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…

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!

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.

Afg teen executed for carrying US dollars

South Afghanistan is heating up, not that its any cooler. Musa Qala in Helmand is under 100% authority of the Taliban. Sangin and Lashkar Gah are on the verge of toppling into the Taliban regime. Uruzgan, Zabul, Nimroz, Helmand and Kandahar are perhaps the worst followed by the Eastern regions (Kunar, Nangarhar- where the famous Tora Bora is situated).

The article below highlights the injustices of the so-called 'Taliban'. When I recieved an update in my inbox, the title caught my attention. I just had to post it. So unfair...

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan_Taliban militants hanged a teenager in southern
Afghanistan because he had American money in his pocket, stuffing five
US$1 bills into his mouth as a warning to other villagers not to use dollars, police
said Monday. Taliban militants elsewhere killed eight police.

The 15-year-old boy was hanged from a tree on Sunday in Helmand, the most violent province in the country and the world's No. 1 poppy-growing region.
"The Taliban warned villagers that they would face the same punishment if they were caught with dollars," said Wali Mohammad, the district police chief in Sangin.

Dollars are commonly used in Afghanistan alongside the afghani, the local currency,
though dollars are more commonly seen in larger cities where international
organizations are found.

[passage omitted]

The Taliban killed another man in Sangin on Saturday who had sought farm assistance and seeds from an international aid program, Mohammad said.
The militants accused him of being a spy and shot him to death.

Another explosion...Saturday's replica

Just recieved news of another suicide attack between Chahrahe Qambar and Afshar. The target was another police bus. The same procedure (in Saturday's attack) was employed by the suicide bomber this morning. He entered a Police Bus before detonating himself. There are casualties, but the number is unknown as yet. We recieved this terrible news at 7.15am this morning.

This is too upsetting!

In the political arena (since Saturdays suicide attack), Karzai has made unsuccessful attempts to reach a truce with the Taliban and warlord Hekmatyar- even offering them cabinet posts in Meshrano Jirga. Both have turned him down. Hekmatyar had recently suggested for foreign troops to be replaced with military troops from Islamic countries and the Taliban rejected Karzais offer issuing an ultimatem that all foreign troops evacuate Afghanistan before they decide to make any peace deals.

"Taliban are not interested in government posts - ministries or anything.
We want the withdrawal of foreign forces and we stand by our position," Qari
Yusuf Ahmadi told news agencies. "As long as they have not withdrawn, we'll
never talk with the Kabul administration." (Source- BBC News)

I guess he's gotten his point across.

Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.

Afghan blood continues to spill

Che begaam az dasteh tu ay roozegaar, be tu chi mereseh az shekasteh mann...

A bus carrying dozens of Afghan soldiers in Kabul was ripped apart by a powerful bomb on Saturday morning, in an attack blamed on Taleban insurgents. (Source: BBC News)

I have lost count of the number of suicide bomb attacks in Kabul let alone the number of casualties. Yesterday, another suicide attack took place in Karte Parwan near Cinema Baharistan killing 27 police (numbers continue to rise). Reuters reported 10 killed, a flimsy portrayal of the tragic imposition of the bombing. Other sources immediately reported 27 dead. If the same situation occured in a western country, the 'estimation' would have been doubled increasing social alarm. However, Afghanistan continues to be forlon and Afghan blood contines to spill unnoticed by the world.

I will say no more, let the photoes speak. It saddens me to think about who have been killed. Men who have joined the army only to provide for their families, recipients of US$70 month wages. Fathers, uncles, brothers. all sole income earners for their families.

I have mentioned this before and i will entrench it again, men here play multiple roles in a family. Unfortunately, sadly but truly, women find it formidable to persevere in life without a male figure in the home. My heart goes out for these women. But i also admire the strength, courage and determination of those women who continue to struggle and strive for the future. Women who perpetuate the family name in a dignified and honourable manner. The mothers and wives of Afghanistan.

Unfortunately for some, most women who have lost their husbands tend to wander off and remarry leaving behind her children in the care of their paternal relatives and never hear from them again. One can only imagine the preceding occurences which a mother is forced to endure which results her in abandoning her children.

