Arriving at the height of the surge, Mr. Obama was supposed to visit American troops at the Bagram base, an hour's drive north of Kabul, and then to discuss the war over dinner with Mr. Karzai in the presidential palace.

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Ms. Abernathy noted that aside from the unexpected height of the storm surge, Christie's was well prepared for Sandy, with generators on the roof that kept the security systems and climate controls up and running through the storm.

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Multiple studies have been completed over the decades that have revealed the impact coastal wetlands have on diminishing the height and force of an extreme storm surge, such as the one seen with Katrina, as well as revealed other environmental benefits, such as the preservation of unique land and aquatic wildlife.

CNN: Your e-mails: Balancing nature, commerce