Comments for World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts

Comment on March 30: Bazaar and General Allen, ISAF Commander by Ellen Gill

Ellen Gill — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:37:42 +0000

What an extraordinary opportunity this is bringing you. I would like to check out the bazaar there compared to the bazaars in Egypt. They were an angry bunch–many bought whether they wanted to or not. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Ellen

Comment on March 30: Bazaar and General Allen, ISAF Commander by Norma Maidel

Norma Maidel — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 23:10:21 +0000

Great reports and observations, Ken. Isn’t it amazing how much a mess people make who don’t follow a rule of law…. Laws seem to be for books, not people.
I’m glad to hear that there are positive things happening….progress. It’s hard to fathom from here.
Do you want to consider doing an Afghan program for the WACA here in June?
Keep safe. nj

Comment on March 30: Bazaar and General Allen, ISAF Commander by Stew Creelman

Stew Creelman — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 20:07:02 +0000

Great to have your reports, Ken. You are painting a picture that’s more encouraging than we see in the press here….to be expected of course, but still good to hear. You haven’t mentioned the word “corruption” yet. Hmmm
Stew

Comment on March 30: Bazaar and General Allen, ISAF Commander by Sheila McElwaine

Sheila McElwaine — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:54:09 +0000

Great photos and informative text, Ken. Thanks so much.

Comment on March 29: Opposition Leader, Activist Women, Women of Courage Award & Rule of Law by Dawn Fisher

Dawn Fisher — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:44:30 +0000

What courage these women have – to do this work, to meet with your group, and to be honored publicly. It gives me hope that they can find what they seek for themselves. It also seems like a long road given the comforts of my American liberties. Thank you for giving them a voice.

Comment on March 29: Opposition Leader, Activist Women, Women of Courage Award & Rule of Law by Sheila McElwaine

Sheila McElwaine — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:32:51 +0000

Great report, Ken, especially about women’s issues. Can you give us some details about the awards ceremony you describe? You say it was warm and tasteful, and I believe you, but a few specifics would help me visualize it.

I’m also interested in hearing more about our efforts to promote “consistent and transparent implementation and institutionalization of Rule of Law as a standard for all.” It is doubtless a tricky and sensitive business to help a society transition from what must have been a more personal and informal judicial system to something more formal and consistent, and I’d like to understand our approach and hear how it’s going.

Thanks again for your excellent reports.

Comment on March 28: Finance & Agriculture Ministries, Students, Media, UN by Dick Stoddard

Dick Stoddard — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:16:37 +0000

New York Times reporting today on Afghan women’s rights issues…you’re seeing it “up front and personal”….change takes time….aren’t you buoyed by the optimism of the students!…be safe….thanks for the news from Kabul….

Dick

Comment on March 26 First Day Visiting in Kabul by Ray and Marilyn Thorpe

Ray and Marilyn Thorpe — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 02:24:04 +0000

Writing from Florida…we had no idea you were headed to Afghanistan. What an opportunity to broaden your knowledge of the U S presence there! You will represent Western Ma extremely well. Learn all you can and thanks for sharing your observations. Be safe. Hope to see you this summer. Ray and Marilyn

Comment on March 27: Economy, Parliament, American University and More by Norma Maidel

Norma Maidel — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:24:06 +0000

I am so glad you are having this experience, Ken. It seems so black or white, good or bad, impossible or successful. Your observations help put perspective on specifics.
Is there an end in sight? How do we justify the expense of man and money for this country? Is it the security we seek? Such a conundrum! Hope you come home with ideas, hope, and lots of insights.

Comment on March 27: Economy, Parliament, American University and More by Cynthia Melcher

Cynthia Melcher — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:01:48 +0000

Sheila, I think there are at least two women in the delegation Ken is traveling with and there are plans to meet with women’s groups as part of the Mission. Cyd