Agreed. The number one type of operation we conducted was affectionately known as "Advance to Shura". In some places, routine Shuras were established to ensure continual dialogue between ANSF/ISAF and the locals. One of the key things to remember is that there are two Shuras. The public ones with us outsiders and an audience and all the bells and whistles where everything said has already been decided upon and the "backroom ones" where the key elders get together and make the real decisions. Like any society though, backrooms have leaks and myself and the ANA Commander would constantly engage locals to find out what direction the elders would take, ensuring we headed into a Shura prepared.
It took a few months, but by the end I could go an hour without having to uncross my legs. Standing up still required great effort though....
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