Part 3: Chapters 12-14 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 12.

Mortenson always had a personal respect for military personnel, but has also had objections to them, especially when it comes to the lack of concern for collateral damage left on the ground in Afghanistan from the bombings during the war against terror. For this reason, Mortenson never expected to become affiliated in any way with the military, especially after a scathing speech he made in 2002 at the Pentagon. However, Mortenson soon became aware of military support for his work through CAI, especially among those who had served in Afghanistan and seen the same desperate desire for education among its people as he had. At the same time, the military implemented a counterinsurgency policy that drew heavily from the idea that education could promote hope and healing.

In September of 2007, Mortenson received an email from LTC Chris...