Recent scenes from Afghanistan

Since he took office in January, President Barack Obama has ordered an additional 21,000 U.S. troops to be deployed to Afghanistan, which will bring the full U.S. deployment there to a total of 60,000 troops, joining 39,000 coalition troops from 43 countries. The U.S. administration plans to impose benchmarks for progress on both Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan, who struggle with problems tied to tribal rivalries, illegal drug production and distribution, religious factions, general instability and poverty. Collected here are photographs from the past few months of the situation in Afghanistan and the lives that continue to be affected by it. (43 photos total)

An Afghan village seen from above, amidst fields of opium poppy and wheat in Farah Province, Afghanistan on March 17, 2009. U.S. Marines, who expanded into the area last November, are soon to be joined by thousands more American troops as part of an additional 17,000 U.S. forces being sent to the war. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Canadian soldier Pte Chris Kezar from November Company 7th platoon of the NATO-led coalition rests after heavy fighting against insurgents in the Taliban stronghold of Zhari district in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, March 20, 2009. (REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini) #

U.S. Army soldiers with the 1-6 Field Artillery division patrol an area where there has been reported Taliban presence February 18, 2009 in Gandalabog, Afghanistan. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

A boy from a small shepherd community watches his herd of goats February 27, 2009 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

U.S. Marine Sgt. Nicholas Bender launches a Raven surveillance drone from Marine base perimeter on March 21, 2009 near the remote village of Baqwa, Afghanistan. Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment use the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to get real time intelligence on Taliban movements. The Marines are operating in Farah Province of southwest Afghanistan and are seeing a spike in Taliban attacks against American forces with the onset of the spring "fighting season." (John Moore/Getty Images) #

A burqa-clad Afghan woman walks in an old bazaar in Kabul March 4, 2009. (REUTERS/Ahmad Masood) #

A U.S. Air Force C-17 flying overhead drops parachutes of military supplies - which blew off course, landing on an opium poppy field on March 22, 2009 next to a U.S. Marine base in remote Qalanderabad in southwest Afghanistan. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

Opium farmer Haji Abdul Khan shows off damaged poppies to U.S. Marines and their military interpreter on March 22, 2009 near remote Qalanderabad in southwest Afghanistan. The opium poppy field was damaged when a U.S. Air Force airdrop of supplies blew off target, landing on some of Khan's crops and crushing them. The Marines assured Khan they would pay him for his damaged poppy crop in compensation for the accident. The Taliban often extorts a percentage of the profits from the farmers' harvest to fund attacks on American forces, according to the military. U.S. Marines, however, have no mandate to destroy poppy crops and, in fact, count on farmers to supply intelligence on Taliban activities. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

An Afghan miner works inside the Karkar coal mine in Pul-i-Kumri, about 170km north of Kabul, March 7, 2009. Karkar mine, which hires 280 workers, produces about 100 tons of coal a day. The salary for a miner ranges from $70 to $110 per month. (REUTERS/Ahmad Masood) #

A man is questioned by the U.S. Army in a remote valley while searching for Taliban militants who fired rockets at an Army base earlier in the evening February 18, 2009 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

The body of a suspected Taliban insurgent lies on the back of a police truck after he was killed in a battle outside Ghazni March 26, 2009. Four Taliban insurgents were killed, and seven policemen and two civilians were wounded during a battle just outside Ghazni city, some 200km (125 miles) southwest of Kabul, a spokesman for the provincial governor said. (REUTERS/Shir Ahmad) #

A U.S. counter-intelligence Marine and his translator meet with local Afghan villagers on March 23, 2009 in Kirta, in remote southwest Afghanistan. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

Sgt. Darin Hendricks with the U.S. Army 1-6 Field Artillery division looks into a small cave while searching for a Taliban rocket launching site in the vicinity of the remote village of Main February 19, 2009 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

Mohammed Amin, an Afghan boy, waits to sell balloons in a field in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, Feb. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) #

An Afghan woman builds a prosthetic limb at Kabul Orthopedic Organization (KOO) in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. A doctor there said KOO's vision as a health care organization is to provide the best health services for disabled - both male and female population - in the region by the establishing a new technology which is based on assessment of the patients. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) #

A U.S. Marine and an Afghan national policeman pause while on a joint patrol March 26, 2009 near Bakwa in southwestern Afghanistan. Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment patrol daily in the area, often with Afghan police. Local opium poppy and wheat farmers say the presence of the Marines has improved security in the region, formerly controlled by the Taliban, although Taliban insurgents continue to creep into the area at night to plant IEDs on the road. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

A U.S. Marine M-4 rifle rests on sandbags at an observation post on March 30, 2009 in Now Zad in Helmand province of southern Afghanistan. Marines from Lima Company of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment there overlook the Taliban frontline. Unlike in many other areas of Afghanistan, where American forces are engaged primarily in counterinsurgency warfare, in Now Zad, both Taliban and American forces hold territory and can see each other across their linear frontline positions. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

Former Taliban militants hold their heavy and light weapons during a ceremony to hand over them to the Afghan government in the city of Herat province west of Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, March 10, 2009. Around 40 Taliban militants from Herat province handed their weapons to the Afghan government as part of a peace-reconciliation program. (AP Photo/Fraidoon Pooyaa) #

Men work at Taqcha Khana salt mine in Namak Aab district of Takhar province northeast of Kabul March 10, 2009. The mine, from which salt is excavated with basic tools and transported by donkeys, produces more than 23,000 tons of salt per year. (REUTERS/Ahmad Masood) #

A soldier from the 2nd Gurkha Regiment of the British army cleans his weapon on Patrol Base Woqab in Musa Qala, Helmand province March 27, 2009. (REUTERS/Omar Sobhani) #

A U.S. Marine watches as lightning flashes on the horizon during a search operation for Taliban on March 25, 2009 near the village of Bakwa in remote southwestern Afghanistan. Marines from India Company of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment were searching for insurgents after receiving information that a group of armed men were approaching their base through a hidden ravine. No one was found however. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

The casket of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Geary is carried from a military airplane during a ceremony at Griffiss International Airport, Thursday, March 26, 2009 in Rome, New York as family members, (l-r), cousin Dawn Roux, father Michael Geary, and mother Aggie Geary embrace. The 22-year-old was killed a week earlier when a bomb struck his Humvee in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Observer-Dispatch, Nicole L. Cvetnic) #

Veteran soldiers salute through the window of a hearse as the funeral cortege carrying the coffins of British soldiers Corporal Dean John, Corporal Graeme Stiff and Lance Corporal Chris Harkett passes through Wootton Bassett, England, following their return to British soil from Aghanistan Saturday, March 21, 2009. Hundreds of people lined the street as the hearses passed carrying the Union Flag-draped coffins of Royal Engineers Corporal Dean John and Corporal Graeme Stiff, both attached to the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, and Lance Corporal Chris Harkett, of 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, who were killed in Afghanistan. (AP Photo / Dominic Lipinski) #

Canadian soldiers carry the coffins of their compatriots at the airfield of the Canadian Joint Task Force Afghanistan in Kandahar March 21, 2009. Roadside bombs killed four Canadian soldiers as well as a local interpreter in Afghanistan on Friday, Canadian Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance said. (REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini) #

Family and friends of Trooper Jack Bouthillier, of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, watch his remains being carried to a waiting hearse during a repatriation ceremony at the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton, Ontario, Canada on Monday, March 23, 2009 for four soldiers killed March 20, 2009 in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Peter Redman) #

Army Lt. Gen. David Huntoon, Jr., kneels as he presents an American flag to Nicole Bunting, the widow of Army Capt. Brian M. Bunting, 29, of Potomac, Md., Monday, March 16, 2009, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Bunting, a member of the Individual Ready Reserve, assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Syracuse, N.Y., died Feb. 24 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari) #

A U.S. Marine CH-53 transport helicopter flies over the rugged terrain of Farah province March 17, 2009 in southwestern Afghanistan. The Marines, who expanded into the area last November, are soon to be joined by thousands more American troops as part of an additional 17,000 U.S. forces being sent to the war. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

Canadian soldiers from the NATO-led coalition check a dry river in the Taliban stronghold of Arghandab district in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, March 12, 2009. (REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini) #

Canadian door gunners from the NATO-led coalition force take position on a CH-146 Griffon helicopter as they fly over a neighbourhood in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, March 27, 2009. Helicopters are a prime asset to move NATO-led coalition troops and supplies in the war-plagued country because convoys by road are often blown up by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). (REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini) #

A Canadian soldier door gunner from NATO-led coalition opens fire with a machine gun from a CH-146 Griffon helicopter as it flies over neighbourhood in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, March 27, 2009. (REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini) #

Nasim, a heroin addict for the last 5 years stands inside the abandoned Russian Cultural center used as the heroin gathering point in the capital city February 08, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Heroin addicts are on the increase in Kabul as the numbers of unemployed increase and the drug continues to be readily available and extremely cheap at only 50 afghany per hit or $1 USD. Afghanistan accounts for more than 90 per cent of the world's heroin supply. Its annual opium harvest is worth up to $3 billion, or almost half the country's official gross domestic product. Profits from heroin fund the Taliban, along with corrupt Afghan officials who profit from it. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)#

An Afghan security officer stands guard as flames rise during a drug burning event on the outskirts of the city in Herat province, west of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, March 18, 2009. Over 2,000 kilograms of narcotics, composed of heroin, opium and hashish, were burnt along with some bottles of alcoholic drinks. (AP Photo/Fraidoon Pooyaa) #

Afghan horsemen play Afghanistan's national sport Buzkashi in the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, March 20, 2009. Buzkashi is the national sport of Afghanistan, which literally translated means "goat grabbing." In Buzkashi, a headless carcass is placed in the center of a circle and surrounded by the players of two opposing teams. The object of the game is to get control of the carcass and bring it to the scoring area. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) #

An Afghan man waits with his sick child to be treated by French doctors of the 27th BCA (Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins) on February 19, 2009 at the Morales-Frazier Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Nijrab, Kapisa province. (JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images) #

A British soldier keeps watch while on foot patrol in a poppy field in Musa Qala, Helmand province, Afghanistan on March 28, 2009. (REUTERS/Omar Sobhani) #

U.S. Marines keep watch as fellow Marines search for Taliban arms caches on March 31, 2009 in the abandoned town of Now Zad in Helmand province Afghanistan. Marines from Lima Company of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment have been fighting Taliban insurgents, whose frontline position is just over a mile away from their base. Military commanders say the civilian population fled during heaving fighting between British troops and Taliban fighters several years ago, leaving a ghost town, now a battleground between the U.S. Marines and Taliban. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

A set of security lights illuminate the landscape at Bagram Air Base March 2, 2009 in Bagram, Afghanistan. Following U.S. President Barack Obama's executive order to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, Bagram Air Base is slated for a $60 million expansion, nearly doubling the size of the prison at Bagram. Currently the base north of the Afghan capital Kabul holds over 600 prisoners classified as enemy combatants. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

An Afghan National Policeman keeps watch as the burnt body of a suicide attacker is seen amid the wreckage of a vehicle near the U.S. base in Bagram, north of Kabul, Afghanistan on March 4, 2009. A blast from the explosives in the vehicle was followed seconds later by a suicide bomber on foot who, after running from the vehicle had detonated himself outside the main gate of Bagram air base. Several contractors were injured by the blasts. (REUTERS/Ahmad Masood) #

A soldier from Recce Platoon 3rd battalion of the Royal Canadian regiment battle group from the NATO-led coalition shakes the hand of an elderly Afghan man in the Taliban stronghold of Arghandab district in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, March 30, 2009. (REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini) #

