Brian H. Appleton

I remember in 1976, I was walking along a street in Kabul, when I saw a sidewalk vendor with a blanket spread on the ground covered with pieces of Lapis Lazuli. I picked up a large one and examined it and asked him how much he wanted for it. He told me about $20. I was surprised at how inexpensive it was. I told him it was worth at least $2000 in the US. He said he knew but had no way of benefitting from that.

After chatting I put it down and started on my way. He caught up with me and politely asked me if I didn't want to buy it? I told him I had left my money at the hotel. He said:"That's OK. You take it with you and when you pass by tomorrow you can pay me." Everywhere I went I was met by kindness and generosity.

I refuse to believe that Afghanistan represents a threat to the USA or even any of its neighbors. This war is an obscenity. Afghanistan is a poor country which has been subjected to 30 years of invasion and bombardment.