CENTCOM Commander Attends Khost Leadership Conference

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 5, 2007 - Khost Provincial Governor Arsala Jamal and all 12 of his district sub-governors hosted the first Khost Provincial Leadership Conference here Nov. 3. Also in attendance were Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of U.S Central Command, key leaders of the Afghan national security forces, and leaders from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

Khost province is recognized by Afghan President Hamid Karzai and coalition commanders as the "provincial model of success." Khost has accomplished more in the past 10 months than in the previous five years, and that is due to the trust and collaborative efforts of all people living in Khost -- Afghans and coalition forces alike, officials said.

Jamal is leading and training his sub-governors and military leaders at the provincial and district levels to work directly with the people of Khost and in concert with the coalition units who train and live with their Afghan counterparts in all district centers in Khost. This arrangement has made it possible to remove the shackles of the Taliban and criminals and allow development, education, and security to flourish once again in Khost, officials said.

Army Lt. Col. Scott Custer, who commands the International Security Assistance Force unit in Khost, said Jamal wanted to meet with all the key players to help shape and develop the future of Khost. "This is a monumental day for Khost. The purpose of today's meeting is to build upon the strong relations among the central government of Khost province," Custer said. "Providing a forum for the sub-governors to discuss security matters with Governor Jamal and to create the provincial development and security plan for Khost over the next 12 to 24 months ensures continued growth throughout the province.

"Additionally, it provides the sub-governors the opportunity to share their methods of success with their peers and request any additional resources they may need from the governor to reach their goals. The responsibility is on their shoulders to take Khost into the next two years; the leaders and the people of Khost have ownership of their future."

Fallon praised Khost provincial and Afghan security forces leaders for their collaborative efforts and commitment toward building a safer province. He encouraged all Afghans to follow this example. "I've come here to see Khost for the first time," said Fallon, who visits Afghanistan frequently. "I see the security situation as very good. I am very happy with the (development) progress that I see. I am very, very pleased to be in the company of the governor."

When asked why Khost was important to him, Fallon replied, "Khost ... is a great example of good leadership with the governor (and) the sub-governors working closely with the ISAF units to provide security and stability for the people of this area, this province."

The CENTCOM commander added that Khost is the model that all other provinces should aspire to. "I want to encourage the governor and other leaders in the region to continue with the good work because I believe that this is a wonderful example to the whole country of Afghanistan," Fallon said.

Several government and security force leaders said the admiral's visit shows the strategic importance of Khost to the overall security of Afghanistan.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)