Today's media has projected an image of Afghanistan that is far from the images that I had conjured up based on descriptions given by my parents. The vast fields, orchards of fruits, modern homes, technology, festivity and fun that I had imagined is a far cry from the pictures I see of torn shacks, dusty roads, ghostly remains of homes, and hungry children. I want to allow anyone that is interested to get a glimpse of Afghanistan as it was as well as Afghanistan as it is. Below are some links I found to be of interest which project a realistic view and not just a media-hyped ideology. Take a moment to glimpse the images and ideas that the people of Afghanistan lived before they became who they are today.

• Leaders of Afghanistan: Brief descriptions, pictures and explanations in regards to the previous and present leaders of Afghanistan
• Afghanland.com: Some of the cultural aspects of Afghanistan. Music, literature, festivities and such are depicted and explained in this site. Great site!
• AfghanRadio.com: 24 hour live afghan radio (even plays requests!)
• Afghan Info Center: Comprehensive list of afghan and afghan-related websites on the web. Very useful!
• Lemaar-Aftaab Magazine: Monthly magazine with various articles on literature, news, poetry, music and such. Contains a comments section and reader feedback section. Definitely worth viewing!
• Ariana Afghan.com: Great resource for much of Afghanistan's music. Modern and Folk music can be found on this site.

AFGHAN MUSIC...AFGHAN MUSIC...AFGHAN MUSIC

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Some of today's and yesterday's popular afghan singers include (but are not limited to):


Going clockwise from the top..Ahmad Zahir, Farhad Darya, Ahmad Wali, Naim Popal, Said Omar, Habib Qaderi, Ehsan Aman.
I came across a very detailed and interesting biography of Ahmad Zahir on the web which I think should be read by anyone that has heard of the man. It gives one a lot of insight into his personality and character. Click HERE for the biography.

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Just when things look like they are heading in the right direction and the goals are clearly set for the reconstruction of this war-torn country, tragedy strikes again. In a region where death has become more familiar than life itself, thousands are added to the death toll in a mere day. The earthquake that struck the town of Nahrin and the areas around the Hindu Kush mountains killed what authorities estimate to be 2000 people. My heart goes out to the families that lost loved ones. Just when things were beginning to look brighter, a darkness has taken over the country. It's like that saying, "one step forward, two steps back." 2000 people is a VERY high toll of people. Experts say that number could have been reduced drastically had the structures been built more firmly. If Afghanistan had the buildings and structures known to us in America, they would be far too sturdy to fall so easily in an earthquake. But the mud homes and clay structures could hardly hold up to the strength of a great earthquake. We can't question God's intentions and as muslims, firmly believe that God has reasons for everything that happens. Thus we must have faith and be strong. At times like this unity is the greatest strength. I encourage all afghans and non afghans to come forth and donate to the reconstruction efforts put forth in our country. Keep the people of the country in your prayers and inshallah (God-willing), we will have our country back to what it once used to be. Click HERE for the story.

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