Later that day, i took my aunts shopping. Kabul streets continued business as usual- shop owners sold, beggers continued to beg and shoppers continued to shop. They have become so desensitised to attacks, it no longer frightens them but the anger is ensued.

We returned home in time for Iftaar. Again, visitors continued flowing in. Its afghan tradition to continue catering for people following the death of a family member for forty days. It's appalling. We don't get family time alone. But it's Ramadan and it's a blessing to have visitors, so for that i'm grateful.

Mum gives food away to those in need, like our maid. A young Hazara girl. Their family is ever so grateful for it. She told us of her story- her neighbour had little food to break her fast with so they came knocking on her door. They had nothing to give away except sharing the food which my mum had given to them. I can't stand wasting food. Even in Australia, I felt very guilty throwing food away.

Ba omideh roozegaareh behtar, ba omideh azaadi millate Afghanistan.

If the sky is not in love, then it will not be so clear.

If the sun is not in love, then it will not be giving any light.

If the river is not in love, then it will be in silence, it will not be moving.

If the mountains, the earth are not in love, then there will be nothing growing

- Mawlana Jalaludin Rumi Balkhi

Blog gains a little publicity

It looks like my blog is reaching the public out there. Far more than i think. I was surprised to find my entry quoted in Joshua Foust's site (http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/author/joshua-foust/). Foust was named Time magazines Person of the Year in 2006.

I guess it's partly due to the reason that it has been listed in http://afghanistan-analyst.org/blogs.aspx

Kabul has been cold the past two days. With winter just around the corner, the warm weather is breaking into cold and chilly winds. This morning i grabbed my jacket before coming to the office- i'm glad i did that.

Kabul has suffered another blow. Following the usual trend, the suicide vehicle rammed his car into a convoy of French troops. The explosion killed innocent civilians who were passengers in a nearby car.

Yesterday, (in Kabul, near Gumruck) the international military forces (IMF) shot and wounded two local drivers who ignored warning orders to stop as the civilians vehicles moved closer to the convoy. Although it doesnt justify the actions of the IMF, it is only relevant to mention that drivers in afghanistan have little acknowledgment for traffic laws including IMF and ISAF orders. I have seen Corollas following convoys almost always too closely, despite having an IMF soldier pointing a gun with one hand and motioning with the other hand to stop or keep distance. In turn, the forces fear a suicide attack and shoot before being shot at.

No doubt, it creates delays and frustration having to follow a convoy at a distance. But the IMF are here and they are going to shoot, it's only wise to follow orders. IMF or ISAF shooting at civilian cars 'mistaking' them for suicide bombs is not a new trend and has been occuring for quite some time. It just doesn't make it to the media as much as the deaths of IMF does.

Anyways, i better go and pray Zuhur. I'm fasting and really hungry.

On a completely different note, i feel like i have been lied to. I hope i'm wrong. Time will tell all.

Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar

Character assassination

He's tackling corruption very well. A stern face hidden underneath a grey bushy beard and white hair. Blunt, straight to the point yet he's one of the few who is really doing well for the country. Attorney General, Abdel Jabar Sabet has been under attack by the media non stop in the last 24 hours. He’s under heavy criticism for calling Tolo Tv’s journalist to his offices. Critics say he’s jeapordising Afghanistans' right to freedom of speech. Have a read of this article posted on BBC today (see below). See also the press release which has been heavily exaggerated (according to my personal thoughts).

While it may be unacceptable for an Attorney General to approach TV stations and alter in their productions, one still needs to keep in mind the developing nature of afghanistan. Pragmatically, Afghanistan hasn't developed it's freedom of speech. Many Afghans are too afraid to speak out.

In terms of journalism, i have witnessed the powerful impact of media propaganda and it's effect on nations (including Australia). The media is able to manipulate and shape ideas of the masses by using it's right to free speech. But to what extent is it free speech? Unfortunately, even Australian media laws are still unable to draw a fine law between defamation and free speech. The Australian media, to some extent, has portrayed a negative image of Muslims in Australia creating phobia nationwide.

In essence, although i don't agree Attorney General Sabet is the man for the job, however we do need someone who gives our journalists a twist in the ear every now and then for manipulation. As for Shukria Barukzai, to say the least- she's my most disliked MP. She doesn't maintain her ground and changes her stance on issues too often.