Afghan girls attend school on February 16, 2009 in the village of Sandarwa in eastern Afghanistan. Women's education has been severely compromised in Afghanistan as a resurgent Taliban has practiced a policy of intimidation of female students. Women, who make up a significant proportion of Afghanistan's population, have been killed, burned and threatened for attending school. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

Afghan boys toss snowballs at each other as a snowstorm hit Kabul for a second straight day closing the airport on February 13, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) #

Afghan children stand outside their tents living at a crowded refugee camp displaced by the flighting in Helmand February 10, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) #

U.S. Marines patrol through a sand storm on March 22, 2009 in remote Qalanderabad in southwest Afghanistan. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

More links and information

Obama Sets New Afghan Strategy - NYTimes.com 3/26

Afghanistan's Korengal Valley Big Picture 11/12/08

In Afghanistan with the ISAF Big Picture 10/08/08

Afghanistan - NYTimes.com Topics page

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The misconception of a lot of these posts are that we are trying to defeat afghanistan. We are not, want afghanistan to strive, to fend for themselves, to not have to relie on the drug trade to make a living, to not have to be threatened for learning... Learning people, paint that picture to yourself, of your daughter, neice, mother, sister, ect... Having their life threatened... a gun to their head,.. because they wanted to learn, they wanted to go to school...

Posted by Deltron Z (SGT US ARMY) April 22, 09 11:55 AM

While it certainly is not unAmerican to criticize the military expertise of our leading politicians, it may be worthwhile reviewing the military experience of our recent leaders. Number One managed to join the AF Guard, receive very expensive pilot training - and then went AWOL. Number Two managed to acquire five student deferments - and then did not earn his degree. Then that war was over, hurrah!

Posted by CPC April 22, 09 07:51 PM

That is a war on terr i AM GLAD THAT THE AMERICANS AND CAND AND BRITSH LOOK OUT FOR THE ONE THAT DIE NOT LIKE WHAT HAPPEN IN SOUTH AFRICA 66-93

Posted by Coenraad April 23, 09 12:11 PM

God bless all of the troops over there.

Semper Fi,

FORTUNA FAVET FORTIBUS

Posted by Chode April 23, 09 12:35 PM

the only people to benefit from war are the arms manufacturers.
these people have no concience.

Posted by Donald April 25, 09 09:17 AM

I tink is horrible all does things happen in our wold, the only thing we can do is
try to made a better would arround us, in our litle wold, in our family and city.
please we have try to do the best in our lifes. ( sorry if my orotgrafhi isn't fine )

Posted by gabriela calder�n c. April 25, 09 07:34 PM

people forget real reason we go to war ... if we dont stop these tyrant bullies in other countries ... then it wouldn't be long before they invade our country ... so rather fight and destroy their lands ... than ours and wreck our families ... WE fight for peace ... a better world ... i served in iraq ... and i would say 95% of people were happier now ... WHY? they now have choice and more freedom ... i know ... because i saw and spoke to these people at first hand ... afgan ... taliban are bullies and women, etc are used and abused, what life is that? ... so stop moaning those anti-war people ... of course i dont want war ...unless we stop it at the route ... it would soon come knocking at our doorstop ... then you will be sorry x mmomoanini

Posted by m mcmahon April 26, 09 11:02 AM

For all the troops serving in afghanistan ,i only wish i could turn back the hands of time,and pick up my weapon and join all of you.Rest assured what you do there and arround the world does matter and we care .My youngest son will be there soon to serve with his fellow marines and all the troops in his area,i have never felt a greater pride then when i myself served my country.again my heart goes out to all of you and i salute you.God bless you all.

Posted by Richard Wright April 26, 09 03:59 PM

Since earliest times men have had to fight to protect their loved ones. With the shrinking of the globe by the industial revolution the men willing to fight to protect their loved one have had to go overseas and far away to defeat those who would come to distant shores to hurt and kill our loved ones and defeat our clountry. Remenber "PEARL HARBOR - Deceember 7, 1941" and remember " Sept. 11, 2001 THE TWIN TOWERS in downtown New York City" What can be next? You and I had better pray that we have men willing to fight to protect us.......by Tony L., Veteran of US Navy WW II

Posted by Anthony F. Limoggio April 26, 09 07:41 PM

@242
"...thank GOD for our troops who are fighting the fight for freedom everyday"

"FIGHTING" for "FREEDOM" ?!

sharpest contrast ever my friend....

Posted by smeiko April 27, 09 06:00 PM

very good photos!

Posted by vitor April 27, 09 09:25 PM

God Bless all our troops fighting in Afghanistan & Iraq. God Bless the Corpsman and Medics taking care of our fighting men. My son a Corpsman is thought of everyday by friends and family, Semper Fi

Posted by Mike Heimer April 28, 09 01:40 AM

very good .

Posted by iran April 28, 09 02:04 AM

I wish that U.S.A send some of their troops in my country ( Iran ) too,beacase i think that we really need them too.same as Afghanistan and Iraq, Iran need those army too,Anshalh we going to have them im Iran too.God bless us.

Posted by Mohammad April 28, 09 02:09 AM

War is never over... too many lives will be lost

Posted by Mann April 28, 09 05:01 AM

A huge shame on those which wish to see the US army and troops in Iran.
We as Iranian are not like Afghans or Iraqi people. We do not like the current situation and government in Iran, but it does not mean that we are ready to see our country destroyed. We need to try to change the situation ourselves and I am sure we can and we will.
VIVA IRAN

Posted by Harika April 28, 09 07:29 AM

#31. Paula Bronstein's work is amazing!

Posted by Calvin April 28, 09 12:15 PM

Contrary to what some people said, I'm not a supporter of the operation in Afghanistan as it has been carried out. Not at all, but anyway. I'd rather not make this discussion forum.
Even though I appreciate the shocking photos of the conflict, which are indeed very important, i'ts preety much all we've seen. So far I hadn't seen images of afghan landscapes, and by saying that I mean you've done a fantastic job. Spencer Platt and John Moore, thank you for showing us what a beautiful place Afghanistan is. What a scenery.. And Paola Bronstein, congratulations for giving us people and their faces.

