Serenity

This is an often quoted lament from members of the SOF forces. "Not a Good Day to Die" is an excellent read into the mentality that permeated Bagram in the early days of the war.

Totally correct. Some of the embassy personnel never leave station. Certain military MOS's in logistics positions will never leave the confines of their base compound either. It's just the nature of their particular jobs. I was sort of ignoring that part of Ken's response, but I have spent hundreds of hours drinking tea in somewhat inane, but formal meetings with many people. I have also spent time in the countryside, always been a keen observer of the people, and the surroundings. There is a beauty to Afghanistan, that the underlying dangers seem to magnify. There are varying reports of the PRT's effectiveness, and like most things in life it appears to fall along the lines of personal relationships. All of the conventional services are, and have been, going to great lengths to finally shed their mantles of Cold War warfighting mentalities, and embrace the new paradigms of COIN and other styles of UW. It is interesting to observe this firsthand. In essence the SOF community got dragged into the head to head fighting, some of which they were suited to, and some of which their TOE and METL's were not designed for. Not all ODA's are running foreign internal defense operations, but this was the original premise of the Green Beret's mandate. To act as a force multiplier moving amongst the indigenous peoples as ambassadors as well as warriors. Their missions have become diverse, and now their special skills, when needed most, are unavailable due to many factors. Despite many years in country, the language barriers are still present, but many have adapted, and the gap is closing. The various FSO agencies seem to be operating, at least in my opinion, with less effectiveness than their military counterparts. I believe they are also adapting to the changing world, but I still run into some pretty green folks who have never been outside a station that wasn't plush and almost Colonial in perspective. Also, a lot of those staffers are females, and like it or not, the culture in Afghanistan is strongly male dominated. It does not look like they have any interest in changing their ways on that one. I'll write some more later, and try to define our definition of victory. We're somewhat back to Victorian-Edwardian era chaos, and although the center of gravity is often centered on Pakistan, the whole region is amorphous. An analogy would be like cutting the arm off a starfish. It will just grow another one. One school of thought gaining favor involves NOT occupying and attempting nation building, but simply gaining the concession from the Afghan government that come what may for them, that they will guarantee denial of any group which might desire to cause the west or the US harm. The government would be free to simply deal with these organizations as they see fit, with some oversight and advisory support I presume.

Presumably the end result will likely be political absorption of competing ideologues. A sharing of the pie. This is unfortunately not far off from the iterations of the past several generations. The catalyst which might break the mold is the use of modern communications tying isolated regions together. This is where Ken Ford sort of touched on the subject, but not in the manner in which it has to be fully evaluated. A modern road system would also significantly begin the process of breaking down regional and hence cultural barriers. The modern paradigm of asymmetrical style warfare; it has become somewhat of a live and let live environment where only the most heinous targets are actioned for complete servicing. The Rules of Engagement (ROE) are generally stringent across the board, and only select areas, and select units are conducting offensive style operations. The majority of the military, both the US and coalition forces, are involved in many rebuilding programs. All the way from veterinary medicine, to the establishment of modern legal systems, to key infrastructure such as modern telephony, digital communications, sewage, roads, as well as the full gamut of security concerns. The big picture is indeed HUGE. We are talking about very few people trying to mingle with and help a great many. And yes, there are some who desire nothing more than to be left alone. It is these people who are often caught in the middle. The US has a great deal of experience in these matters, but has had in many cases found itself reinventing the wheel, or learning those lessons on the job. It is widely known that the key insurgent sanctuaries are in Pakistan, and that Pakistan is a nation in deep turmoil. While not a wholly reliable ally, it is indeed a necessary one. With recent events in India, and the need for India to develop a response, the entire region has the ability go up like dry tinder.

