AFGHAN PRESENTATION FOR BRAZILIAN MILITARY

UNCLAS BRASILIA 000437 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT ALSO FOR IO/UNP, SA/FO AMBASSADOR TAYLOR, SA/AR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF AF BR SUBJECT: AFGHAN PRESENTATION FOR BRAZILIAN MILITARY OFFICIALS ¶1. (U) During a DATT-hosted 18 February dinner for key military contacts, poloff, recently returned from an Afghanistan TDY, delivered a graphic powerpoint presentation on Coalition nation building efforts in that country. The presentation focused on four themes: the overall security and reconstruction mission of the US-led Coalition; the nature, role, and skill sets of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs); the desperate needs of the Afghan people; and the range of assistance being delivered to Afghanistan by the USG. Brazilian attendees represented all three armed service branches as well as the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Relations. ¶2. (U) Questions during and after the presentation, particularly from the professional military officers, indicated a keen interest in how the Coalition was moving from emphasis on counter-Taliban/al Qaeda combat operations (Phase III) to greater focus on stabilization/reconstruction (Phase IV). Attendees were struck by Afghanistan's low levels of economic and social development, particularly in the rural areas, and impressed by the range of institution building programs already underway. Many were impressed by the country's extensive poppy cultivation and acknowledged the huge challenge of poppy eradication given the country's poverty and lack of cash crops. One officer queried as to the time horizon for rebuilding Afghanistan, implying a question as to whether the USG had the staying power to finish the job. Other questions concerned the logistical support behind national reconstruction. Analogies with Iraq's political and reconstruction issues were also raised, and some officers later asked if a similar USG presentation could be delivered to the Brazilian military regarding that country. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: Attendees displayed curiosity about the Coalition's nation building efforts and appeared drawn to the possible relevance of the Afghan experience to Brazil's own future international missions. The presentation sought to portray the U.S. mission in Afghanistan in its true light, countering local misperceptions that the U.S. only cares about its own interests and Coalition soldiers huddle behind the wire in fortified compounds. While there is little likelihood Brazil will contribute to efforts in Afghanistan at this time, the military desires to learn more about the situation there. In light of Brazil's current seat on the UNSC and the internal GOB review of Brazil's future peacekeeping efforts, particularly in Africa, poloff suggested the GOB consider having a team go to Afghanistan. Officers affirmed that Brazil's armed forces, if ordered, were ready and willing to engage in international PKO efforts. However funding remains a big hurdle. Poloff will continue to offer this presentation to other key Brazilian audiences. Minimized considered Hrinak