AFGHANISTAN RETROSPECTIVE: This detailed, three-part study of diplomatic and security operations in Afghanistan appeared on realcleardefense. The series focuses on the Kajaki Dam but the larger issue is rebuilding and modernizing Afghanistan. Part 1: Context. Part 2: Counter-Insurgency. And Part 3: Consequence. Jeff Goodson, a retired State Dept foreign service officer, wrote the articles. I went to high school with Jeff. This past summer I spoke with him for the first time in 47 years. He mentioned he was writing about his experience in Afghanistan.