Posted by Jo�o Miguel April 29, 09 12:07 PM

God Bless those whom have been sent to war,and the ones that have lost their lives.And i pray for God to give the ones that have lost their loved ones ,the stringth they need to be able to go on with life.I know it is a hard thing knowing they will never see them again.My heart bleeds for them all,and i know some day i will be gone through the same thing.God Bless all the broakin hearts. cuz when i looked at the pictures it was very heart breaking. May God Bless You All

Posted by Phyllis Hunt May 2, 09 03:45 PM

I wish you could know my language, so I could better express myself, but I will use my imperfect English to tell you a few things. I dare to say I speak for a majority that has no means to speak to you. Those Americans, Canadians, Australians and other NATO soldiers who lose their dear lives in my country Afghanistan, that�s the highest sacrifice anybody can make to help others. They do not die in vain, but they make the world a better place for all of us. we are all in debt to them and their families. I can not find words to explain how we are saddened to see young soldiers die far away from families. We know how it is to lose some one and how terrible war is. I lived all my life through that. A refugee with no country, no respect and no future. but because of these soldiers there is hope for a better life for many. of us. and for those who serve in my country we are grateful to all of you. Those who are familiar with the situation know how Afghans feel about the current war. The majority of Afghans support foreign forces presence in Afghanistan. They want them to stay. Do not be mislead by the media. What we are facing now is a proxy war run and funded by hostile states and wealthy individuals in Arab countries. This is not a local resistance against American and NATO forces. It is not a war on AFGHANS, otherwise I would not have been here to write these sentences. I feel bad for the Soviet soldiers who perished in my country. they were innocent but were sent for a wrong purpose. They came to Afghanistan to invade, to change Afghans, force them change their beliefs and distribute their land amongst others. They have a bad client, the communist afghan government that mislead them on many issues. The current afghan government is weak and corrupt to some extend but it is totally different from communist regime. And the myths about Afghans; the wars with Britain and Chengiz and Alexander were of different nature. Please do not accept what they say about undefeatable Afghans. In fact every nation is undefeatable. No nation can be enslaved if its people decide to fight for freedom. Afghans are no different from other nations. Eventually everyone dies, but isn�t it better to live with pride. My father fought the soviets, and I work for the Afghan government. When commuting to work every morning I think this is the last time I see my little kids but I go on anyways. This is indeed my war. And as we say, my blood is not redder than that of those soldiers who die to secure my country for me and for everyone else, even for those who deny it. That�s what keeps me and many more like me going. There is more to life than eating, sleeping and sex. As humans we need to care about others too, even those who might look very different from us. It is just a matter of time before we stand on our feet and fight our own war. In fact we are fighting this fight alongside our American brothers, British brothers and all other brothers that came to our help. We don�t want the dark ages of Taliban to return. Afghans are determined not to let it happen. I don�t want my kids to be refugees, like I was. But even if we are left alone again, there would be many Afghans who will continue fighting to keep their country free from al-qaeda and other extremists. Do not leave us alone again, as we did not let you down when you were facing the communism menace. You will find us reliable partners. As for me, I promise when my country is secured, I will volunteer to fight alongside Americans and others, anywhere in the world in wars to free people from fanatics and oppressors. Akbar

Posted by Akbar May 3, 09 08:58 PM

this is not agood place for all this childern if we can help it

Posted by Destiny klein May 4, 09 11:34 AM

I still have my, Support the troops, dogtags on; which I swore to wear until all our troops where out of Iraq. I now extend that same pledge to all the soldiers in Afganistan.
A special thank you, to the courageous photographers of these images:
John Moore -- Stefano Reladini -- Spencer Platt -- Ahmad Masood -- Shir Ahmad --
Rafiq Maqbool -- Fraidoon Pooyaa -- Omar Sobhani -- Paula Bonstein & Joel Saget.

Posted by Dennis Watts May 4, 09 03:36 PM

Proud of you!

Posted by Anonymous May 5, 09 03:51 AM

Incredible photos. They tell it the way it is. We are fighting a war that no one has been able to win that includes the French and Russians. Ooh Rah and Semper Fi!

Posted by Thomas Shipe May 5, 09 01:39 PM

I cannot see for the tears streaming down my face. I feel so helpless in this situation, but I do know God, and I will pray daily for these conditions to improve. Only God knows how this is possible, but with Him all things are possible!

Posted by Mercedes Brown May 5, 09 07:16 PM

To all U.S. troops: thank you for your service.

Posted by nate May 6, 09 08:40 AM

Fantastic photos BUT what are we doing in Afgan.! We are so deep in the forest we don't see the trees. This might be the most horrific and God forsaken country on this planet. We are protecting them and their crops which supply 90% of the worlds Heroin, which is not only illegal but destroys the lives of everyone who takes it. THE BEST PHOTO OF THE BUNCH IS OF AN AFGAN MAN GUARDING THE BURNING OF SOME OF THE HEROIN! The best thing we could do there is to fire bomb all their crops, we could give them seeds and teach them how to replace them with food crops which the world needs, Let's get out of there!

Posted by Bob Wood May 6, 09 12:13 PM

Thank God for our troops and all who are fighting with them to free a distressed country and God protect and bless them all.

Posted by Dale Hargrove May 7, 09 11:37 AM

#282
Without the support of the French the the American Revolution would have not succeded. Without the Freedoms of the US the world would have not had an image of what could be. Opportunity cost keeps us from saying what the world would be like. We were isolated for a long time but as transportation improved we could not remain isolated. If we had turned the cheek when sruck by fascists; we would not be free now. We can not forsee the future but we have a chance to improve our security.

Posted by Sam May 11, 09 06:45 PM

Why doesn't our government buy the entire opium crop at the going price for these farmers. Then destroy it. That would be many times cheaper than trying to interdict the drugs coming into the U.S. and put a bunch of dealers out of business.

