Good morning, Afghanistan: feeling the spirit of Kabul.

You may think I’m channeling Robin Williams, but I’m really channeling the spirit of Kabul. 

I had the good fortune – I’m not kidding – the good fortune of spending some time in Kabul working directly with a whole bunch of business folks from across the country and I’m wrapping up today.

We’ve all heard a lot of hand wringing from those in the defense logistics business about the draw-down in Afghanistan, the uncertainty because of the Afghan President’s refusal to sign the security agreement, as well as genuine concern about the continuing instability.

Well, I’m a half-full glass sort of guy, so those of you in the defense logistics business should look at the bright side:

• By and large the people of this country like us.
• Over the course of the past decade, Americans have learned their way around this place, and that knowledge is gold.
• It’s overused, but accurate: Afghanistan lies astride the old Silk Road and is a gateway to central Asia.
• The economy in Afghanistan is getting rational again, now that the aid dollars are drying up. That means that there is room for rational markets to operate.

I met a woman this week who is in the carpet business. Yes, the Afghan hand-woven carpet business has survived, and their carpets are spectacular.My new friend started her business as a child with $75, and today she sits atop a company employing 1,000 people.  

She travels the world for business but still lives in Afghanistan. Her business survived the Russians, civil war, the Taliban, and today thrives amidst the continuing unrest. She hasn’t slipped away to Dubai, hasn’t found a way to get an American visa, hasn’t run from her home.

People say that Afghanistan lacks resources. Well, there is no substitute for heart. You may not be able to see it, but you sure can mine it.

If you have military logistics skill set, look here.

There is opportunity in Afghanistan