Video: Aid workers killed in Afghanistan

Larger screen

SEATTLE - Visions of hope compel emergency workers from Seattle and around the world to brave threats to help improve lives in Afghanistan.

Even as one of the worst Taliban attacks of its kind in recent years is capturing headlines this week, these aid workers remain dedicated to helping.

The Taliban claims responsibility for a bullet-riddled ambush on a road outside of Kabul that killed three humanitarians and their Afghan driver. A Taliban spokesman accused those murdered aid workers of being spies who were working against the interests of Afghanistan.

Among the victims in the attack Alison Lindner's friend Dr. Jackie Kirk. They'd previously lived and worked together in Pakistan.

"Such an intelligent woman, had so much to offer, could have gone on to a long career all over the world," said Lindner, of World Concern, which is based in the Seattle area. "She chose this extremely high-risk area to work in."

The three women killed worked for New York based International Rescue Committee, which has suspended its Afghanistan operations. 

Seattle's Julie Bolz knows the danger these workers confront.

"If I were to look at the dangers out there and the Taliban's activities every day, I wouldn't be able to leave the home," she said.

Bolz works with an organization that's helped build and re-supply about 30 schools for more than 20,000 students. She believes the only way to get past tragedies like this is to focus on raising up a brave new generation.

KING

Seattle's Julie Bolz works with the American Friendship Foundation.

"Afghanistan has become a great example of education works, it is a building block to eliminating poverty, oppression," she said.

So despite tragedy, Bolz prepares for her 11th trip to Afghanistan, refusing to let terrorists strike fear into her heart.