Anyways, back to Attorney General- there's been a hyper reaction here in Kabul. It's all over the news- character assassination! Seriously, GET OVER IT and leave the poor man alone! He's top notch! This is the first step he's taken which is wrong, but there's plenty more that he's done which deserves praise.

As for other happenings, things are pretty calm here. Just been really busy in the past few days with guests.

Row over Afghan TV station raid

Protesters denounced the raid as an attack against press freedom Staff at an Afghan television station in the capital, Kabul, have protested against a raid by armed police who allegedly assaulted workers there.
Dozens of journalists and members of parliament demonstrated outside parliament against the raid. They accused President Hamid Karzai of smothering freedom of speech during Tuesday's raid at Tolo TV.
MP and former journalist Shukria Barakzai accused the authorities of having no respect for the law.

'Over-reaction'
"It's a small example for journalists in Afghanistan. We face lots of violence," she told the rally outside parliament.

Staff at Tolo are renowned for their campaigns for social change. Staff at Tolo say that about 50 armed police entered its offices, assaulted staff and arrested three people who were taken to the attorney general's office. He had complained earlier about an item broadcast in one of the station's news programmes which he said misrepresented a speech he made in parliament.

The New York based Committee to Protect Journalists described the raid as an "over-reaction", and an indication that Kabul was moving quickly away from its pledge of press freedom.

Press release from Tolo Tv- recieved in my email inbox:

Attorney General orders arrest of Tolo TV staff
Kabul, Afghanistan 17 April 2007 -

Tonight at about 7pm Kabul time, more than 50 armed men from the 10th District Police, under direct orders from the Attorney General, Abdul Jabar Sabet, surrounded the offices of Tolo TV in Wazir Akbar Khan in Kabul Afghanistan. The Police physically entered Tolo TV premises and violently attacked staff of Tolo TV, taking three staff members of Tolo TV with them. The Tolo TV staff members, were taken directly to the Attorney General's Office and detained.

Earlier at about 6.20pm tonight, the Attorney General, Abdul Jabar Sabet, had complained of a news clip on the 6pm Tolo TV news, which he claimed was inaccurate or misrepresented the Attorney General's comments at an earlier press conference today. After investigating the complaint, Tolo TV management found the complaint to be invalid. The Tolo TV news clip broadcast was accurate and representative of what the Attorney General had said at the press conference.

At the time that the District 10 Police came to Tolo TV offices, they sought the detention of Hamed Haidary, who was the journalist covering the news clip mentioned above, and the "person responsible" for Tolo TV. The Police did not have any legal documentation. When asked to produce such documentation, the Deputy Commander of District 10 Police, wrote on a piece of paper the following:

To the administration of Tolo TV
In accordance with the order of the Attorney General, the responsible person for Tolo TV, and Hamed Haidary, the reporter, are required to appear at the 10th District Police Office.
Signed on behalf of the Commander of the 10th Police District, Mohammad Qasim Aminzoi
The above document was handed to Tolo TV staff, but was not accepted by legal advisors to Tolo TV as it is not valid in Law. Under the Constitution of Afghanistan, Article 38 states as follows:
Residences shall be immune from trespassing.
No one, including the state, shall have the right to enter a residence or search it without the owners permission or by order of an authoritative court, except in situations and methods delineated by law.

In case of an evident crime, the responsible official shall enter or search a residence without prior court order. The aforementioned official, shall, after entrance or completion of search, obtain a court order within the time limit set by law.
No arrest warrants, Court orders, or other legal or written documents were produced by the 10th District Police (other than as noted above).

They advised that the Attorney General had verbally ordered them to detain Tolo TV staff. When Tolo TV staff, including Tolo TV legal advisor, Mohammad Abdullah, Tolo TV Administration Manager, Siddiq Ahmadzada and Tolo TV Security Manager, Lal Mohammad, tried to reason with the Police they were physically assaulted and then dragged into Police vehicles.

These three Tolo TV staff members were taken to the Attorney General's office (not the 10th District Police Office), where they were held until public pressure forced the Attorney General to release the Tolo TV staff after about 1 hour. A number of other journalists, including 4 staff members of Associated Press who were covering the incident, were also detained without charge and allegedly assaulted and their footage allegedly confiscated.

