I have moved to a new site, i have transferred all previous posts there as well. U'll like it better there :D
http://kabulaus.wordpress.com/
See you there ;)
Wednesday 26 December 2007
Hamaam- Public Bathrooms
Merry Xmas everyone!
Wanna know how i celebrated mine? two words- Stuffy and heated.
Yesterday, i made the ultimate grave mistake of going to the 'hamaam'. Forgetting the one time it struck me ill, i decided to go again with mum and my little sisters.
Basically, it's a big tiled bathroom with benches along the walls, two huge taps- one cold water, the other hot water. You enter, there are women collecting an entry fee of 20 Afs (~50c AU). To your left, there's a passage where a lady sits and watches over your clothes and items as you go in to bathe (nope, no key-lockers).
I entered the actual bathroom, stuffy and sometimes crowded. A gush of humid air hit my face as i tried making my way through the naked women who were fiercely scrubbing themselves. Some were modest, wearing an underwear *sarcasm*. Most were perfomring the ultimate hamaam ritual of keesa . Using a rough loofa, they scrub til the dead skin cells are rolled off and gone. An extreme form of exfoliation.
Basically, Kabul is very dusty. In order to maintain hygiene, you MUST go to the hamaam and do the whole keesa thing otherwise, you'd be walking around looking like you just cleaned a chimney- Oliver Twist!
I would agree that it does cleanse but on that note, it also leaves you with unpleasant rashes if your not used to it. So be gentle the first time!
We spent over 2 hours in there, i felt like i still wasn't clean as the place wasn't hygienic and so gave up and took another shower when returning home.
Upon returning home, everyone had things to do and so left the house. it was my two little sisters and the maid. Lunch time arrived. I offered my sisters by ordering AFC (equivalent to KFC). Eventually, we agreed to go and buy junk food, then go to Cedars (a Lebanese/ Italian restaurant). Boy, were they happy!
And so we did, my lovely fiance- H joined us at Cedars, but as he already had lunch, he joined us for coffee. We chatted for a little while before leaving for Shar e Naw where he bought a cake and some pastries (afg tradition for fiance's to bring their fiancee's sweets or fresh/ dried fruits when visiting her).
This morning on my way to work, Kabul weather was surprisingly clear! The mountains made a sharp contrast against the sky, other days it would blend in the smog and the clouds. Too bad my camera charger has been stolen, i wasn't able to photograph it.
Further, tomorrow night mum is cooking Kala Palaw (sheeps head cooked in rice) and i can't believe H likes that.
The thought of it makes me feel sick.
Two things i'm presently contemplating;
1- Where to go early March for a holiday. Europe is too cold, Turkey/ Greece is also too cold, The States is also freezing. Australia has excellent weather at that time. We have to book tickets soon.
2- Moving my blog to wordpress. why? because it has better features!
It's cold, my hands are freezing. Must do some work!
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar
Wanna know how i celebrated mine? two words- Stuffy and heated.
Yesterday, i made the ultimate grave mistake of going to the 'hamaam'. Forgetting the one time it struck me ill, i decided to go again with mum and my little sisters.
Basically, it's a big tiled bathroom with benches along the walls, two huge taps- one cold water, the other hot water. You enter, there are women collecting an entry fee of 20 Afs (~50c AU). To your left, there's a passage where a lady sits and watches over your clothes and items as you go in to bathe (nope, no key-lockers).
I entered the actual bathroom, stuffy and sometimes crowded. A gush of humid air hit my face as i tried making my way through the naked women who were fiercely scrubbing themselves. Some were modest, wearing an underwear *sarcasm*. Most were perfomring the ultimate hamaam ritual of keesa . Using a rough loofa, they scrub til the dead skin cells are rolled off and gone. An extreme form of exfoliation.
Basically, Kabul is very dusty. In order to maintain hygiene, you MUST go to the hamaam and do the whole keesa thing otherwise, you'd be walking around looking like you just cleaned a chimney- Oliver Twist!
I would agree that it does cleanse but on that note, it also leaves you with unpleasant rashes if your not used to it. So be gentle the first time!
We spent over 2 hours in there, i felt like i still wasn't clean as the place wasn't hygienic and so gave up and took another shower when returning home.
Upon returning home, everyone had things to do and so left the house. it was my two little sisters and the maid. Lunch time arrived. I offered my sisters by ordering AFC (equivalent to KFC). Eventually, we agreed to go and buy junk food, then go to Cedars (a Lebanese/ Italian restaurant). Boy, were they happy!
And so we did, my lovely fiance- H joined us at Cedars, but as he already had lunch, he joined us for coffee. We chatted for a little while before leaving for Shar e Naw where he bought a cake and some pastries (afg tradition for fiance's to bring their fiancee's sweets or fresh/ dried fruits when visiting her).
This morning on my way to work, Kabul weather was surprisingly clear! The mountains made a sharp contrast against the sky, other days it would blend in the smog and the clouds. Too bad my camera charger has been stolen, i wasn't able to photograph it.
Further, tomorrow night mum is cooking Kala Palaw (sheeps head cooked in rice) and i can't believe H likes that.
The thought of it makes me feel sick.
Two things i'm presently contemplating;
1- Where to go early March for a holiday. Europe is too cold, Turkey/ Greece is also too cold, The States is also freezing. Australia has excellent weather at that time. We have to book tickets soon.
2- Moving my blog to wordpress. why? because it has better features!
It's cold, my hands are freezing. Must do some work!
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar
Sunday 23 December 2007
My Shirnee Dadan particulars...
On Our Engagement
What does it mean to be engaged
To one you love so much?
It’s open arms and gentle words --
A reassuring touch.
It’s knowing that you have someone
Who never turns away,
Who laughs with you and dries your tears,
Your partner night and day.
It’s opening your very soul
Where all you faults are bared.
It’s joining of two loving hearts,
Commitment made and shared.
It’s hope for all your days to come
And vows to keep for life.
Engagement means you soon will be
A husband and a wife.
~~~
Event: Shirnee dadan (Pre Engagement Ceremony)
Venue: Shaam-e-Paris, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Date: 13th December 2007, 5.00pm
Hair and Make up: Hers- Shugofaan ; His- Skin Deep, Ehab (from Dubai).
~~~
The interim engagement ring, until we fly to Dubai for my diamond ring! Bracelet- a gift from my mother in law. She knows my taste exactly as is :)
Saying farewell to our guests.
Cutting the cake with the grand sword! Our cake was the Eiffel tower... oh so grand!
Yep, she's engaged!
Can you believe it? I wore Indian initially before i changed into my dress. Still looked good!
What does it mean to be engaged
To one you love so much?
It’s open arms and gentle words --
A reassuring touch.
It’s knowing that you have someone
Who never turns away,
Who laughs with you and dries your tears,
Your partner night and day.
It’s opening your very soul
Where all you faults are bared.
It’s joining of two loving hearts,
Commitment made and shared.
It’s hope for all your days to come
And vows to keep for life.
Engagement means you soon will be
A husband and a wife.
~~~
Event: Shirnee dadan (Pre Engagement Ceremony)
Venue: Shaam-e-Paris, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Date: 13th December 2007, 5.00pm
Hair and Make up: Hers- Shugofaan ; His- Skin Deep, Ehab (from Dubai).
~~~
The interim engagement ring, until we fly to Dubai for my diamond ring! Bracelet- a gift from my mother in law. She knows my taste exactly as is :)
Saying farewell to our guests.
Cutting the cake with the grand sword! Our cake was the Eiffel tower... oh so grand!
Yep, she's engaged!
Can you believe it? I wore Indian initially before i changed into my dress. Still looked good!
Eid Mubarak
Eideh gozashteh hamayetan mubarak baad!
A very happy belated eid to everyone!
Oh yes, very late!! Being a fiance is a tough task to fulfill, but i'm doing well. Eid was great, H-jan bought me lots of presents (including a SHEEP) and we spent lots of quality time together. Such a sweetheart! He also wrote me a real sweet message in the card, i shall upload it next time. He took me out for dinner to Serena (5 Star hotel). It was really romantic, just looking out the window watching the snowflakes fall and just enjoying each others company. *sigh*
Watched the previews for 'The Kite Runner'- EXCELLENT, can't wait to watch it.
We just recieved a serious warning that we are targets for kidnappings. To be honest, this is the first time i've been scared since our stay in Kabul. Not scared of being kidnapped, but for anyone in my family getting hurt.
Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar
A very happy belated eid to everyone!
Oh yes, very late!! Being a fiance is a tough task to fulfill, but i'm doing well. Eid was great, H-jan bought me lots of presents (including a SHEEP) and we spent lots of quality time together. Such a sweetheart! He also wrote me a real sweet message in the card, i shall upload it next time. He took me out for dinner to Serena (5 Star hotel). It was really romantic, just looking out the window watching the snowflakes fall and just enjoying each others company. *sigh*
Watched the previews for 'The Kite Runner'- EXCELLENT, can't wait to watch it.
We just recieved a serious warning that we are targets for kidnappings. To be honest, this is the first time i've been scared since our stay in Kabul. Not scared of being kidnapped, but for anyone in my family getting hurt.
Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar
Sunday 16 December 2007
I’m engaged!
Yep, you heard right! I am engaged…
To all of those wondering, he’s an Afghan-American from Washington DC (yep, that’s where all the smart ppl are at! Haha jks)
Have emailed pics. Enjoy!
To all of those wondering, he’s an Afghan-American from Washington DC (yep, that’s where all the smart ppl are at! Haha jks)
Have emailed pics. Enjoy!
Tuesday 11 December 2007
Snow culture in Afg
Barf Mebarad Ba Farmani Khuda
Barf naw az ma, barfee az shuma!
I got the above email from a colleague and i replied back saying 'what does this mean?' He came to my office and explained the whole thing! Basically, what happens is that one the first day of snow, one person congratulates another on the arrival of snow. When this happens, they recite the above verse, following this; the congratulator has to invite the person who has recited the verse for dinner or lunch.
I know, confusing! I had to get my colleague to explain it to me twice.
Anyways, IT SNOWED TODAY! I saw the snow flakes!!
Barf naw az ma, barfee az shuma!
I got the above email from a colleague and i replied back saying 'what does this mean?' He came to my office and explained the whole thing! Basically, what happens is that one the first day of snow, one person congratulates another on the arrival of snow. When this happens, they recite the above verse, following this; the congratulator has to invite the person who has recited the verse for dinner or lunch.
I know, confusing! I had to get my colleague to explain it to me twice.
Anyways, IT SNOWED TODAY! I saw the snow flakes!!
Monday 10 December 2007
Barrf tabreek*
* Congratulating everyone on snow's arrival. *grunt*
The snows are here! Kabuls mountains are decorated in white snow, i really can't help but draft a similarity between a horrid ghost and the white kabul mountains drawing over us.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Success and laughter! Happiness in the family home = happiness over all.
2. What is your greatest fear?
Good byes and losing a loved one.
3. Which living person do you most admire?
Does it have to be just one? I'd say Khalid Hosseini and Afghan village women! Yep, i admire their strength.
4. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being too nice, impatient.
5. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Bluffers/liars, lacking emotional security, hypocrisy.
6. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Practising 'good' muslims who overtly practise 'loudly'. You'd think there are so many- everyone claiming to be one!
7. On what occasion do you lie?
I suck at that! My face gives it away. Generally, i don't lie. but if i really have to, it would be to save someones face.
8. What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Nothing really. I'm satisfied with the way i look.
9. What is your greatest regret?
No regrets in life, everything is a learning experience! If you regret certain things, chances are you will gain a guilty conscience and god help you with that!
10. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Afghanistan and knowledge.
11. Which talent would you most like to have?
Being able to master Dari/ Persian poetry and literature. It's such a profound and expressive language, perhaps broader than English.
12. What is your current state of mind?
Anticipation and excitement.
13. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
More patience. Does anyone have any to spare?
14. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being in Afghanistan!!! At the moment aiming to recieve international mental therapy assistance for the Afghans. It's tough but most rewarding.
15. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
Lion or tiger. lol
16. What is your most treasured possession?
My intellect and potential. Tangible items: photo album, itty bitty pieces which trigger great memories.
17. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
I don't let anyone put me down, so i wouldn't know! :)
18. Where would you like to live?
in Kabul but with annual holidays to rejuvenate!
19. What is your most marked characteristic?
being too straightforward and strong personality.
