Smile and wave

SMILE & WAVE is a cinematographic journey through post-war Afghanistan in 2002 as seen through the eyes of the Dutch peacekeeping force. The ISAF mandate is limited. The Dutch peacekeeping force operates exclusively in Kabul, whereby the local authorities retain full power over the security situation. ISAF is confronted with an extremely shadowy situation: “We know that quite a number of the daily threats (including missile attacks) are initiated by the Afghan security community itself – the secret services, the police and the army – for no other reason than to commit ISAF to staying here.”

Political interest

Two military operations in Afghanistan seek to establish control over the country. In response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, the United States with the United Kingdom launched the first military operation called Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). It was the beginning of the War on Terror. The stated purpose of the OEF invasion was to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy al-Qaeda, and remove the Taliban regime which had provided support and safe harbor to al-Qaeda. OEF is a combat operation. The second operation is the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). ISAF is a peacekeeping operation established by the international community in 2002 to help stabilize the country.

Historic interest

ISAF was initially charged with securing Kabul and surrounding areas from the Taliban, al Qaeda and factional warlords, so as to allow for the establishment of the Afghan Transitional Administration headed by Hamid Karzai. In October 2003, the UN Security Council authorized the expansion of the ISAF mission throughout Afghanistan, and ISAF subsequently expanded the mission in four main stages over the whole of the country. Since 2006, ISAF has been involved in more intensive combat operations in southern Afghanistan, a tendency which continued in 2007 and 2008. Attacks on ISAF in other parts of Afghanistan are also mounting.

Scenes

More than a job
With a worldly eye on Afghanistan, it is vital for the troops stationed there that the situation improves. The threat of violence is daily and the Dutch army is more than prepared for terrorist attacks. But the peackeeping force goes one step further than the army, building relationships with the people of Kabul and helping to create a solid infrastructure in the area.
Colonel leaving Afghanistan
Clip discussion Docs4thought LHC
Safety and Corruption
The daily threat to the peacekeepers is always present. The need to communicate with the leaders of the Kabul police force and the people of the city helps build bridges between the groups and in turn creates a bigger safety net for the troops working in the area. If you are seen to be helping the region then the threat to your safety is reduced.
Defence and misunderstanding
The Dutch troops are faced with constant threats from Afghans. Although they are there to keep the peace, it is sometimes hard to communicate with the locals. We learn of the problems the police have with local thieves, who have bigger resources than the authorities.
Soldiers on mission in Afghanistan
Clip discussion Docs4thought LHC
Womens rights
The life in Afghanistan is somewhat different to that in Western Europe. The Dutch troops are faced with keeping long distance relationships with their loved ones, whilst helping to keep the peace in a war torn land. We see how innocent civilians can often be mistaken for terrorists. Furthermore, we are given an insight into a women’s prison, and the vast inequalities between men and women in Afghanistan society. The peace keeping troops are expected to help those wrongly imprisoned but these women are victims of Afghan legislation and the troops are unable to help.
Women’s Prison Afghanistan
Clip discussion Docs4thought LHC
Differing cultures
The treatment of women is very different in Afghanistan. Here we learn of the lack of freedom they have, we learn of importance of being a virgin in their society and we see vast differences between the behaviour of Dutch troops and Afghans towards women.
Riots and demonstrations
The troops are faced with a student demonstration against poor conditions. This rally turns nasty and although the Dutch wish to intervene and help the Afghan police, the German peacekeepers urge them not to help and cause further problems. This leads to problems between the two sets of troops.
Hope and doubt
Many of the troops are disillusioned with the war and the reasons behind the violence, mainly religious reasons. However, through the military presence in Kabul the situation in the country appears to be improving. For these troops, this is the motivation they need to continue to help build a safer Afghanistan.