Michael Yon in Afghanistan
Michael Yon is back in Afghanistan.
Kabul has changed. In recent years the roads were often clogged with military convoys, filling the town with aggravations and dangers often caused by the mere presence of large numbers of soldiers in proximity to the dusty beehive called Kabul. Yesterday, in a drive around the city, the only obvious presence was that of the ANA and ANP (Afghan National Army and Police). The few U.S. or other soldiers who could be seen were driving in armored civilian SUVs.
The roads themselves are bad as ever and there seemed to be more trash than before. All westerners and Afghans that I’ve spoken with have said security in Kabul has improved, probably due to the heavy fighting in Pakistan that has drawn attention away. Also, the opium trade is booming and U.S. forces are increasing their numbers in southern Afghanistan. The fighting has by no means ended – it’s increasing — but has been taken more to the parking lot.
Frank says: