Before Dutch troops arrived in 2006 as part of a reconstruction mission, I was present in the Afghan province of Uruzgan. I went out alone or with American or Afghan soldiers. I wandered long days through an enchanting environment, where the local population led a relatively peaceful, authentic existence.

 

After the arrival of Dutch troops, the lives of the local population came under pressure. Violence, mainly from the side of Dutch troops, increased day by day and culminated in the so-called battle of Chora and later in the refugee drama of Deh Rawod.

 

Not four months, like most Dutch soldiers, but two years I served in Uruzgan. From the diaries I kept, I distilled the book Unpredictable Past , which tells the story of my first ten months in Uruzgan. The book led to parliamentary questions, investigations and lawsuits.

 

 

Available at all bookstores and online or order here.