Archive for May, 2009

The war in Afghanistan is winnable on all fronts, and the US government is slowly (read: very slowly) discovering how. Sadly though, the very people who are making policy about this war are the ones who know and understand the least about it. Secretary of Defense Gates traveled to Afghanistan two weeks ago, to meet with key military leaders. Upon... »

Very few cities' housing and civil structure are as homogenous as Kabul's (pronounced cobble), which consists largely of mud-n-spitters scattered across several different geographical areas divided by mountains. The only way to appreciate the expansive nature of this beautiful and ancient city is to fly over it in a helo or fixed-wing. The homes are all sand-colored, and each with... »

There's an old Afghan proverb: Afghans will never give in to war, but they will surrender to kindness. The concept of Afghans surrendering to kindness is paradoxical, esp. to the U.S., a nation that's billed as the chief global policeman. It's true, though: these beautiful people will surrender their hearts to genuine kindness and decency and respect. Give a man... »

The water was probably only 90 degrees, but it felt like a hot hot rainforest shower, steam rising up into my nares and clearing out some of the dust I'd invited in throughout the day. After half an hour, well beyond the normal 2-minute "combat shower," I pressed the little button on the showerhead, ending my bliss, then pushed it... »

Two weeks in here and I'm ready for another hundred. The countryside is breathtaking, esp. the 20,000-foot mountains that surround our base; the villages are a throwback to the middle ages; and the people are the most beautiful anywhere. I've not felt such kindness anywhere. Anywhere. That excludes my run-ins with the Taleban teenagers who pelted me with egg-sized rocks... »

There're many fascinating topics to discuss about FOB Shank . . . and doing so would violate operational securty, or OPSEC. I'm refraining from sharing with you the lay of the land, as the enemy is always listening and gathering intel to use against us. With this in mind, I carry on bravely. . . . FOB Shank is an isolated... »

Before we left Bagram Air Base, located about 40 miles east of Kabul, I was still adjusting to the time change (read: PMSsy), dealing with a persistent ear infection (yes, I know it's not good to stick dirty fingers in my ear all the time, but I'm an amateur archaeologist), and wondering if I brought all the right gear. The... »