AD Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Hey there, Things are going good so far in Afghanistan. We haven't really started work yet, so we've been having meetings and seeing a bit of the city. I've started an online photo album, the link is at the bottom. I can't get the pics to link to here, so go check 'em out over there. Good to hear nermoe was good everywhere. Too bad i missed it... Someone taped it? I'll take b+p's to the Silk Route Guest House, Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul =) Here is a link to the online photo album... If anyone wants some more info, shoot me an email and i can add you to my update list. Cheers! Salom! AD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esau Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Cheers! Sweet pics & thanks for sharing those. Be safe my friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisley Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 right right on!! excellent pictures... what a way to be living... blows me away humanity's history lying beneath the dust tossed you my e-mail for when you have some interesting tales enjoy yourself brother Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SolarGarlic Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Wow. The "diver tower" one is something else.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorgnor Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 I wish you the best, but I feel compelled to ask you your beliefs about the presence of America in Afghanistan. I understand if you refrain from answering untill your return. onelove Allah u ahkbar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AD Posted November 14, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Well, this might open a sticky can of worms... First, you've got to differentiate between American Military presence and American Civilian presence. Before coming I was against the American military presence, and for the most part my feelings haven't changed. Something has to be done about the Taleban though. The company for whom my company is working has had many incidents with rogue Taleban who still want to hold onto some power through force. Sneak attacks, ambushes are very common on the roads after dark. The American (and other troops such as Canada, Romania, etc...) need to get these small pockets of Taleban under control and fast. Taleban have no problem picking on fellow Afghanis as well. The American troops here are the only ones being aggressive (still using force without provocation) but the retaliation for this ends up with Canadians and Romanians dead. For this reason I wish the Americans could stop their bombing (I heard bombs last night in my sleep) and find a better way, but until a better way to deal with Taleban elements is found, I throw my hands in the air... American (and many many other countries but largely American) civilian presence here is crucial for rehab of the country. It simply will not happen without all the NGOs and private business that are here on the ground. The project I'm working on is the biggest one in the rehab of the country. Highway 1 is the major trade route in western asia and is not passable in many places. My section was due to be complete (designed, engineered, paved, etc...) by March 2005. Hamid Karzai (Prime Minister or President) went to Washington to see Dubya in the summer to visit, and Bush said '2005? That's too late. How about September 2004?' Bush has no idea what it takes to build a road, but the American government committed to having it done by then and it will be done by then. The speed at which things are happening here in the civilian sector is unprecedented, largely to Bush's unknowing of real-world process, but the end result is fantastic for Afghanis who need an economy. Right now there isn't one, period. I'm interested to hear what others think of this, and remember, I can't check this board all too often so don't expect speedy replies... I have a pretty good vantage point on things here.. ad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Wish Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Holy Smokes AD! Good for you.......I had emailed you a couple of times in the last two weeks, and got no responses. I suppose that can be forgiven seeing how you are outside of regular net access. Have fun, but be safe Alan. We'll talk soon. Peace Sean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AD Posted November 14, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 sean, you probably have my old email address (the sympatico one?) i'm on rogers now... try emailing me there or right from the sanctuary. i didn't receive anything from you at all... looking forward to hearing from you though! ad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Freak Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 We are soooo lucky to live where we live. Freedom is underated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phishin4groove Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 if I had Bush in front of me right now, Id beat him with my garden hose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmellyPants Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Way to go man.I totally admire your bravery and human compasion.Big up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouche Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Thanks for the view on that part of the world AD. Please keep us current. I wish you all the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larry jr. Posted November 15, 2003 Report Share Posted November 15, 2003 Nice pics...glad to hear you're safe and sound. From what I understand most of the country outside Kabul is still very unstable, and there are all kinds of warlords ruling various parts of the country (on a positive yet negative note, if you like opium you're in the right country). Afghanistan and Iraq share a similar problem in that there are still remnants of the old regime, along with various "jihadists," trying to disrupt any reconstruction efforts and kick out all the outsiders. Somehow the choice shouldn't have to be between insane Taliban and Fed Ex (from the pictures, no doubt will be followed by Kabul's first Starbucks), but there has to be some troop presence there to try and keep things as stable as possible. Also, I'm a little curious as to whether there are still plans to build that big gas pipeline from the Caspian Sea which was supposed to go through Afghanistan, which is one of the reasons Taliban reps were invited to Texas a few years ago (just type in Unocal Taliban in a google search). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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