20. Who are your favorite writers?
Due to my obsession with Afghanistan- Khalid Hosseini, there are so many more.
21. Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Dana Evans.
22. Who are your heroes in real life?
Mum, dad and expatraite community in Afg,
23. What is it that you most dislike?
Poverty! i HATE it!
24. What is your motto?
What goes around, comes around.
Zindagee do rooz hast.
Dunya wafaa nadareh, ageh ashkaat bebareh, tanha memooni. Vali ageh bekhandi, dunya ba rooyet mekhandeh.
25. Favorite Journey?
Returning to Kabul from Panjshir- singing and clapping to Afghan songs.
Islamabad- Peshawar- it was even better!
26. What do you value most in your friends?
Loyalty
27. Which words or phrases do you must overuse?
Are you serious?
Mebakhsheen (i apologise automatically for any thing- even if it's the other persons fault! E.g bumping into a person at the shops. I guess it's an aussie thing)
28. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Malalay, she has a strong personality just like me.
29. What is your greatest extravagance?
Clothes, perfumes and phone cards.
30. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
Nothing, I love them the way they are!
31. What is your favorite occupation?
Interior architect, lawyer, wedding planner!
32. What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Elegance and pride.
33. What is the quality you most like in a man?
Masculinity, security, strength, gentleman, decent, good heart, faithful, not pook…would you like me to continue?
34. How would you like to die?
What a pleasant question! But I want to die a martyr.
35. If you could chose what to come back as, what would it be?
Myself.
The snows are here! Kabuls mountains are decorated in white snow, i really can't help but draft a similarity between a horrid ghost and the white kabul mountains drawing over us.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Success and laughter! Happiness in the family home = happiness over all.
2. What is your greatest fear?
Good byes and losing a loved one.
3. Which living person do you most admire?
Does it have to be just one? I'd say Khalid Hosseini and Afghan village women! Yep, i admire their strength.
4. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being too nice, impatient.
5. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Bluffers/liars, lacking emotional security, hypocrisy.
6. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Practising 'good' muslims who overtly practise 'loudly'. You'd think there are so many- everyone claiming to be one!
7. On what occasion do you lie?
I suck at that! My face gives it away. Generally, i don't lie. but if i really have to, it would be to save someones face.
8. What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Nothing really. I'm satisfied with the way i look.
9. What is your greatest regret?
No regrets in life, everything is a learning experience! If you regret certain things, chances are you will gain a guilty conscience and god help you with that!
10. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Afghanistan and knowledge.
11. Which talent would you most like to have?
Being able to master Dari/ Persian poetry and literature. It's such a profound and expressive language, perhaps broader than English.
12. What is your current state of mind?
Anticipation and excitement.
13. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
More patience. Does anyone have any to spare?
14. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being in Afghanistan!!! At the moment aiming to recieve international mental therapy assistance for the Afghans. It's tough but most rewarding.
15. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
Lion or tiger. lol
16. What is your most treasured possession?
My intellect and potential. Tangible items: photo album, itty bitty pieces which trigger great memories.
17. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
I don't let anyone put me down, so i wouldn't know! :)
18. Where would you like to live?
in Kabul but with annual holidays to rejuvenate!
19. What is your most marked characteristic?
being too straightforward and strong personality.
20. Who are your favorite writers?
Due to my obsession with Afghanistan- Khalid Hosseini, there are so many more.
21. Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Dana Evans.
22. Who are your heroes in real life?
Mum, dad and expatraite community in Afg,
23. What is it that you most dislike?
Poverty! i HATE it!
24. What is your motto?
What goes around, comes around.
Zindagee do rooz hast.
Dunya wafaa nadareh, ageh ashkaat bebareh, tanha memooni. Vali ageh bekhandi, dunya ba rooyet mekhandeh.
25. Favorite Journey?
Returning to Kabul from Panjshir- singing and clapping to Afghan songs.
Islamabad- Peshawar- it was even better!
26. What do you value most in your friends?
Loyalty
27. Which words or phrases do you must overuse?
Are you serious?
Mebakhsheen (i apologise automatically for any thing- even if it's the other persons fault! E.g bumping into a person at the shops. I guess it's an aussie thing)
28. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Malalay, she has a strong personality just like me.
29. What is your greatest extravagance?
Clothes, perfumes and phone cards.
30. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
Nothing, I love them the way they are!
31. What is your favorite occupation?
Interior architect, lawyer, wedding planner!
32. What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Elegance and pride.
33. What is the quality you most like in a man?
Masculinity, security, strength, gentleman, decent, good heart, faithful, not pook…would you like me to continue?
34. How would you like to die?
What a pleasant question! But I want to die a martyr.
35. If you could chose what to come back as, what would it be?
Myself.
Sunday 9 December 2007
Trial by media??
It's sickening. Whatever happened with 'innocent until proven guilty'?
You may have all read about it in the news and saw the images flashing on TV. We're going through a tough period of time- Dad's cool, he's going to fight back with a press statement via his lawyer.
I won't be saying anymore, lawyers have advised not to comment as it will be detrimental to the case. So, quiet i shall remain!
i would have posted the media articles here, but it would reveal my identity as the names are printed. Those who know me, will know what i'm referring to.
Sorry, but that's all i can reveal at the moment.
Keeping strong.
You may have all read about it in the news and saw the images flashing on TV. We're going through a tough period of time- Dad's cool, he's going to fight back with a press statement via his lawyer.
I won't be saying anymore, lawyers have advised not to comment as it will be detrimental to the case. So, quiet i shall remain!
i would have posted the media articles here, but it would reveal my identity as the names are printed. Those who know me, will know what i'm referring to.
Sorry, but that's all i can reveal at the moment.
Keeping strong.
Wednesday 5 December 2007
Ya Allah, khayr.
The third suicide attack in eight days. I wrote the following (not sure what you can call it). It’s not a poem, although sounds like it.
It's 7am. In most households, alarm clocks haven't sounded yet.
BOOM! Alarm?
No, look out the window, exhaling short fast breaths, the glass window fogging.
A man sits disorientated, dazed. Painted in blood.
His blood? Or is it the person seated alongside him on the bus?
Six courageous soldiers dressed in uniform… no longer
Only guts and flesh remnants.
Death arrived hastily.
Frustration, anger, pain. Tears run down lost faces.
The sound of death, can you hear it? Sounds distant doesn’t it?
Wailing ambulance.
Ear pitching howls of men.
Women screaming in agony.
Its just outside your window. Look to your left…
Men carrying four little lifeless bodies.
Carefree children… no longer
Thirteen wounded. Lost and confused.
Look closer, can you see their frightened faces or is it covered in blood and tears?
A helpless crowd collecting what’s left of a once happy child.
Why are you breathing so hard? Your crying, shocked aren’t you?
Close your eyes as the burning tears scald your face.
Tragic, isn’t it? And you’re a witness.
I am your conscience and have been imprisoned by this calamity. Unshackle me…
It's 7am. In most households, alarm clocks haven't sounded yet.
BOOM! Alarm?
No, look out the window, exhaling short fast breaths, the glass window fogging.
A man sits disorientated, dazed. Painted in blood.
His blood? Or is it the person seated alongside him on the bus?
Six courageous soldiers dressed in uniform… no longer
Only guts and flesh remnants.
Death arrived hastily.
Frustration, anger, pain. Tears run down lost faces.
The sound of death, can you hear it? Sounds distant doesn’t it?
Wailing ambulance.
Ear pitching howls of men.
Women screaming in agony.
Its just outside your window. Look to your left…
Men carrying four little lifeless bodies.
Carefree children… no longer
Thirteen wounded. Lost and confused.
Look closer, can you see their frightened faces or is it covered in blood and tears?
A helpless crowd collecting what’s left of a once happy child.
Why are you breathing so hard? Your crying, shocked aren’t you?
Close your eyes as the burning tears scald your face.
Tragic, isn’t it? And you’re a witness.
I am your conscience and have been imprisoned by this calamity. Unshackle me…
Tuesday 4 December 2007
Explosion # ?
Another suicide explosion. 6 victims. Pray for the families.
I feel so down.
Perhaps as bad as Kevin Carter did when he photographed a starved African child being preyed by a vulture in 1994.
A number of independent journalists confirm that the Taliban has garnered substantial support in the South from disenchanted Afghans who're tired of the broken promises, the lack of employment and reconstruction, and the random bombing of innocent civilians.
I feel so down.
Perhaps as bad as Kevin Carter did when he photographed a starved African child being preyed by a vulture in 1994.
"Far more civilians have been killed by the US military in Afghanistan than were killed in the US in the tragedy of September 11. More Afghan civilians have been killed by the US than were ever killed by the Taliban.....The US should withdrawal as soon as possible. We need liberation not occupation." ("The War on Terror is a Mockery", Elsa Rassbach, Z Magazine Nov 2007)
A number of independent journalists confirm that the Taliban has garnered substantial support in the South from disenchanted Afghans who're tired of the broken promises, the lack of employment and reconstruction, and the random bombing of innocent civilians.
Thursday 29 November 2007
Mud houses in Kandahar?
Hamma karaat doroughaki, boro baba shinakhtamet... khub medoonam! -Valy
Love that song!
Anyways, had a conversation with my buddy from our Kandahar office. He's from the States and a great guy. He told me about his sons party:
N: its all good over here, getting prepared for the party tomorrow night
i think we gonna have like 20 females along with their 300 kids in our tiny house
Me: ahahahha is this party for ur son?
N: yeah, its for that lil fool.he is doing better now, started walking around the day before yesterday
Me: hahaha
N: pops gave me 700$ to cover some of the costs. isnt he great?
Me: i cant help but ask this, do they have concrete houses in kandahar or are they all mud houses?
N: you know what, im gonna have to bring you down here someday
Me:ahahahah sorry, but i'm just curious!!!
Nasim: kandahar use to be the capital of afghanistan back in the days
Me: yeah but still... even kabul has mud houses
N: and today, its the 3rd largest city in afghanistan, and growing daily
well kandahar has mud houses, but it also has lots and lots of concrete buildings and houses
Me:: thank u. u sound like a news reporter!!!so is ur house mud or concrete?
N: oh be quiet
Me: well?
N: its concrete
Love that song!
Anyways, had a conversation with my buddy from our Kandahar office. He's from the States and a great guy. He told me about his sons party:
N: its all good over here, getting prepared for the party tomorrow night
i think we gonna have like 20 females along with their 300 kids in our tiny house
Me: ahahahha is this party for ur son?
N: yeah, its for that lil fool.he is doing better now, started walking around the day before yesterday
Me: hahaha
N: pops gave me 700$ to cover some of the costs. isnt he great?
Me: i cant help but ask this, do they have concrete houses in kandahar or are they all mud houses?
N: you know what, im gonna have to bring you down here someday
Me:ahahahah sorry, but i'm just curious!!!
Nasim: kandahar use to be the capital of afghanistan back in the days
Me: yeah but still... even kabul has mud houses
N: and today, its the 3rd largest city in afghanistan, and growing daily
well kandahar has mud houses, but it also has lots and lots of concrete buildings and houses
Me:: thank u. u sound like a news reporter!!!so is ur house mud or concrete?
N: oh be quiet
Me: well?
N: its concrete
Wednesday 28 November 2007
Introducing- Shrinks and Afg Juvies
GOOD NEWS!! I'm a keen supporter of specialised treatment in juvenile offending. Having experience in that field, i have seen it's impact on juveniles. The first rehabilitation centre for juvenile offenders (aged 12-18) has been launched in Kabul. Compliments to Italy who funded $490 000US for its construction. I remember seeing a deserted rehabilitation centre in Kabul and wished for its refurbishment.
Further, I'm currently in the process of trying to obtain international assistance in mental health issues for Afghans who have been traumatised psychologically as a result of NATO assistance in Afghanistan. Children need extra special help in this regard as they are Afgs future. So far, i'm doing well. i have been told by European groups that they will dispatch a group of psychologists immediately into the country. if this works- i will feel so proud! Afghans really need this.
Yesterdays bombing: Hekmatyar has claimed responsibility!
Will type more later, i feel sick because i ate roadside chips again!
Further, I'm currently in the process of trying to obtain international assistance in mental health issues for Afghans who have been traumatised psychologically as a result of NATO assistance in Afghanistan. Children need extra special help in this regard as they are Afgs future. So far, i'm doing well. i have been told by European groups that they will dispatch a group of psychologists immediately into the country. if this works- i will feel so proud! Afghans really need this.
