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different to the military approach since ICRC’s goals are purely humanitarian. His presentation provided a fascinating insight into how humanitarian organisa- tions view use of force.
Almaty is a striking place. Mountains well over 3000m loom above the city, which is laid out in a perfect
grid system. The hosting I received was
Excellent hosting, food and drink. Traditional grill with other course members.
exceptional; as a cavalry officer I know good hosting when I see it. The school arranged a cultural evening with a series of singing and dance acts, ranging from local tradition to well-known soft rock classics. Throughout my stay the food was exceptional, although one must be ever-alert to the risk of receiving a plate of
broiled horse – a popular local delicacy. The instructors were interested in my opinion of their country and the region. They asked me which of the ‘Stans I had been to; I was able to honestly reply that theirs was by far the nicest I had visited. The course ended in mid-November, just as news was emerging that ROTO 5 might not need a Plans Officer after all. The instructors were delighted with my input to their course, and invited me to come back as a guest instructor. Attendance on the course and competition of a UN tour, they explained, qualifies me to do so. I
didn’t have the heart to tell them.
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Mural in downtown Almaty