Coalition, NATO forces take pride in Afghanistan's progress

  • Published
  • By Donna Miles
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Afghanistan "has come alive," thanks to progress made during Operation Enduring Freedom, and troops serving there cannot help but feel motivated knowing the role they are playing in that progress, the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe said here June 23.

Gen. Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong described the changes he has witnessed in Afghanistan.

Two or three years ago, General Foglesong said he drove through the Afghan capital of Kabul and saw groups of older men on street corners, but not much else. Six months later, young men began appearing, many of them opening up shops and bringing their families along, he said. A year later, young women and children -- long hidden from view under the Taliban regime -- began walking around.

"You could feel the town come alive. It's vibrant now," the general said. "It's a refresher course for me in national enthusiasm to see what has happened in Afghanistan over the last two or three years."

General Foglesong said he is convinced the Afghans never want to return to the days of oppression when the Taliban ruled with an iron fist and terrorists operated freely.

"They have this taste of freedom now, and I don't think they'll ever go back," he said.

Troops serving in Afghanistan feel a deep pride in the role they are playing in giving the Afghan people that taste of freedom, General Foglesong said. This pride extends not just to U.S. and coalition forces but also to the NATO troops supporting them, he said.

Events unfolding in Afghanistan are "a little-known success story" that is having a major effect on the lives of the Afghan people, General Foglesong said.

"For all the NATO troops (who) go over there, it's not hard to keep them motivated because they see this progression," he said. "They actually see direct evidence of their participation over there in stability and security operations, actually improving that country."