Story Tools: PRINT | Text Size: S M L XL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACK

Blog

Kandahar Dispatches

Into the city

Comments (6)

Thursday, February 15, 2007 | 04:01 PM ET

By Tom Parry

We drove into Kandahar today. Through the city, to a camp for displaced people near a huge, bone dry, drainage ditch. The rain we had over the past few days has dried up. The folks in this camp live on a dusty, open plain in tents made from scraps of cloth and whatever other material they can gather.

We were there asking the people whether the presence of western troops and aid agencies had changed their lives. The unanimous response was that they hadn't. Everyone was nostalgic for the days of the Taliban. They brought order, we were told.

Apart from the crushing poverty of the camp, what struck me most was the sheer number of children. My camera-man, Richard Devey, and I were mobbed by kids from the moment we got out of our fixer's car.

Everyone wanted to get their picture taken, which made Richard's job difficult. Kids kept jumping in front of his camera, smiling and waving. I took a bunch of shots with my digital camera. With luck, I can post a few of them on the web.

We didn't feel threatened at the camp. Driving through Kandahar was nerve-racking at points but never felt perilous. Someone here told me police checkpoints and speed-bumps are a great place to get kidnapped and I have to admit that went through my mind a few times.

But here I am again, safe and sound at Kandahar Airfield.

The highlight of the day was stopping at a bakery to pick up some Afghan bread. My first time in the country in 2001, we ate it every morning. Afghans make amazing flatbread. The loaves are huge, the size of a big dinner platter or maybe a snowboard.

It's delicious but has to be eaten not long after it comes out of the oven. No preservatives means it hardens up real quick. Half a loaf was lunch for me. The rest went to fellow journos and a military public affairs officer back at the base. The question on everyone's lips was, "Will this make me sick?" So far, no unpleasant side affects to report.

« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »

This discussion is now Closed. View the Comments.

Comments (6)

Michael

China

Aren't we all there to hunt Bin Laden? Where is Bin Laden?

Nice work Tom! Hurry home.

Posted February 23, 2007 07:59 AM

Paul

Richmond

How much are the locals investing in rebuilding?

I can understand how the population would be weary after two decades of destruction and foreign interlopers but the situation will never improve until the locals value something and defend it from destruction.

This suggests to me that for all that foreigners invest if the locals do not also invest something it will not be valued and hence will not be protected and rebuilt if damaged.

I am not suggesting the locals invest cash as that is something most likely have little if any of. But, investing your time for something that enhances the community should enhance its perceived value and contribute to improving the community.

The only way the Taliban and their ilk will be prevented from returning is if the locals actively work against them. As Henry V said and the Soviets confirmed, you can conquer the land but you cannot conquer the people.

Posted February 19, 2007 04:42 PM

j.heilbron

thanks for giving us a chance to comment.

my question would echo no. 1 also can our country really help these people NOW and in the near future ? I'd hate to see those happy faces of children turn into bearded wrinkled faces of old men.

Posted February 17, 2007 08:57 PM

Sherisse Kyle

How about next time, you try asking the Afghans what THEY are planning on doing for THEIR own country? (As opposed to sitting on their bums and waiting for Western agencies to fix everything for them.)

Posted February 17, 2007 04:24 PM

John McQueen

Are you ever able to get a feeling of what the locals think of the Taliban. The reporting is of half crazy but fiercly dedicated fanatics. All too often the local people have different or mixed feelings.

Posted February 16, 2007 03:50 PM

Brett

I am curious if you see any of the reconstrution that is taking place. I often wonder if after Westerners build something, does it become more of a target for rebels?

Posted February 16, 2007 11:44 AM

« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »