On a Knife's Edge

It's easy to focus on the negative.

Kidnappings, riots, things that go boom.

But every now and again I'm reminded of why I'm here. The good stuff. Like the widows who demonstrated, weeping, demanding the release of Clementina Cantoni, the kidnapped aid-worker. They held placards with slogans such as, "You made me a widow... Why won't you let others to [sic] clean my tears?"

Apparently there's a call for another demonstration in Kabul -- not anti-American, but anti-Taliban, and against the amnesty the government is planning to give to certain Taliban leaders.

Afghanistan seems balanced on a knife's edge, as the forces for progress battle the forces for a return to medievalism. Unfortunately, the average Afghan hasn't seen much progress of late, and that's not helping the reformers' cause. Kabul's roads are mud, the sewer system is "open," i.e. "out in the...", and health and education remain dismal. None of these things are easy fixes. But I have to say, I don't see anyone trying to repair the roads in Kabul. It's a small thing, but paved roads might go a long way towards cheering up the Kabulis. I also suspect it would keep the dust down.

A lot of money has poured into Afghanistan. Perhaps it's time for some big infrastructure "wins" so people feel they've got something to show for it?