Sitting Down With the Enemy in Afghanistan: One Commander’s Story
Captain Kolton and his new friend Massoud (Photo: Michael Kolton)
US Army Captain Michael Kolton knows the rugged mountains of Afghanistan’s northern Kunar province all too well.
Until April, he was the commander at Combat Outpost Monti near Afghanistan’s border area with Pakistan. Kolton’s men battled many foes in the lush valleys along the Kunar River.
Among their enemies was a legendary local insurgent leader named Massoud.
The fighting didn’t deter 29-year-old Kolton who had set out to forge alliances with local leaders and reach out to insurgents.
The commander says he started that process by creating a setting where he and his men could shoot less, and talk more.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.