Yesterdays bombing: Hekmatyar has claimed responsibility!
Will type more later, i feel sick because i ate roadside chips again!
Tuesday 27 November 2007
Figuring Afghanistan- an obscurity!
A suicide bomb went off exactly 22 minutes ago in Wazir Akbar Khan, Street 14. I’m okay, shukor so is family. Breaking news: At least 2 civilians dead and counting.
Ya Allah, khayr! I’m waiting for information to flood the office.
Afghanistan- an obscure arithmetical equation.
Labor winning the elections in Australia + Republicans aren’t glamorous enough to win the 2008 US elections = Withdrawal of troops from Iraq (an indication of increase in militant insurgency).
Pakistans deteriorating situation due to an obsessed, overly panicked President who’s doing whatever it takes to remain president- but is being faced with a Bhutto-Sharif opposition.
UN reports signify an increased opium trade in Afghanistan; further, anti-government elements have contaminated 54 per cent of Afghanistan who will be present in the long run. It has been anticipated that Kabul will be managed by AGES by mid-2008. NATO has been urged to double it’s troops. No no no the US troops need to disperse into the remote areas where the anti government elements are regrouping, not in the towns as they are currently positioned.
This leaves Afghanistan standing on a bar of soap, will easily slip!
Security chief just declared an unconfirmed explosion in Karte Naw. All movement within Kabul has been restricted, so that means i'm locked down in my office. Joy!
Ya Allah, khayr! I’m waiting for information to flood the office.
Afghanistan- an obscure arithmetical equation.
Labor winning the elections in Australia + Republicans aren’t glamorous enough to win the 2008 US elections = Withdrawal of troops from Iraq (an indication of increase in militant insurgency).
Pakistans deteriorating situation due to an obsessed, overly panicked President who’s doing whatever it takes to remain president- but is being faced with a Bhutto-Sharif opposition.
UN reports signify an increased opium trade in Afghanistan; further, anti-government elements have contaminated 54 per cent of Afghanistan who will be present in the long run. It has been anticipated that Kabul will be managed by AGES by mid-2008. NATO has been urged to double it’s troops. No no no the US troops need to disperse into the remote areas where the anti government elements are regrouping, not in the towns as they are currently positioned.
This leaves Afghanistan standing on a bar of soap, will easily slip!
Security chief just declared an unconfirmed explosion in Karte Naw. All movement within Kabul has been restricted, so that means i'm locked down in my office. Joy!
Monday 26 November 2007
Sympathies and condolences
My cousins’ cousins mum passed away in New York. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’oon. My heart goes out to their family, especially to Rafi. I sent him a lousy but hearty email offering him my condolences. He’s like a little brother to me (even though he’s older than I).
Good memories while we were in Islamabad, his putt-putty car. I walked into a cd store, all I saw were a bunch of guys STARING, I gave them a dirty look and turned the other way to select cds. Rafi came and said ‘salaam’. He asked why I gave him a dirty look; I laughed and told him I didn’t see him (even though he was standing right in front of me).
I pray to God to grant u strength and patience to carry on during this time of grief. If there’s anything I can do, or if you feel like confiding in anyone… I’m here for u. Take care of yourself and be strong.
Good memories while we were in Islamabad, his putt-putty car. I walked into a cd store, all I saw were a bunch of guys STARING, I gave them a dirty look and turned the other way to select cds. Rafi came and said ‘salaam’. He asked why I gave him a dirty look; I laughed and told him I didn’t see him (even though he was standing right in front of me).
I pray to God to grant u strength and patience to carry on during this time of grief. If there’s anything I can do, or if you feel like confiding in anyone… I’m here for u. Take care of yourself and be strong.
An Afghan Wedding
Had lunch with M yesterday, good fun! We had a laugh session about Afghans here and abroad and at the same time we agreed that if we hear any international say it, we'd verbally bash 'em. We're afghans, it's okay for us.
A week or so ago, i went to a wedding. I cant be bothered regurgitating the events so i've 'stolen' this passage from Mina's blog (thanks, hun!) Needless to say, what she experienced, i did too!
Speaking of home, i made a mental list. I've become an insomniac since learning about my trip back home. Spending the whole night awake thinking about what presents to get and for whom. Who to visit, what to do. I know my first visit will be to Maccaz (McDonalds) and if any of my relatives wish to invite me, they can bring home take-away... fish and chips or Maccaz or Pizza. NO AFGHAN FOOD, PLEASE. K.A can make a note of this. ahaha.
SM, ur a darl for wanting to have a night and kicking ur poor man out of the house so we have an all-girls night. love ya!
I'm at work, my tummy hurts. I really need to go back to australia and get a thorough medical examination, i probably have a zillion cancers in my body that i don't know about. hahahaha.
Anyways, back to work...
A week or so ago, i went to a wedding. I cant be bothered regurgitating the events so i've 'stolen' this passage from Mina's blog (thanks, hun!) Needless to say, what she experienced, i did too!
Basically it was very close to weddings I saw in North America – a band, a sitting area for the bride and groom (he hangs out with the ladies), a dance floor, and lots of food. There were however, a few differences. First was how bright the women’s dresses were - orange, bright green, etc. In most Afghan weddings I’ve been to in Canada, there are only 2 or 3 ladies who make this fashion choice. Here it was the majority. Another thing about the outfits was that they changed them about 3 to 4 times. This was of course only the closely related family; but even included the baby and children. I was in the same outfit the whole night (I always chose Indian outfits because they are as comfortable as pajamas and well accepted by Afghans. Who wants to pull on their strap all night?) . Anyway, this meant that you could spot me at anytime. The family members however, looked different every 15 minutes, so when I was looking for people I knew to say bye; I couldn’t find them because they were wearing new outfits.
The next thing that I just loved – was how the food was delivered. There were plates of every kind of food set on your table, underneath which was a plastic table cloth. The food was very tasty and even fruits and desserts were on the table. When it came time to clean up – I started to hear what sounded like an earthquake. No, it wasn’t a rocket. It was the sound of the waiters RUNNING away from the tables with their trays. They pick up the plastic, which is now holding all of the plates, platters, glasses, etc and pile them on to one tray. Then they hold that tray up with one hand, and run so they don’t drop it. It’s something that was very hard to capture in a picture, but I tried.
Speaking of home, i made a mental list. I've become an insomniac since learning about my trip back home. Spending the whole night awake thinking about what presents to get and for whom. Who to visit, what to do. I know my first visit will be to Maccaz (McDonalds) and if any of my relatives wish to invite me, they can bring home take-away... fish and chips or Maccaz or Pizza. NO AFGHAN FOOD, PLEASE. K.A can make a note of this. ahaha.
SM, ur a darl for wanting to have a night and kicking ur poor man out of the house so we have an all-girls night. love ya!
I'm at work, my tummy hurts. I really need to go back to australia and get a thorough medical examination, i probably have a zillion cancers in my body that i don't know about. hahahaha.
Anyways, back to work...
Sunday 25 November 2007
A distorted Paghman picturesque
Rushed into work. Bumped into our Aussie security dude before anyone else. We, of course discussed the election results. Before even checking my hotmail inbox (which is my number one daily priority), I logged onto MSN and spoke to W about- THE ELECTIONS! I’m stunned at Labors win! I’ve always liked Kevin Rudd, even as shadow minister. He’s an excellent speaker. Always has sharp comebacks! But history has proven, Labor and economics aren’t a good match. Immigration policy wise- it’s good for all the FOBs waiting to gain entry into Austaralya!
As for weekend highlights.
I was in the kitchen about to start cooking when my phone rang, it was a relative, S calling. I answered with a smile, ‘hey S, whats up?’
‘Guess what?’ was all I heard from the other end in her out of breathe voice. I asked if she was okay and why she’s so huffed. ‘I heard a bomb go off and then fire shots, the whole house shook and windows shattered.’ She was in complete shock. Her husband left the house, he thought they had targeted his uncle again who is the Chief security officer for Paghman. She hung up and told me she’ll call me later on with the news. I told her not to worry and that the scary part is DURING the explosion, the aftermath (although tragic) won’t do further physical damage. I assured her everything will be alright.
I hung up and lifelessly carried myself into the lounge room, positioned myself on the floor, next to the couch. I sat in solitary silence and stared into nothingness out the window. Kids gathered there, I thought to myself, how can they be so cruel? Why? Why?
These words came to my head as I grieved silently in tears.
This morning on my way to work, I had the following conversation:
Driver: Do you remember when we once went to Paghman and stopped on the way to buy apples?
Me: Yes
Driver: He too was killed.
I shook my head! An apple seller on the side of the road, earning barely enough to support his household. Why? Why? Why the injust disposition on our nation?
6 people killed, mostly children. My heart goes out to the families. May God give them the strength and patience to carry on.
Also went to a takhjamee in the village. Very interesting observation. Forgive me if I don’t sound too descriptive but I’m still saddened by the Paghman attacks. We were supposed to visit grandads grave and then go for a picnic. So I pulled on a pair of jeans, a sweater and my runners.
On the way, our driver insisted we join him and his family at the ‘takhjamee’. My god, I was in jeans and they want us to go to a village takhjamee? Girls who wear pants are considered to be wearing men’s attire. Oh well, my parents agreed and so I didn’t defy.
We entered the mud house to be greeted by a swarm of women. Oh no, I thought, I hate the kissing formality ESPECIALLY when you have no idea who they are. So I just took a deep breath and braced myself. I had my baby sister in my arms, hoping that would create a barrier so they don’t bother kissing me.
But. I was wrong!
I smiled and winced as each woman grabbed me (either by my shoulder or the back of my head) pulled me to her and kissed my cheeks five times alternating between left and right. I’ll dodge the next one, I thought.
But. I was wrong!
Kiss left cheek, kiss right cheek, kiss left cheek, right again, then finally left again. Yay, I’m free, only to be faced by another.
*sigh* yet, I still love our culture and our people.
The entire ‘takhjamee’ process was the norm apart from the dressed up women who looked like the white chicks from the movie ‘White Chicks’. They wore brightly coloured dresses with glittery sequins. White tombaans peeked from under their dresses.
Their hair. Oh boy did I like this part. It was permed- noodle perms! They had a whole heap of curled fringe on their forehead and long poodle looking curls dangling from next to their temples all the way to their shoulders. It reminded me of my sheepskin Qaraqol coat.
My MSN convo with W (don't ask why i put these, i guess it's for my own reference).
As for weekend highlights.
I was in the kitchen about to start cooking when my phone rang, it was a relative, S calling. I answered with a smile, ‘hey S, whats up?’
‘Guess what?’ was all I heard from the other end in her out of breathe voice. I asked if she was okay and why she’s so huffed. ‘I heard a bomb go off and then fire shots, the whole house shook and windows shattered.’ She was in complete shock. Her husband left the house, he thought they had targeted his uncle again who is the Chief security officer for Paghman. She hung up and told me she’ll call me later on with the news. I told her not to worry and that the scary part is DURING the explosion, the aftermath (although tragic) won’t do further physical damage. I assured her everything will be alright.
I hung up and lifelessly carried myself into the lounge room, positioned myself on the floor, next to the couch. I sat in solitary silence and stared into nothingness out the window. Kids gathered there, I thought to myself, how can they be so cruel? Why? Why?
These words came to my head as I grieved silently in tears.
Plastic sandals in a heap. Were they discarded in a hurry, as the frightened feet ran away? Or were the sandals blown off, right after the children?
Dust and screaming in the tree-lined streets? Grown men hitting themselves in frustration, crying for their children?
Our children murdered. Again and again.
This morning on my way to work, I had the following conversation:
Driver: Do you remember when we once went to Paghman and stopped on the way to buy apples?
Me: Yes
Driver: He too was killed.
I shook my head! An apple seller on the side of the road, earning barely enough to support his household. Why? Why? Why the injust disposition on our nation?
6 people killed, mostly children. My heart goes out to the families. May God give them the strength and patience to carry on.
Also went to a takhjamee in the village. Very interesting observation. Forgive me if I don’t sound too descriptive but I’m still saddened by the Paghman attacks. We were supposed to visit grandads grave and then go for a picnic. So I pulled on a pair of jeans, a sweater and my runners.
On the way, our driver insisted we join him and his family at the ‘takhjamee’. My god, I was in jeans and they want us to go to a village takhjamee? Girls who wear pants are considered to be wearing men’s attire. Oh well, my parents agreed and so I didn’t defy.