Posted by Richard Sullivan May 12, 09 03:08 PM

An extraordinarily beautiful, rugged country matched only by its enduring peoples and the brave men and women who volunteer to provide some security, a bit of hope, and relentless sacrifice towards a better outcome.

Posted by Steven M. Yedinak May 12, 09 05:34 PM

Thank a Soldier...always

Posted by Q May 13, 09 08:46 AM

265. I wish more women were respected and empowered in this world, because everyone of them would know that War means sacrificing a son. Love finds alternatives to death Posted by Joanne April 8, 09 08:59 PM

How about us that are not mothers, but combat veterans. Who lost our friends in Afghanistan? The paratroopers that we stood beside day in and day out for years through multiple deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. The men that knew things about us that our mothers will never know? I disagree with you Joanne, mothers are not the only people who love others. Also Joanna "Love finds alternatives to death" I love America and for 4 years 10 months I was willing to die for it, and if necessary am willing to do it all again.

Posted by Mike May 13, 09 11:10 PM

God Bless the World..I live near a military base and it is so hard to see this young people coming back from these places. They grow up so fast, they are never the same. War lives on in their minds forever and I pray they find some peace. My support goes out to all of them.

Posted by Eileen May 19, 09 09:03 PM

Nice one ellen
some people think America should leave people to their fate, well, maybe they should but, would u let the innocent face the horrors of life in the hands of rebels or terrorists when u know there is help somewhere. people are set to conquer what i don't know to the extent of convincing people to get strapped with bombs and then let it off where everyday people go about their business, so Akbar some people should be watched but to an extent though.

Posted by Buba May 20, 09 06:02 AM

Stop the war so the World can progress. it's that simple.

Posted by Joyce Ricks May 24, 09 02:39 PM

-It's very interesting to see these images for the last 6 years or so-
Always the confident looking american military GUARDING the crops that america desperately needs to keep its' black market running (heroin trade etc.) and to keep its own addictions sated. The pathetic taliban were able to shut down poppy production and it seems to me that THAT was the FIRST thing restored when the marines rolled in. Ever since then it has been mega-upscale poppy production (40x 2001 levels) with full protection of the U.S. military. War on threats to drug production would be one way to phrase it. Now the 'powers that be' claim this is their method of de-valuing poppies!! america has a short attention span.

Posted by Ivel Naberzenshi May 27, 09 03:56 PM

I am crying. Because of the photos, but more from the comments. I live a life based on faith in God and doing right. No matter the religion, I cannot understand how a person, any person, can interpret religious writings and beliefs and believe they are being given a license to take another's life. I understand war is sometimes necessary, but there has to be a better way to resolve conflicts. I support our troops and our leaders, but pray that someone, somewhere, can find a way to stop the violence, the destruction and the hatred.

Posted by 450fish May 28, 09 07:01 PM

What would this country be like if for one time everyone stood united in suppoeting our men and women at war.I will admit Im a mean person at times but it makes me tear up to see the wives the parents the children all in tears and i only wish i couldve been there to take their loved ones place so they could be at home with their families at times i feel selfish for enjoying television and eating what i want because these soldiers have lost all of that to make sure we can all sit here on our asses and complain and nitpick at every little wrong move. WAKE UP AMERICA we are soon gonna be dealing with north korea and god knows who else throwingnuclear bombs aat us be humble and for once be thankful for something that you can enjoy and not had to do a damn thing to get it its called freedom so when you all want to pick on the us remeber who comes running when you need help

Posted by catfish May 30, 09 03:41 PM

Posters 269. 271 -- If there is no deterrant, then terror takes over, it doesn't sit quietly and benignly. If US leaves Afghanistan while Taliban still have power and influence, it will mean only prolonged poverty and injustice for Afghanistan (do you remember the atrocities of Taliban rule in Afghanistan? How did that work out?)

Look what happened to Vietnam when US left before finishing the job -- it's still an impoverished mess, after decades of total Communist "victory" and rule. I was just there recently. If we had stayed, the outcome may have been similar to the stalemate of North and South Korea, but at least part of the country would be prospering with a high standard of living.

Posted by Mark Turner May 30, 09 09:49 PM

They have really destroyed the former part of india
They means americans, britishers and ofcourse OSAMA BIN LADEN...

Posted by danny June 13, 09 06:08 AM

Its very shame that the photographer shows the feelings of 1 or 2 soldiers killed and reaction of their relatives from U.S! Why the photographer dont wnt to show the Afghan civilians who lost their lives for nothing, its o.k. U.S. soldiers lost their lives during their job, but why they killed Afghan civilian who are innocent. Why the photographer dnt show the reaction/feelings of their relatives? Come on, Americans this is not ur job, please concentrate on ur inhouse problems which is left by ur supremo damn BUSH.

Posted by pooopooopon June 21, 09 04:31 AM

there is more important and historical pics and these are so intresting and very clear
i like more this pics and i have saved also in my computer

Posted by superkhan82 June 22, 09 02:25 AM

My Husband Is In the US Army,Im just 19 years old,sometimes its real hard on me but i support him wherever i can and he is doing a great job!And loves being a Soldier and Loves to Serve for his Country and Im more than proud to be his wife im proud to be an Army Wife!All my Prayers are with The Troops may they come home soon and Safe!
God Bless America!!

Posted by Sara Buchanan - SPC.Buchanan's Wife! June 24, 09 06:03 PM

I don't understand at all what the plan is. according to the pictures, U.S. soldiers are actually watching Teliban soldiers and they are watching us from each others bunkers? The people are growing poppy which the taliban uses to finance the war? Don't get it at all. As far as I can see it, our people are dying for nothing just like Nam. I would be very upset if my son died over there. Our government doesn't seem to care. If we don't know we can take care of the problem quickly, don't get involved at all. I don't have any confidence in our government at all. You cannot fight a war and have rules when the other side doesn't.

