
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Most marriages are arranged between first cousins --- i.e. paternal uncles’ daughter
“Winter-Spring” marriages
(Elder man with young girl) common esp. in rural areas
Polygamy decreasing and rarer in urban areas
Taboos: Broken Engagements Emphasis on bride’s virginity Talaq (“Divorce”)
Cycles of Life: Marriage
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Funerals conducted quickly IAW Hadith
Ceremonies: Ghusal Namaz-e janaza 40 days of grieving
Cycles of Life: Death
Nadir Shah (1880-1933)
Mausoleum, 1969
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“Bacha bazi” and “Bacha posh”
Bacha bazi (trans. ~ “boy play”) Form of illicit entertainment and prostitution Young male dancer dressed as woman old
Persia/Central Asia tradition (9th -18th cent.)
Bacha posh (loose trans. ~ “dressed up as a boy”) Done out of necessity/desperation in families with no son(s) As seen in Siddiq Barmak’s 2003 film, Osama
“It's very hard for you to believe why one mother is doing these things to their youngest daughter", and that "things are happening in Afghanistan that are really not imaginable for you as a Western people.”
- Azita Rafaat, Legislator for Badghis Province Afghan National Assembly (raised daughter as Bacha Posh)
Bacha bazi inSamarkand (ca 1905 – 1915)
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Fatalism and Predestination
Mullah Nasruddin
“In sha’ Allah” (Inshallah)
Different understanding of cause-and-effect
Non-accountability avoids shame and dishonor
Everything is preordained or controlled by hidden hand
Story: Mullah Nasruddin and the Shirt-maker
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Proverbs (Fatalism and Predestination)
Though you go to Kabul, your appointed lot will follow you thereکه ته لاړ شې تر کابله برخه به ځي در پسې خپله
Man's lot is (fixed) from the creation, it is not (attained) by force of competitionبرخې ازلي دي؛ نه په زور او نه په سيالې دي
Were the whole world to turn physician, the cure rests entirely with fate که ټول جهان طبيب شي، چارې واړه په نصيب شي
The inevitable laughs at man's schemesتقدير په تدبير پورې خاندي
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Poetry Rich tradition; often has themes of love, spirituality, and exhorts traditional
values
Poetry often set to music; most Folk and Traditional music mere extension of poetry (i.e. ghazals)
sher jangi (“poetry battle”) common form of entertainment
Khalilullah Khalili(1905 – 1987)
Famous and prolific Afghan Poet, Author, and Scholar
“Like many developing nations, Afghanistan has a sophisticated literate culture but an illiterate society…there is great respect for literature and poetry but most Afghans learn it as an oral tradition…”
Louis Dupree, Afghanistan
Directorate for Human Capital
Literature Poetry culturally dominant but non-fiction and non-
fiction literature once popular Most indigenous fiction deals with fable or romances
e.g. Shahnameh of Ferdowsi Has deep cultural resonance Known to all (Persian equivalent of
Legends of King Arthur)
Many libraries destroyed during Taliban era unless religious texts
Despite desire of many to read, Afghanistan has “book deficit”
Artistic depiction of Ferdowsi (940–1020) and characters from the Shahnameh
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Recommended Minimum Reading for Rapport Building
Books of Cultural-Historical-Religious significance:
The Qur’an, trans. by Tarif Khalidi (2008), M. Abdel-Haleem (2004), et al.
Approaching the Qur’an: The Early Revelations 2nd Ed. (with CD of Qur’anic Recitations) by Michael Sells (Ashland, Oregon: White Cloud Press, 2007)
Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings by Abolqasem Ferdowsi, trans. by Dick Davis, The Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition (New York: Penguin Books, 2007)
(Easy to read!) Primers on Islam / Islamic History:
No God But God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam by Reza Aslan (New York: Random House, 2006)
Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamim Ansary (New York: PublicAffairs Books, 2009)
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Business and Social Etiquette
Directorate for Human Capital
Business Etiquette Overview
Acquaint yourself with Afghan culture, social customs, and etiquette
Remember and apply 3 principles that guide ideal Afghan social behavior: Business is ALWAYS personal Honor / Saving Face BETTER than Progress Deference, Humility, and Cordiality
Go Slowly (“ahistah buro”)! Be patient
Be flexible,…esp. as regards timeliness
30Avoid CAOS: “Clueless American Overseas Syndrome”
Directorate for Human Capital
Business Dress Code Dress conservatively to be taken seriously
Esteem associated with wearing a suit Afghans very formal dressers (if they have the means) Afghans with military rank may wear uniform
during ceremonies and national holidays Norm: Western-style suit/clothing in office and
traditional clothing at home or in village
Unlike Arabs, no stigma against wearing traditional clothes (but not in urban setting)
If possible, avoid stigma of U.S. civilian contractor outfit (5.11 pants and polo shirt)
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Sure, he looks cool; but what’s wrong with this outfit (if walking
into MoD or MoI?