We entered the mud house to be greeted by a swarm of women. Oh no, I thought, I hate the kissing formality ESPECIALLY when you have no idea who they are. So I just took a deep breath and braced myself. I had my baby sister in my arms, hoping that would create a barrier so they don’t bother kissing me.
But. I was wrong!
I smiled and winced as each woman grabbed me (either by my shoulder or the back of my head) pulled me to her and kissed my cheeks five times alternating between left and right. I’ll dodge the next one, I thought.
But. I was wrong!
Kiss left cheek, kiss right cheek, kiss left cheek, right again, then finally left again. Yay, I’m free, only to be faced by another.
*sigh* yet, I still love our culture and our people.
The entire ‘takhjamee’ process was the norm apart from the dressed up women who looked like the white chicks from the movie ‘White Chicks’. They wore brightly coloured dresses with glittery sequins. White tombaans peeked from under their dresses.
Their hair. Oh boy did I like this part. It was permed- noodle perms! They had a whole heap of curled fringe on their forehead and long poodle looking curls dangling from next to their temples all the way to their shoulders. It reminded me of my sheepskin Qaraqol coat.
My MSN convo with W (don't ask why i put these, i guess it's for my own reference).
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
salaam
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
how are u?
W Says:
Good
W says:
w/s
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
fill me in on the aussie elections
W says:
hah
W says:
John Howard lost
W says:
even his own seat i believe
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
i heard that bit, even the dodgy afg news said that, tell me REAL news.
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
damnnn.. by how much did labour win?
W says:
i think they may have a majority of 24 seats
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
that's good
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
i'm happy but australias economy is going down with Labour
W says:
yeah i believe that too
W says:
but apparently he is an ecconomic conservative so i guess we will just have to wait and see
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
i hope so! personally, i like kevin rudd! even when he was shadow minister, hes an excellent speaker
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
i'm reading the news right now.. COSTELLO ISN'T GOING TO BE LIBERAL LEADER????? Damn!
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
whose taking his place then? come onnnnnnnn, u slowy! i'm in afg and i have more Aussie elections news than you
W says:
who said he isnt?
W says:
obviously the caucas has to elect him
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
i'm READING THE NEWS!! something you should know!
W says:
i think its just a formality
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
noooo i'm talking about the liberals... why would the caucus elect a liberal leader?
W says:
shalgham jan.... the liberal caucus
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
there is no liberal caucus... only labour is called caucus. go back to school!
W says:
kee mega
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
but it's good now, states are all labour and so is federal!
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
go and google it! u'll find for urself!
W says:
no really,... increased chance of corruption i believe
W says:
not really
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
The Federal Parliamentary Australian Labor Party, commonly known as The Caucus
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
i googled it for you!!!
W says:
yeah
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
whats happening with our aussie troops? is Rudd going to bring em home
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
ufffffffff maam keera porsaan mekonom, kadoo! lol
W says:
Rudd ba ma zang zad emroz
W says:
and he said ... Wjan when do u want me to pull out the troops from Iraq
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
ahahahhahahhaha
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
qawarah!
W says:
i dont think he will be withdrawing any time soon
W says:
i think his position is that he will withdraw troops responsibly
Me My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
i reckon it was all done for show! he's not going to get the troops out, coz if he does then he won't have US backing. as much as labour SAYS they don't care about Bushy. They DO!
W says:
did u even vote ?
Me- My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
lol no
W says:
churra eqadar gaap khay mezani
W says:
chup
Me- My god, Ruddy boy won! says:
ahahhahahaha
Thursday 22 November 2007
I'm coming home!
I wanted to surprise you all, but i just cant- so i'll have to tell you.
I'm coming home end of the year, maybe earlier!
I'll be going to Sydney as well and Melbourne bakhayr to visit family- and of course, good old Perth.
I'm coming home end of the year, maybe earlier!
I'll be going to Sydney as well and Melbourne bakhayr to visit family- and of course, good old Perth.
Locals
Take this as a form of advice!
Soooooooooooooo true!
Advice #1 – don’t befriend locals. It is their pride and joy to become obsessed with you and everything you do so they have something to talk about. They’re like the fob afghans in north America but obviously worse. Anyway, obviously you get it already . Lol
Soooooooooooooo true!
Breaking barriers and making friends
Before i begin to say anything, i just want to thank you's all for listening to me pour my heart out over the past few days- phone calls, emails and SMS. For making me realise my worth and most importantly your advice. For opening my eyes and making me see reality.
I know, i know i'm supposed to be issuing the Panjshir chronicle and at the same time my sisters birthday parties, D's and T's.
Buttttt... the most unusual and unexpecting event took place. See, i was in australia keeping to date with current events in Afghanistan when a friend showed me a blog of an Afg-Canadian girl who moved to Kabul to work, Mina. It was a long while ago, i remember seeing her photoes and reading her blog. She was an insipiration!
We met!
Wanna know how? Well, a girl i know S.? was due to arrive to Kabul from the States for work a few weeks ago. She declined the offer and so she remained in the States. How did i meet the girl? well her father works here, runs some business. He was working on his laptop in a cafe when he saw me. He asked questions and explained to me that his daughter is coming down for work and he'd like us to maintain contact. i gladly exchanged email addresses with him. Soon enough, i heard from her but was disappointed that she's no longer coming. i was looking forward to making a new friend.
And so we spoke and got to know each other better and grew closer.
A while later, her brother arrived in Afghanistan for business with his wife. S.? gave me her sis in laws number and told me that she'll hook me up with a few decent girls in Kabul.
She called me first, it was great being able to talk to someone who i could relate to. She gave me Mina's number. At this stage, i had no idea who Mina was but when i spoke to S.?, she told me Mina was from Canada. Yeah, it was the blogger Mina.
So, she and I exchanged emails and got along pretty well. We discussed fashion in Kabul, the FOB guys at work and Salons. Just shallow girly stuff! Of course, i have my friends. But being with someone in Kabul who knows what it's like and we can laugh together about stuff. This is just the beginning i guess, the best is yet to come... bakhayr.
Everything is going well for me in Kabul, Shukor. I've always believed 'when God closes a door, he opens a window.' I have a good job, a challenging experience, meeting new and different people- all this in Afghanistan!
Shukor!
I know, i know i'm supposed to be issuing the Panjshir chronicle and at the same time my sisters birthday parties, D's and T's.
Buttttt... the most unusual and unexpecting event took place. See, i was in australia keeping to date with current events in Afghanistan when a friend showed me a blog of an Afg-Canadian girl who moved to Kabul to work, Mina. It was a long while ago, i remember seeing her photoes and reading her blog. She was an insipiration!
We met!
Wanna know how? Well, a girl i know S.? was due to arrive to Kabul from the States for work a few weeks ago. She declined the offer and so she remained in the States. How did i meet the girl? well her father works here, runs some business. He was working on his laptop in a cafe when he saw me. He asked questions and explained to me that his daughter is coming down for work and he'd like us to maintain contact. i gladly exchanged email addresses with him. Soon enough, i heard from her but was disappointed that she's no longer coming. i was looking forward to making a new friend.
And so we spoke and got to know each other better and grew closer.
A while later, her brother arrived in Afghanistan for business with his wife. S.? gave me her sis in laws number and told me that she'll hook me up with a few decent girls in Kabul.
She called me first, it was great being able to talk to someone who i could relate to. She gave me Mina's number. At this stage, i had no idea who Mina was but when i spoke to S.?, she told me Mina was from Canada. Yeah, it was the blogger Mina.
So, she and I exchanged emails and got along pretty well. We discussed fashion in Kabul, the FOB guys at work and Salons. Just shallow girly stuff! Of course, i have my friends. But being with someone in Kabul who knows what it's like and we can laugh together about stuff. This is just the beginning i guess, the best is yet to come... bakhayr.
Everything is going well for me in Kabul, Shukor. I've always believed 'when God closes a door, he opens a window.' I have a good job, a challenging experience, meeting new and different people- all this in Afghanistan!
Shukor!
Tuesday 20 November 2007
Utterly disgusted
i have posted the complete article previously, but came across it today as i was reading the news. A disgrace to Afghan people! Appalling!
So, what are the tackling measures positioned?
(Source: UNAMA Report, 19 November 2007)
Wallah, this is haraam! How can they claim to be Mujahideen? According to my extensive knowledge about jihad, fighting with guns is the final form of jihad. Jihad An-nafs is the most primary yet important option of Jihad- Fighting desires, being in control of one self.
A disgrace! A disgrace to Islam, a disgrace to Afghan culture and a humiliation to Afghan people. Most importantly, a disgrace to Mujahids who really fought with their intention purely for the cause of Islam and their country but are having their name washed in degradation. How can they call themselves mujahideen?????
But.
Don't believe everything you read. Media propaganda and exaggeration. Blowing issues out of porportion.
The practice, called "bacha bazi" -- literally "boy play" -- has a long history in northern Afghanistan, but sometimes it does not stop with just dancing.
"I very much enjoy hugging a boy. His smell and fragrance kills me," said Yawar.
The 38-year-old businessman said he recruited a 15-year-old boy three years ago to help him with his work.
"I have had him for at least three years, since he was only 15. He was looking for a job and I gave him somewhere to stay," said Yawar, showing the boy's picture.
"I don't have a wife. He is like my wife. I dress him in women's clothes and have him sleep beside me. I enjoy him and he is my everything," he said, kissing the photograph.
"Everyone tries to have the best, most handsome and good-looking boy," said a former mujahideen commander, who declined to be named.
Former mujahideen commanders hold such parties in and around Pul-e Khumri about once a week.
"I was married to a woman 20 years ago, she left me because of my boy," he said. "I was playing with my boy every night and was away from home, eventually my wife decided to leave me. I am happy with my decision, because I am used to sleeping and entertaining with my young boy."
"I was only 14-years-old when a former Uzbek commander forced me to have sex with him," said Shir Mohammad in Sar-e Pol province. "Later, I quit my family and became his secretary. I have been with him for 10 years, I am now grown up, but he still loves me and I sleep with him."
Asked what he would do when he got older, he said: "Once I grow up, I will be an owner and I will have my own boys."
So, what are the tackling measures positioned?
Islamic scholars recommended harsher punishment.
"Those who do this are the devil," said Mawlawi Mohammad Sadiq Sadiqyar, a scholar and prayer leader in the main northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. "Under Islamic law, those who practice this should be stoned to death."
But some of the men say they are not interested in women.
"We know it is immoral and unIslamic, but how can we quit? We do not like women, we just want boys," said Chaman Gul, aged 35 of Takhar province.
(Source: UNAMA Report, 19 November 2007)
Wallah, this is haraam! How can they claim to be Mujahideen? According to my extensive knowledge about jihad, fighting with guns is the final form of jihad. Jihad An-nafs is the most primary yet important option of Jihad- Fighting desires, being in control of one self.
A disgrace! A disgrace to Islam, a disgrace to Afghan culture and a humiliation to Afghan people. Most importantly, a disgrace to Mujahids who really fought with their intention purely for the cause of Islam and their country but are having their name washed in degradation. How can they call themselves mujahideen?????
But.
Don't believe everything you read. Media propaganda and exaggeration. Blowing issues out of porportion.
Monday 19 November 2007
Apologies and my pride!
I know i'm late with my Panjsher entry. I have written notes but too lazy to type it up. i think i'll just scan it and post it then u guys can decipher what it says.
No, i'll be nice and type it. just give me time... (as if i haven't asked for enough already).
The temperature has dropped, the water puddles are all frozen in the morning.
Not feeling well today, throat feels funny.
Actually, i'm going to talk about something which just popped into my head. My pride! i know everyone is probably thinking 'oh god, she has too much of it'. i remember my friends telling me exasparatingly, most mistaking me as being a snob or damaqee. I've always held my head high, I have my reasons and i believe in its validity. People (who were very close to me) have tried breaking me... and they did! for a while i'd be upset, but it wasn't too long before i'd rise again stronger than before.
Most think i'm maghroor and i just smile. Yes, i'm maghroor.. only when it comes to guys (i won't delve into that subject). but once i let someone in, they see a sweet side. i know what people are thinking (oh my god, she has a sweet side???) i doooooooo... but it's hidden!
I'm grateful to God for making me the person that i am (i sound like i've just won a Grammy).
I believe every girl out there should define her pride, be confident and guard her reputation! Believe me, it's worth a million dollars!