Posted by Bill Anderson June 27, 09 11:35 AM

These are the good photo's that every one should know that the war is not solving the problems we have to open the negotation door and give them to ivolved in the governament. Again i say for the leader of my country to Open the Negotaion Door.
Note: Their is many photo's that still hiden
Thanks

Posted by Behrooz June 29, 09 11:44 AM

Nothing is left after war, except dead bodies, widoweds ,orphans ,and blood and revange and hate.Americans are just creating hate inside the Muslims nothing else. One day Americans will have to pay for that and they are paying of course.Never try to crush any body for your personal goals. No body is given liscence to kill the other one in this world. We can make this world Paradise, if we take care of others rights. "Survival of the fittest" this theory can be applied in jungle and in animals only, not in Human beings.Always think like human beings not like animals.

Posted by Rana Akbar Tabish July 8, 09 04:00 PM

My son is currently serving in Afganistan...he is 21 years old. Please pray for him. Thank you.....Josh's mom

Posted by Dottie Grimes July 10, 09 09:38 PM

AyPiqu

Posted by Yhnxrals July 15, 09 06:00 AM

4Q1BEU

Posted by Bnxqcbat July 15, 09 06:00 AM

God speed to all of our coalition forces

Posted by Rick Alexander July 15, 09 10:37 AM

I Want to say that im glad that we live in a country that sends its children to defend and protect her that maybe one day are childrens children will also be free God Bless you all may you all come home soon . Also if we stop saying God bless well if God dont bless are children then i would hate to see who is. HOOAH!

Posted by Michelle July 15, 09 02:11 PM

if you dont support the troops, thats fine. afterall its your right to make that decision. But do me a favor, just stay the hell out of our way. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND HER TROOPS!!!

bring em' hell boys

Posted by WJP, USMC July 19, 09 07:43 PM

My husband has been deployed to afghanistan and And I am living in fear as what the outcome may be. I wish all the luck and all the prayers in the world for the troops serving over there. May God be with them.

Posted by Gerrie July 20, 09 03:06 PM

Its time to give these kids a rest and get the rest of the country involved. Bring back a mandatory Draft. Give everyone a stake in the country again instead of the few taking care of the many and receiving little to no respect and support for doing so.
I am a combat Vet of the Vietnam War and even when I disagree with policy I will always support and honor the troops.

Posted by Jim July 26, 09 10:36 PM

Prayers to all the US Army troops out there in Afghanistan. My darling has been deployed there and I am very much concerned and fearful of his well-being; however, I continue to pray for his safety, his good health, continued guidance and strenght to make it through until he returns to his family and loved ones.

Posted by Aneshia July 27, 09 04:19 PM

peace and love

Posted by ulgo July 30, 09 10:25 PM

Brilliant photos

Posted by gnear August 4, 09 08:55 PM

beautiful pictures....but we never see Afghans casualties, we tends to forget them , they are human too and many have been killed, much more than british soldiers.
The war will never end in this country, they have been fighting for decades now. Let them settle their matters by themselves.
The governments and media are bullshitting us, how come a single man could have ever planned an attacked against the towers from a remote and poor place ?
Furthermore, there are videos showing that those attacks on the 11th september were planned....
Governments are manipulating us, and I can say with certainty that no soldiers want to be in there.

Posted by truthseeker August 17, 09 06:09 PM

If you truly love and support our soldiers you would be out on the streets demonstrating for their return. We are fighting a war in a country alot of people had no idea existed or where it was on the map. Our soldiers are laying down their lives for the satisfaction of politicians and law makers in order to make more money, and to have control over the area. When are we going to stand up and stop singing the infuriating song of 'bless those soldiers' etc etc and get up of your arse and say 'bring our soldiers home, they dont want ot be there and neither do we.' what a waste of life and a drain on our resources especially in this eco. crisis.

Posted by Moad Taufik August 20, 09 09:06 AM

i feel really bad for whoever died there.....

Posted by ash August 26, 09 10:46 AM

Dear #296 - I pray for you even though you do not believe in God! You have your right to your opinions - but please don't tell me that there is no God! There is One - for me and countless others. God Bless our troops and may God Bless You.

Posted by Bobbie Toyne August 26, 09 11:56 PM

My Son Will be there to fight for all of you for the next 6 months i lend him to you, please return him to me. Please give him back to me along with all the 29 years of very proud memories. He is my life, i pray every day for him. I pray God will keep an angel close by to wrap their wings around him when he faces danger. I remember every second of joy i felt when he was born. I dread the thought of a knock at my door. Please God take care of our Babies.
For all the Mothers that wait in hope of one more smileI

Posted by Anonymous August 28, 09 07:29 PM

All wars are hell, but being a Vietnam Vet, I feel for all of our men and women in the Armed Forces today, with out them we would not have the freedoms we have here in the USA. Freedom of Speech! But I dont think nothing has changed since the Vietnam era. The leaders in Washington but then would dictate which targets we could shoot at or not, by the time the decsions makers made up their days or weeks, the targets had disapeared?? In our forward base camps, on permiter guard at night we had to call in to the command post to get permission to fire on the emenmy??.Seems like the powers to be should all be put into an area and fight to the end..

Posted by old solider September 2, 09 01:04 PM

Afghan never have been defeated , but this time is diffrent because the intention of the international communities are not hostel and have the support of majority of Afghan people good on you and keep up with your worthy job.

Posted by Basir Rashidi Herati September 4, 09 03:16 PM

As the sister of a soldier who was just sent to Afghanistan, I truly appriciate the photos, They gave me a realistic look at the war. If I'm completely honest, it scares me completely to death to see all the soldiers that have gone before him and have fought heroic fights, and have lived heroic lives, and sadly have died heroic deaths. I pray every single day that my brother does not become another statistic of tragedy. I pray that he comes home to us safe and healthy. I pray they all do

Posted by Anonymous September 5, 09 09:36 PM

i dont like the way the goverment is bieing a bit soft on all these terrorists and people like that but i do no this
if you people think you can sit here and talk about soldiers like that i think YOU should be fighting out there!
i also think the goverment should save taxpayers money by instead of putting criminals in jail, put them in iraq then we will be saving a bit of money and the criminals will proberly look at life differantly

im 14 and id like to say
WELL DONE TOO ALL THE TROOPS FIGHTING FOR MINE AND YOUR ASS!!!!
-J-

Posted by Anonymous September 6, 09 02:21 PM

im currently waiting for my chance to go to afganistan as a contractor. any words of advice or wisdom.

