Language problems
A difference
On one of my last days in Afghanistan last October I had a meeting with a Dutch general at the ISAF-headquarters.
We spoke for two and a half hours.
The general predicted that Dutch troops would remain in Afghanistan till 2010, which means in reality that the last Dutch soldier is going to leave Afghanistan in 2012.
His predictions were quite accurate. On Friday the Dutch government made known that exactly this has been decided.
The Dutch minister of foreign affairs stated that the presence of Dutch troops in Afghanistan is making a difference.
He didn’t elaborate on what kind of difference exactly these troops are making.
It’s doubtful if NATO has a realistic plan for Afghanistan.
Turkish troops are responsible for the security around Kabul International Airport. But the Turkish general in Afghanistan is not able to speak English.
Some high-ranking Italian officers found a solution for language problems. During meetings they remain silent.
An Italian general is known for polishing his cuff links during these meetings.
I assume the minister thought that the soldiers in place are confused by an overdose of reality; so were you Arnon. Too much reality can disturb convictions and who wants to be disturbed?
Ivo and Wulfy
I agree; there is much to admire about the Italian approach.Cufflinks
One wonders if the general is just passing time or pondering the greater subjects of life.My advice to the general is: never polish your cuff links during a meeting.
Everybody present, will understand that they are made of an inferior metal.
(Not fit for dressing up a general, especially an Italian one)
Ybe
I have little experience with cuff links, but it's a valid question. Do we need to polish our cuff links? And if so, how often?Cuff links
We need to live in sunny countries where we only wear shirts with short sleeves, never a cuff link polish problem and if so, the sun will let them blink.Having read already a few books by John Gray, I can still recommend him, although after a while he is repeating himself, which is not a problem.
Next to the stubbornness of so called idealistic politicians, he is a relief. ‘Straight ahead’ (Recht door zee) is a dangerous pep talk but sadly highly estimated nowadays. Straight ahead with no worries for cliffs nor sandbanks until we smash against the rocks.
That is why I found the minister’s talk disappointing and unrealistic.
Cuff Links
Arnon,I think there is no need to polish cuff links. I have a pair of cuff links who were designed by my dad and made by his friend and jeweler-goldsmith Sam Jas.
Every now and then I open the box and look at them, really admire them.
Each represents the head of a jester with the well known cap with bells (think of Hofnar cigars)
Their splendor awaits me every time...
But I´m drifting away.
I do think that silver cuff links should be polished regularly! Which makes for a fine ritual during dull meetings.
Ybe
