I’d like to draw your attention to the latest blog by our Head of Mission in Helmand, Michael O’Neill. The post covers his recent trip to Sangin, and highlights the impressive progress that has been made there over the last year and a half. As Michael notes, when he first visited Sangin in late 2010, security constraints meant that he had to fly in after dark.
Today, by contrast, Sangin is a symbol of progress. For instance, it is on course to see the largest turnout in a local election in Helmand: all tribute to the courage and sacrifice of British, US and Afghan security forces, and to the leadership of local politicians. The blog is therefore a useful reminder of how far Helmand has come, and I therefore encourage you to read it.