This just in: I'm in Afghanistan

[False_God]

@Tripler

I’d heard fabled tales of the Tim Horton’s in Kabul/Kandahar. I was ol’ “Soviet Pike” in Bagram from Dec '05 - Jun '06 and absolutely loved it. It was good work with beautiful scenery there. . .

Anyway, have fun, and be safe. Stay on paved roads and known walkways–as I understand it there’s ten landmines for every man, woman, child and goat in the place.

Tripler
I’d say “Have a blast!” but I don’t want you taking it literally.

Trip, don’t worry, as a former EOD officer I know what I’m doing. I don’t even step off the concrete in the compound. Been in 300 minefields so far and I’m still walking. No reason to break that record.

[Evil_Captor]

False God, here’s another hope that you hang in there and stay safe.

I have read in the media that large areas of Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan are totally controlled by a resurgent Taliban, and that the only way any coalition people can get around there is “in force” and a pretty large force at that. Is that true in your experience? Are some areas of Afghanistan pretty much off the map for the coalition and their Afghan allies?

[False_God]

@Evil Captor

False God, here’s another hope that you hang in there and stay safe.

I have read in the media that large areas of Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan are totally controlled by a resurgent Taliban, and that the only way any coalition people can get around there is “in force” and a pretty large force at that. Is that true in your experience? Are some areas of Afghanistan pretty much off the map for the coalition and their Afghan allies?

Yes, this is true. I cover a large portion of the Durand line and it’s Wild West out there. Interestingly, there are a lot of parallels with the American West after expansion.