Belly

I do understand your concerns. I hope I do not come across as posting only sun beams and hopes. I do feel some responsibility to counteract the doom and gloom reporting that seems to dominate the media. This is because I do, in fact, see some sun beams shining through the dark clouds.

I feel for your concerns. Trust me when I say that I have my own personal struggles. Every day I walk past the flag poles of 35 nations here on Camp Eggers. Far too often there is a flag or two at half mast. Of all the emotions which bombard me when I see those flags, it is renewed dedication which is foremost. A dedication to make those sacrifices count.

I do believe that the massive costs are worth it. I fear that the costs of doing nothing would eventually be greater. The culture is changing. Social media is a contributing factor. With millions of internet accounts and over a quarter million young Afghanis on facebook, it is difficult for anywhere to stay in the dark ages. It is this generation which will decide what they want and where in the world they want their country to belong. Let’s not discount their contribution to change.

Dear David,

Your optimism is to be commended.

We're hearing on the news about assassinations,
and another bomb going off in Kabul.

Take care in this difficult and challenging time.

There may be "at least a road," as you put it,
but the challenges are huge and exploding bombs
certainly don't help.

Yes,
discouraging, but can't let them win.

I think the encouraging thing is (as seems to be my reoccuring theme) that the Afghans are taking charge.
As per the attacks here last week, we were encouraged.

It was an Afghan police Lieutenant Colonel that TIME consulted as a spokesperson.

It was Afghan military Mi-24 Hind helicopter gunships that flew in to support a rapid-reaction force.

It was Afghan police and Afghan soldiers who locked down the long road leading to the siege site and allowed fleeing civilians and wounded security personnel through.

It was an Afghan soldier at an Afghan army checkpoint that stood his ground and wouldn’t let an armed man enter.

It was an Afghan policeman who shot and killed a suicide bomber before he could detonate.

And it was an Afghan counterterrorism unit along with NATO special forces that cleared the high-rise where the remaining militants had holed up.

This is great news in the middle of bad news.

Lets take encouragement that these brave and dedicated men will grow stronger. That the Afghan National Security Force will stand strong.
They did the job that day. Lots of second guessing might occur but lets realize the progress that this showcased.

Well done Afghan National Security Force.

Mate your post does you credit, it is clear to me now you are honest, and one to be honored.
I value such as you, if younger would want work like yours.
My early fear is now gone.
My hope, controlled by the reality's you live with daily is for a better future for that country and its people.
I know just a few years ago crowds gathered to watch murders in sporting grounds women lived as second class.
No progress without pain I thank you

Dear David,

I read somewhere that:

"Nothing in the world can take the place
of persistence. Talent will not:
nothing is more common than unsuccessful people
with talent. Genius will not;
unrewarded Genius is almost a proverb. Education will not;
the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination are omnipotent.
The slogan "Press On" has solved and always will solve
the problems of the human race."

The Afghans deserve support.

This thread, coming from the country and some one who is trying to fix things should be well used.
It highlights a human nature we must not ignore.
Within all the bad, the dreadfully bad,there lives hope.
We all of us, base our views on different ideas and thoughts.
But if only humanity, all of it, could focus on positives.
I ask too much.
One day,surely we understand?
We may have imposed on us one culture one set of rules, a threat?
Very much so for those who live in those days but a century after? maybe one day men will not have to kill each other.