I want to share my thought on these days, for those (not only Americans but also Europeans) that served in Afghanistan:
No, you did not "fail." The only fact that you were there, and you made your duty honorably, changed the lives of many positively.
Sometimes day by day and step by step. You did great. You are not the defeated ones. Winning the war and change the power in a country has never been your personal task. Let's others carry the burden for that failure. Remember: politicians, not Soldiers start the wars. Then they blame the soldiers when wars are lost for their mistakes.
You instead won. Never will it be the same as before, there. Never will women submit as before. Never again the young people will bow to a dull theocracy. Never will the children grow totally blinded about the outer world. No matter how hard somebody will try.
Because you showed to people, women, children that never knew it was possible, that a better world, with better humans, exists.
Note: I took the photo in Iraq, An Nasiriyah, January 2004. That warioress guarding the VM was a Soldier of the Sassari Brigade. She was also the driver of the vehicle. I remember I took the picture, and then I walked to her. I asked: "Do you realize what you are doing?" The Sardinian warioress immediately took a worried look. You never know when a Captain asks you that kind of question. "You changed the life of this girl forever." I continued. "She now for the first time knows that a woman is not only born to be the servant of a man and make him children." The warioress relaxed and smiled.
So amazing how you are opening my mind because you cought this moment when the Warrioress without realising it is opening the world of possibilities to the girl and to every woman and man who got in contact with her. What touches me also is that you are taking deep care not to leave anyone of your soldiers behind. Till today. Thank you
Thank you for all that you do to help change our World. Beginning with your thoughtful listening, your understanding of Peace-Making, your willingness to stand in integrity. I am honored to call you my Friend.
What a great magical changing story of and for this woman! There are traces filled with seeds. - In the little they will grow on a healthy ground in the hearts of many, as soon as they get water. There is no government needed. It’s in between human beings! - And it already touched me and so it i will touch many. Thank you