S.M, you deserve much better. I've said this before and i'll say it again... A.N is a child, you need a REAL man! He was never marriage material and you can do better. This is why i reckon guys are immature until they hit 30!
S.M2, congrats on your Nikaah honey. I hope your marriage brings you eternal joy and happiness. I still can't believe you married a white boy, all through highschool you were a real tomboy, i would have thought you'll end up marrying a girl coz ur so masculine. But good on your man for converting to Islam.
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar
No, i'll be nice and type it. just give me time... (as if i haven't asked for enough already).
The temperature has dropped, the water puddles are all frozen in the morning.
Not feeling well today, throat feels funny.
Actually, i'm going to talk about something which just popped into my head. My pride! i know everyone is probably thinking 'oh god, she has too much of it'. i remember my friends telling me exasparatingly, most mistaking me as being a snob or damaqee. I've always held my head high, I have my reasons and i believe in its validity. People (who were very close to me) have tried breaking me... and they did! for a while i'd be upset, but it wasn't too long before i'd rise again stronger than before.
Most think i'm maghroor and i just smile. Yes, i'm maghroor.. only when it comes to guys (i won't delve into that subject). but once i let someone in, they see a sweet side. i know what people are thinking (oh my god, she has a sweet side???) i doooooooo... but it's hidden!
W says:
way tooo much pride
Me says:
i know, i'm just too good aren't i?
W says:
lol
W says:
i walk with elegance, win hearts with my decency etc etc
Me says:
aleh ba tu chi?zooret meta coz u can't walk with elegance? or ur not decent enough! lol.. that was ouch wasn't it?
I'm grateful to God for making me the person that i am (i sound like i've just won a Grammy).
I believe every girl out there should define her pride, be confident and guard her reputation! Believe me, it's worth a million dollars!
S.M, you deserve much better. I've said this before and i'll say it again... A.N is a child, you need a REAL man! He was never marriage material and you can do better. This is why i reckon guys are immature until they hit 30!
S.M2, congrats on your Nikaah honey. I hope your marriage brings you eternal joy and happiness. I still can't believe you married a white boy, all through highschool you were a real tomboy, i would have thought you'll end up marrying a girl coz ur so masculine. But good on your man for converting to Islam.
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar
Wednesday 14 November 2007
Visiting Masood- the national hero
The plaque just before Masoods grave!
Masoods final resting place. A hero, a defender, a fighter, a leader... a martyr. i couldn't believe how such an inevitable being could lie so helplessly. i cried. he didn't belong there. Before his death, he had dreamt he was going to die. he cried for his nation and his people. what will happen to them?
His memorial. Still undergoing construction...
This is how it will look like once completed.
One of Masoods men handed me this flower from his garden and told me that this flower will never grow old. It has a felt texture. i think he's right.
When the bombings would get too extreme, Masood would seek cover underground.
This is where Masood would sit and ponder. Bombs would drop but he wouldn't budge. That's what you call determination and bravery!
Masoods newly built family home for his 5 daughters and one son. just before moving in, he was martyred. His family visits annually and stay here.
Masoods garden. So serene and lovely. haven't seen any place like this in all of kabul!
Masoods guest house, long before he built the above house.
His house which he lived in. Had only 2 rooms and one bathroom. It was this that made me know that he was very dedicated to his people and didn't pocket peoples money for his own cause.
Masood lives on. One of the few pics i see him laughing.
Panjsher Valley.
I will provide a detailed post about the trip as soon as i get the time.
Ba omideh deedaar....
Wednesday 7 November 2007
ISAF commander in Ghazni embraces Islam
My face eyes widened and my face lightened when i read this article. Amazing!
Why kill people when you can invite them to embrace Islam? And if they dont, at least they have a better understanding of Islam and will allow a better stage of coexistence between the religions. If extremists sincerely believe that Islam is the right religion, then maybe they should preach it and invite people with it's beauty rather than killing in masses and spreading it by shedding blood. Islam is a religion of peace and many are drawn to it simply by letting it speak on its own without bloodshed.
ISAF commander in Ghazni embraces Islam
GHAZNI CITY, Nov 1
(Pajhwok Afghan News)
A commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) embraced Islam in the presence of 2000 people in the Andar district of the southern Ghazni province on Thursday.
Cap. Cormier Michel (45) commands 300 ISAF troops in the Taliban-infested district. The Ghazni governor, district chief, provincial council members, local officials, elders, ISAF soldiers and students attended a ceremony marking the commander's conversion to Islam.
The ceremony that lasted well over three hours conclude with slogans Allah-o-Akbar (Allah is Great). Cap. Michel, who changed his name to Abdul Wahed, started his brief speech with Bismillah (In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent and the most Merciful."
During the last five years, Abdul Wahed pointed out, he had been studying Islamic books and he concluded that Islam is the first religion. Stationed in Ghazni for last the last 10 months, he was impressed with the behaviour of his translator.
In a chat with Pajhwok Afghan News, the captain remarked: "Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood, but terrorists and extremists are bringing a bad name to it." After the ceremony, Abdul Wahed said he had informed his wife in the US about his acceptance of Islam. "My spouse did not show any negative reaction, but recommended not to marry another woman."
Why kill people when you can invite them to embrace Islam? And if they dont, at least they have a better understanding of Islam and will allow a better stage of coexistence between the religions. If extremists sincerely believe that Islam is the right religion, then maybe they should preach it and invite people with it's beauty rather than killing in masses and spreading it by shedding blood. Islam is a religion of peace and many are drawn to it simply by letting it speak on its own without bloodshed.
Big bomb
Another suicide attack ripped in Pul Khumri killing 100 including MPs.
Please pray for their families.
Please pray for their families.
Tuesday 6 November 2007
More about me...
I got this from home in kabul who got it from I don’t know. I love these...
First
* First job: my dads service station when i was 12. ate chocolate and icecream all day.
* First screen name: 'all my pride is all i have' not much of a name, huh?
* First funeral: My cousin. He was 12 and i was 15
* First pet: it was my brothers. a budgerigar whom we named Parendah. Now we have a lovely but vicious dog, Tyson.
* First piercing: my ears.
* First tattoo: none, so trashy! sorry pplz, just had to say it.
* First credit card: my shopping ego tells me to get one but my brain tells me otherwise.
* First enemy: ouch! a bit too extreme! never had one, hate and enmity is a waste of energy.
Last
* Last car ride: on my way to work
* Last kiss: my cute baby sister.
* Last movie watched: wasn't a movie. my family and i were watching family videos and laughing at the good old times.
* Last beverage drank: Water
* Last food consumed: coco pops
* Last phone call: Roshan (mobile phone company) operator.. trying to fix my international sms so i can get in contact with my girls. I'm going to have to change my number.
* Last time showered: This morning, yay, hot water... until it went cold on me.
* Last CD played: 'Fall in love' DONT LAUGH! *blush* it has oldies songs, lionel richie, diana ross and micheal bolton. My sister S was like 'omg, i can't believe you bought that. its them cds we used to see being advertised on TV and laugh at.' oh well, first time for everything... hehe
* Last website visited: www.bbc.co.uk i like keeping up to date with ALL news.
Now
* Single or taken: neither... confused you huh?
* Gender: Female
* Birthday: 8 August
* Sign: Leo.. although it describes my characteristics perfectly, i'm still not convinced it's true. Doubt i ever will be.
* Siblings: 1 brother and 5 gorgeous sisters.
* Hair color: brunette with a few blonde highlights... u can't see em but u can. lol. i'm thinking of going dark brown.. sultry! but makes me look older :(
* Eye color: medium brown
* Shoe size: 7.5... hey i am tall okay!
* Height: Why are local afghans so short? i'm 170cm and i like my height :)
* Wearing: black knit top, white blazer and black pants and chadar.
* Drinking: Water...
* Thinking about: how much work i have and...
* Listening to: believe it or not, INDIAN! Colleagues are playing it, not that bad.
First
* First job: my dads service station when i was 12. ate chocolate and icecream all day.
* First screen name: 'all my pride is all i have' not much of a name, huh?
* First funeral: My cousin. He was 12 and i was 15
* First pet: it was my brothers. a budgerigar whom we named Parendah. Now we have a lovely but vicious dog, Tyson.
* First piercing: my ears.
* First tattoo: none, so trashy! sorry pplz, just had to say it.
* First credit card: my shopping ego tells me to get one but my brain tells me otherwise.
* First enemy: ouch! a bit too extreme! never had one, hate and enmity is a waste of energy.
Last
* Last car ride: on my way to work
* Last kiss: my cute baby sister.
* Last movie watched: wasn't a movie. my family and i were watching family videos and laughing at the good old times.
* Last beverage drank: Water
* Last food consumed: coco pops
* Last phone call: Roshan (mobile phone company) operator.. trying to fix my international sms so i can get in contact with my girls. I'm going to have to change my number.
* Last time showered: This morning, yay, hot water... until it went cold on me.
* Last CD played: 'Fall in love' DONT LAUGH! *blush* it has oldies songs, lionel richie, diana ross and micheal bolton. My sister S was like 'omg, i can't believe you bought that. its them cds we used to see being advertised on TV and laugh at.' oh well, first time for everything... hehe
* Last website visited: www.bbc.co.uk i like keeping up to date with ALL news.
Now
* Single or taken: neither... confused you huh?
* Gender: Female
* Birthday: 8 August
* Sign: Leo.. although it describes my characteristics perfectly, i'm still not convinced it's true. Doubt i ever will be.
* Siblings: 1 brother and 5 gorgeous sisters.
* Hair color: brunette with a few blonde highlights... u can't see em but u can. lol. i'm thinking of going dark brown.. sultry! but makes me look older :(
* Eye color: medium brown
* Shoe size: 7.5... hey i am tall okay!
* Height: Why are local afghans so short? i'm 170cm and i like my height :)
* Wearing: black knit top, white blazer and black pants and chadar.
* Drinking: Water...
* Thinking about: how much work i have and...
* Listening to: believe it or not, INDIAN! Colleagues are playing it, not that bad.
Mastering the Chadari
Wearing a Chadari it's so wrong. My forehead is where my eyes are supposed to be.
Better luck to me next time.
He's missing...
A colleague is missing. He was previously kidnapped and held ransom in Khost, his tribe had vouched for his release. I won't reveal where he's been held.
Now it's the second time he's missing. Please pray for his safe return.
Now it's the second time he's missing. Please pray for his safe return.
I have a dream...
I've always been big on symbolism. Looking at our flag, i interpreted the three colours- although separate- as merging together to create a nice colour scheme. Perhaps the three primary tribes (Hazara, Pashtun and Tajik) can learn something from the flags they all embrace.
A colleague of mine, somehow found out i was related to Sayyaf. He expressed sincere apprehension towards him saying that his land had been purchased off him 'by force'. I listened. Responding only with a nod and a concerned look. At first he verbally attacked me, to which i calmly responded 'beyadarjan, u can choose your friends but not your family. If he were a friend of mine, i would accept your biased criticism towards me.' This calmed him and he began with his story about how he has deep respect for Sayaf but what he did wasn't fair. I offered my help in any way that i could.
A colleague of mine, somehow found out i was related to Sayyaf. He expressed sincere apprehension towards him saying that his land had been purchased off him 'by force'. I listened. Responding only with a nod and a concerned look. At first he verbally attacked me, to which i calmly responded 'beyadarjan, u can choose your friends but not your family. If he were a friend of mine, i would accept your biased criticism towards me.' This calmed him and he began with his story about how he has deep respect for Sayaf but what he did wasn't fair. I offered my help in any way that i could.
Thursday 1 November 2007
Kabul crime busters
There are two people whom I just admire in Kabul. Crime buster Ali Shah Paktiawal and attorney general Abdul Jabbar Sabit (an old friend of dads).
Abdul Jabbar Sabit, the attorney general, stated: “The Afghan Army will not be able to defend the country for 10 years, so the international force has to be here for at least a decade.”
I admire his courage. he's so blunt and straight to the point. He's an Afghan returnee from Canada whose downright serious when it comes to serving justice.
Ali Shah Paktiawal is a hero when it comes to anti corruption and busting out criminals.
Wednesday 31 October 2007
'What made you start blogging?'
This one's for you A.A... and of course all others who are interested.
Initially, when i arrived to Afghanistan i had the initiative of creating a documentary which will be aired all over Australia. With the S.S's assistance, we managed to find sponsors. Universities were interested in screening the documentary prior to even seeing it.I had the contribution of Afghan journalists.
