| The American flag that was taken down when the U.S. Embassy was abandoned nearly 13 years ago rose again, inaugurating what envoy James F. Dobbins promised would be a long commitment to rebuilding Afghanistan. "Today's ceremony symbolizes the return, after more than a decade of absence, of the United States to Afghanistan," said Dobbins, the special U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, as he presided over the rain-soaked ceremony in the embassy's dilapidated front courtyard. "We are here, and we are here to stay." To the strains of the national anthem piped over a sound system, a four-man Marine honor guard bore the flag forward and then carefully raised it. For now, the embassy building will be used as a liaison office, housing a small group of American diplomats. A charge d'affaires will be appointed in coming weeks, and then an ambassador in coming months. Diplomats assigned there will be eligible for hazardous duty pay for years to come -- but we win in Afghanistan! |