NEW WAR, SAME FEARS

Nine years later, Afghan city is buzzing

TALOQAN, AFGHANISTAN- Nine years ago, when I was using this provincial Afghan capital as a base to cover the battle of Kunduz, Taloqan was a dangerous place with medieval charm. Donkey carts and horse-drawn carriages plied muddy ruts that passed as roads. The only motorized transport belonged to Western NGOs. Commerce consisted of a few sad huts - primitive convenience stores - and an outdoor bazaar where 90 percent of economic activity came from sales of opium paste.

In 2001 I wrote that good roads would change everything. They have.

It's impressive. Based on my 2001 experience, I had budgeted three to four days to travel …