Unfortunately, i became occupied in other aspects of my life and the poor security situation restricted my movement.
I began typing my manuscript- a book in the process about an Afghan girl born and raised in Australia trying to integrate in the place she always considered 'home'- Afghanistan. I reached to great lengths. i figured i needed a more effective method, one that wasn't so time consuming.
One day while i was surfing the net, i came accross a blog kept buy an afghan guy who had visited Afghanistan. it was incredibly interesting. so i began keepign an online journal (normally, i keep a written journal). From then on, i began typing. kept an account of daily happenings. Eventually, my aim is to convert this blog into a book.
I also wanted to get the message out and accross, not to be too political but just an average person trying to get through life in Kabul. I know for a fact that if i came across a blog like this when abroad, i'll be extremely curious.
So here i am, months later still typing.
At times i procrastinated, i lagged behind, gave up hope. but it was my friends interest, the comments and emails sent by all you guys that kept me moving. I picked up.
Particularly, one comment left by Kaka B and his support over the phone kept me going. He is an absolute legend, (apart from my parents)he's helped me through the toughest times of my life. I owe him much gratitude. He looks up to me with such admiration and encouraged me when i felt i was breaking. He has always told me i wasn't a 'typical afghan girl'. to this very day, i believe i'm not (no disrespect to others).
Also, W.A occasional emails saying nothing more but 'shalgham, update your blog.'was enough to get me typing blog essays.
Hope that's answered your question.
Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.
Initially, when i arrived to Afghanistan i had the initiative of creating a documentary which will be aired all over Australia. With the S.S's assistance, we managed to find sponsors. Universities were interested in screening the documentary prior to even seeing it.I had the contribution of Afghan journalists.
Unfortunately, i became occupied in other aspects of my life and the poor security situation restricted my movement.
I began typing my manuscript- a book in the process about an Afghan girl born and raised in Australia trying to integrate in the place she always considered 'home'- Afghanistan. I reached to great lengths. i figured i needed a more effective method, one that wasn't so time consuming.
One day while i was surfing the net, i came accross a blog kept buy an afghan guy who had visited Afghanistan. it was incredibly interesting. so i began keepign an online journal (normally, i keep a written journal). From then on, i began typing. kept an account of daily happenings. Eventually, my aim is to convert this blog into a book.
I also wanted to get the message out and accross, not to be too political but just an average person trying to get through life in Kabul. I know for a fact that if i came across a blog like this when abroad, i'll be extremely curious.
So here i am, months later still typing.
At times i procrastinated, i lagged behind, gave up hope. but it was my friends interest, the comments and emails sent by all you guys that kept me moving. I picked up.
Particularly, one comment left by Kaka B and his support over the phone kept me going. He is an absolute legend, (apart from my parents)he's helped me through the toughest times of my life. I owe him much gratitude. He looks up to me with such admiration and encouraged me when i felt i was breaking. He has always told me i wasn't a 'typical afghan girl'. to this very day, i believe i'm not (no disrespect to others).
Also, W.A occasional emails saying nothing more but 'shalgham, update your blog.'was enough to get me typing blog essays.
Hope that's answered your question.
Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.
Tuesday 30 October 2007
health update
Six months since my last check up, i was informed by our headquarters in Geneva that i need a medical examination prior to renewing my contract.
And so i did!
Results: All is well except kidney infection with high chance of stones. Nothing serious though, i'll just have a small operation and get it out.
The normal rate is 2-4 units, mine is TWENTY SIX!!! That explains why i get kidney aches, typical me... i ignore it.
I'm guessing it's because i eat and drink anything including tap water (yes, i have heard about the cats-in-the-tank myth).
I told W.A about it and this is how the conversation went. I couldn't stop laughing.
Me: The ______graphy will show whats going on. I can't remember the name coz the doc pronounced it way too Afghan.
W.A: fotooografee
Me: Lol, no i would have understood! I'd rather take the x ray pics myself with my digital camera. These docs have a 3 months MBBA bachelors.
W.A: Come on. Mate, the education system of Afg was soo hard that only 3% of the country could get an education.
Me: kadoo katee az ee gappet!
W.A: if your not smart enough, they kick you out of first grade.
Where to now? i have to get the _____graphy. do i trust the hospitals here?
I had a terrible day today! the medical results just worsened it. I was listening to the radio online and Natasha Bedingfield was singing Unwritten. Such an uplifting song, i used to put it up in my car everytime it came on. One of them songs u can sing along with.
It made me feel much better.
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar
And so i did!
Results: All is well except kidney infection with high chance of stones. Nothing serious though, i'll just have a small operation and get it out.
The normal rate is 2-4 units, mine is TWENTY SIX!!! That explains why i get kidney aches, typical me... i ignore it.
I'm guessing it's because i eat and drink anything including tap water (yes, i have heard about the cats-in-the-tank myth).
I told W.A about it and this is how the conversation went. I couldn't stop laughing.
Me: The ______graphy will show whats going on. I can't remember the name coz the doc pronounced it way too Afghan.
W.A: fotooografee
Me: Lol, no i would have understood! I'd rather take the x ray pics myself with my digital camera. These docs have a 3 months MBBA bachelors.
W.A: Come on. Mate, the education system of Afg was soo hard that only 3% of the country could get an education.
Me: kadoo katee az ee gappet!
W.A: if your not smart enough, they kick you out of first grade.
Where to now? i have to get the _____graphy. do i trust the hospitals here?
I had a terrible day today! the medical results just worsened it. I was listening to the radio online and Natasha Bedingfield was singing Unwritten. Such an uplifting song, i used to put it up in my car everytime it came on. One of them songs u can sing along with.
It made me feel much better.
I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar
Your questions, my answers.
This is me addressing you live from Kabul.
do you get feedback re your blog?
Yes, all the time! I get emails when i dont update it. I have recieved feedback from Afghans all over the globe thanking me and appreciating what i do. The pleasure is all mine!
Last item you bought:
8 Dvds (it takes me forever to watch it, i like buying em), bed sheet/covers, boots, a classy woolen coat (Qaraqol) it only cost me $400!, music cds, home theatre system for my room.
describe your fashion sense:
classy, chic, elegant and stylish... fashion comes and goes but style is forever. simplicity is elegance- i hate it when girls go overboard. yes, i do buy designer BUT in proportion- i budget my money well.
quantity or quality?
quality! i'd rather have a few genuines than a whole heap of fakes in all aspects of life.
describe your bedroom:
ummm... a neat wardrobe (yes i'm still the same old perfectionist!, my bed, dresser, side tables, my sofa set, home theatre system... what else am i to say? oh yeah and it's all classy!! lol i like interior designing!
your wardrobe:
neat, categorised!
how many pairs of shoes?
16. i just counted.hey, i have a sense of saving too. I manage my $$ well!
what are you wearing right now?
kalayeh afghani! jokes. i'm wearing my black designer suit and a grey shirt.
how's the weather?
chilly
whats in your handbag right now?
uff such detailed questions. ID card (in case i forget who i am lol), wallet, lipgloss, foundation, eyeliner, perfume- 'provocative woman', moisturiser, wet cleansing tissues, digital camera, flash drive, phone, chocolate. i have a special place for each item... yes i know i'm a perfectionist.
can't leave the house without...
my handbag and all the mentioned items. my bank card!!
how do ppl see you?
oh let me ask... lol. This is exactly whta A.A answered 'strong personality/character, classy, decisive, u know exactly what u want! loyal, faithful, decent, mature- REPUTATION,CONFIDENCE AND PRIDE lol remember that, u hold urself wit a lotta pride but ur also v down 2 earth. and u dont treat ppl bad but at the same time u wont tolerate being mistreated.you know wat ur worth!'
last person who emailed you?
A.B, dad, S.A, P.W.
three things you like doing...
1) laughing n quality conversation
2) shopping
3) quality time at home
three things that annoy you...
1) dumb ppl/ immaturity/ blondes
2) fake ppl
3) ppl with no manners (especially at the dining table!!)
last movie you watched...
Meet Joe Black- depiction of elegance.
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.
do you get feedback re your blog?
Yes, all the time! I get emails when i dont update it. I have recieved feedback from Afghans all over the globe thanking me and appreciating what i do. The pleasure is all mine!
Last item you bought:
8 Dvds (it takes me forever to watch it, i like buying em), bed sheet/covers, boots, a classy woolen coat (Qaraqol) it only cost me $400!, music cds, home theatre system for my room.
describe your fashion sense:
classy, chic, elegant and stylish... fashion comes and goes but style is forever. simplicity is elegance- i hate it when girls go overboard. yes, i do buy designer BUT in proportion- i budget my money well.
quantity or quality?
quality! i'd rather have a few genuines than a whole heap of fakes in all aspects of life.
describe your bedroom:
ummm... a neat wardrobe (yes i'm still the same old perfectionist!, my bed, dresser, side tables, my sofa set, home theatre system... what else am i to say? oh yeah and it's all classy!! lol i like interior designing!
your wardrobe:
neat, categorised!
how many pairs of shoes?
16. i just counted.hey, i have a sense of saving too. I manage my $$ well!
what are you wearing right now?
kalayeh afghani! jokes. i'm wearing my black designer suit and a grey shirt.
how's the weather?
chilly
whats in your handbag right now?
uff such detailed questions. ID card (in case i forget who i am lol), wallet, lipgloss, foundation, eyeliner, perfume- 'provocative woman', moisturiser, wet cleansing tissues, digital camera, flash drive, phone, chocolate. i have a special place for each item... yes i know i'm a perfectionist.
can't leave the house without...
my handbag and all the mentioned items. my bank card!!
how do ppl see you?
oh let me ask... lol. This is exactly whta A.A answered 'strong personality/character, classy, decisive, u know exactly what u want! loyal, faithful, decent, mature- REPUTATION,CONFIDENCE AND PRIDE lol remember that, u hold urself wit a lotta pride but ur also v down 2 earth. and u dont treat ppl bad but at the same time u wont tolerate being mistreated.you know wat ur worth!'
last person who emailed you?
A.B, dad, S.A, P.W.
three things you like doing...
1) laughing n quality conversation
2) shopping
3) quality time at home
three things that annoy you...
1) dumb ppl/ immaturity/ blondes
2) fake ppl
3) ppl with no manners (especially at the dining table!!)
last movie you watched...
Meet Joe Black- depiction of elegance.
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.
winter bliss
Last night: Parents went to visit a relative. Stayed home with my siblings, got them to complete their homework, put them in bed. then it was just me and the cold.
Lying in bed under three blankets with a Sidney Shelldon ('if tomorrow comes') novel and my phone. Playing sms ping pong with a friend. I drowned myself in the novel and let myself be absorbed by the aura.
Winter does have it's positives, i guess.
Lying in bed under three blankets with a Sidney Shelldon ('if tomorrow comes') novel and my phone. Playing sms ping pong with a friend. I drowned myself in the novel and let myself be absorbed by the aura.
Winter does have it's positives, i guess.
Monday 29 October 2007
Pitch black Paghman
The black mountains of Paghman overshadowed us as the driver accelerated faster on the narrow road, swerving left and right avoiding oncoming traffic. My family picked me up after work and we went to Paghman. Yes i was freaking out. but at the same time, i felt it would be exciting. We had a great time!
Bought kebabs on the way, got there when it was dark, visited a relative. Returned home.
I'm not in the mood for subjective writing so u'll have to excuse me.
Got a medical check up done today, getting results later today. Been driving around in work vehicle all day which i hate coz it's like saying 'hey mr taliban, check me out. i work for your enemies, come and get me!' i'd rather catch cabs all day! okay, not really!
I found a new trick to avoid the stupid Afghan guards flirtation at the checkpoints. TALKING ENGLISH ON MY PHONE! it really works. i called a friend and started chatting, they checked my ID cards without saying a word!The US troops started a conversation with me in the middle of nowhere, so i was polite. They were really nice and asked if i wanted them to escort me out til my vehicle. I declined nicely but gave the afghan guards the 'dont ever mess with me again' look. I think they got the point.
Okies, back to work!
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.
H.A- i try to deter from politics as much as i can but it's the only interesting thing that happens here. How's the election campaign going? I read the debate transcript with Johnny Boy and Kevin Rudd. What are the polls showing? okay okay fine, no more politics. Your right about my blog being political i just scrolled down and saw the past few blogs have been all politics.
Bought kebabs on the way, got there when it was dark, visited a relative. Returned home.
