From Time, Inc., Rebuilding Afghanistan, One Bridge At a Time.
There are 13 CHLC (Chiclet) teams bird-dogging 300 projects reconstructing Afghan schools and infrastructure. But more important than even that they are demonstrating the content of American character face-to-face in a place where rumors and lies about Americans fly freely. The compassion, integrity, and fortitude demonstrated by these people on the ground may be the biggest gift we have to give to the Afghans. What the Russians could not conquer by force of arms, Americans will restore to health by dedication and compassion.

No wonder the Taliban and al-Qaeda hate the Chiclet teams. "Every one of us in Chiclet-5 has a price on his head," the Colonel says. "There are still al-Qaeda and Taliban out there. We see them shadowing us, looking for any weakness they might be able to exploit. We know they're going to come after us: it's not a matter of if, but when." He smiles. "But I'll tell you something, when they come they'd better be loaded for bear. Because we're good. Real good."

A young Hazara man in the bazaar offers his own verdict: "Do you know the American soldiers?" I tell him Yes, I do. "Could you please tell them, they should never leave. They should stay here forever."