For me the experience over the past 13 years has produced a more tolerant person who no longer stresses over insignificant things (NATO operational matters excepted!).

This morning in the office we discussed yesterdays tragic, terrible and disgusting attack on the Afghan military hospital by a suicide bomber.

What did the Taliban think they could achieve through this sort of action etc.

We "chewed" the usual fat coming out with nothing really sensible.

Then I was asked about the future of Afghanistan and what my views were.

I can't recap word for word my thoughts that I articulated but I did say that this situation that exists can't continue.

Now back in my room i am reflecting on my time here. I feel that ISAF is so deep in bed with the corrupt government of Afghanistan that's it's virtually useless. Sad to have to say that considering how many young men and women have died (for what?).

That Afghans don't seem to see that once the insurgency is over, that the "turf war" between ethnic groups and tribes will start, in other words Civil War.

Only an Islamic dictator can sort this out once and for all.

But while there's westerners preaching democracy and 21st century behaviour to a 13th century conservative Afghan culture, there's no end in sight to the misery everyday Afghans experience.

When I arrive back "home" I will have to decide about "sanitising" my life of Afghanistan or not.

I hope the emotions won't make that a hard decision.