A longtime member and friend of the World Affairs Council of Western
 Massachusetts, Ken Furst participated in a mission to Afghanistan
 hosted by Ambassador Ryan Crocker from March 23-31 and will speak on his
 observations.  Ambassador Crocker arranged for this mission because he wanted a
 group of independent citizens to meet with Afghan people and officials to get first-
 hand their views of the current situation in Afghanistan. The Ambassador believes
 that the World Affairs Councils are the premier organization in the U.S. for
 informing Americans on foreign affairs at the community level. This once in a
 lifetime opportunity included high level meetings with people representing a broad
 variety of constituents and activities, including General John Allen, Commander of
 the International Security Assistance Force, and an unprecedented audience with
 Afghan President Hamid Karzai.  Ken is past president of the World Affairs Council
 of Western Massachusetts Board of Directors and also serves on the board of 
 the WFCR Foundation.