It was a trip we hesitated to make -- the reports from Afghanistan revealed a security situation worsening every day.  Yet once there, with the great guidance of co-producer Rohit Gandhi and the experience of photographer Reza, we were treated to an amazing, up-close view of Afghanistan -- a view from and of the people of all walks of life.  We stayed in the homes of farmers and had lunches with Generals.  We spent time with Presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and also in refugee camps where people had come to flee the falling bombs.  We saw rare and unique Sufi ceremonies and ran along with the National Army as they tried to train under US guidance. 

The overwhelming feeling we returned with was one of uncertainty: after thirty years of war, people are hopeful for some peace, but ready to continue to fight.  Worrisome signs of hearts and minds turning against the US and coalition forces were everywhere.  And there were bombings while we were there.   Yet, in the markets and round the table with Afghanis, there was a sense that peace could be attainable.  But it must come on terms that represent what ordinary Afghans need -- jobs, roads, infrastructure, education.  We felt this point had been overlooked by the American efforts there -- with its concentration only on the areas in the South most prone to Taliban influences. 

The Afghans have turned back every outside force that came to try and occupy it -- from Alexander the Great to the Soviet Union.  We witnessed, perhaps, some of their strength, their warmth, but also their fierce determination to fight for themselves.  It may be some time before the fighting will end.