The legal aspects of coalition military operations in Afghanistan was the focus of a two-week DIILS resident course offered to 31 international military students from 19 countries.  Military experts gave presentations on the law of armed conflict (LOAC) and rules of engagement (ROE) and conducted practical exercises, including a video simulation of combat situations. The new course is called "Stability Operations: Legal Aspects of ROE/RUF Afghanistan," or SOLARA.  It will be offered again 25 July to 5 August 2011 (MASL P176017).
The goal of SOLARA is to share knowledge among US, ISAF, NATO, and other Eastern and Central European specialists with recent experience combating terrorism in Afghanistan.  SOLARA is designed to foster enduring international partnerships in support of U.S. global security objectives and promote regional relationships that will enhance efforts to defeat transnational terrorism.
One SOLARA participant commented that "sharing information about international law (LOAC and ROE) between multinational groups and how to apply it to the operational environment and battle space" was a highlight of the course.