Day 10-12: Coordinated attack day (Day 12)

Hey, the Internet here was down for a couple of days so I'll catch up quick. Tuesday and Wednesday (days 10 and 11) were uneventful.

Thursday (day 12) was the day one Army sergeant warned me about: "Coordinated attack day."

We had three IEDs/suicide attacks all within a short driving distance of our compound ... and at least two of the areas I've visited several times over the last 12 days.

There's a saying that goes around here: "When it's your time, it's your time." So the idea is not to think about the danger much and go on about life, while keeping both eyes and ears open. In this particular case or cases, the bombers managed to kill or wound many God fearing Afghans --- and little else. They seem bent on indiscriminate killing of men, women and children. Their means are to what ends I don't know. I'm quite certain that as a typical man, I wouldn't be swayed to their side of the fence via similar tactics. Maybe scared into keeping quiet and low key, but never really on their side.

And it's a proven fact that you'll never, ever succeed in assimilating a culture or at least enjoying them as an ally unless you earn their trust and hearts. And that, my friends, isn't easy. But we have to stay focused. This isn't a sprint to the finish, it's a marathon. I hope the coalition has the strength of will to see it through.

Update: A fourth explosion took place following the initial posting; I have yet to receive any further information, but the location was the entrance to "Paradise East." My affectionate name for home base.