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Confirm: Ask I/T to call on day before or morning of (even if regular event)
Avoid meetings during holidays and elections (when possible)
During Ramazan: Sched meeting in AM
Always allow extra time for traffic, security, and delays by counterpart
Setting Up the Meeting
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Afghan Ministry of Defense (MoD Conference Room and Main
Entrance)
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Meeting and Greeting Your Counterpart
Expect office to be filled other Afghans May be subordinates or official visitors …or family members or neighbors visiting or
seeking patronage, business contracts, etc.
Greetings and farewell Waving inappropriate Greet everyone in room; seniors first (if able) Handshakes (same gender!) --- often soft/limp
(conveys humility not insincerity or indifference)
Wait for acknowledgement and offer to sit
Expect “small talk,” smiles, stares, constant interruptions --- make only general inquiries about his family 33
Directorate for Human Capital
Titles Matter: Addressing Your Counterpart
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Title / Form of Address Meaning or Association
ra’is or khan Chief, leader, “the big boss”
- jaan Honorific suffix; connotation of respect or familiarity --- used with peers & seniors
agha-ye / sahib Sir / Mr. --- often used with profession i.e. doctor, engineer, professor, general, malvi
khannum-e / sahiba Madame / Mrs.
baba / pader / cawcaw Grandfather / father and “Uncle”; used to show respect for elderly men
mowder / bibi Mother / honorable matron; used to show respect for elderly ladies
Bacheem / bacha / dukhtar Young children / young boy or “child” / young girl
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Business Card Protocol
Business cards not widely used in AFG; --- often carry sense of importance and prestige
If handed a card, accept with either right or both hands DO: Study closely and comment on qualifications or credentials of
the giver DO NOT: Just slip into wallet or
pocket dismissively
If able: Have your own cards translated into Dari/Pashto Caution with address / pers. info Providing Cell # can mean
24 hour accessibility36
Wow! Me and Mr. Tim are
BFFs!
Hey, here’s my card,… call me anytime!
Directorate for Human Capital
Working with your Counterpart
Accept chai (tea / finger-foods) and do accept invite to lunch (next time, OK)
Business and decision-making only conducted with senior leader (rais)
Avoid, when possible, tasking his subordinates (even when they “get it”)
Avoid confrontation or forcing decision in front of subordinates
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“You must always respect their leader, always strengthen him, and never detract from him in public,… never lecture him.” -- T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”)
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Presentations and Paperwork
Audiovisual aids often not valued (as briefing / info-sharing tool) May be regarded as time-wasting / irritating English text / complex graphics of little value Personal relationships more important than information
Paperwork Hardcopy (in Dari) still preferred (and more sustainable) Provide written summary for more important meetings but
package in way that counterpart can pass / transfer to superior Challenge: getting timely translation of detailed / lengthy docs
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Most Afghans, --- especially older generation, --- still prefer qalam wa kaghaz (“pen and paper”) over computar
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Communication Styles Delivery, Tone, and Topics of Discussion
Indirect versus direct Effusive, Exaggerated, Flowery: conveys erudition and
sincerity not duplicity Only general inquiries about family Loyalty factor: Avoid expressions of frustration with
elders or superior Loudness conveys anger or domination
Tell a story to convey/emphasize key points Oral tradition: Use metaphor,
story-telling, and analogy to your advantage
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Westernlinear
Near East / South Asiaspiral
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Etiquette: Social Interaction
Business and decision-making conducted with senior male- wakil, malik, arbab, khan- Not the guy in the bazaar who speaks English!
If local woman engages Western male in conversation maintain friendly but serious demeanor
Shake hands with opposite gender ONLY if they offer first
Once relationship is established, expect hug (and even 3 x cheek kiss) --- same gender only
Directorate for Human Capital
Etiquette: Home Visitation If must decline, do so gracefully (allow host to save face)
Do not expect quick dinner or mixed gender dining
Remove shoes on entering home / hujrah (lounge/dining area)
Take gift to first visit (i.e. for hosts’ children or US souvenir-memento)
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Etiquette: Home Visitation Entering the hujrah; high-status guest
sits near host at bala (high) end
Other guests and male family members in order of precedence Do not put I/T between self and host Women or children may join if host is expat or
guests are female
Chai and finger-food served while food is prepared
Food usually in separate area by women or household staff
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Bala End
Payan End
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Etiquette: During Meals
Go to meal hungry (esp. if eating in Afghan home)
Do not pull out own food (even to share); Do not offer to pay
Praise cooking /food often and early; host will force second, third helpings
Food served, often eaten, from common plates (use RH)
Utensils provided if available (otherwise use right hand); --- OK to use both hands to tear bread / drink from cup
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Directorate for Human Capital
Part of Afghan culture (be prepared!)
Gift Ideas: American souvenirs and mementoes* Have bi-lingual cards made for your
counterpart (w/ card holder) Cologne or perfume --- esp. if pious individual Cigarettes
Alcohol and cigarettes CENTCOM General Order No. 1 prohibits
use of alcohol (however, indirect solicitation probable)
Gift Giving and Receiving
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* If possible avoid statues of human beings, --- however, animals, buildings, insignia and crests, etc. usually OK
Directorate for Human Capital
Humor
Tread carefully; much is “lost in translation” e.g. “Oh, quit yer bitching”
Be humble but not overly self-effacing
Afghans love old-school slapstick comedy
Avoid “dirty jokes”
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Directorate for Human Capital
Nonverbal Communications When Greeting
Eye Contact
Occasionally Averted: With superiors
Always averted: With opposite sex
Physical Gestures
Palm on heart: Used to indicate respect, sincerity, recognition, or appreciation
Handshake: Use right or both hands (left-hand assist)
Important: Greet and shake hands with everyone present before sitting down
Directorate for Human Capital
Nonverbal Communication
Expect physical contact
Same gender only (in public)!
3 x hug and kiss (conveys kinship or close acquaintance)
Hand Holding (conveys friendship)
Guiding (conveys protection)
Other forms of contact
Touching and kissing top of head conveys blessing
Touching and kissing hands conveys supplication
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Directorate for Human Capital
Gestures to Avoid
“Thumbs up” Especially when performed
with with upward motion
“Hey you, Come here” Pointing and curling with index finger upwards To summon: flap all fingers up and down
“The Fig” Originally sign of good luck in ancient Greece Now insulting or threatening gesture
Centurion Salute (horizontal fist pump)
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“ Words represent your intellect. Sound, gesture and movement represent your feelings.”Patricia Fripp
Directorate for Human Capital
Etiquette: Public Protocol Transportation (Walking, Bicycling, Taxi, Bus): No yield
Punctuality: Arrive on time but expect to wait
Personal hygiene: All body fluids, discharges unclean
Taboos: Left hand; Sole of foot; Shoes (in masjid or home); Open affection w/ opposite sex (unless mahram)
Dress and Accessories: - Conservative and mostly western
- No restrictions on foreign wear of native dress as in Arab culture
- Avoid hostility/harassment: No shorts, suggestive clothing!
