The Circuit (44 page)

CNN Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson and me on a hilltop overlooking the Afghan capital. Kabul, 2004.

A diversion on the Kabul to Kandahar road, one of many possible ambush locations. Afghanistan, 2004.

The left side of our convoy driving across the desert to Lashkar Gah. We opted to drive off-road in order to avoid Taliban and bandits. Afghanistan, 2004.

Our local drivers and guards blow out air filters during one of several stops on the way to Lashkar Gah. Afghanistan, 2004.

Sculduggerers-in-arms: poppy farmers, Afghan police, drug lords and Taliban gather for the eradication of a poppy field outside Lashkar Gah. Afghanistan, 2004.

In Paktia, mixing with Patcha Khan’s people during his road closure. I was very aware that I was the only westerner for miles. This picture was taken by my local driver using my ‘small camera’. Afghanistan, 2004.

My dress to travel in vehicles around southern and eastern Afghanistan. I’m not trying to be covert, just low profile enough that I won’t stick out to those looking to target westerners. Afghanistan, 2004.

This picture was taken right after Patcha Khan had lifted his road closure just for our convoy. The crowd is a mix of Patcha Khan’s supporters and truck drivers. Afghanistan, 2004.

A graveyard of Russian armour east of Kabul. Afghanistan, 2004.

Three Afghan women clad in burkas - garments which, in my view, are oppressive and dangerous because they rob women of peripheral vision. Afghanistan, 2004.

A mountain range between Kabul and Kandahar, an example of Afghanistan’s diverse landscapes. Afghanistan, 2005.

An Afghan landmine disposal worker hard at work north of Kabul. He and others like him are the unsung heroes of post-Taliban Afghanistan. By co-operating with the international community, these brave men have become prime targets for insurgents. Afghanistan, 2005.