It should also be noted that under the Media Laws of Afghanistan, all complaints about the media should, at first instance, be directed towards the Media Investigation Commission which is tasked with investigating such complaints. This Commission is then able to refer the matter to the Attorney General's office if warranted. This procedure was not followed in this instance.

We hereby state as follows:
the actions of the District 10 Police and the Attorney General's office, including the Attorney General, Abdul Jabar Sabet, were a complete violation of the Constitution of Afghanistan
the manner in which Tolo TV were physically abused and detained was completely unacceptable and against the law
the physical transgression into Tolo TV offices is against the Constitution and the laws of Afghanistan
sthe taking of Tolo TV staff to the Attorney General's office was against the law
the direct ordering of District Police by the Attorney General's office is against the law
these actions of the Attorney General's office and the District 10 Police are not only against the rights of media enshrined in the Constitution, but also against the principles of democracy and against the national interest of Afghanistan

Further, we demand as follows:
he immediate suspension from duty of all persons involved in this incident including the Attorney General, the Commander of the 10th District of Police and the Deputy Commander of the 10th District Police
the creation of a commission who will be tasked with investigating this incident, to be comprised of members acceptable to the media
the dismissal of all those found to have had any involvement in this incident which is against the laws of Afghanistan
the prosecution to the full extent of the law of all of those found to have committed any crime

Further, Tolo TV Management would like to thank all of those people who have indicated their support for Tolo TV, including all other media organisations of Afghanistan and international organisations who have covered this event, human rights organisations, members of Parliament, unions representing journalists, the staff of Tolo TV, Lemar TV and Arman FM, all other organisations who have expressed their public support, and most of all the public of Afghanistan who have been unswerving in their support.

I shall write to Tolo Tv.

Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.

Where is Afg heading?

Che begaam az dasteh tu, ay roozegaar
Be tu che mereseh az shekasti mann?
- (Dilkhushi) Omid

Yesterday was an excellent day! It was the opening ceremony for 'Hope House' (orphanage). I was asked to present a speech and co-host the event. I was more than happy. I arrived there hours before the commencement of the ceremony and wrote up my speech, jotting down notes and scribbling. A lot of effort had been put in.

When it was my turn to speak, i surprised myself! I cried! :S Halfway through my speech i couldn't help it! Cameras, guests from Australia- everyone was looking and here i was in tears.
But over all, the event was a great success.

As I was trying to get through the crowd of men to go inside, Raymond Nelson (Deputy for Mahbobas Promise) offered me a seat next to him. I didn't want to refuse because that would be too rude! We exchanged views on Afghanistan, Australia and other ideas. A few moments later, a young guy sitting on the other side of Raymond conversed with me in Dari. Basically, I explained why i was here, my hopes and what i want to do. I realised that the whole table and the one next to us stopped to listen to our conversation. All of them AFGHAN MEN.

All credit goes to the helpers at Mahbobas Promise, the children and most importantly- the man behind the scenes Kaka Sidiq.

I will post my speech- (which everyone thought was excellent!) i reckon it's crap!

Oh another thing i did was absolutely pathetic with my broken Dari was TRANSLATE Raymonds speech. Oh my god, how embarrasing! Everyone else thought it was 'cute' *raises an eyebrow*

Also Naqshbandi has been killed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Ummm... other issues... Johnny Boy (PM John Howard) has sent more Aussie troops to Afghanistan. 450 of 'em. What is the point? Seriously! I visited Maidan (mum's hometown) and a city where it's filled with Taliban supporters. You'd expect to see the place filled with ISAF troops. but nope, the only troops there were at the entrance to the city and that's it! Once we went in, no police, no security- nothing! Anything was possible! This is where the Taliban regroup! I guess I have exceeded CIA's intelligence. WOHOOO..hahaha

Taleban kill Afghanistan reporter -BBC News

The Taleban in Afghanistan have killed an Afghan reporter abducted last month with an Italian journalist. The group said it had killed Ajmal Naqshbandi because the government had refused to meet its demands to release senior figures from prison.
Italian reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo was released after five Taleban members were freed in exchange. The driver, Sayed Agha, was beheaded last month.
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi has condemned Mr Naqshbandi's killing.
The two reporters and their driver were captured on 6 March in Helmand province.
Shohaabuddin Atal, a spokesman for Taleban commander Mullah Dadullah, said: "We killed Ajmal today because the government did not respond to our demands."
Italian deal The Afghan government's intelligence services spokesman, Saeed Ansari, confirmed Mr Naqshbandi had been killed.