- Western women: Hijab not expected (but appreciated)
Directorate for Human Capital
Religious Etiquette Mosques (masjid) normally closed to
non-Muslims unless invited or escorted
Always remove shoes - socks or bare feet are acceptable- cover head in masjid (men and women)
Avoid crossing qibla (direction of prayer)
Polite to state “Peace Be Upon Him” after referring to “Prophet Muhammad”
Refer to Isa, Ali and Rashidun as “Hazrat” (Arabic honorific; literal translation = “Great Presence”)
No eating, smoking, chewing gum (in public) during Ramazan
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Negotiating with Afghans
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American Negotiating Styles Wheeler-dealer (Businesslike)
Pragmatic, candid, direct Focus: The “Deal”, bottomline, or endstate
Legal-Eagle (Legalistic) Officious and bureaucratic Focus: Facts, figures, and documentation
Bully (Hegemonic) Superpower Authoritarianism Focus: Machiavellian Realism, Realpolitk
Preacher (Moralistic) Messianic Focus: Ideals and principles
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Directorate for Human Capital
Negotiation Styles (How We See Each Other)
We see Afghans as:
Impatient
Arrogant
Poor Listeners
Insular and Naïve
Friendly
Flexible
Risk-taking
Afghans see U.S. as:
Slow and inconsiderate
Inscrutable or conniving
Unfocused
Backwards and corrupt
Hospitable
Rigid or indecisive
Lack initiative53
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Polychronic vs. Monochronic Negotiations Negotiators from polychronic cultures tend to…
start and end meetings at flexible times take breaks when it seems appropriate be comfortable with a high flow of information expect to read each others' thoughts and minds sometimes overlap talk or take long pauses view start times as flexible and not take lateness personally
Negotiators from monochronic cultures tend to… prefer prompt beginnings and endings schedule breaks deal with one agenda item at a time rely on specific, detailed, and explicit communication prefer to talk in sequence view lateness as devaluing or evidence of lack of respect
Directorate for Human Capital
Negotiating with Afghans
Bazaar (barter) market economy and subsistence-level agrarian society = skill in bargaining / negotiation
Usual approach: start wildly high and slowly work down
May politely protest damage that is being done to them and their interests or equities during compromise
May appeal to your sense of fairness and justice; --- or in some cases, --- your sympathy
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Respond with: ● Desire to build strong relationship ● Enhance their prestige, honor, respect, marketability ● Improve their value to leadership / organization
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Rapport Building
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Rapport Building
Rapport: condition in which two or more people feel in sync or on the same wavelength
Occurs because of perception of shared values, beliefs, knowledge, experiences, behaviors, personal tastes, etc.
Employ MCR to enhance or build rapport Mirroring (or Matching)
Postures and Gestures Tone and Tempo (Emotion)
Commonality Reciprocity
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Mirroring (or Matching) Fosters connection on an
unconscious level (familiarity = comfort = attachment)
Body language (i.e., posture, gesture, and proximity) Avoid simultaneous mimicry Resemble NOT imitate 5-second delay
Tone and tempo of voice
Establish “sticky” eye contact; break contact slowly
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Proxemics (or Propinquity)
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The study of measurable distances between people as they interact
Different cultures have different standards of personal space Too large = "stand-offish" Too small = intrusive
Personal distances also depend on social situation, gender, and individual preference
With (same gender) Afghans; intimate space collapses
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Commonality Deliberately finding something in common
with a person
Purpose is to build sense of camaraderie and trust
Determine shared interests, dislikes, and experiences
Leverage your knowledge of: Geography, History, Human Terrain Islam Culture and Social Customs Master Narratives
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“Sons of Abraham”(bacheh Ibrahim)
“People of the Book” (mardumeh ba kitab)
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Bani Adam (“Children of Adam”)
The “sons of Adam” are limbs of each other, having been created of one essence
When the calamity of time affects one limb the other limbs cannot remain at rest
If you have no sympathy for the troubles of others,…you are unworthy to be called “human”
Bani adam aazaye yek deegarandke dar aafarinesh ze yek gooharand
cho ozvi be dard aavarad roozegaar deegar ozvhaa raa namaanad gharaar
to kaz mehnate deegaraan bi ghami nashaayad ke naamat nahand adami
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Muslih-ud-Din Mushrif ibn-Abdullah Shirazi aka
“Sa’adi” (1184-1291)
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Your Turn: Reciprocity (Hospitality) Invite counterpart to your office or meeting space
Minimize/streamline ECP process as much as possible If secure area, find and reserve alternate conference room
Important to provide beverages and snacks Hot tea, soft drinks, and water (must offer repeatedly) Nuts, dried fruit, and candies Apologize that quality is insufficient
Invite to your DFAC May require prior approval / payment Ensure non-pork options are available!
