One week down and 51 to go

Who says time doesn't fly when you're having fun. Yesterday completed my first week in Kabul and I have to say if I'd blinked, I would have missed the entire 7 days. As many of you know the standard work week in Muslim countries is Sunday - Thursday. Most of my State brethren take full advantage of the "weekend" but unfortunately the Department of Defense is at war and we work 7 days a week. Wipe the tear from your eye because I will say that things are a bit relaxed on Friday but here I sit at my desk with a million other things I should be doing but wanting to give my hungry readers something to sink their minds into.

Afghanistan is a landlocked country a little smaller than Colorado. Because of its geographic location, it has served as a crossroads for traders and conquerors from all points on the compass, and its people reflect the diversity resulting from these major migrations and invasions. Afghanistan's recorded history begins about 2000 B.C. and traces of its history can still be seen in its ancient cities of Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-I-Sharif, and Herat. Although the country has been ruled by many different invaders, including Darius, Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Tamerlane, the Afghan people remain staunchly independent and proud.



Afghanistan's recent history has been marked by war and civil unrest. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979, but was forced to withdraw 10 years later by Mujahidin forces supported by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and others. In 1992, when the Communist-sponsored regime in Kabul finally collapsed, fighting erupted between the various Mujahidin factions. Their struggle for territory and resources gave rise to a state of warlordism that eventually spawned the Taliban. With foreign backing, the Taliban seized power in 1996, controlling much of the country outside of Northern Alliance strongholds in the northeast. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the U.S. and its allies, together with the Northern Alliance, drove out the Taliban. Since then, the country has been going through a transitional phase as it seeks to restore its institutions and infrastructure with the assistance of the international community.

Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, has an estimated population of over 4 million. It is in the eastern section of the country, 140 miles from the Pakistan border, situated on a high barren plateau (some 6,300 feet above sea level) surrounded by rugged, treeless mountains.

Private homes and most of Kabul's buildings are in walled compounds. The city has several wide, paved boulevards and avenues as well as narrow, dirt streets. The slopes of the city's lower hills are dotted with small, one-story adobe houses. The old city center has narrow lanes with small kiosks, shops, or stalls behind the wide main streets; this is where most of the city's inhabitants usually shop. The Kabul River winds through the city, although it is very often dry.

Did I mention that a Afghani National Police Officer makes about $70.00 per month? A beard, an AK-47 and you too could be living in the lap of luxury.

Kabul's climate is dry and hot during much of the summer. The skies may be polluted in winter as many inhabitants burn whatever is available for heat. The four seasons are: winter (from December to the end of February); spring (March to mid-May); summer (mid-May to mid-September); and fall (from mid-September to December). Winter temperatures sometimes fall below 0 ºF, and during January and February snowfalls can be heavy. In summer, daytime temperatures sometimes reach above 90 ºF but fall rapidly after sunset. Kabul is in a low rainfall area, and almost all precipitation occurs between November and May. Humidity is extremely low and the remaining months are virtually dry. Strong afternoon winds, accompanied by dust storms, frequently occur during the summer months.

Severe earthquakes are relatively rare but tremors are frequent.

I just wanted to give some background information which was provided by the U.S. State Dept.'s Afghanistan "Post Report".

My week was busy as I previously mentioned and I'd really prefer it no other way. The fact that I came here alone means that I didn't have to worry about the normal things that go with a typical PCS move. No delivery of Household Effects, no registration for school, no delivery of a vehicle - you get the picture. What it basically means is that I hit the ground running and was at work 10 minutes after arriving on the compound. My days this week averaged from 10 - 13 hours and were hilighted by 2 trips to Bagram AFB (will be a separate blog), a meeting with the Kabul based International Military Attache Association on Camp Phoenix and capped by the farewell party for my predecessor last night and a couple of beers around the camp fire (commonly refered to as the "PIT") and then to bed. The PIT too will be a separate blog. I can't write about my boring days everytime as there is so much more interesting stuff going on over here.

All in all it has been an incredibly busy yet rewarding week and I have to say, I'm looking forward to the next one just as much. I should move into my apartment during the next week, I'll get some more area familiarization so I can start driving (can't wait for that) myself the places that I need to go. The city has no stop lights so the roundabouts are truly a free for all and since my armored Land Cruiser is bigger than most cars on the road - I win.

The hours are long and you truly have to be on edge all the time. I had a friend tell me yesterday that reassimilation into the normal life after my tour here may be difficult since the administriva that folks get so spun up about isn't nearly as important to those returning from a place like this. No one is not going to die if time sheets are a little late or that memo for the Ambassador is tardy. I'm sure you understand so I won't belabor the issue.

Have a great day and an even better weeekend - until next time. - Peace