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Friday, November 9, 2012

Afghan Donkeys Replace American Helicopters

Posted by on Fri, Nov 9, 2012 at 7:29 AM

WaPo:

The American invasion brought with it a shiny arsenal of 21st-century technology, including advanced helicopters to navigate the treacherous landscape.

But as the U.S. military drawdown continues, the sky is emptying of the foreign aircraft that have kept remote outposts stocked with food, water and weaponry. Afghan troops are being handed the outposts, but not the sleek helicopters that have soared overhead, delivering supplies.

Afghans searching for a substitute have found an ancient solution: the plodding, dutiful animals that have navigated these high and frigid mountain passes for centuries.

“Donkeys are the Afghan helicopter,” said Col. Abdul Nasseeri, an Afghan battalion commander here in Konar province.

My mind can't help but sense a connection between this WaPo story and this famous zinger:
“Well, governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets.”

What is the connection?

 

Comments (6) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment
1
At the start of the invasion of Afghanistan, there was a cavalry charge. By British and American troops. Probably with bayonets.

We have fewer horses and bayonets, but we still have some because they can still be useful (though in the above cases the horses were Afghan).
Posted by q on November 9, 2012 at 7:38 AM
2
...increase the socioeconomic power and industrial output of the Afghani citizens so they can strengthen their infrastructure to afford advancements in transport technology which in turn will help to increase their socioeconomic power and industrial output?
Posted by Drew2u on November 9, 2012 at 8:57 AM
3
I'm guessing things will go back to what it used to be before the invasion. It's just another destructive war for the Afghan people.
Posted by floater on November 9, 2012 at 9:02 AM
Max Solomon 4
medieval solutions for a medieval culture.

the solution to afghanistan has always been quarantine. an enlightenment is too much to ask.
Posted by Max Solomon on November 9, 2012 at 10:32 AM
treacle 5
I just want to see a donkey flying through the air with a giant rotor on it's back, delivering supplies.

You know, al Shabab, in "Somalia", uses donkeys to transport materials along their logistics chain as well. Connection? Poverty, methinks.
Posted by treacle on November 9, 2012 at 10:37 AM
Cynic Romantic 6
Donkeys will be useful long after helicopters have disappeared from the world.
Posted by Cynic Romantic on November 9, 2012 at 6:24 PM

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