Posted by danny September 10, 09 01:38 AM

please people save the WORLD..just peace stop war..

Posted by govinda tamang September 14, 09 01:47 AM

I am a mother of a soldeir and pray constantly for their safety and their victory! The waiting to hear is tortuous! But one little message or brief phone call gives a little bit of peace. I am so thankful that we have men and women who will bravely go fight for our freedom and others freedom AND in case we have forgotten they also ward off terrorism! Oh how forgetful we are! Thank you soldiers! Now for us in America. It is time for us to fight for our freedoms here also! We are ever so slowly losing them. Stand up have a voice and make it known we want to stay free here in the US.

Posted by Lora Titlow September 17, 09 08:20 AM

God bless the Canadian men and women who so bravely fight for the freedom of the True North Strong and Free. Your efforts will eventually pay off. But always remember, freedom and a better way of life comes at a great cost. We pray for and support your efforts back home.

God keep our land glorious and free...........be safe.

Posted by Todd Rolfson September 17, 09 04:23 PM

They should look at Afghan people in uk and they must give them indefenet stay. Because there is war in Afghanistan.

Posted by samar September 18, 09 02:03 PM

I don't know if every Marine feels like I do but I'm sure most of us from the wars of our grandfathers and through the years wish we could be the man fighting along side our young guns. You boys are doing great and don't come back until the jobs done.

Posted by Jeremy USMC 0341 September 18, 09 02:55 PM

Where were you when millions were massacred by communists? Where were you when millions more were massacred for race, security or economics in the Philippines, Indonesia, Chile, Central America, Spain, Southeast Asia, Korea, Argentina, Chile, the Congo, Uganda and the United States of America?

Politics is politics but dead applies to all those murdered. There isn't one political system much better than another when it comes to eliminating 'enemies'.

Posted by Quinn September 19, 09 06:20 PM

i am a British citizen who served with the British Army durinig the Falklands war, i now have a son serving with the army and a daughter serving with the Royal Air Force both posted in Afganistan. I do not know what the future holds for the country but i do belive that the men and women of the various countrys deployed there should be thanked for their sacrifices and not critised. The vast majority of the troops would rather be back home with their loved ones , if i have any doubts they are about the politicians that sent the troops out there in the first place.

Posted by Jim September 21, 09 06:11 AM

These photographs are trully Amazing!
We need as a country as a whole, brothers, sisters, all creeds and nation's to remember, just what happened on " OUR SOIL 911" Need I say more .
God's speed and Bless them all

Posted by Gary F d Smolinsky September 23, 09 06:39 PM

God Bless all of our young men and women who are serving over seas. We have not forgotten you. We thank you so much for keeping us safe. My prayers and every person i know are with you all. Peace and Love.From a mother of a Soldier.

Posted by Judith Thornberry September 25, 09 02:37 PM

Nobody have been able to conquer Afganistan since times of Alexanders the Great

Posted by Gonzilla September 25, 09 03:47 PM

Please pray for our success in Afganistan. Pray for our brave troops. Stop complaining about your own lives & think about those who have it 1000 times worse at best.

Posted by Tom McDonald September 30, 09 02:18 PM

I feel so sorry for those peole i whis they had what we have

Posted by sarh gobbs October 2, 09 10:14 AM

my name is logan clark i am 19 and I am glad to help any one so we can win this war and bring our men home and i only wish that they would send me because i am very brave and srong but my legs keep me out fo the war and i would give gladly give my life in retrun for any of the men that are over their now and i want to a tirde marine of tride solider a chance to come ps Marines and soliders kick some taliban ass My dad is a former marine

Posted by logan clark October 2, 09 08:13 PM

Logan trust me we would have loved to have you by our side... Do us (US soliders, airman, marine and sailors) a huge favor and continue to pray!!! Like your dad my dad was a marine (or still is lol) and i am in the Air Force and I see more then I wish i ever had at 22 years old. Just support us and continue to pray God has his plans and we will never know what it is till we get to heaven some day. Till then we have to trust in him!!!! thank you for being brave and Strong

Posted by Vic October 5, 09 01:50 PM

I've served...and continue to. Been there...done that...got home safe. Those there in our/my place till we return, God's Speed and keep your eyes peeled! Trust no one but your battle buddy! Meanwhile...."Carpe diem"!!

Posted by Tomas Quintanilla October 6, 09 06:11 AM

Thankyou for these photos...and THANKYOU to all those who serve in the military. who understand the cause. I appreciate you and pray for you every day.

Posted by Jennifer October 6, 09 03:35 PM

Heroes everyone of them! Yet the leaders who take us into battle bear responsibility for its ultimate success or failure. God knows if we are using the best strategy/resources in Afghanistan. For the sake of our soldiers and the future of our freedom, let's hope so.

Posted by Elaine October 7, 09 08:03 PM

Give peace a CHANCE
& c the difference.

Posted by riaz October 8, 09 05:22 AM

Give peace a CHANCE
& c the difference.

Posted by riaz October 8, 09 05:26 AM

The people who flew the jets into the trade centers were Egyptians and Saudi Arabians not one was Afghan. When the Russians left Afghanistan they left a power vacuum which the Taliban unfortunately took control of. The U.S. backed Iraq in its war with Iran for eight years and Saddam fell out of favor. Its tragic how fires left untended are harder to put out later.

