Interesting Articles

You may want to read an informative article in, TIME, magazine's, April 26th issue, to learn more about the circumstances facing Daniel in Afghanistan. The cover story, "A Captain's Story", is written about the area that Daniel is in. It mentions Fob Wilson and the work of Dog Company, 1-12th of the 4th Infantry Division of the Army. They are the Division that the 101st has replaced. The article is informative about the area, people, conditions, and the Taliban. It will give you a better understanding of the challenges our Army faces. The outpost that Daniel is in is different but the Forward Operating Base that he returns to for supplies, communication, etc. is the same. The article describes the area much the same as Daniel did, although he is presently in a more rural location at his outpost.

In closing, here is a quote from Marine Col. Randy Newman in Marjah, from the article,"Despite U.S. Gains, Afghan City Still Feels Intimidation", USA TODAY, 6/10/2010:

" 'Taliban' oversimplies the nature of the opposition. Some of the insurgents, he says, are drug traffickers, and criminals. Others are would-be power brokers on the outs politically and some are ideologically committed jihadists. What unites them, Newman says, is a desire to maintain the instability that allows them to thrive."

I believe that knowledge of the operation will lead us in our prayers for our soldiers and the people of Afghanistan, will lead to understanding of the needs there, and wisdom in the politics of our country's foriegn policies.

Thanks for reading :-D