Hi everyone,
Thank you very much for the replies, both on the thread and via-PM, it is the reason I came here - to stimulate interest, and educate myself.
To say I'm engrossed in Afghanistan, its culture, and its people, is not to do it justice, but that is only part of the story. Our (Western) involvement here is an understandably huge issue, one that we at home have precious few facts from which to form an educated opinion. Viewing this issue through lenses of patriotism, nationalism, pride, and a sense of what's "right," is a dangerous road, as our views are based on our values, and that is only one way to look at any given issue. This is a different place on every tangible level, and that is the major problem I see being here. We are trying to apply our ideas, models, rules, and systems onto a nation that can't, and doesn't necessarily want to support them. THIS WILL NOT WORK.
This is a beautiful nation. Period. It is not the shit-hole we are all lead to believe. That doesn't mean there isn't abject poverty, the likes of which North Americans have never seen, but there are many ways to judge a nation, its people, and its culture. Are the Taliban "good guys?" No, I don't think you could say that judging by any reasonable standard, but the Taliban are NOT all Afghans, and these people, while not as formally educated as you and I, are very impressive on many levels. Perhaps .'s comment is the most apt - changing our perspective is what needed, both visually and mentally, I can find respect and beauty in almost anything if I look hard enough. Yes, even Alberta...
I'll post a few of the local pix I've processed so far, there are of course a number of others, but those will have to wait. I would have given anything to have had more ability to wander Kabul or Jalalabad and take photos, but that kind of behavior is only to be undertaken carefully, as the are people here who will inflict harm on people like me, and do almost daily - simply because I represent something. Having to be in that head-space is as important as anything I've seen here, because what I represent isn't necessarily what's right for this place.
Heading back to Kabul on an AN-24 this afternoon, should be fun.
Fly safe everyone,
stl
Reconstruction Project, downtown Kabul.
Local lunch... WOW
Making popcorn in a fire pit - yes, really..!