Posted by Mr.Raygor October 9, 09 11:44 PM

i still don't understand what were doing over there, haven't we killed everybody? i mean, we've been at war with these people since 2001, its been a long time now, what is the president doing not bringing our soldiers home and yes i agree that they are fighting for our freedom, but isn't America a free country regardless? Isn't America the land of the free and the home of the brave? Weather or not our American troops are over there, were still going to be a free country no matter what. Were still going to have our freedom and our rights, as American citizens we have that right, and no matter how many people our troops killed, no matter how many bombs and riots have affected these countries, the United States of America will be the freedom nation, so with that said, we need to bring our troops back, my beloved friend is in the Marines in Afghanistan, and for what, to keep watch of some people who kill themselves just to start a riot? No, that's not our problem, let their government decide what to do about that, we have things to worry about to, like the economy,,,,,Sorry if this pissed people off, but after all, freedom of speech is my right as an American citizen.

Posted by a very concerned mom and friend October 10, 09 03:02 PM

There is a old saying that "Suppose If you lost your money consider that you have lost nothing. If you lost your health consider that you lost something. but If you lost your manners & character consider you lost everything. Good Manners and Good character Counts more than Everything in Islam without Good Character and manners we are worst than animals. Go and see American and Western Culture they are just slaves of their desires and they want to spread this disease to Muslim world by waging illegal wars against Muslim Nations. Taliban and Alqaeda are Americans puppet's used for damaging and defaming Truthfulness of Islam. Islam is the true way of life.

Posted by Yousuf Ali Sajid October 11, 09 07:34 AM

None of the 9/11 attackers were from Afghanistan they were all from Arab countries but do not know why the Afghans are suffering for the last 10 years in the hands of American , UK and Nato force. All this stage is set and being run by the arms manufacturers and their cronies to sell their weapons. They don't care innocent people being killed.

Have a look at picture number 12 the terror in the eyes of a girl of around 8 or 9 years of age its simply unimaginable.

Why don't they get out of Afghanistan and let the Afghanis live in peace and so do they.

Posted by Shahid Ghazaal October 16, 09 04:40 AM

TAKE YOUR ISLAM IDEAS AND GO HOME!

Just a thought from a father with a son serving in the United States Marine Core in Afghanistan as you post your self rightious well thought out comments!. You have no clue the sacrafices thease men and women are enduring to bring freedom and a life without the TERROR of being oppressed by the insurgents. Keep in mind if you voiced thease kind of comments about your own countries you would most likley be beheaded.
If not for the efforts of the USA and our partners, YOU would not be able to sit in OUR country and have your little bitch session on how bad the UNITED STATES is. Remember this country was founded on Christian principles not yours! this will never chaange no matter how conveluded our society becomes, You are the guest!

Posted by Dan October 16, 09 01:38 PM

The men and women who protect our freedom deserve our respect and full support. I challenge our political leadership to have the stones to do what is right..terrorists kill at will and will be relentless in pursuit of America and our allies.

Posted by Bob October 17, 09 10:46 AM

Thankyou to every man and women who has served or will serve our country. It is well known that it was not YOUR choice to fight this battle- i hope some of these dumb asses will open their eyes and see that! I for one support you, and pray for you every day. God bless our troops and may every one of them,including my 19 year old brother, come home safely.

Posted by KALI October 17, 09 12:53 PM

Ali Sajid and Shahid Ghazaal, ur absolutly ignorant. It amazes me how misinformed or maybe just plain stupid you are! I am a military member and my little brother just went to Afghanistan with the Marine Corps. I don't give a crap what religion anyone is, that's what freedom is about. Everyone is welcome in the U.S., except those who practice terror as a religion. We are only trying to extend those freedoms to those who donnot have them!!!! To you and the other Afghaniboy who said down with U.S., here's an idea.... GET THE HELL OUT OF MY COUNTRY!!!!!! Everyone has a problem with someone or something, but if it's so bad here, simply go back to the middle east. See what happens. Of course you wont, because people like you just like to run your ignorant mouths but are too much of a bitch to act on your words. It's people like you who bring this great country down. God bless our troops and the troops of the rest of the NATO countries. Even if they don't agree with the cause, they're there, doing they're job. Protecting even your ignorant asses from the inevitible terror the Taliban would bring even you. How about this..... Come to Texas and just start running your mouth off anywhere you want and just watch the results. Or should I say feel them..... Have a nice day. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Cam October 19, 09 11:54 AM

How about take a look at picture number 11. Thats whats up. You point a weapon at any US troop, be prepared to have your ass handed to you on about a hundred different platters. Period. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!

Posted by Anonymous October 19, 09 12:45 PM

Get out of Afghanistan and let them live in peace????? Wow.... First of all there wasn't peace there to begin with. The Taliban is a terrorist organization bent on destroying the United States and its people. They are in control of Afghanistan, hence our war. Second the majority of the country makes a living growing and distributing illegal and highly dangerous narcotics. That's enough of a reason right there. Plus, I'd didn't hear much bitching when the UNITED STATES aided Afghanistan in getting out of the Soviet Union/Russia not too long ago. So how about reading a book before posting ignorant and just plain stupid comments. God bless our troops. Bring them all back safely.

Posted by Camden October 20, 09 12:26 PM

All the soldiers that came out to Blackbear Saloon in Hartford CT last night. It was an honor to serve your drinks. Good luck in Afghanastan and please come home safe. Kevin Santolini... good times this past year. See you when you get home.

Posted by Jason Poirier October 28, 09 02:21 PM

I wish Bush would have stayed out of their business. How is it that "osama" attacked the US, but we are all over the middle east militarily!! god bless alll those eho have lost loved ones and pray for those who are there and on their way there and home. My husband is being sent there and i cant wait for him to return home. this war is really hurting peoples families!! May god be with you babe and your brothers

Posted by Nina October 29, 09 05:27 PM

I Just want to thank all the men amd women in the service at this present time who are fighting in this war so us civillians are safe. Its a very very brave thing for them to do and i just cant thank them enough.

Posted by Rose November 6, 09 11:30 AM