former Marine, Operation Enduring Freedom
Former Marine who fought in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Pakistan (2001-2002) and author of One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer; Chief Executive Officer of the Center for a New American Security
The Afghan Election: Democracy in Wartime President Obama calls today's voting the most important event of the year in Afghanistan. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke says holding an election in a time of war is “extraordinary.” Three thousand cars, three helicopters and 3000 donkeys are bringing ballot boxes back to the capital city for counting that won't be final for two weeks.
The Afghan Election: Democracy in Wartime Ballots boxes are on their way to Kabul in cars, helicopters and on the backs of 3000 donkeys. The count won't be final until early next month. Voter turnout is called "uneven," with attacks near some polling places. Some fraud and corruption are guaranteed, and two people with indelible ink on their fingers reportedly were hanged.
Trump‘s Wall and the Politics of ‘Us Versus Them’ Politically, Trump’s great wall may not be worth the government shutdown. But it appeals to his base, including evangelical Christians.
Could agave become Santa Barbara’s next major crop? In many ways, growing agave in Santa Barbara makes a lot of sense. Not only does it use very little water and thrive on generally inhospitable land, but it can act as a fuel break for wildfires.