Iran RPCV Marilyn Erickson writes: Pakistan is where the problem is and where our energies should be directed



I joined the Peace Corps in 1967, asking for posting either to Afghanistan or Iran. I spent two years in Iran and traveled overland through Afghanistan on break. It was a lovely country with kind people. If foreign invaders, like Russia and the U.S., would leave them alone, they would go on as they have for centuries. They are happy without "democracy" as we know it here. The villagers have every reason not to trust Kabul.

Iran RPCV Marilyn Erickson writes: Pakistan is where the problem is and where our energies should be directed

Focus on Pakistan

The Bakersfield Californian | Thursday, Nov 12 2009 07:15 PM

Last Updated Thursday, Nov 12 2009 07:15 PM

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Thank you for publishing the full resignation letter of Matthew P. Hoh from the U.S. Foreign Service. I was able to get more info from NewsTrust.com and send that info to my husband who is working in Ghana.

His contract is up soon and he is looking for his next job. He jokingly (I think) emailed me that USAID is looking for people in Afghanistan.

I joined the Peace Corps in 1967, asking for posting either to Afghanistan or Iran. I spent two years in Iran and traveled overland through Afghanistan on break. It was a lovely country with kind people. If foreign invaders, like Russia and the U.S., would leave them alone, they would go on as they have for centuries. They are happy without "democracy" as we know it here. The villagers have every reason not to trust Kabul.

We must change our policy there and not commit any more troops and bring our military home. We need to keep a closer eye on Pakistan. Read "Three Cups of Tea" and see how to really help the Afghan people. The author, Greg Mortenson, who has been interviewed many times, said, when asked, what he thought of Musharaf (Pakistan's former president). He said "He's corrupt!" and he should know, as he was trying to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Pakistan is where the problem is and where our energies should be directed.

MARILYN ERICKSON

Bakersfield

Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: November, 2009; Peace Corps Pakistan; Directory of Pakistan RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Pakistan RPCVs; Peace Corps Iran; Directory of Iran RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Iran RPCVs; Speaking Out

When this story was posted in March 2010, this was on the front page of PCOL:




Peace Corps Online The Independent News Forum serving Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

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Feb 10, 2010: Senator Dodd to Retire Dodd retires from Senate 6 Jan Cameron Hume named US Ambassador to Pakistan 8 Feb Florida RPCVs sponsor Everglades Experience 6 Feb Jeff Hall brings aid to Sierra Leone 1 Feb Peace Corps to reach 11,000 PCVs in 2016 1 Feb Hugh Pickens writes: Standing Bear Looks to the Future 27 Jan Ann Varghese survives 55 hours in Haiti rubble 26 Jan John Guy LaPlante at 80 was oldest PCV 17 Jan Steve Radelet to advise Hilary Clinton on Development 15 Jan Obituary for Co-Author of ‘The Ugly American' 14 Jan Peace Corps Establishes Program in Indonesia 11 Dec What Happened to Obama's Promise? 3 Dec George Packer writes: Obama's Troubles 24 Nov PC Mourns Loss of Morocco PCV So-Youn Kim 17 Nov Peace Corps volunteers return to Madagascar 16 Nov PC to grow by several thousand over next 2 years 15 Nov Former Hostage John Limbert named to Iran Bureau 11 Nov Carrie Hessler Radelet named PC Deputy Director 9 Nov Garamendi Sworn into Congress 9 Nov Jesse Lonergan writes graphic novel "Joe and Azat" 4 Nov David Macaray writes: Hearts and Minds in Afghanistan 29 Oct Dustin Hogenson writes: Sauna in Kazakstan 26 Oct

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Memo to Incoming Director Williams PCOL has asked five prominent RPCVs and Staff to write a memo on the most important issues facing the Peace Corps today. Issues raised include the independence of the Peace Corps, political appointments at the agency, revitalizing the five-year rule, lowering the ET rate, empowering volunteers, removing financial barriers to service, increasing the agency's budget, reducing costs, and making the Peace Corps bureaucracy more efficient and responsive. Latest: Greetings from Director Williams

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Join Us Mr. President! "We will double the size of the Peace Corps by its 50th anniversary in 2011. And we'll reach out to other nations to engage their young people in similar programs, so that we work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all humanity," said Barack Obama during his campaign. Returned Volunteers rally and and march to the White House to support a bold new Peace Corps for a new age. Latest: Senator Dodd introduces Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act of 2009 .

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Meet Aaron Williams - Our Next Director Senator Dodd's Senate Subcommittee held confirmation hearings for Aaron Williams to become the 18th Peace Corps Director. "It's exciting to have a nominee who served in the Peace Corps and also has experience in international development and management," said Dodd as he put Williams on the fast track to be confirmed by the full Senate before the August recess. Read our exclusive coverage of the hearings and our biography of Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams.

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