Dateline Afghanistan

This is my first post at The Compelling Image and it’s being made from a remote part of northeastern Afghanistan - in Nuristan Province.  The people here are thought to be descended from ancestors originating in the Caucus Mountain region.  Unlike their Afghan neighbors, many have fair skin and blue eyes.  The language and its numerous dialects are different than the other languages – Dari and Pashtu – spoken in other parts of the country.  And, compared to the rest of Afghanistan, the people here have only recently converted to Islam.  This, in combination with a fierce independence, has helped to keep insurgent presence and extremist ideals - to-date - at bay.  And, U.S. and coalition forces operating in the region, intend to keep it this way.  I’m currently embedded with a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) of the 173^rd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army.  Their goal is to “win the hearts and minds” of this mountain folk, by providing medical care to villagers, distributing basic humanitarian supplies and by training a local police force that will coordinate efforts with other entities to maintain order and provide protection.  The photos I’m including here will hopefully give you some idea of the landscape (gorgeous), the people who live here (almost “other-worldly”) and the work that’s being done.  If you’ve got any questions about any of this - digital photography questions included, please don’t hesitate to email me.  I’ll always find time to answer.

All the best,

David Bathgate