Hi Dave
Yes, the security situation changes, though not everywhere in my opinion. Kunduz at present seems to be changing. Of course, there are minor incidents, but Mazar and much of the north seems to be pretty stable (until Dostum crosses the Salang perhaps), and the south is of course reliably dangerous. But the Torkham - Kabul highway, and Kabul itself are definitely changeable.
I have to disagree about the price of visas--tourist visas at least--I paid $30 in Islamabad, $45 in Tashkent, and $20 in Mazar, making them about the cheapest visas on my 3 year trip.
Also, visas for Turkmenistan are easy here, the staff in all three consulates (Kabul / Mazar / Herat) are really friendly and helpful, which is hardly the same in other embassies. This means you can cross Afghanistan safely.
Daniel
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