Day 373: A little extra never hurt anyone

It's a few days past the year mark and life goes on -- if you can call it that here. As I look back over my stay I realize I've experienced an even mix of frustration and satisfaction -- though the latter rarely came from major advances on the part of my Afghan national army counterparts.

Those I've mentored have made progress, no doubt, though much slower than I would have assumed prior to touching down here in May '08. I learned to seek refuge in minor miracles: being more proactive with international media, ensuring local messages were part of the "tour," and focus moved toward the average soldier a bit. 

But as the west has figured out, these successes are a tad bit more difficult to come by than fighting the Taliban.  

It's the year 1388 by Afghanistan's lunar calendar -- some would say the entire country still lives in the 14th Century. Yet, the coalition pushes ahead, striving to implement 21st Century military norms. In essence, trying to bring a horse and carriage up to '09 Corvette specs.

I leave on Monday, but rest assured, this mission will continue well into the next decade if democracy is to be successful here.  In my opinion, both Afghanistan and Pakistan play a crucial role in the war on terror.

I would love to return to a secure Afghanistan and enjoy the culture. But only time will tell if that's an option.