Indy author gives insight into Afghanistan

President Obama has a challenge for the president of Afghanistan. He said now that Hamid Karzai has won a second term, he should do more to end corruption in the Afghan government.

The Afghan turmoil is a personal matter to a former Indianapolis nurse turned best-selling author and Nobel Prize nominee.

Greg Mortenson insists there's actually a lot of good news happening in Afghanistan. He speaks from experience. He spends much of his life there now and he's a hero for helping Afghans and Pakistanis build schools.

His work became famous among Americans who made a best-seller of his book “ Three Cups of Tea ."

Mortenson said the book has become required reading for senior military leaders. He said the military has gone through a huge learning curve in Afghanistan.

"The military, I think, is ahead of the State Department and our political leaders because they've been on the ground, listening to people," he said.

Mortenson said as President Obama decides whether to send more troops to Afghanistan, he should consider the feelings of the Afghan people.

"Most of the people, they respect and they appreciate that we're there. I think they would say, 'What we need more is brain power rather than fire power.' They also say, 'We can protect ourselves, if you help us train more troops.'"

Mortenson was said to be among the nominees for the latest Nobel Peace Prize.

He said his son was "very excited" when he found out his dad didn't get it. Mortenson said his son thought not winning would mean they'd have more time at home, together.

So, if that's any reason not to get it, Mortenson said he's "all for it."