The Pool Boys of Jalalabad

There are many swimming pools in Jalalabad. Drug lords and Taliban technocrats have pools in their backyards. Summers in Jalalabad are hot. Pool cleaning is a lucrative business – if it were only cleaning pools!

The pool boys of Jalalabad work for the rival intelligence services – ISI, CIA, Afghani, etc. All of the parties involved know that the pool boys work for rival intelligence services. Indeed, they are all at least double agents and promiscuous. The promiscuity is tolerated because of enthusiastic participation (evidence) and none of the parties wanting to disturb the complicated alliances. Maybe their pool boy will come through.

On their off hours the pool boys hang out at the Khyber Pass Internet Café. They all know each other and socialize in a version of the Great Game.

How do I know this? I’ve learned (let’s say indirectly) about the pool boys from a Pakistani Leaf Blower salesman.