I'm not in the mood for subjective writing so u'll have to excuse me.
Got a medical check up done today, getting results later today. Been driving around in work vehicle all day which i hate coz it's like saying 'hey mr taliban, check me out. i work for your enemies, come and get me!' i'd rather catch cabs all day! okay, not really!
I found a new trick to avoid the stupid Afghan guards flirtation at the checkpoints. TALKING ENGLISH ON MY PHONE! it really works. i called a friend and started chatting, they checked my ID cards without saying a word!The US troops started a conversation with me in the middle of nowhere, so i was polite. They were really nice and asked if i wanted them to escort me out til my vehicle. I declined nicely but gave the afghan guards the 'dont ever mess with me again' look. I think they got the point.
Okies, back to work!
ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.
H.A- i try to deter from politics as much as i can but it's the only interesting thing that happens here. How's the election campaign going? I read the debate transcript with Johnny Boy and Kevin Rudd. What are the polls showing? okay okay fine, no more politics. Your right about my blog being political i just scrolled down and saw the past few blogs have been all politics.
Sunday 28 October 2007
Empty
Rainy weather. Depressing music. Boring office atmosphere coz everyone had a fight (excluding me) so i'm stuck in the middle, tolerating boredom.
Weekend went great. Thursday- i got home and headed straight to work. My sisters paywaazi! I had a terrible stomach ache from eating roadside chapli kabab (thanks to my colleagues).
Friday- visited grandads burial site. then went on a family bbq with my sisters and my bro in laws. Evening went to a posh Turkish restaurant for dinner.
Saturday- took my sisters out shopping. we literally shopped til we dropped. Had lunch at an international Lebanese restaurant.i bought boots, DVDs, checked up on my tailor made coat (made of Qaraqol), bought a bed set. had an argument with the guard at the restaurant door for giving girls a hard time. he won't let em in until he flirts with them. so i gave him a piece of me. well not really, but i told his supervisor. My sisters and i were freaking out upon leaving. He's armed with a gun and we were paranoid that he'll shoot us in retaliation.
We weren't bothered waiting for the driver to pick us up so we decided to catch a taxi. Two taxis stopped, the first was a guy aged around 30. the second one was an elder guy aged around 50. i told my sister to go for the second taxi coz he's old and in case he decides to kidnap us (yes, i am paranoid) at least we can beat him out of the taxi and hijack it. S went to the first taxi leaving T and i debating about which one is the safer alternative. This is how it went:
ME: The younger one is harder to beat up if he decides to kidnap us, look at him.. he's so big and fat!
T: No, the younger one is more into contemporary living. look at him, you can tell he's anti-Taliban. He won't kidnap us! The old one looks like a Talib, look at his beard!
I reluctantly accepted the first option. Surprisingly, the driver was very 'normal'. he wouldnt stare in his rear view as other drivers would and he didnt attempt to converse. I felt alright until we got home. I told the driver to drop us off a few houses before ours (it's my 'safe' technique so that we don't give away our residential details). I handed him a 100 Afs note, he declined saying he didn't have change. I told him not to worry about it. he then responded by saying he's not a taxi driver! i was like WHAT? but i acted calm and cool. left the 100 Afs in the car seat. the second i shut the door of the taxi, i turned to my sister saying, I TOLD YOU SO, he was weird!i told them from this point on, i'm catching the cab!
LAter that night, i told my parents the story! mum laughed, dad explained the taxi situation. White are unregistered taxis (the one we got into) and yellows are official taxis.
Anyways, nearly time to go home. I need to wrap up.
Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.
Weekend went great. Thursday- i got home and headed straight to work. My sisters paywaazi! I had a terrible stomach ache from eating roadside chapli kabab (thanks to my colleagues).
Friday- visited grandads burial site. then went on a family bbq with my sisters and my bro in laws. Evening went to a posh Turkish restaurant for dinner.
Saturday- took my sisters out shopping. we literally shopped til we dropped. Had lunch at an international Lebanese restaurant.i bought boots, DVDs, checked up on my tailor made coat (made of Qaraqol), bought a bed set. had an argument with the guard at the restaurant door for giving girls a hard time. he won't let em in until he flirts with them. so i gave him a piece of me. well not really, but i told his supervisor. My sisters and i were freaking out upon leaving. He's armed with a gun and we were paranoid that he'll shoot us in retaliation.
We weren't bothered waiting for the driver to pick us up so we decided to catch a taxi. Two taxis stopped, the first was a guy aged around 30. the second one was an elder guy aged around 50. i told my sister to go for the second taxi coz he's old and in case he decides to kidnap us (yes, i am paranoid) at least we can beat him out of the taxi and hijack it. S went to the first taxi leaving T and i debating about which one is the safer alternative. This is how it went:
ME: The younger one is harder to beat up if he decides to kidnap us, look at him.. he's so big and fat!
T: No, the younger one is more into contemporary living. look at him, you can tell he's anti-Taliban. He won't kidnap us! The old one looks like a Talib, look at his beard!
I reluctantly accepted the first option. Surprisingly, the driver was very 'normal'. he wouldnt stare in his rear view as other drivers would and he didnt attempt to converse. I felt alright until we got home. I told the driver to drop us off a few houses before ours (it's my 'safe' technique so that we don't give away our residential details). I handed him a 100 Afs note, he declined saying he didn't have change. I told him not to worry about it. he then responded by saying he's not a taxi driver! i was like WHAT? but i acted calm and cool. left the 100 Afs in the car seat. the second i shut the door of the taxi, i turned to my sister saying, I TOLD YOU SO, he was weird!i told them from this point on, i'm catching the cab!
LAter that night, i told my parents the story! mum laughed, dad explained the taxi situation. White are unregistered taxis (the one we got into) and yellows are official taxis.
Anyways, nearly time to go home. I need to wrap up.
Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.
Thursday 25 October 2007
Hear ye... Hear ye...
I couldn’t take it any more! My eyes became too wet to see, I dropped my head and waited for them to finish. Every pair of eyes in the room told a dreadful story, a horrific past. yet they continue to smile, this was only a fraction of kabuls poor and needy. Some of the children told their stories with no emotion. As if losing a parent was alright.- From my speech which i delivered to prominent guests at 'Mahboba's Promise' hope house (orphanage)
Suddenly, I realised why I was in Kabul. It was for children like them. how could I be so selfish and turn away from these faces. my moral conscience would’nt
allow it. Even if I did return to Australia, I’d be sure to leave something
behind and contribute somehitng.blockquote>
Where are our educated Afghans? Your country is calling you, awaiting you, in need of you. In every Afghan childs weep, in every Afghan mothers tear, in every Afghan fathers quest... You are the answer!
Our Afghans abroad who were once respected engineers, doctors, professors, lawyers in their homes are now taxi drivers. Even a king away from home is a beggar.
Nothing is greater than the satisfaction one recieves from helping an outstretched hand. No feeling is greater than feeling an orphans hair run through your fingers.
No feeling is greater than wiping away the tears of a mother in search of her long missing son. No pain is stronger than the one which an orphan or a widow shares through their story. No smile is more genuine than the one on a poor womans face.They continue to smile yet in every voice of every man, in every infants cry of fear, in every cry of every child. In ever voice I hear the cruelty of war, the unhealed wounds, the pain and sufferings...hoping and praying for a day to come.- From my speech which i delivered to prominent guests at 'Mahboba's Promise' hope house (orphanage). When i got to this part of my speech, i couldnt hold back tears.
Ba omideh salamatee Afghanistan. Khuda negahdaar.
But for how long...?
I spoke about these people with President Hamid Karzai, during a luncheon in Kabul. He told me that Afghanistan would welcome any Afghan who wants to return home. It was an honorable position to take. But historically, even in the far more stable era of royalty, the central Afghan government has never been able to provide adequately for its people. Today, the country is still recovering from a 30-year nightmare of war, famine, drought, displacement and massive human suffering. By all indications, the government is overwhelmed with the task of providing even basic services, and does not have the capacity to absorb the millions of Afghans who have come back. In the villages that I visited, the presence of the government was simply not palpable, severely testing the self-sufficiency in which Afghans take so much pride
- Khaled Hosseini
Wednesday 24 October 2007
A single death - a tragedy; a million - a mere statistic
In Paktika Province, a young man, whose chest was wrapped with an explosive vest was en route to the place where he would detonate himself. But then, he saw people at prayer in a mosque, and he changed his mind. He went to the police. He began removing his explosive vest, but it went off. He alone was killed.
In Uruzgan Province, a young man, recently home from Pakistan where he had attended a religious school, announced a similar intention to his family. He was going to kill the enemy by killing himself. The article said that he handed over $3,600, presumably a reward for what he was about to do. In front of his mother, brother and two sisters, he displayed his explosive vest. The young man's mother was horrified, and she immediately tried to remove the vest from his body. The bomb detonated. The young man, his mother, and his three siblings were killed instantly.
Ambivalence and fear surely accompany each bomber on the way to destruction; anguish and dread must fill the hearts of their family members, if they know ahead of time. After the fact, grief must anchor every feeling.
I think of that mother. What was the meaning of her life if not the well-being of her children? What could be worse than the death of one's children by one's child? As the mother saw the suicide vest on her son, and as she then tried to wrestle it off, how could she not have been screaming inside, "Who did this to my child?"
I think of the siblings, witnessing the horror unfolding before them. How helpless they must have felt, with their last glance fixed on a violation of all they had been taught to love and value. I think of that first bomber, who, en route to killing, accidentally caught a glimpse of worship, which is nothing but the wish to affirm life, which is another name for God. I think of the bomb masters, who recruited those boys, manipulated them, tricked them into imagining that death could be an affirmation. And I think of those who created the situation within which all of this unfolds.
President George W. Bush tells us that, if we don't defuse the regional body vest carefully, World War III will start. There it is. Bush himself acknowledging at last what, under his leadership, the United States has done. We have put an explosive vest on Earth itself.
And now our job is to get it off. The revelation here is that, in the new age, every bomber is a suicide bomber.
In Uruzgan Province, a young man, recently home from Pakistan where he had attended a religious school, announced a similar intention to his family. He was going to kill the enemy by killing himself. The article said that he handed over $3,600, presumably a reward for what he was about to do. In front of his mother, brother and two sisters, he displayed his explosive vest. The young man's mother was horrified, and she immediately tried to remove the vest from his body. The bomb detonated. The young man, his mother, and his three siblings were killed instantly.
Ambivalence and fear surely accompany each bomber on the way to destruction; anguish and dread must fill the hearts of their family members, if they know ahead of time. After the fact, grief must anchor every feeling.
I think of that mother. What was the meaning of her life if not the well-being of her children? What could be worse than the death of one's children by one's child? As the mother saw the suicide vest on her son, and as she then tried to wrestle it off, how could she not have been screaming inside, "Who did this to my child?"
I think of the siblings, witnessing the horror unfolding before them. How helpless they must have felt, with their last glance fixed on a violation of all they had been taught to love and value. I think of that first bomber, who, en route to killing, accidentally caught a glimpse of worship, which is nothing but the wish to affirm life, which is another name for God. I think of the bomb masters, who recruited those boys, manipulated them, tricked them into imagining that death could be an affirmation. And I think of those who created the situation within which all of this unfolds.
President George W. Bush tells us that, if we don't defuse the regional body vest carefully, World War III will start. There it is. Bush himself acknowledging at last what, under his leadership, the United States has done. We have put an explosive vest on Earth itself.
And now our job is to get it off. The revelation here is that, in the new age, every bomber is a suicide bomber.
Afg refutes Israel! Go Afg... :)
This incident made my heart weep. I was only 14 when i found out. But the repercussion was enormous. i became deeply interested in the Middle East crisis, researching, reading, exploring, analysing from every angle (religiously, politically and historically) the palestinian cause became my one and only passion for the next years of my life (and it still is). I traced Jerusalem all the way back to Being an adolescent, i created a 2m x 2m israeli flag to burn at protests. i wore a green kalimah bandanna and carried banners in demonstrations, chanting pro palestine slogans in Arabic. i presented heartfelt speeches which made ppl cry in front of thousands, wrote letters to the gov't. I defended the palestinians in debates against pro-Israeli Zionists. I was out there, doing what i could while other teenagers felt crazy 'in love'. i was in love too, with the palestinian cause! At times, i cried but over all, it made me strong enough to deal with where i am today- Kabul.
