CONFERENCE AT THE M.O.D.

These are some random pictures from the legal conference that we gave at the Afghan Ministry of Defense (their Pentagon). The biggest lesson I learned is that our method of teaching (i.e., giving Powerpoint presentations/lectures) doesn't go over very well with their culture. It's not that the information isn't good, it's just that they have a different learning style. It's more of a discussion rather than a one way exchange. The Afghans would often ask questions completely off the topic being taught. That's not a criticism, it just showed that they had specific areas that they wanted to know more about. I think that in the future we should basically have a "round table" or "town hall" type of setting so they can ask their many thoughtful questions.


A picture of the "circle" in downtown Kabul. I think that's a picture of Mossoud, an Afghan leader who fought against the Taliban and was killed by them on Sept 1o, 2001. He is revered by the Afghans.

Me at Camp Eggers, where we stayed during the MOD conference. The base was put on alert that night so that's the reason for the body armor. But as you can see, "No worries." I'm giving the "thumbs up" for my friend Brian. (AAAAYYY!!!)