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Increases transparency and fosters feeling of cooperation
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Other “Tools You Can Use” to Build Rapport Slow smile (vs. quick and phony)
Maintain open/welcoming posture Rotate torso towards counterpart Stand with one foot forward
Stand w/ one foot forward
Treat Business card with respect
Use same terms as counterpart
Slowly nod while counterpart speaks (if in agreement)
Touch wrist with forefinger (when shaking)
Listen for words that suggest person’s interest
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Has rapport been established?
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64
Meta-Narratives
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Meta-Narratives and Cultural Themes
Experiences shared by nearly all Afghans (or their relatives and neighbors) Involves conflict and attempt to resolve it Deeply embedded in their culture
Empathetic acknowledgement and discussion of these themes can build rapport
Compare to your own personal / national history (or that of your ancestors) Recent - “I also have sons/daughters to provide for…” Historical - “My grandparents were immigrants (or refugees);”
“my family lost their farm;” “my ancestors were all soldiers”
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Cultural Themes: Migration and Displacement Many Afghans have lived as refugees or IDPs
Dramatic change in social standing and quality of life Humiliation or Shame Loss and Forbearance Stoicism / Fatalism
Exposure to Iranian or Pakistani culture / worldview Media, education, entertainment (esp. conspiracy theories) New economic and social networks
Nomadic lifestyle (Turko-Persian and kuchi heritage)
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Cultural Themes: Armed Resistance
AK-47 replaces sword as symbol of manhood and faith “Praise Allah and pass the bullets!” Modern expression of ghazi
“Weaponized” cultures are often “honor-shame” cultures
For many Afghans, jihad and mujahidin have same connotation as “veteran” in U.S.
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Cultural Themes: Subsistence Agrarianism
78.6% of labor force (15 million; 2004 est.) engaged in agriculture; 31% GDP by sector
Most practice some form of subsistence agriculture and primitive food preparation (or have relatives who do)
Many will have basic knowledge of farming/animal husbandry
Produce (esp. melons) matter of national pride; seasons reckoned by fruit in market
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“Agriculture is the dominant factor in the Afghan economy, in food security, in livelihoods, sustainable resources, and national security.”
- Mohammad Asif Rahimi, Afghan Minister of Agriculture,
Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL)
Directorate for Human CapitalAdvice from an Old “Hand”…
“Whenever I took a decision, or adopted an alternative, it was after studying every relevant factor…geography, tribal structure, religion, social customs, language, appetites, standards --- all were at my fingertips…”
- T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia) 1888-1935Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph
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Questions?
Directorate for Human Capital
Afghan Narratives
Predominately held culturally specific “world views”:
Outward looking and widely accepted The Great Game Pakistan Takeover
Inward looking and contentious Liberators of Afghanistan Preserving Local Rule United Afghanistan Right to Rule
Victimization, Pride and Independence
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The Great Game NARRATIVE: Afghanistan’s prized location at the heart of Asia brought a plague of meddling and
self-interested foreign powers to the country. In the 19th century, the British and Russians battled over Afghanistan to expand their imperial power.
After World War II, the West and the Soviets brought their rivalry to Afghanistan, leading to the Soviet invasion and civil war. As they tried to seize Afghanistan, foreigners brought with them violence, instability, and corruption.
The 2001 American invasion and occupation is just the latest in a long series of foreign powers trying to control Afghanistan in pursuit of their expansionist aims. And like those before them, the Americans will stop at nothing to maintain their foothold. What these foreigners forget is that no outsider — not even Alexander the Great or Genghis Khan — has ever been able to control Afghanistan in pursuit of their expansionist aims.
History proves that Afghanistan is unconquerable, protected against foreign domination by warriors committed to defending the homeland and the faith. Learning from this history, Afghans should not place their trust in foreign powers, who are motivated by their own interests and will undoubtedly be expelled. Afghans must instead look out for their own interests to maintain their proud history of independence and protect themselves from foreigners’ bloody games.
