| Chapter Ten of Pax Americana: The Military Industrial Complex and the War On Terror by Danny Quintana |
| The Cripples from Kabul |
When I told my family and friends I was going to Afghanistan to help deliver wheelchairs, they were certain I had finally gone over the deep
end. But, if we don’t add excitement to our lives, we stagnate. Having traveled to Costa Rica and Mexico with the Mobility Project, I knew the
trip would be reasonably safe. The Mobility Project is a non-profit group of humanitarian volunteers who travel to various poor countries and
fit people in wheelchairs. This organization has given away thousands of wheelchairs in 12 countries. The Mobility Project is the only
organization directly delivering wheelchairs to the poorest of the world’s poor despite the corrupt governments they deal with, certainly not
because of them. They fit poor people in wheelchairs all over the world, provided the security situation on the ground is acceptable. If the
organization determines it is safe, then we deliver wheelchairs and hold sports camps.
In Afghanistan, thanks to the United States military and our allies, the city was secure enough to safely deliver approximately 1,000
wheelchairs to the poorest of Afghanistan’s poor. There are many countries that want wheelchairs, but the Mobility Project will not allow
distributions until the ground situation becomes more secure. We flew into Kabul from Daubi, on Ariana Airlines. (The locals call it “Scariana
Airlines”.) The previous flight from Paris was uneventful and long.
end. But, if we don’t add excitement to our lives, we stagnate. Having traveled to Costa Rica and Mexico with the Mobility Project, I knew the
trip would be reasonably safe. The Mobility Project is a non-profit group of humanitarian volunteers who travel to various poor countries and
fit people in wheelchairs. This organization has given away thousands of wheelchairs in 12 countries. The Mobility Project is the only
organization directly delivering wheelchairs to the poorest of the world’s poor despite the corrupt governments they deal with, certainly not
because of them. They fit poor people in wheelchairs all over the world, provided the security situation on the ground is acceptable. If the
organization determines it is safe, then we deliver wheelchairs and hold sports camps.
In Afghanistan, thanks to the United States military and our allies, the city was secure enough to safely deliver approximately 1,000
wheelchairs to the poorest of Afghanistan’s poor. There are many countries that want wheelchairs, but the Mobility Project will not allow
distributions until the ground situation becomes more secure. We flew into Kabul from Daubi, on Ariana Airlines. (The locals call it “Scariana
Airlines”.) The previous flight from Paris was uneventful and long.
The Taliban had killing quotas. Women were considered just barely above property under their despotic rule. If a woman was in public alone,
that was grounds for a severe beating or worse, a public execution. Women were not allowed to work, or have any type of education. The
public was not allowed any type of entertainment activity. Television, movies, videos, soccer and kite flying were forbidden. Music was
outlawed. The only approved public activity was prayer.
One public event used by the Taliban to keep their brutal control over the people was the use of the soccer stadium to execute people.
Approximately once a week, the stadium would be filled and various individuals who had protested the Taliban rule, or just simply did not meet
with the approval of the extremist Saudi taught religious government was punished. There they were hanged from the goal posts. Others were
shot in the center of the soccer field. Some were just maimed as their arms or legs were amputated. Meanwhile the crowds watched some, in
horror, some cheering, others especially those who were related to the victims, crying. The executions and public amputations left a lasting
mark on the people of Kabul.
that was grounds for a severe beating or worse, a public execution. Women were not allowed to work, or have any type of education. The
public was not allowed any type of entertainment activity. Television, movies, videos, soccer and kite flying were forbidden. Music was
outlawed. The only approved public activity was prayer.
One public event used by the Taliban to keep their brutal control over the people was the use of the soccer stadium to execute people.
Approximately once a week, the stadium would be filled and various individuals who had protested the Taliban rule, or just simply did not meet
with the approval of the extremist Saudi taught religious government was punished. There they were hanged from the goal posts. Others were
shot in the center of the soccer field. Some were just maimed as their arms or legs were amputated. Meanwhile the crowds watched some, in
horror, some cheering, others especially those who were related to the victims, crying. The executions and public amputations left a lasting
mark on the people of Kabul.
I was one of three coaches who had the honor to teach some disabled athletes about wheelchair sports. In a country where 17% of the
population is disabled, there are plenty of potential disabled athletes. The estimates vary on the number of wheelchairs needed. Some are as
high as 2.5 million others as low as 500,000.
population is disabled, there are plenty of potential disabled athletes. The estimates vary on the number of wheelchairs needed. Some are as
high as 2.5 million others as low as 500,000.
