Interesting Afternoon

Picture: Afghanistan's Minister of Interior, Mohammadi

It's getting on to the end of the day when the Director walks into my Ministry office saying, "Mrs. Gail we go to the Minister's office" and just as abruptly walks out. Grabbing jacket, scarf and trying to at least push my hair in place I chase him outside the building and we rush to the Minister's officer.

There was quite the crowd in the Minister's office (equivalent to a US cabinet Secretary) to include 3 of our power Generals, not General Petreaus but his deputy. The Minister was quite entertained by the fact the Director walked in with his mentor (a girl) and immediately engaged directly with me. The Minister's background is Army and it's obvious he and the Director have discussed this issue on many occasion. So, he asked me if my Director criticizes him for his Army background (this questioning went on for a few minutes). I'm looking around at the power Generals and they are not smiling, obviously wanting to move on in the discussion... a discussion I can not share with you but let's just say contentious. I stayed focused on the Minister when he asked me "so, am I right?". No time to think and I feel the glaring looks so respond, "Minister, all I remember the Director telling me is how smart and handsome you are". Pregnant pause, followed by gut wrenching laughter by the Minister and Director, not so much from the Generals.

Fortunately, the Minister refocused back to the issues of the meeting and away from me. I was most happy with the Director's answers to the many questions posed. Unfortunately, it generated much work for all afterward. I continue to work hard.