[West Ender]

For what it's worth, I don't think bearded airmen will make any difference to the respect of the Afghans, in fact I don't think they'll take much notice. If they come over here and shave off their beards do we really notice it? We're used to the majority of men being clean shaven so it isn't an issue. If they keep their beards we, well those of us who aren't paranoid, don't think anything of it either.

It's not facial hair, or the lack of it, that commands respect, it's the way people behave.