They used 727’s to fly in to Kabul twice daily. The airport has one
runway. On one side there is a plane that was shot down in one of
the numerous fire fights that have plagued this war torn city over the
last 25 years. On the other side of the runway are military vehicles
that were blown up and are still there as a reminder that war is not a
distant memory. The main terminal is peppered with bullet holes and
large murals of President Karzi and their national hero, General
Ahmed Shah Masood, the charismatic leader of the Northern
Alliance who was assassinated by Al Queda on September 9, 2001
Once on the ground, ISAF forces keep a visible presence. French,
Italian, Spanish, German, Canadian, and Belgium troops patrol the
streets in heavily armored vehicles armed with 50 caliber machine
guns. The locals hardly pay attention to the troops as they ride their
bicycles, cabs, horse draw carts or walk on foot.
runway. On one side there is a plane that was shot down in one of
the numerous fire fights that have plagued this war torn city over the
last 25 years. On the other side of the runway are military vehicles
that were blown up and are still there as a reminder that war is not a
distant memory. The main terminal is peppered with bullet holes and
large murals of President Karzi and their national hero, General
Ahmed Shah Masood, the charismatic leader of the Northern
Alliance who was assassinated by Al Queda on September 9, 2001
Once on the ground, ISAF forces keep a visible presence. French,
Italian, Spanish, German, Canadian, and Belgium troops patrol the
streets in heavily armored vehicles armed with 50 caliber machine
guns. The locals hardly pay attention to the troops as they ride their
bicycles, cabs, horse draw carts or walk on foot.
The amputees are everywhere. With ten million landmines and at least 60 people per month losing limbs, the Bush administration still refuses
to sign the Landmines Treaty. Some amputees crawl on the streets begging and others drive simple hand made carts to get them around.
The single leg amputees just walk with their crutches and try to get on with their meager lives. Since antibiotics are almost non-existent, the
paraplegics will die with the first bladder infection or pressure sore. The city’s only hospital lacks medicines, enough doctors or even
functioning elevators.
After our wheelchair distribution at what pretends to be their hospital, the Mobility Project held a three- day sports camp at the soccer
stadium. We had approximately 24 amputees and paraplegics. We even had female athletes or at least participants. We brought donated
sports chairs from America. Then we contributed these chairs to the Afghanistan Para-olympics Sports Program.Since there are no tennis
courts in all of Afghanistan, we made a make shift tennis court using a volleyball net. The basketball courts were functional. So we put the
Afghan athletes in sports wheelchairs and I got to do what I love, play tennis. The Afghans are extremely competitive. Once their country
recovers, their wheelchair athletes will be as fierce in sports competition as they are as warriors. We had a blast. The athletes and coaches
and volunteers laughed, played and competed. At the end of the sports camp, we gave them the wheelchairs, they gave us flowers and we
both went back to our homes with the impression that peace can work.
The country will probably recover. The Afghan people, despite their internal differences, are creative, hard working and determined to revive
their nation. Construction is going on everywhere. In most places, the construction is taking place with 6th century means. The Afghan people
are taking mud and straw and making bricks. The city is very crowded with the thousands of refugees who are returning to try to reclaim
homes that were once theirs and shops that once flourished.
to sign the Landmines Treaty. Some amputees crawl on the streets begging and others drive simple hand made carts to get them around.
The single leg amputees just walk with their crutches and try to get on with their meager lives. Since antibiotics are almost non-existent, the
paraplegics will die with the first bladder infection or pressure sore. The city’s only hospital lacks medicines, enough doctors or even
functioning elevators.
After our wheelchair distribution at what pretends to be their hospital, the Mobility Project held a three- day sports camp at the soccer
stadium. We had approximately 24 amputees and paraplegics. We even had female athletes or at least participants. We brought donated
sports chairs from America. Then we contributed these chairs to the Afghanistan Para-olympics Sports Program.Since there are no tennis
courts in all of Afghanistan, we made a make shift tennis court using a volleyball net. The basketball courts were functional. So we put the
Afghan athletes in sports wheelchairs and I got to do what I love, play tennis. The Afghans are extremely competitive. Once their country
recovers, their wheelchair athletes will be as fierce in sports competition as they are as warriors. We had a blast. The athletes and coaches
and volunteers laughed, played and competed. At the end of the sports camp, we gave them the wheelchairs, they gave us flowers and we
both went back to our homes with the impression that peace can work.
The country will probably recover. The Afghan people, despite their internal differences, are creative, hard working and determined to revive
their nation. Construction is going on everywhere. In most places, the construction is taking place with 6th century means. The Afghan people
are taking mud and straw and making bricks. The city is very crowded with the thousands of refugees who are returning to try to reclaim
homes that were once theirs and shops that once flourished.
Our nation’s obsession with sex permeates almost every aspect of advertising and media. Although the figures are not reliable, a large perc.
On my second to last day, some terrorists kidnapped three UN workers within blocks of where we were staying. We could see the helicopters
combing the skies in search of the bad guys but to no avail. The city is one of contradictions. Next to beggars are 10,000 and 15,000 square
foot homes equaling anything in Naples, Florida or Irvine, California in beauty. These homes are alleged to belong to government ministers.
Surprisingly they can manage their $60.00 per month pay, yet afford such luxury.