Directorate for Human Capital
The Great Game
Foreign Occupation Regional Hegemony Violence, instability and corruption Foreigner occupiers will eventually leave
An unconquerable Afghanistan Defended by warriors protecting the homeland and faith
Urban Democrats Violent Islamists Ethnic Nationalists
Central Government Supporters
Taliban Pashtun NationalistsTajik NationalistsTurkic NationalistsHazara Nationalists
Audience Segments
Directorate for Human Capital
Liberators of Afghanistan NARRATIVE: Marauding foreign crusaders have always plagued Afghanistan in their
quest to exploit the country’s resources and people. Like the British and Soviets before them, the Americans imposed a war on the Afghan people and brought great suffering: corrupt puppet officials, violence, disrespect for Afghan values, and injustice.
Yet Afghan freedom fighters have always risen to the challenge of liberating Afghanistan, expelling the most powerful armies in the world, from Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan to the British Empire and the Soviets.
Today, the Taliban has inherited this jihad, leading brave warriors to expel the American occupiers. As their grandfathers and fathers did before them, Afghans are obligated (farz or fard) to wage jihad against the foreigners and their puppet government — even giving their lives, if necessary, in defense of Afghanistan’s freedom and independence.
Those who fight will liberate the Afghan people by restoring the Islamic Emirate — a state that will provide fair and swift application of Sharia, an end to rampant corruption, restoration of local authority in line with Afghan values, and an end to the occupation claiming innocent Afghan lives. Munafiqin (hypocrites) who collaborate with foreign occupiers will face harsh retribution when the Americans are inevitably expelled and the Taliban retakes power.
Directorate for Human Capital
Liberators of Afghanistan
Afghan fighters fought foreign occupation
Protectors of the people and liberators of the country
Overthrow puppet governance and restore independence
Taliban inheritance of this mantle Leads jihad against the most powerful army in the world.
Urban Democrats Violent Islamists Ethnic Nationalists
Central Government Supporters
Taliban Pashtun NationalistsTajik NationalistsTurkic NationalistsHazara Nationalists
Audience Segments
Directorate for Human Capital
Preserving Local Rule
NARRATIVE: For hundreds of years, local and tribal leaders have provided peace and stability to the Afghan people, guided by their own laws and customs. No national government has survived without the support of these leaders.
Powerful rulers, however, have also sought to destroy this natural order in pursuit of their own interests. From the British-backed Shah Shuja to the Soviet-backed communists, greed-driven leaders have failed in their efforts to concentrate power in their own hands.
Despite the failures of those before them, American-backed leaders today are trying to govern from Kabul: this unnatural rule from afar, however, only breeds corruption, violence, and instability.
Afghans should not be bound by what is dictated from Kabul. Instead, they should abide by the local laws and leaders that have served them well for ages. By taking control over their own destiny, Afghans will restore the country’s natural order in which families and tribes live peacefully among their own people, undisturbed by self-interested outsiders.
Directorate for Human Capital
Preserving Local Rule
Local and Tribal Rule
Afghans should take control from ignorant distant rulers Rob locals of authority Bring instability and violence
Remain Loyal to Indigenous Laws and Customs Stability and prosperity
Urban Democrats Violent Islamists Ethnic Nationalists
Central Government Supporters
Taliban Pashtun NationalistsTajik NationalistsTurkic NationalistsHazara Nationalists
Audience Segments
Directorate for Human Capital
United Afghanistan
NARRATIVE: Through the 1950s and 1960s, Afghanistan demonstrated to the world that it was emerging as a modern democratic nation — a peaceful and stable partner guided by a strong central government and an enlightened leader, Zahir Shah.
Afghanistan’s path toward modernization and democracy, however, was devastated by the Soviet invasion, the civil war, and the Taliban. These years of tragic fragmentation and violence are proof that Afghanistan must be unified under a strong, democratic central government if peace is to be restored.
With the Taliban gone, the Afghan people have an opportunity to continue what Zahir Shah started: turning Afghanistan into a peaceful, prosperous, and unified country once again. Afghans must support government institutions if they want to prevent Afghanistan from plunging into civil war, potentially leading to the disintegration of the state.
Only through popular support for government leaders and national institutions will the country emerge from the chaos started by the Soviets and become a successful, unified nation.
Directorate for Human Capital
United Afghanistan
GIRoA public support
Narrative Undermined
Competing Narratives?
