Reporters on the Job
FRONTLINE INFLATION: Tajikistan has become a popular jumping-off point for journalists bound for northern Afghanistan. The Taliban-controlled areas are now closed to foreigners. But that means prices for everything are rising in Tajikistan. Normally, to get a visa extension and press credential, Tajik officials will charge $40 for one-day "express" service. While the Monitor's Scott Peterson (
see related story) waited for a visa on Friday, the price rose to $80, then $120, and it was $200 by the time he got to the front of the line. "They'll charge whatever the market will bear now. I bet it's still going up." There was a waiting list of 290 journalists hoping to get on one of the Northern Alliance's aging Soviet-era helicopters. Capacity: about 15 people. There were three flying from Dushanbe ($300 per person) over the border into Afghanistan. Rather than wait in that queue, Scott caught a flight on an old Russian military prop plane into Faizabad, Afghanistan. "Normally, I wouldn't choose to ride in such a decrepit plane or helicopter. But these aren't ordinary times," says Scott, who has now hired a car.
RUSSIAN REVULSION: Fred Weir never reported from Afghanistan when the Russians fought there (1979-89). But he did visit Tajikistan during that period, and he has lived in Russia long enough to know that Russians see Afghanistan as a kind of poison. "The US may feel it's over Russia's 'Vietnam syndrome,' but Russians do not. It's a raw point for them," he says. While Fred knew this - he has friends who are "Afghan vets" - he was surprised by the universality of opinion as he conducted interviews for today's story (
see story). "From top generals to academics to vets, each in their own way said that they wouldn't wish their Afghan experience on anyone. It was a definitive experience the US should heed."
- David Clark Scott
World editor
FOLLOW-UP ON A MONITOR STORY
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CHOP:
US-born sumo grand champion Taro Akebono formalized his retirement in a Tokyo ceremony Friday, shearing his topknot. As reported in the Sept. 5 Monitor, it isn't the only thing Akebono is losing: he also hopes to trim 100 pounds.
KYODO/REUTERS
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