• In 2010, CPAU began working on a similar linkage project in Takhar and Kunduz, aimed at building bridges between the formal and informal sectors using a series of peace councils (similar to shuras), some of which had been established previously by CPAU and some of which CPAU established under the program auspices. CPAU also provided the peace council members with justice support workers, who were often law students,98 and offered a range of services, including providing legal advice, helping to direct cases to both formal and informal mechanisms, seeking advice from judges, providing transportation for those working to resolve disputes, and ensuring that informal decisions did not violate Afghan law.
• In 2010, USIP helped set up two Provincial Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs) that brought together respected elders, tribal leaders, and religious leaders from Kunar and Nangarhar to work with the Ministry of Border and Tribal Affairs and the respective provincial governors. The objective of the project was both to resolve high-level, prolonged disputes and to foster cooperation between formal and informal actors on political conf licts in the two target provinces. Serving more as a network of respected mediators than as a formal commission, the DRCs recorded and were involved in the resolution of over 150 disputes in the project's twelve months. USIP served primarily as a coordinating body, improving communication between local leaders and government officials. Employees also recorded the resolution