Mr Mastrogiacomo was freed in an exchange with Taleban prisoners Tom Koenigs, UN special envoy to Afghanistan, said: "I condemn this senseless murder unreservedly and call on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice."
In Italy, Mr Prodi said he "learned with anguish" of Mr Naqshbandi's death. "We strongly condemn this absurd crime," he said.

Ajmal Naqshbandi worked as a guide and translator for visiting foreign
reporters. He was abducted with Mr Mastrogiacomo and their driver at a
Taleban checkpoint and originally accused of spying for the British army.
The reporters' driver was beheaded to put pressure on negotiations for their
release.
The BBC's Mark Dummett in Kabul says after intense lobbying from
the Italians, a deal was done. Five Taleban were allowed to go and Mr
Mastrogiacomo was set free. Our correspondent says there was outrage in
Afghanistan that the government would firstly bow to its enemy's demands and
secondly that it would save a foreigner but not an Afghan.

The Taleban are still holding five government medics and two French aid workers along with three Afghan colleagues. Their fate will be decided next, they say.
President Hamid Karzai has ruled out any more hostage deals with the Taleban.
"[Mr Mastrogiacomo] was an extraordinary situation and won't be repeated again," Mr Karzai said on Friday. "No more deals with no-one and with no other country."

Are you kiding me? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME????

Another odd case- Female Iraqi suicide bomber! Daym...

This world is becoming a crazy place....... as if you didn't know that already!

Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.

PS I am starting work very soon...

Human bomb strikes again!

''Same sh*t, different day!'' - Will Smith (Bad Boys 2)

Just when I decided to stop freaking out, another bomb goes off. A human bomb killing four and injuring his target. I heard about it on the news just before leaving the house this morning. The roads were choc a bloc, many of the roads were blocked and we were detoured.

It was exceptionally crowded, armed French and American soldiers were scattered everywhere. We were running late as it was. Dad said we should have left the house early. Outside, people were talking and shaking their heads in disappointment. You could feel the apprehension- a result of the cruel repercussion.

Soon enough, I became a witness to the aftermath terror of a human bomb. Although they had cleaned up the mess the roads were still wet, security was tight and cars were damaged by shrapnel. Some people were even crying. Our car made it’s way slowly through the scene, the police controlling traffic- risking their lives. I couldn’t think, my mouth became dry in disbelief. Shock horror. I couldn’t see the exact place where the bomb went off, journalists had crowded to take pictures. Four dead and counting. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji oon.

Suicide bomber strikes in Kabul BBC online

The bomb went off not far from the city's main bazaarA suicide bomber has struck in the Afghan capital, Kabul, in an attack apparently aimed at one of the country's
top intelligence officials.
At least four people, plus the bomber, died in the explosion near Kabul's main market, which happened during the morning rush hour, police say. The official, an intelligence service investigations chief, survived.

It is the second bomb attack to hit the capital in just over a week, after months of relative peace. The bomb went off in the centre of Kabul, not far from the city's main bazaar. The bomber struck at one of the busiest times of the day, in the morning rush hour when government workers are on the move.

The BBC's Mark Dummett in Kabul says the blast could be heard right across the city. The target appears to have been Kamaluddin Khan Achikzay, a senior investigator with the intelligence service, but he survived.

At least 12 people were injured in the attack, in addition to the civilian
bystanders who were killed. On 19 March a young Afghan man was killed when a
suicide car bomber attacked a convoy of US embassy officials in the city.
The US officials were unharmed.

Violence in south
It was the first attack of its kind inside Kabul this year, although several deadly blasts last year were blamed on the Taleban. Most attacks take place in the restive
south of the country, where the Taleban have more support and where their
conflict with Nato troops and the Kabul government is predominantly being
fought.

I was glad we hadn’t left the house early.

