Stories by the Author
Sound of Music in Afghan North
While insurgents burn down girls’ schools in southern Afghanistan, music lessons are proving controversial in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif.
16 Sep 06
Traditional Fur Trade Revives
The trade in karakul lambskin is picking up, bringing much-needed revenue to farmers.
23 May 06
Just Another Pipe Dream?
Talk of the Trans-Afghan Pipeline raises the prospect of big returns for investors and the Kabul government. But security remains the key unanswered question.
18 May 06
Afghans Steer Clear of Water
Convinced that water is harmful to their health, many people prefer to be dehydrated than drink a glass of cold water.
18 May 06
Afghan Disarmament a Never-Ending Process
One year on, the new disarmament programme has little to boast of.
17 May 06
Officials Fired for Drug Links
While some applaud the dismissal of local leaders accused of corruption, others remain unconvinced the government is serious about halting the drug trade.
17 May 06
The Limits of Press Freedom
As more than one journalist has found to his peril, press freedom has fairly narrow limits in Afghanistan.
5 May 06
People Power
Community-based development programme can boast some remarkable successes, but some say it falls short of its lofty rhetoric.
25 Apr 06
The General and the Taleban
Former warlord reckons he can succeed where others have failed in defeating the insurgents.
28 Mar 06
Taleban Find Unexpected Arms Source
The Taleban’s old adversaries in the north are disarming – but some of their weapons are being smuggled to the insurgents in the south.
16 Mar 06
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