And my visits are just a simple way of saying yes, in fact, we see you, we know who you are, we value what you do, and we couldn't be here, wouldn't be here without you.

WHITEHOUSE: THE WHITE HOUSE

Six months ago a Westerner couldn't have even come here, a woman couldn't go out without a burqa, and in any case you would need the permission of officials and be accompanied by a guard and two others.

CNN: Afghan capital optimistic 6 months later

"If I'm trying to keep things secret, it's impossible to talk to these specialists without them saying, 'Oh, my God, you wouldn't believe who was here today and what he was asking, ' " Mr. Brown says.

WSJ: Dan Brown's Secret to Keeping Secrets