The Afghan Queen: A True Story of an American Woman in Afghanistan by Paul Meinhardt Page B

put in the screws at the end of each axle before securing the hubcaps. “We also need petrol, motor and fluids check, especially the breaks,” requested Mike.
    Al had his mechanic do this and took us to lunch at a nearby café. Mike asked about his wife and son before visiting them. The boy was ten, and Mike thought about taking him to America with him. He expressed these thoughts to Al. Al said that would not work as the clan would not allow the boy or his mother to leave.
    “If the Mujahedeen force the Kalq out of the country, my son would be safer with me in America,” declared Mike.
    Al replied that the boy and his mother would be safer in Kandahar as her tribe, while powerful, was not political. In any case, her people would not allow the removal of the boy.
    “Thanks to you Mike, the boy is getting a good education at the British school here. And will probably get a scholarship to the University in Islamabad,” Al said all this to Mike in a kind and affectionate way.
    Mike said that his new wife could not have children and would love to care for his son. After a long discussion, Al finally convinced Mike that his plans would not work. The boy would remain with his mother’s clan.
    We were at the café at least an hour before Kit walked in with her aide. Why wasn’t I surprised to see her? She said that they had arranged for six clinics between Kabul and Kandahar. They were negotiating for another six, to be spaced about 25 miles apart. “When this is done, we will set up clinics between Kabul and Jalalabad, Herät, as well as Mazar-e-Sherif at the northern border,” Kit added.
    “How is the trek working out for you two?” Kit asked. I said, “Mike and I are coordinating our objectives quite well, and I have found enough tribal art for this trip. Mike does his road surveys, and I bargain with the local merchants. Everyone wants to sell me something. If I get the feeling that a merchant is holding out on me, I give him a pair of blue jeans as baksheesh and the flood gates open.”
    Mike added, “On this trip I’m mainly surveying rock slide and earthquake zones, tracking these, and contacting local Kalq people to maintain those danger zones. Road work will create many jobs, and these will be Kalq Party jobs. Our aim is to pave all roads from main highways to towns of 1,000 or more.
    “By providing thousands of road-work jobs, we help to build local income and Kalq infrastructure. We pay special bonuses for information concerning natural tar deposits—so the incentives are abundant. It’s vital to show how Kalq cares for all Afghans.”
    Kit remarked, “That’s an excellent strategy. We are working similarly on establishing public health clinics, renting existing buildings when possible, and contracting with local builders to construct and refurbish clinics.
    “Our aim is a clinic of some sort in every town. Local healers are being hired to staff the clinics. We are paying local families for the use of their homes, when no other facilities are available.
    “Local teachers and leaders are paid to set up technical and paramedic schools in conjunction with clinics. Each clinic will add storage space for food and household necessities to families in need. We consider that part of public health.
    “Where clean water is a problem, we will have local water tanker trucks provide water to those in need until adequate wells are built. Similarly, we plan to have local transportation provided on a scheduled basis. Buses and cars will be used as available. Even trucks can be used if needed.”
    These plans were designed to provide for basic family needs while building a broad base of Kalq Party support.
    AUTHOR COMMENTARY:
    Lela was impressed with these plans. She wrote to Paul, “The plans for the Afghans are not at all Utopian. They seem practical and efficient. The problem is domination by outsiders such as Pakistan, Iran, Soviet Union, China, India and the U.S.”
    In her aerograms Lela repeatedly commented