Flights to Afghanistan for Journalists

It would not be an understatement to say that flights to Afghanistan are probably not all that popular these days. For one thing there is a war going on. And, generally speaking, wars are not the best way to attract tourists.

It must also be noted that the US as well as several other western nations have advised their citizens against travelling to Afghanistan. Although citizens are not strictly prohibited from visiting the war-torn nation, it is generally viewed as a security risk. In addition to possibly being the victim of a terrorist attack, it is has been reported that Westerners have been targeted by kidnappers for forced ransoms.

But fortunately for all of us, there exist in this world intrepid individuals whose job it is to let us know what is happening on the ground in Afghanistan. As amazing as it sounds, these plucky professionals are about the only ones taking flights to Afghanistan these days, as they somehow manage to put the story before their own safety. This is a sacrifice few of us could think of or imagine. But imbedded combat journalists do this work for a living and the costs are only eclipsed by the benefits.

What benefits? Journalists have a knack for keeping the government honest, and, more importantly, of letting concerned private citizens know exactly why their sons and daughters are dying in a foreign conflict.

If the intentions and practices of the state are fair, honest and forthright, then the government and the military have nothing to fear. In fact, their mission can often be strengthened by journalists who stand side by side with soldiers and risk their lives to inform the public of their sacrifice.

Recent Articles