Afghan Barn Raising

The civilian population of Afghanistan just can't seem to catch a break. First the Russians, then the Taliban, then stale packets of baked beans falling from the sky, now yesterday's earthquake. One wonders, though, if the earthquake might not have the effect of bringing the country together. Any civic effort, even one as unfortunate as burying a thousand people and rebuilding their homes, is the kind of joint action that binds a community together. Might members of traditionally hostile tribes have to turn to one another for succor, surprised at the generosity of new friends?