From what I've just read you're basically at a level where you have read the excellent book Ghost Wars, possibly a few other sources that give a country profile, talked to some friends, and spent some time overseas. I think you have a good basic read on the situation, but it's not quite as surgical or simple as people would want it to be. I take some issue with your 'matter of fact' statements that read as regurgitated press releases from AP sources with names like Mohammad and Khalil. While there is validity to some of these reports, they in themselves do not paint the entire picture, and often focus on items that draw readers in to sell news. For a growing segment of the population, news IS entertainment. After all, truth is stranger than fiction as has been said. Some of the more mundane day to day victories paint a clearer picture. Let me clear up a few things. The Northern Alliance does not exist anymore. Those 'types', primarily Tajiks from the Panjshir regions were absorbed by the government or returned home. The amount of hardware for conducting warfare sent into the country of Afghanistan during the eighties is staggering. However, the majority of that weaponry was not well maintained, or was pilfered by various entities supporting the Jihad. Post 9/11 the US did not send vast amounts of weapons or munitions to Afghanistan. It has attempted to utilize and deplete existing resources. The Taliban was a Pakistani creation through its military intelligence arm often referred to as ISI. If they maintain a strong logistics ability it is often suggested that they are receiving outside support. The Taliban IS a strong insurgency, but not as strong as say the Viet Cong during the Vietnam conflict. The Viet Cong were largely defeated during the Tet Offensive during the Lunar New Year. The Taliban suffers repeated defeats militarily every time it masses. They have had some success, and there is some increasingly fierce fighting along the border. No one is denying any of that. To gain better comprehension of the issue with insurgency I suggest reading "The USMC Small Wars Manual" and "The Bear Came Over The Mountain" by Lester Grau. However, understand that the Soviet War does not bear any resemblance to the current situation. It was a unique war, and the Soviets were not prepared to fight the type of warfare they found here. Also know that I have heard Afghans say that things were 'better' during the Soviet era, probably because the country was not as devastated as it is now. The nineties civil war did more to destroy the infrastructure than the Soviet Jihad. This is not in reference to the effort of ISAF and the US to create a better life in Afghanistan. The current situation is probably closer to the situation the British Empire encountered in the 1800's. This is a link where you can download a free .pdf version of Lester Grau's study taken from vignettes found in the Soviet War College archives. http://www.ndu.edu/inss/books/Books%20-%201996/Bear%20Went%20Over%20Mountain%20-%20Aug%2096/BrOrMn.pdf

I lived in Doha for a few months. I don't think you are going to find much in the way of climbing there. Take up rally racing.

Not everyone who is into the outdoors has to fall into your definition of what an outdoorsmen should be. Stereotyping is a sad way to go through life. If you have been paying attention to the President Elects platform, an arguably nominal champion of liberal type causes is wholly advocating the reversal of dependence on FOREIGN energy resources. While advocating the exploitation of national resources, simultaneously advancing the study and implementation of alternate energy resources. This is laid out succinctly in "Change We Can Believe In" by President Elect Barack Obama. This in effect unties us from unfavorable foreign policies, such as our lame duck relationship with Saudi and OPEC. With the correlative effect of allowing the US to remove forward deployed US military ad and intelligence assets in the SW Asia and Middle Eastern regions.

What I know about this place is because I am here, and because I've been here for 4 straight years. The way you tell it, based on 2nd or 3rd hand knowledge holds a small amount of truth, but in general it is alarmist bullshit rhetoric. Stop stink bombing this place with defeatism. The problem with 'your friends' is that a lot of them are short timers, marking time until they move out to their next USAID assignment or move to a plush embassy in Europe. Or they come in here with expectations which are unrealistic. They won't be here long enough to make a difference, so in their heads it's a done deal. Do they think they are going to defeat the Taliban with the information in their cell phones? How is that making a difference. In the business we call people like that REAR ECHELON MOTHERFUCKERS. You have to get out amongst them every day, go a little native so to speak. You have to have character, commitment, and spine to make this place work, or to get inside the head of this place. It's never going to be Dubai, and right across the border is a haven of nutters intent on subjugating everyone and everything to some arcane law which bears no resemblance to decency or modernity. You're dealing with caveman. How do I know that? Once again, because I am here and have been here long enough to have earned a masters degree in US/Afghan relations. Good luck with your opinions, but I have to raise the bullshit flag on some of it. This is a FIFTY year deal, not a 'were going to tidy this thing up in 2-3 years". Mistakes were made, mistakes continue to be made. However, with some spine things will get done here, just know it's NEVER going to be up to a western standard. Don't expect such.

Kevbone, The Korengal Valley is a single terrain feature with some systemic arteries. Comprising a population of approximately 20,000 people. The last I checked the population in Afghanistan is approx. 25,000,000+. So if around .08% of any given population reacts negatively to an alien foreign presence, that in your mind constitutes making a blanket statement regarding the other 99.9%. That's just ignorant, or hides a personal bias. In the 4 years I have been here I have received nothing but thanks from the people of Afghanistan, and they want us to do more. Some of that report is bogus, dramatized. Much of the footage he is passing off as 'combat' footage, is training related. You shouldn't believe everything you see on Youtube. It is as equally dangerous for Taliban and foreign fighters to attempt to maneuver in the Korengal as it is for ISAF/US. They just hate EVERYONE. Imagine if some foreign troops showed up in Houston. How do you think they would be welcomed? Consider yourself educated.

