An Unlikely Afghanistan Adviser (Three Cups of Tea author Greg Mortenson)

Independent Women's Forum ^ | 18 July 2010 | Charlotte Hays

[Lorianne]

One of the most intriguing Sunday stories was this one in the New York Times-a profile of Greg Mortenson, whose book, "Three Cups of Tea," has made him an unlikely player in U.S. efforts in Afghanistan. Mortenson's project: educating Afghan women.

Mortenson has become a key advisor to the U.S. military in Afghanistan, including General Stanley McChrystal, who was emailing Morgenson as he prepared for his final meeting with President Obama.

The story reports:

In the past year, Mr. Mortenson and his Central Asia Institute, responsible for the construction of more than 130 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan, mostly for girls, have set up some three dozen meetings between General McChrystal or his senior staff members and village elders across Afghanistan.

The collaboration, which grew in part out of the popularity of "Three Cups of Tea" among military wives who told their husbands to read it, extends to the office of Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Last summer, Admiral Mullen attended the opening of one of Mr. Mortenson's schools in Pushghar, a remote village in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountains.

This is the first I'd heard of Mortenson--I'd like to know more. There is vast potential in making sure the other half of Afghanistan's population has a shot at opportunity.

[Lorianne]

Lots of embedded links at sorce article.

If you haven't read Three Cups of Tea by Mr. Mortenson, it's an amazing story. I highly recommend it. It sheds a lot of light into goings-on in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

[Lorianne]

Unlikely Tutor Giving Military Afghan Advice
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/world/asia/18tea.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=three%20cups%20tea&st=cse