" Today is the eve of Ramadan, a religiously significant time for the people of the Pech and Waygul Valleys, as well as for the Islamic world as a whole. Ramadan is the nineth month of the Islamic calendar (a lunar-based calendar)...Typically, observing Muslims fast during daytime for the entire month, consuming neither food nor water. In addition to fasting, Muslims are expected to pray and read / recite the Q'uran. In fact, many mosques have a mullah recite 1/30 of the Q'uran every night for the entire month, so that the entire thing has been recited by the end. These practices are supposed to encourage closeness to God and to show their faith.
For us, Ramadan means that we have to take many extra considerations into account. Probably the most important of these is being sensitive to the fact that all the people are fasting, so it would be impolite to chow down on a Cliff bar in the middle of a village patrol. Also, because the Afghan soldiers practice fasting as well during this month, we have to accommodate them as well. The lack of food and water will certainly compromise their physical abilities somewhat.
That being said, this is a time that we as U.S. soldiers are extra vigilant. In Iraq, Ramadan marked a significant uptick in violence. In this area of Afghanistan, that has not been the case; however, we are taking precautionary measures just in case...For our loved ones back in the United States, I hope this post finds you well. Know that all of us here are thinking about you and look forward to coming home after proudly doing our part here."
" Here are two views of our room from opposite corners and fairly typical of most of the housing on FOB Blessing. Most of the buildings are brick and mortar with a cement floor and no windows; we have heating / airconditioning / ventilation units called chigos that provide for our comfort. Our building has about 6 rooms like this on the north side and 8 similar rooms on the south - some with bunk beds, others like this. Ours is the only civilian room in the complex, the rest being occupied by soldiers. Then there are two more buildings just like this next to ours. On the grand scheme of things in Afghanistan this is pretty good housing; discussions with others reveal tents, b- huts, and even hesko - houses are in use and are vastly inferior.
It's not the Hilton, but it seems comfortable. With all the Ramadan talk I was wondering if there would be a lull or a spike in attacks. It is telling that during the holy month of Ramadan, Taliban Muslims emphasize prayer and fasting and killing other humans. I can think of no other religion that has those same values. Hope all goes well at FOB Blessing. We are proud of your work.
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