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Sebastian Junger
Wednesday
December 26, 2001
He's the ruggedly handsome best-selling author who braved the frontlines in Afghanistan for ABC news. He says, "I did feel in danger a few times on the frontline when we were caught in some shooting."
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Sebastian Junger, author of "The Perfect Storm" and his latest book "Fire," just spent two months reporting from behind enemy lines. "Extra" was with him in October as he prepared to leave for his risky assignment. He said, "After September 11th, I thought, my God, this country I sort of adopted journalistically is crucially important to my own country."
It was Junger's second tour of duty. He was there just a year earlier during Afghanistan’s civil war, on assignment for National Geographic. While there he dodged bombs and bullets.
Junger believes Northern Alliance soldiers, under the leadership of the late resistance leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, may have saved his life.
Now Junger's back from America's war with Afghanistan, profoundly affected by the fall of Kabul, as he witnessed Afghan families rejoicing in the streets after 23 years of fighting. He says, "When we walked into town they were playing their stereos for the first time in five years. Children were flying kites everywhere. People were dancing. For the first time there's an optimism. But when I was there last year, no one was optimistic.
Junger has a special place in his heart for the war torn country. He says, "The people are incredibly sweet and generous. Incredibly hospitable. Once it's all over, I want to go back as a visitor and see this beautiful place".
For now, Sebastian is back at his computer writing yet another book. He promises it won't be about war.
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