I sat quietly, tried thinking but I couldn’t. it wasn’t fair, why do the innocent have to die? This country still has unhealed wounds, it doesn’t need situations like this to rub salt on them. I wasn't scared, just angry.

I felt like kicking myself for forgetting to bring my camera. A little while later, a convoy of Afghan men were being transported. Where? To Nimrooz- a province in Afghanistan to battle against the Taliban. There were at least 2000 of them, once again traffic was stopped while the convoy of soldiers made their way. Young men fighting America's dirty war. So young, yet so brave. Still in shock, I stared into their eyes (stupidly) trying to sense their feelings. They were determined and focussed, some were even laughing and joking. I felt an extreme sense of pride for them. They were living proof of Afghan heroism- the same flame of courage which burned in Afghan fighters against Communism decades ago. Wilfred Owens pessimistic war poems began reciting itself in my mind. But my favourite war poem is of an English soldier, Rupert Brooke who fought in WW1.

Patriotic and proud, it goes something like this;

If I should die, think only this of me:
That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is forever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed-
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware…
And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her lights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

The show must go on.

Afghans don’t believe in traffic fines. Yep, even if they were issued- people just won’t pay them. Afghan obstinacy. People chose to park wherever they want. What’s an alternative for the police? Slash their tyres! Pretty extreme, huh?

Went to AFC (afghan substitute for KFC), I was over the moon. Finally found a fastfood store. Towards the end, when paying for the bill one of the workers had a little chat with dad. I went to listen (Afghanistan is full of surprises). Dad told me that the young guy was the owner, a young afghan who had returned to Afghanistan (from Manchester) after 16 years and opened a fastfood chain. Inspiring!

As usual, I took a few bread rolls for the little street children outside. I gently put a hand on his shoulder, just as he turned around he sighted the bread and instantly asked for it. I gave him all three as he shared it amongst the other boys. When will the day come for me to defeat my number one enemy- poverty!

Another emotional encounter happened today while we were waiting for someone in the car. A young boy, around 10 years of age stopped by our car selling tools. Dad, a supporter of education, asked the young boy if he goes to school. The boy nodded. We bought a few screwdrivers. Dad advised him to stay in school and to become someone important. The boy nodded again, barely saying a word. ‘Why the long face?’ dad asked. He replied, ‘I have a headache.’ His ripped schoolbag was on his back as he held his tools for sale. Dad gave him a huge tip ‘for staying in school’. A headache, just finished from school and working on the streets- he had it tough but he smiled in gratitude as he made his way ahead. Children of a disadvantaged war. I genuinely wished the best for him, the least I could do- for the moment!

Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar…

Fereshta: I got your comment and your email. Thanks hun! I miss you heaps. Check your email and keep yourself posted on this ;) Love you lots and i miss you like crazy crazy crazy! *sings* Az tu dooram, deewana o madhooshi tu am...

Overcoming the culture shock

Culture shock and emotional constipation. Daym, the past few posts have been nothing more than mere pansy entries. Today, I managed to destroy the culture shock that I had endured (culture shock? culture shock che hast?? boro baba, da ghameh culture shock maandi).

I defered Murdoch uni - didn't have a choice really, still continuing with my other uni. I need to gather myself emotionally and get a grip of myself. No more nagging.

Yes, I managed to wield my way out of going to hamaam (public bath). As a result, spent most of the day at home alone. Did the cleaning and cooking (yep, I actually cooked). We had visitors come over in the afternoon, a proposal for my sister... wohoo!

I really want to help Afghanistan by investing in it's future. i.e the children. Since i have profound experience with the Dept of Justice in Australia and found that the system we have there for juvenile delinquents is almost perfect- at the same time it integrates well with Islamic teachings and Shariah.

In Afghanistan anyone seven years and up can be charged for a criminal offence. Currently there are some 45 juveniles aged from seven to eighteen who have been arrested and detained with adults. Seventy per cent await trial and the rest have been convicted. The national strategy, led by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) aims to strengthen juvenile justice administration including establishing a focal point in the MOJ; set up new premises for the Kabul Youth Court and train experts on juvenile justice. The strategy includes reform of corrections' administrations for offenders as well as the establishment of a residential institution for offenders aged 15-18 in Kabul. The aim is to extend these initiatives to the provinces later.