Hola Matteo, Yep, that's pretty much what I was alluding to. I think one of my banned avatars is probably member #10 or close to it. The early assclowns set a decent standard IMHO. Even if the rudder on the big boat gets swung all the way over, the ship is only going to turn a few degrees. At any rate, I have optimism for the future. And I agree, we ALL need to belay this partisan bickering and get back down to the business of being good people. Plain and simple.

Agreed, that sap picture is pretty funny.

Gotta make room for a fresh bunch of assclowns. Kind of like this website did for all of you.

Dan, the convicted felon with the bad teeth was always sporting some interesting boulder problems. He had one where he could do a complete 360 rotation (as in going upside down on) utilizing a series of holds to the left of the wide crack on the north side of the rock. A young (at the time) college student by the name of Jens showed me a pretty hard problem called the "7 continents". It utilizes 7 of the largest single embedded rocks for a full 360 degree traverse. I'm sure you've seen it done previously.

Outstanding response! Gold star work!

I'll keep the phrase in mind when the VA comes around with the begging bowl. Clearly you are a total nut job.

Plastic mountaineering boots won't be much better. Head down to a reputable ski shop with a knowledgeable backcountry ski staff, and have them give you a personal run down on the types of randonee ski boots. You'd be surprised at how functional and comfortable a pair will be. Most good pairs will be able to perform multiple functions. Ski, slog, and even ice climb fairly well. Pick the jack of all trades, master of none style. I lived in a pair of Dynafits one winter. Got to the point where I regularly wore them into the restaurant, bar, driving to and from wherever, and never even noticed until someone pointed it out to me.

My guess for most positions would be: [img:center]http://www.billhicks.com/Michael%20Gibney%20sketch%20of%20Bill%20Hicks.jpg[/img]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I am of the understanding the President Elect Obama's tax plan is to lower taxes for middle income, and lower income families, while reinstating tax policies that raise taxes on the wealthy? I'll have to study up a bit when I get the chance. I do know this. Under President Bush, the biggest beneficiary of tax benefits was to those who earn 1.6 million or more a year. Which comprises something like less than .001% of the population. I don't think the trickle down theory has worked very well up to now. I say this coming from a bracket that received tax benefits, with the knowledge that I will see some if not all of these programs rescinded at some point.

Prole, My stance doesn't change regardless of who's in office. I've served under Reagan, Bush Sr, Clinton, Bush Jr, and soon Obama. I serve regardless of partisan politics, and special interest group voodoo.

Hillary is going to be my boss here shortly, so it would be imprudent of me to comment on her. She won't change her spots so to speak. I would say your guess of a political I.O.U. is pretty close to the truth.

I believe his core values reflect the core values of most Americans. 1. Improve education through reform a. More science and math b. Early education c. Longer school days d. More rigorous testing e. Improve teachers and the profession 2. Change our dependence on foreign oil a. Detrimental to our security b. Potential for supply disruption is too high c. Go green. Petro is a significant factor in climate change 3. Invest in alternate energy 4. A workable long term health care solution A lot of these things are like a running program. You'll never get it done until you approach it with honesty and realistic goals.

You incorrectly, and arrogantly, and perhaps even ignorantly assume that ALL people who were under the Bush administration were Neoconservative Republicans, or incompetent. You've simply advanced your distrust of all things government in the process.

The President Elect does not have the luxury of ignoring certain realities in the world, like some past presidential administrations have. The best person is the best person for the job regardless of party affiliation. Moreover, inspired by JosephH's continual mantra of understanding the incoming President Elect I have now read all of President Elect Obama's books. If you understand his message, or if I understand it correctly, it was, and continues to be that we as a whole need to break down these walls of partisan politics while learning to work together for a common aim. I don't think he is deviating from his stated aims at this point. Furthermore, as he begins to receive classified briefings that he was not previously read into, his understanding of a larger picture will grow. His, and his cabinets positions will evolve to suit the situation.

OH YEAH!

Lower Nash and Snakedance sure will be fun in the future. The terrain off the Mill Creek chair has pretty minimal vertical, but fun. I wish they would just rezone Alpine Lakes and let us build a gondola to the top of Snoqualmie Mountain.

That's one funny a$$ .gif image! Is that you with the boxing gloves on servicing your man?