Coalition Forces Widely Accepted in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
"The most important thing is that our country is getting better, it is getting positive steps toward democracy.” -Mohammad Bashure

Captain Nick Diamond of the British forces in Kabul, Afghanistan Photo by: Tim King

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Weather conditions in Afghanistan include plenty of rain, that's something Oregon soldiers relate to, but they're also relating to people from many nations, like these Romanian troops. One British officer visiting Camp Phoenix today says the Oregon yanks are a good bunch, and this isn't the first time he's served with Americans.

"I have, I've served in Iraq twice with them,” says Captain Nick Diamond of the British Forces. “Interesting bunch, we get along quite well, a good bit of bantering between the two sides, not too bad at all."

But the reason all coalition forces are all here, is to help the Afghan people. People like Mohammad Bashure of Kabul. He says, "The most important thing is that our country is getting better, it is getting positive steps toward democracy.”

People in this war torn nation are no strangers to military action. But the coalition forces are widely accepted because they are aiding Afghanistan.

The last time a country set up shop here it was for an entirely different purpose. The Soviets, who actually built many of the buildings here in the 1980's, left in defeat, but not before devastating the country's infrastructure.

Captain Diamond said, "There still certainly seems to be resentment over what happened with the Russian invasion, but we've changed that and I think they're very keen and happy for us to be working with them."

And who could validate that point more than an Afghani like Mohammad Bashure.

"I'm really happy about the presence of the U.S. forces and the coalition forces here in Afghanistan, because these people are here to provide security… in our country, and thanks a lot for all the people of America, for the government and the U.S. forces here in Afghanistan.”

Watch the Video News Story by Tim King, reporting from Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan:

Tim holds awards for reporting, photography, writing and editing, including the Silver Spoke Award by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (2011), Excellence in Journalism Award by the Oregon Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (2010), Oregon AP Award for Spot News Photographer of the Year (2004), First-place Electronic Media Award in Spot News, Las Vegas, (1998), Oregon AP Cooperation Award (1991); and several others including the 2005 Red Cross Good Neighborhood Award for reporting. Tim has several years of experience in network affiliate news TV stations, having worked as a reporter and photographer at NBC, ABC and FOX stations in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Tim was a member of the National Press Photographer's Association for several years and is a current member of the Orange County Press Club.

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