I have felt for the Palestinian cause for as long as i can remember- even more than for Afg. Perhaps because i saw Afghans fighting Afghans, Muslims fighting their own. so it made no sense to me. the middle east crisis was different. Spoken out against the oppression imposed by Zionists. I hold nothing against Jews or Judaism, it's Zionism and it's followers which i resent with a passion!
Anyways, here's an article which made me proud of Afg :)
An official at Afghanistan's embassy in Germany has been replaced for inviting an Israeli diplomat to a function, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.
“He was a political employee of the embassy and has been replaced because of inviting the Israeli diplomat,” said Sultan Ahmad Baheen.
Like the majority of Muslim countries, Afghanistan does not recognize the Jewish state.
The invitation to a function celebrating Afghanistan's Independence Day in August was issued to the Israeli diplomat due to a “technical mistake,” Mr. Baheen added.
Mr. Baheen said official was removed because Afghanistan had no diplomatic ties with Israel.
The Real Afghanistan
Sergeant Villalta takes notes. "We'll share this information with the governor, and make sure something is done."
"No! No!" says Sardar Mohammed, stepping forward. "We don't trust the governor. If he gets food, he gives it to 10 families. He puts money in his pocket. We trust you more than him. Bring aid directly to us."
My parents taught me to listen to good words even if it came from a not so good person. Having said that, i found Osama Bin Ladin's latest video tape release as being an integral piece of advice for all (if chanelled in the correct method).
Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden called for Iraqi insurgents to unite and avoid "extremism" that causes divisions in a new audiotape aired Monday on Al-Jazeera television, trying to overcome splits by some Sunnis who have opposed the terror group's branch in Iraq.
Bin Laden said insurgents should admit "mistakes" and that he even advises himself not to be extreme in his leadership.
"Some of you have been lax in one duty, which is to unite your ranks,"
bin Laden said in the audiotape. "Beware of division ... Muslims are waiting for you to gather under a single banner to champion righteousness. Be keen to oblige with this duty."
"I advise myself, Muslims in general and brothers in al-Qaida everywhere to avoid extremism among men and groups," he said, saying leaders should not build themselves up as the sole authority, and that instead mujahideen should follow "what God and his prophet have said."
Bin Laden used the Arabic word "ta'assub," which in traditional Islamic thought means extremism in allegiance or adherence to a group, to a degree that excludes others _ apparently advising flexibility to overcome divisions. (The Associated Press, 22 Oct 2007)
One advice for Bin Laden- Take up your own advice and deter from extremism!
An Afghan Tale
Once upon a time there was a country, more a space than a nation, landlocked, mountainous, impoverished and windblown.
There resided many peoples, including Pashtuns and Tajiks and Uzbeks and Turkmen, and a new tribe called the Americans.
They had come, the Americans, after 30 years of bloodshed, to bring peace to this land called Afghanistan. But what did they know - what could they know - of life behind burkas, or beyond mud walls, or inside minds made mad by war?
Past goat herds and yellowing almond trees, the helmeted Americans drove their armored Humvees. Beside lurching piles of battered tires, children gathered in villages and, unlike those in another broken land called Iraq, they smiled and waved.
The Americans talked about empowering Afghans. Sometimes they took to Blackhawk helicopters and swooped along the dun-colored river beds and sent goats scurrying for cover.
The 26,000 U.S. troops meant well. They wielded billions of dollars. They calculated "metrics" of progress. They had learned, to their cost, how this faraway place - abandoned to pile rubble on rubble - could nurture danger.
Not only was it once home to the American-funded Islamists who humbled the Soviet empire. It also housed their jihadist offspring, who, like sorcerers' apprentices, turned on a distracted sponsor and brought the dust of two fallen towers to Manhattan.
To help forge a better Afghanistan, or just an Afghanistan, the Americans involved their NATO friends. An alliance forged to defend the West against the Soviets was transformed into an agent of democratic change in southwest Asia.
How strange! The enemy now was Taliban Islamofascists rather than Kremlin totalitarians. On a hillside in southeastern Afghanistan rose "Camp Dracula," a garrison housing 700 Romanian soldiers on this NATO mission.
The process will be very slow. The West's stomach for investing blood and treasure here for another decade is unclear. But I see no alternative if Afghanistan is to move from its destructive gyre and the global threat that brings.
The children's smiles suggest hope still flickers. To lose Afghanistan by way of Iraq - and to do so on the border of an explosive nuclear-armed Pakistan - would be a terrible betrayal and an unacceptable risk.
That, alas, is no fairy tale.
There resided many peoples, including Pashtuns and Tajiks and Uzbeks and Turkmen, and a new tribe called the Americans.
They had come, the Americans, after 30 years of bloodshed, to bring peace to this land called Afghanistan. But what did they know - what could they know - of life behind burkas, or beyond mud walls, or inside minds made mad by war?
Past goat herds and yellowing almond trees, the helmeted Americans drove their armored Humvees. Beside lurching piles of battered tires, children gathered in villages and, unlike those in another broken land called Iraq, they smiled and waved.
The Americans talked about empowering Afghans. Sometimes they took to Blackhawk helicopters and swooped along the dun-colored river beds and sent goats scurrying for cover.
The 26,000 U.S. troops meant well. They wielded billions of dollars. They calculated "metrics" of progress. They had learned, to their cost, how this faraway place - abandoned to pile rubble on rubble - could nurture danger.
Not only was it once home to the American-funded Islamists who humbled the Soviet empire. It also housed their jihadist offspring, who, like sorcerers' apprentices, turned on a distracted sponsor and brought the dust of two fallen towers to Manhattan.
To help forge a better Afghanistan, or just an Afghanistan, the Americans involved their NATO friends. An alliance forged to defend the West against the Soviets was transformed into an agent of democratic change in southwest Asia.
How strange! The enemy now was Taliban Islamofascists rather than Kremlin totalitarians. On a hillside in southeastern Afghanistan rose "Camp Dracula," a garrison housing 700 Romanian soldiers on this NATO mission.
The process will be very slow. The West's stomach for investing blood and treasure here for another decade is unclear. But I see no alternative if Afghanistan is to move from its destructive gyre and the global threat that brings.
The children's smiles suggest hope still flickers. To lose Afghanistan by way of Iraq - and to do so on the border of an explosive nuclear-armed Pakistan - would be a terrible betrayal and an unacceptable risk.
That, alas, is no fairy tale.
Latest happenings in Kabul
Canada is paying Afghan police wages in cash, sidestepping the Afghan government it accuses of corruption, to bolster its own troops'safety in the volatile south, a Canadian daily reported Tuesday. (AP, 9 October 2007)
"The German engineer along with four Afghan hostages were freed in exchange for five Taliban prisoners," said Mohammad Naeem, governor of Jaghato district in Wardak province. (AFP, 10 October 2007)
Whatever happened to the Afg gov'ts 'no hostage deal' policy? Read the following article about arranged marriages for girls as young as 3 years old. Upsetting...
When asked about her engagement party this summer, little Sunam glanced blankly at her family, then fiddled with her gold-sequined engagement outfit _ a speechless response not out of shyness, but because she does not yet talk much. Sunam is 3.
The toddler was engaged to her 7-year-old cousin Nieem in June, in a match made by their parents.
Despite the efforts of the government and rights groups, the engagement and marriage of children still persists in this country, especially among poor, uneducated families or in the countryside.
About 16 percent of Afghan children are married under the age of 15, according to recent data from UNICEF. And there is evidence that the poverty of recent years is pushing down the marriage age further in some areas.
The practice can force couples into a miserable union and sometimes expose the girl to violence if she resists.
Sunam's father committed her in marriage as a gift to his sister, Fahima, who does not have a daughter and desperately wants one. Marriage between first cousins is common in Afghanistan because families believe it is better to know their in-laws well. The two families live in the same modest housing compound in Kabul.
"It's a very common problem. I know people in my own family who were engaged this way," said Orzala Ashraf, founder of Humanitarian Assistance for the Women and Children of Afghanistan. "The engagement happens before birth in some cases."
In an unhappy forced marriage, the man can take a woman he loves as a second wife in Islamic and Afghan culture. But the girls are trapped.
Some commit suicide _ in Kapisa province, just north of Kabul, an 18-year-old girl shot and killed herself because her family would not break off her three-year engagement to a drug addict, Afghanistan's Pajhwok News Agency reported in August.
Others run away, sometimes falling into drugs or prostitution.
"Many girls who want to marry as they wish run away as a threat tactic to their family," Ashraf said. "There is no law that forbids running away, but it is a matter of honor."
The tactic sometimes works. Ashraf helped shelter one 17-year-old girl who ran away from home for a few days, humiliating her parents into letting her marry the man she loved.
The minimum legal age of marriage in Afghanistan is 16 for girls and 18 for boys. Yet child marriages account for 43 percent of all marriages, according to the United Nations. The reasons are often economic: The girl's family gets a "bride price" of double the per capita income for a year or more, according to the World Bank.
In March, the women's ministry and rights group Medica Mondiale started a campaign to encourage marriage registration before a judge, which they hope will cut down on forced and child marriages. Marriage registration is already mandated but rarely practiced.
The families of Sunam and Nieem are convinced that if the two grow up together knowing they will be married, they will be happy to wed in the future. The plan is for them to marry when Sunam is 14 or 15.
Nieem's mother, Fahima, said if the children grow up to dislike each other, the families will break off the arrangement. "It's their whole lives. If they don't like each other they will have problems their whole lives," she said.
But according to the children's aunt, Najiba, the match is unbreakable.
"We are Pashtun people. If we engage them, there is no way to separate them. They will marry," Najiba said. "In our tribe, it is like this.
When they get engaged, they cannot divorce."
Many engaged couples do not meet until after they are married. In some cases, two pregnant women _ either sisters or good friends _ agree to make a match if one has a boy and the other a girl.
Girls from fatherless families _ there are many in war-torn Afghanistan _ often are forced into the worst engagements. Jamila Zafar, a social worker for rights group Women for Afghan Women, says it took 2 1/2 months of negotiations to free 14-year-old Mudira in Paghman province outside Kabul from her engagement.
Mudira had lost her father, and her uncle forced the girl into an engagement with his son, a handicapped amputee. When the son died, the uncle engaged her for a second time to another handicapped son.
When Zafar's colleagues talked with the uncle and his family, the relatives threatened to kill them and went to Mudira's house to beat her stepfather. Only under pressure from Paghman police and officials was the engagement called off.
It is nearly impossible to break engagements "because you're considered the other family's property. You're theirs now. You've been given away,"
said Manizha Naderi, director of Women for Afghan Women. "It's obviously barbaric. It's going to take generations to change this custom."
One 22-year-old woman from Kabul has tried to break off her engagement for eight years. Her 36-year-old fiance _ whom she describes as uneducated, conservative and cruel, "like a Taliban" _ has threatened to kill her if she refuses him. His father has also beaten her.
"I have told my mother for eight years that I don't accept this man,"
the engaged woman said, asking that her name be withheld for fear his family would attack her. "My mother said, 'What can I do? You don't have any brothers, you don't have a father.'"
Her father died in a car accident when she was 6 months old, so a close friend of her father took it upon himself to find her an appropriate husband _ his son.
She is educated and works for a prominent international organization.
Her fiance is a tailor with a high school diploma.
"I'm young. I want to go to school," she said, at a coffee shop in a Kabul shopping mall. Her voice was full of desperation and resignation. (The Associated Press, 12 October 2007)
Hundreds of angry villagers demonstrated in eastern Afghanistan Saturday alleging that US troops had burnt the holy Koran, a charge the US-led coalition rejected.
Residents of Kunar province blocked a road for several hours before parliamentarians, in their home districts for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, were able to calm the crowd, an AFP reporter said. (13 October 2007)
UK... A sanctuary for fugitive warlords? That's what it sure seems like. This is the second case of the money yet to be opened.
An Afghan warlord suspected of being involved in a massacre of civilians has been allowed to stay in the UK - because kicking him out would infringe his human rights.
Assadullah Nawazzoai was allegedly a former commander of a fundamentalist group which now fights UK and US troops in Afghanistan.
The 46-year-old was believed to have been involved in the siege of Kabul in the mid-1990s when hundreds of innocent civilians were killed, although he denies any responsibility for the deaths of non-combatants. Nawazzoai, who is living with his brother in Ilford, East London, says he will be killed if he returns to Afghanistan. He plans to bring his three wives and seven children over. Ministers are desperate to throw him out, but are convinced the courts would order them to let him stay.
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