Rules of Engagement

I was recently reminded by a colleague of the innate need in every human being to build familiarity and order in their environment. Rules, processes, guidelines and even the shape of our toothbrush contribute to building familiarity and order. These norms and standards create the terms of engagement that build stability between individuals and the world around them. Put simply, these expectations are a product of accumulated experiences acquired by individuals, bottled over time and served daily. People like you and I continuously refer to these terms of engagement to facilitate our daily need for sustenance as well as our longer term need for growth, achievement and self-actualization.

Every society has a distinct set of terms of engagement. For example, in some countries it is quite atypical to see price tags on goods. Buyers and sellers are simply expected to negotiate a price. Similarly, a public officer offering improved government services for personal gain may be quite normal to individuals in a society whose population is competing for the basic necessities of life; however, it can also be considered a serious disgrace by individuals living in a society with a well developed social infrastructure. Hence, definitions of values such as fairness, equity, integrity and transparency are influenced by these terms of engagement.

In Afghanistan, the Constitution states in Article Three Ch. 1, Art. 3 the following: “In Afghanistan, no law can be contrary to the beliefs and provisions of the sacred religion of Islam.” Religious beliefs in Afghanistan are embedded in the daily lives of Afghans as well as in the content of the laws and rules governing their country. Understanding this distinction builds an appreciation of the terms of engagement in place between individuals and their society, the framework within which individuals interact with each other and their society - and within which development should occur. It also provides insight on the definition and application of values guiding Afghanistan laws and the law making process.

Things are rarely as they appear to be at first sight. It is therefore encouraging that humans seek familiarity and order in their environment – regardless of where they are. It transforms unrest and uncertainty into understanding and respect.

Photo: Kabul, Afghanistan September 24, 2007