Stuff.co.nz: Christopher Foulkes expected to stay in Kabul for five weeks but a year and a half later, he’s still there. Most people see Afghanistan as a war zone. But even from behind bullet-proof glass, Christopher Foulkes sees the most beautiful country in the world. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News: An Afghan film, Wolf and Sheep, which is about poverty and the poor living conditions in a remote village in Afghanistan, has won an award at this year’s Cannes Festival. Director of the film, Shahrbano Sadat, said the movie also talks about stories involving war, violence and drugs. “This is a great achievement
The Diplomat: Tensions are rising over the use of Afghanistan’s two official languages. Pohantun (Pashto) or daneshgah (Persian), which of the two should be used as the word for “university” in Afghanistan? The Afghan constitution recognizes both Persian (Dari) and Pashto as the country’s official languages; in practice, however, there is less agreement on which of these
Khaama Press: A top aide to President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has called for the establishment of a national resistance against the interference of Pakistan in the country, insisting that the Taliban group and other terror groups fighting in the country are slaves who are fighting for the interests of the outsiders. Ahmad Zia Massoud, the presidential envoy
Khaama Press: The Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum has returned to the battlefield in northern Jawzjan province as local officials report the Taliban insurgents have suffered heavy casualties. Provincial governor’s spokesman Mohammad Reza Ghafoori said at least 30 Taliban insurgents have been killed and nearly 40 others have sustained injuries during the operations. Click here for
Tolo News: A number of Hindu and Sikh residents in Nangarhar province on Monday marked the 318th Vesak festival – also known as Buddha Day. Their festival of music and dance was also attended by other residents in the province. Held in Surkhrod district, non-Hindu and non-Sikh residents in attendance said they were there in solidarity with them.
BBC News: A group of Afghan activists and artists are attempting to reclaim Kabul after years of war – by arming themselves with paintbrushes. Because of the poor security situation, many defensive walls have sprung up around high-profile buildings in the city, and these provide the ArtLords with their canvases. Click here for more (external link).
Tolo News: Poverty and unemployment have prevented scores of children from celebrating Nawroz this year as many were forced to work on the streets and sell their goods for money. Click here for the Video.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Published: March 18, 2016
Reuters: Zumba class is in full swing — in Afghanistan — a country where dancing was once prohibited under the Taliban’s strict rule. While on the streets of Kabul many women in the conservative society still cover up fully in a burqa, inside this secluded gym the atmosphere is more relaxed. Women and girls practice their