Friday, September 9, 2011

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - 9/11 in Afghanistan

What was it like on September 11, 2001 in Afghanistan?

Most of Afghanistan was in the dark...there wasn't any electricity in most places so there were no televisions or radios to bestow the news.




The photos we saw of children rejoicing by firing guns into the air and shouting death to American's were most likely taken in Pakistan.

Word of mouth spread the news like wildfire, but was it believable to think that al-Qaeda had accomplished such a mission, flown planes into the Twin Tower skyscrapers in New York City killing thousands! Living in Los Angeles it was hard for me to believe and surreal to watch. I kept wondering if this was some kind of crazy Orson Wells like stunt Hollywood had done to promote a new film.



Afghanistan is a tribal country and most Afghani's didn't realize what was going on until the first fighter jets strafed the sapphire blue sky searching for something to destroy. Who was this new military faction invading and what did they want? Didn't they know there was nothing left to destroy...fighter jets were no threat against the roach like insurgents scurrying into hiding.

The real poison for al-Qaeda and the Taliban would be of their own making. The people of Afghanistan have been battling against invasion for over 3000 years...they only put up with so much before they make their stand. They are now equipped, thanks to ISAF to fight against RPG's (rocket propelled grenades) and IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices).



When ISAF leaves, the soldiers of Afghanistan will take off their boots, cry their battle cry and fight how they know how to fight. Taking no prisoners.

Remember the words of Rudyard Kipling:


When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
   An' go to your Gawd like a soldier.



Afghanistan is being brought into the 21st Century...but remains the same. A small chunk of real estate that has caused a lot of fury.