The latest from Afghanistan

CNN has a slideshow by photojournalist Todd Baxter titled Scenes from Kabul. What a stunningly beautiful area, and despite decades of violence, so many of the faces remain open and friendly. 

Also, last night's Frontline was Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's report on the resurgence of the Taliban. She makes a very dangerous journey into the Swat Valley region. She speaks to several children during the piece, young girls who are no longer allowed to go to school and young boys who are determined to fight to free their country, whether that means fighting with or against the Taliban. If you can't catch a replay, Children of the Taliban is available online.

Saving the Future by Saving the Past

If you happen to be reading a blog entitled "War Journos" I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that you have at least a passing interest in war journalism. Call me crazy...
If, however, this is not the case and you in fact have no curiosity whatsoever about the topic, go some where else. It's a big Internet, people. May I suggest Stuff On My Cat. com It's stuff... on cats! Brilliant!
While the cat people quietly exit, those of you remaining, please take a moment to read Rory Stewart's piece in the UK Telegraph regarding his journey of starting the Turquoise Mountain Foundation . Regenerating Afghanistan This is what it takes to revitalize ONE neighborhood in Kabul- now think about the entire country. BTW, Mr. Stewart, I know you're busy and all, but if you could by any chance write a 3rd book, I would be most grateful. Thanks.

Yuri Kozyrev on Charlie Rose, 26 May 2003

Charlie Rose interviewed four of Time magazine's photographers for the release of "21 Days to Baghdad." The clip is available on Charlie's website, here.

Dexter Filkins Wins Book Award

A late shout out and congratulations to Dexter Filkins! The 2008 National Book Critics Circle Awards were announced about two weeks ago and Dexter Filkins won the general nonfiction award for his book "Forever War."

Afghanistan: A Winnable War?

An extract from a speech that Rory Stewart gave at Chatham House was included in the Times Online (a UK publication) last week. It is interesting to contrast this with what David Brooks wrote in the NY Times today. He is just back from Afghanistan and makes the case for some optimism.