(Editor’s note: The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is known as “Ramazan” in the Dari and Pashto languages of the Afghan people.)
Salam-u-Alaikum! And Ramazan Mubarak.
I’m General David Petraeus, Commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force. And on behalf of all the members of ISAF, I want to extend very best wishes to you and your families as you celebrate the holy month of Ramazan.
Ramazan is, of course, a month of recommitment to faith, a month of celebration with family and friends, and a month of devotion and reflection.
My own reflection recently has reminded me of the enormous importance of the tasks that members of ISAF share with members of the Afghan National Security Forces – and, indeed, with all Afghan citizens – as we work together, shona ba shona, to achieve our common goal of a secure and peaceful Afghan nation. It goes without saying that it is a great privilege to work with our Afghan partners in striving to attain such an important objective.
There is, of course, nothing easy about our common task. Afghanistan faces many challenges. Nonetheless, there has been progress in various areas this year and we are on the threshold of achieving more progress as we all work together to forge greater security and a more hopeful future for the people of Afghanistan.
In view of the sacrifices that so many have made in pursuit of the goals of the new Afghanistan, I ask that almighty God bless the great nation of Afghanistan and those from around the world who have come to its aid.
Again, Ramazan Mubarak, and Tashakur.