Mr. Joseph Osman has written an excellent book. I crossed paths with Joseph during my two year deployment as a civilian engineer working with Provincial Reconstruction Teams. My last duty station was the brigade office a FOB Shank were Joseph was working.
Joseph covers the history very well. I've read other books that cover Afghan History that I found overwhelming with details and dates, but he's done a great job focusing on the key point that help explain the historical situation so a person can get a good grasp of it. One can use historical information as a starting point for more research and detail as needed.
It's very interesting how Joseph's experience is so much like mine and others who deployed and got outside the wire. I went over with preconceived notions and discovered the real situation, though I wasn't able to learn as much as Joseph did and didn't know as much about the culture as he knew before deployment. His book validates many of my observations and resolves many unanswered questions that I needed closure on. His story reminds me of many of my own memorable experiences.
I'm the contemplative type and I'm energized by times of solitude. Afghanistan was a great place for solitude, particularly at the PRT in Panjshir. There where times of restful quiet and grand views of river valleys, mountains and nighttime sky.
The hospitality and kindness of Afghans was a pleasant surprise. I understand why a number of people I've met and read about have said how much they love the Afghan People.
I was pleased to discover that some negative stereotypes I heard were in fact false. Among other things Afghans are really intelligent, hard working, kind, strong, and courageous. I wish the military engineers I traveled with to projects would have accepted all of the many meal and tea invitations we received so there could have been more socializing and communication. There was this one caretaker at a school who always smiled and shook my hand and was so welcoming. One day he gave me some packaged cookies. I have memories of many kind and hospitable people. I think the surrender is both ways. It was easy to surrender to their kindness.
Joseph has done an excellent job of explaining what many need to know. I know people who will greatly appreciate this book. It's the best I read on Afghanistan. And for me it's not as much a story of war, but a captivating story that reminded me of the beautiful souls I met.
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