Okay, freak-0ut moment! Just found this article (see below). Looks like I'll be dead!

Suicide bomber kills four Afghan police
Tuesday Mar 27 18:52
AEST
Disguised as an Afghan soldier, a suicide bomber blew himself up in
front of a police headquarters and killed at least four policemen in southern
Afghanistan on Tuesday, witnesses said.Several other people were wounded in the attack in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, the main drug-producing region of Afghanistan, the world's leading heroin producer.
NATO forces have launched a major offensive in Helmand as spring
heralds the return of the fighting season.NATO and Afghan forces have killed dozens of Taliban fighters in battles in recent days.
Last year was the bloodiest since the Taliban's ouster in 2001, with 4,000 people dying.The rebels have promised to step up suicide attacks as part of a return to
conventional guerrilla attacks this year.

Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar

PS Just read an article revealing that Anthony Callea's gay- i'm shattered! Why? why? why?

Karzai's New Year's speech- PATHETIC!

He said, ‘you have pleaded your case but you have no witness.’
I said, ‘my tears are my witness, the pallor of my face is my proof.’
He said, ‘your witness has no credibility, your eyes are too wet to see.’ - Rumi

Went to Lesee Maryam, shopping arena. Crowded and dusty. Weather was bright and sunny. For the first time in Kabul I felt uncomfortable. Dressed in jeans and a knee length top, I received unwanted attention. I bought a black juba and wore it over my clothes. Felt so much better. Finally found Ahmad Zahir MP3s. His entire CD collection is on 2 cds. I was a happy girl.

The clothes stores were years behind in fashion. I’m paranoid now! There was NOTHING which suited my liking. I need to find a European designer store, IF they have any here. Menswear is fine, they have the latest gear for them but ladies wear is appalling. That’s not fair! I need serious help.

Electricity and power have been pretty full on- there haven’t been any blackouts or water shortage. Karzai finally decided to take some action I guess- it’s the least he could do. I found his new year speech appalling! He made no promises to the afghan people (maybe because he is incapable of fulfilling it). Karzai simply prayed for the new year to be filled with ‘rain, snow, peace and friendship with Pakistan’. Okay, lets break this down;

Rain and snow- fair enough, rain and snow bring blessing! Its all good for the Afghans who have solid built houses (including karzai himself). But what shelter will the Karzai and his ‘influential’ MP’s grant for the sixty thousand children who don’t have a roof over their heads? The widows whose husbands died in defence of their country and religion? Where’s their source of warmth?

Peace and friendship with Pakistan- okay okay, hold on a second. No one’s taken out AK 47’s and Kalashnikovs to butcher the Pakis. Are we supposed to fall to their feet? Is that ‘friendship’? also, the only friendship that needs to take place is political diplomacy between the two countries. So that includes Karzai and Musharraf (whose currently on the verge of political demise).

Hmmm…..

What about defeating corruption in the police force? The thousands of young men and women who are serving and risking their lives but are one of the lowest paid workers in the country. Maybe if he stopped overflowing the pockets of his MP’s with American dollars and provided a slight pay rise, corruption will cease.

How about employment of the illiterate (which make up an extreme amount of the afghan population), beggars, old, disabled people by building factories and bakeries? Even the illiterate are able to be of assistance and feel that they are an integral part of Afghan society.

Karzai needs to be educated. Karzai needs to take a walk down any street in Kabul and just spend thirty seconds of his precious time with a begging child. He will find that amid the thousands, hidden amongst rags and torn clothes, concealed behind a coat of dust built on their rough skin there is our future doctor, engineer, lawyer, teacher or perhaps, president. A child who holds immense potential and a thirst for education but have been deprived and silenced, these children are capable of being the pre-eminent in society, yet their status is diminutive and miniscule- compliments to their restrained financial status and Karzai’s disability to create (even a dim) glimmer of hope.

Do something, Karzai. Do something!

Anyways, I have an assignment due before Monday. I haven’t started at all. Looks like I’m going to have an all-nighter. My only source of information is internet and internet is so slow. Shoot me dead!


Ba omideh deedaar, khuda negahdaar.