Posted on Apr 12, 2015
Post-Service: Would you go back to Afghanistan if you could make a lasting difference in that country?
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Those of you have deployed to Afghanistan have probably seen farmers growing opium as a cash crop. There's a company called Rumi Spice that is trying to change that by giving them a better deal: it turns out that the spice saffron is perfect for growing in Afghanistan, and it gives the farmers up to six times the income of opium.
Many of their team members are Veterans who have served in Afghanistan.
http://www.splendidtable.org/story/saffron-market-blossoms-for-afghan-farmers-as-alternative-to-growing-poppy
http://www.rumispice.com/meet-the-team/
http://www.rumispice.com/make-a-difference/
Many of their team members are Veterans who have served in Afghanistan.
http://www.splendidtable.org/story/saffron-market-blossoms-for-afghan-farmers-as-alternative-to-growing-poppy
http://www.rumispice.com/meet-the-team/
http://www.rumispice.com/make-a-difference/
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 32
Yes I would. The people aren't bad, they're different from us. America screwed it by not understanding the culture and the realities of their history, which essentially turned it into a lost cause like Vietnam. I don't think it's hopeless, and I think if there were realistic opportunities to assist, not dictate, but assist positive change there, I'd be willing to go. While I'm proud of the things my squad and platoon accomplished, I never felt like the big picture was any closer because COIN requires a complete overhaul in the mindset of SM. Without it, it was never going to work.
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No. If one is that motivated to make a lasting difference there are plenty of opportunities CONUS.
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