the afghans whom i know do not seem to be particularly heartened by this news, feeling that even a runoff is unlikely to really change anything here. life goes on.
on the streets, things have been obviously tense. traffic has been horrific. there are lot more heavy-duty military folks around, scaring everyone at checkpoints by brandishing killer weapons.
a lot of important people from elsewhere have been arriving over the past few days, expecting an election announcement. apparently, john kerry in town yesterday, meeting with general mccrystal, although he was not spotted out on the town at latmo or otherwise.
not in bamiyan/band-i-amir this weekend, as planned, but perhaps it's better to stick close to home for now . . .
A Newton Issue. The Newton Library's Children's Summer Reading Program sent donations to the Central Asia Institute of "Three Cups of Tea " fame. Do you know if any of this donation was sent to Kabul. Lois
ReplyDeletehi lois!
ReplyDeletegood to hear from you!
you know, i am not sure if any of this donation has come to kabul, but i will see what i can find out! we do have the book at the american university - i just cataloged it last week - but i am not sure about other places.
your message prompted me to look into central asia institute - they really are doing some great work - i had no idea they had accomplished so much!