Urban Democrats Violent Islamists Ethnic Nationalists
Central Government Supporters
Taliban Pashtun NationalistsTajik NationalistsTurkic NationalistsHazara Nationalists
Audience Segments
• Liberators of Afghanistan• Preserving Local Rule
• Perceptions of Corruption• Weak Capacity
• Restore era of prosperity• Avoid state disintegration
Directorate for Human Capital
Pakistan Takeover NARRATIVE: The Afghan people have repelled outside invaders for centuries, successfully fighting
off the British Empire and the Soviets. Afghanistan faced a new kind of enemy when the British created Pakistan in 1947, one bent on controlling Afghanistan by sowing turmoil through secretive plots against the Afghan people. Pakistan armed and trained violent extremists and sent them across the border to destabilize Afghanistan after the Soviets left.
In the 1990s, Pakistan supported the Taliban government, strengthening Pakistan’s foothold at the expense of Afghan peace and development. Today, Pakistan is waiting for an opportunity to retake control of the country, playing an elaborate game in which it takes money from the United States with one hand and arms extremists with the other. Pakistan wants to exploit Afghanistan economically, meddle in its domestic affairs, and prevent it from gaining the stability it needs to prosper.
They will undoubtedly move quickly to assert their power in Afghanistan once again when American forces leave. To protect the country’s security and independence, Afghans must be vigilant against the plots of Pakistan and its ISI agents. Only by exposing and thwarting these conspiracies will Afghanistan finally be able to achieve the stability needed for its economy and society to flourish.
Directorate for Human Capital
Pakistan Takeover
Animosities date back to Partition Pashtun territory a natural extension of Afghanistan
Offers explanations of current Pak meddling Economic Exploitation Covert Support to the Taliban Destabilizing Afghanistan to prevent spread of Indian
Urban Democrats Violent Islamists Ethnic Nationalists
Central Government Supporters
Taliban Pashtun NationalistsTajik NationalistsTurkic NationalistsHazara Nationalists
Audience Segments
Directorate for Human Capital
Right to Rule
NARRATIVE: The Pashtuns have called Afghanistan home for thousands of years, long before any other peoples came to the land, making them the only true Afghans. Afghan and Pashtun identity are inseparable: the Pashtuns have always been Afghanistan’s source of strength and independence by resisting foreign invaders and uniting the Afghan people. Great Pashtun leaders used their power wisely to bring prosperity and security to Afghanistan. This power, however, instilled jealousy and anger among the Tajiks, Uzbeks, Turkmen, and Hazaras, all of whom have sought to repress Pashtuns. These minorities used the US invasion in 2001 to collaborate with foreign invaders against the Pashtuns: arming themselves, securing positions of power, and repressing Pashtun language and culture while a war was declared against Pashtuns on both sides of the border. Today, these minorities control the Kabul government and receive special treatment from both the government and the Americans, while Pashtuns bear the brunt of the war’s devastation. Yet Afghanistan will always be the land of the Pashtuns, and Pashtuns throughout Afghanistan must demand that the power they deserve is restored, that their culture is respected, and that they are not forced to bow to the whims of the minorities who work against them. Only through the restoration of natural Pashtun rule can Afghanistan hope for peace and prosperity.
Directorate for Human Capital
Right to Rule
Superiority of Pashtuns as superior Deep historical roots in Afghan ethnic tensions 2001 US invasion Disproportionately low Pashtun representation in
Parliament and the Afghan National Army
Strong nationalist support from Taliban No governance competition
Urban Democrats Violent Islamists Ethnic Nationalists
Central Government Supporters
Taliban Pashtun NationalistsTajik NationalistsTurkic NationalistsHazara Nationalists
Audience Segments
Directorate for Human Capital
BACK-UP OR UNFINISHED SLIDES
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Directorate for Human Capital
Working with your Counterpart
88
“Avoid formal meetings…instead, be their constant guest and just drop suggestions in their ear, and always convince them that the suggestions you are making are really their own ideas.” -- T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”)
Directorate for Human Capital
Working with your Counterpart
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“Never disparage your own religion. Avoid talking about religion as much as you can, but when you are asked a question, see that you know, and show that you know, -- the religion of Islam very well and deeply respect it.” -- T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”)