Final evaluation Netherlands participation in ISAF 2006 - 2010

h. Within a single area of operations there should be unity of effort andunity of command. For a lead nation, good arrangements have to bemade with all coalition partners prior to deployment.i. The limited availability of enablers (such as air-defence specialists,counter-IED, helicopters and military nurses) formed a limitingfactor during operations. In future operations, this should be takeninto account when designing the mission.j. More mentoring of local actors by civilian experts is desirable andnecessary. Develop a long-term partnership / coaching / supportingstrategy to build up local security services and civilian expertise inthe province.k. Contacts with informal rulers or power brokers must be preceded bythorough preparation with direct partners. Be prepared tocompromise in order to achieve goals.l. The importance of social outreach and ownership (which came to beknown during this mission as 'Afghanisation'); the population itself isthe key to peace, security and sustainable development. At thesame time, improve the services provided by the authorities andthus the support base for the authorities.m. Civil domain: Local civil organisations should be considered aspartners for sustainable development. It is essential to ensure theindependent character of NGOs, particularly humanitarianorganisations, and thereby not to compromise their security.Successful deployment of civil organisations requires them to beautonomous.n. From QVPs to development programmes; the build-up from short,quick and visible projects to long-term sustainable development.Small-scale, quick and visible activities, aimed at specific villagecommunities, are just a first step towards sustainable developmentactivities. Eventually these projects should be followed as soon aspossible by long-term development projects. The local authoritiescan thus increase their presence and legitimacy in the province.Page 110 of 133