On the last day we had dinner with the American troops at the military base. Our troops are tough, alert and very professional. Colonel
Ramirez and Major Neuman were gracious hosts. They fed us steak and lobster and told us some interesting war stories. The freedom
enjoyed by the disabled athletes and people in Kabul would not be possible without our presence. The overthrow of the Taliban and their Al
Queda allies is not only in the best interest of Afghanistan, but Americans who love freedom and liberty. As we enter this holiday
season, we need to be thankful for living in a society that has so much and remember those who only have their freedom and dignity.
This trip to Afghanistan was one of my more interesting adventures. It made me appreciate the numerous blessings we take for granted here
at home, like a hot shower, telephones, the internet and rule of law. In this new century, in a world full of war, hatred, and the millions of
disabled, it was true poetic justice to help do something good in an soccer stadium where the Taliban had committed so much evil. This winter
while I am skiing and playing wheelchair basketball, I will wonder what my fellow athletes in Afghanistan are doing. How they are surviving with
little work and no money. How they are getting around without accessible sidewalks, ramps into stores, disabled parking and accessible
bathrooms. Next summer, while I am river rafting, water skiing and of course, playing tennis, I will wonder what the disabled athletes in
Afghanistan will be doing. Hopefully they will be in good health. And hopefully one day they will be able to participate in international
competition. All of this will be possible if they will continue to have peace. For with peace, come the benefits of liberty and freedom. To
contribute to the Mobility Project, go to their web site at mobilityproject.org.
On my second to last day, some terrorists kidnapped three UN workers within blocks of where we were staying. We could see the helicopters
combing the skies in search of the bad guys but to no avail. The city is one of contradictions. Next to beggars are 10,000 and 15,000 square
foot homes equaling anything in Naples, Florida or Irvine, California in beauty. These homes are alleged to belong to government ministers.
Surprisingly they can manage their $60.00 per month pay, yet afford such luxury.
On the last day we had dinner with the American troops at the military base. Our troops are tough, alert and very professional. Colonel
Ramirez and Major Neuman were gracious hosts. They fed us steak and lobster and told us some interesting war stories. The freedom
enjoyed by the disabled athletes and people in Kabul would not be possible without our presence. The overthrow of the Taliban and their Al
Queda allies is not only in the best interest of Afghanistan, but Americans who love freedom and liberty. As we enter this holiday
season, we need to be thankful for living in a society that has so much and remember those who only have their freedom and dignity.
This trip to Afghanistan was one of my more interesting adventures. It made me appreciate the numerous blessings we take for granted here
at home, like a hot shower, telephones, the internet and rule of law. In this new century, in a world full of war, hatred, and the millions of
disabled, it was true poetic justice to help do something good in an soccer stadium where the Taliban had committed so much evil. This winter
while I am skiing and playing wheelchair basketball, I will wonder what my fellow athletes in Afghanistan are doing. How they are surviving with
little work and no money. How they are getting around without accessible sidewalks, ramps into stores, disabled parking and accessible
bathrooms. Next summer, while I am river rafting, water skiing and of course, playing tennis, I will wonder what the disabled athletes in
Afghanistan will be doing. Hopefully they will be in good health. And hopefully one day they will be able to participate in international
competition. All of this will be possible if they will continue to have peace. For with peace, come the benefits of liberty and freedom. To
contribute to the Mobility Project, go to their web site at mobilityproject.org.
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Shops have sprung up like mushrooms after a rain among the destroyed and
bombed out buildings. Literally every building that could have been bombed,
was. A trip to Kabul is like a visit to Berlin after 1945 and the Allied victory.
To understand the level of destruction and suffering of the people, imagine
that what happened to the 26 million Afghans occurred on the same scale in
America. We would have approximately 16.5 million war dead; 30 million
wounded; 30 million refugees; ten million war widows raising their children
alone with limited access to work. There would not be running water unless
you lived in a rich neighborhood and had your own well and septic tank.
Electricity would be available from 6:00 in the evening until just past midnight.
Every building would have bullet holes or only the walls still standing. And
there would still be 100 million land mines planted in farm fields, paths and
playgrounds of America. Like Poland, after they were liberated from the Nazis,
the Afghanistan people are ecstatic to be finally rid of the Taliban. The
Western media did not fully capture the horror and brutality of this extremist
religious group that briefly terrorized this wonderful country.
bombed out buildings. Literally every building that could have been bombed,
was. A trip to Kabul is like a visit to Berlin after 1945 and the Allied victory.
To understand the level of destruction and suffering of the people, imagine
that what happened to the 26 million Afghans occurred on the same scale in
America. We would have approximately 16.5 million war dead; 30 million
wounded; 30 million refugees; ten million war widows raising their children
alone with limited access to work. There would not be running water unless
you lived in a rich neighborhood and had your own well and septic tank.
Electricity would be available from 6:00 in the evening until just past midnight.
Every building would have bullet holes or only the walls still standing. And
there would still be 100 million land mines planted in farm fields, paths and
playgrounds of America. Like Poland, after they were liberated from the Nazis,
the Afghanistan people are ecstatic to be finally rid of the Taliban. The
Western media did not fully capture the horror and brutality of this extremist
religious group that briefly terrorized this wonderful country.
