The status of Afghanistan has not changed much. More problems have occured along with new strides toward the reconstruction of this country under termoil.
* The women of the country, still remain oppressed.
* The Taliban and al Qaeda inurgensies have spiked again in Afghanistan and in Pakistan.
* Currently, Afghanistan is looking to reform.
* It's strongly advised, due to the current state of the country, that one should not travel to Afghanistan.
* "The risks of mines, kidnappings, and terrorist bombings are real and make this one of the few places where exercising caution is crutial." (World Travel Tips)
*1,200 politically realated deaths have occured within the year.
Luckily some light is being shed. The institution "CARE" has stepped in and helped with the renewal attempts of this country(Care.org):
-Community based education for over 50,000 girls and boys has been suplied to children in remote areas.
-Water sanitation products have made the water drinkable.
-Over 10,000 widows in Kabul have been nutritionaly taken care of.
-Emergency response programs have been enabled.
-Veteran soldiers have been helped to get used to civilian lifestyle.
-Liveliholds have been given to vulnerable groups.
-Promotes and ensures basic rights of all Afghans.
-Concentrating on confronting the drug economy to better help the country
*Afghanistan now produces 70% of the World's opium. For some farmers, this is their only way to survive. (Care.org)
* It is critical that the country is disarmed of all it's weapons in order to take the power from warlords and give it back to the government. Some people believe that this is the single best thing that can be done for the country.
If you want to learn more about CARE and their other projects, visit www.care.org.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Works Cited
*"Afghanistan." World Travel Tips. 2007. 20 Nov. 2008 http://www.worldtraveltips.net/middleeast/view.cgi?country=afghanistan.
* "Afghanistan Religions." Encylopedia of Nations. 2007. Advameg Inc. 19 Nov. 2008 http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/asia-and-oceania/afghanistan-religions.html.
*"Afghanistan Social Report." Care.org. 2008. CARE. 20 Nov. 2008 http://www.care.org/newsroom/specialreports/afghanistan/index.asp?.
*"Afghanistan Travel." Lonely Planet. 8 Sept. 2008. 20 Nov. 2008 http://www.lonelyplanet.com/afghanistan.
* CIA. "Afghanistan." The World Factbook. 8 Nov. 2008. CIA. 19 Nov. 2008. http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-fact-book/print/af.html.
* "Customs of Afghanistan. "Sidebar. 2008. Encarta. 19 Nov. 2008 http://www.encarta.msn.com/sidebar_631524622/customs_of_afghanistan.htm.
* Gordon, Raymond G. Jr.(ed.). 2005. Languages of the World, Fifteenth Edition. Dallas, Texas.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/.
* "Islamic Republican of Afghanistan." Proquest. 2008. Bringham Young University. 20 Nov. 2008 http://www.proquest12.com/landings/culturegrams_afghanistan_report.bdf.
* Pearson Education. "Afghanistan." Infoplease.com. 2005. 19 Nov. 2008 http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/a0107264.html.
* "Weaker but not Wiser: The Taliban Today." Global Terrorism Analysis. 13 Jan. 2005. Jamestown Foundation. 20 Nov. 2008 http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369093.
* "Afghanistan Religions." Encylopedia of Nations. 2007. Advameg Inc. 19 Nov. 2008 http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/asia-and-oceania/afghanistan-religions.html.
*"Afghanistan Social Report." Care.org. 2008. CARE. 20 Nov. 2008 http://www.care.org/newsroom/specialreports/afghanistan/index.asp?.
*"Afghanistan Travel." Lonely Planet. 8 Sept. 2008. 20 Nov. 2008 http://www.lonelyplanet.com/afghanistan.
* CIA. "Afghanistan." The World Factbook. 8 Nov. 2008. CIA. 19 Nov. 2008. http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-fact-book/print/af.html.
* "Customs of Afghanistan. "Sidebar. 2008. Encarta. 19 Nov. 2008 http://www.encarta.msn.com/sidebar_631524622/customs_of_afghanistan.htm.
* Gordon, Raymond G. Jr.(ed.). 2005. Languages of the World, Fifteenth Edition. Dallas, Texas.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/.
* "Islamic Republican of Afghanistan." Proquest. 2008. Bringham Young University. 20 Nov. 2008 http://www.proquest12.com/landings/culturegrams_afghanistan_report.bdf.
* Pearson Education. "Afghanistan." Infoplease.com. 2005. 19 Nov. 2008 http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/a0107264.html.
* "Weaker but not Wiser: The Taliban Today." Global Terrorism Analysis. 13 Jan. 2005. Jamestown Foundation. 20 Nov. 2008 http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369093.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Current Political Happenings and Terrorism in the Country Today
*We found some useful newspaper articles involving Afghanistan's current government. The Taliban still plays a large part -still- in modern day Afghanistan. Over the years, the Afghans have made significant governmental strides. The first democratically elected president, the fall of the Taliban, and now the rising of the "new" Taliban. 
A Modernized Taliban Thrives in Afghanistan: (Sirs.com)
Some important information we found from this article is:
*A new Taliban is now thriving in Afghanistan.
*Included in the new Taliban is:
-Finance councils
-Appointing of judges
-Appointing of officials
*Even today, the Taliban is still led by Mohammad Omar.
The same man who led it 1996-2001
To view more of this issue go to:
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0199-0-6193&artno=0000285044&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=A%20Modernized%20Taliban%20Thrives%20in%20Afghanistan&res=Y&ren=N&gov=N&lnk=N&ic=N
A War that is Still not Won:(Sirs.com)
Some important information we found on this article is:
*The Taliban has taken:
-School books
-Flour
-Cooking oil
*The Taliban is taking basic items from people such as shoes. One man was quoted saying in conversation with a British tradesman, "Last time you brought us shoes as gifts, and it made big problems for us. The Taliban came and took them away. This time if we take the gifts, the Taliban will finish us for sure."
To view more on this issue go to:
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0199-0-6193&artno=0000283497&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=A%20War%20That%27s%20Still%20Not%20Won&res=Y&ren=N&gov=N&lnk=N&ic=N
* The President, Karatzi, has been elected for 5 years. 18 and older may vote for the President.
* The Loya Jirga (Grand Council) meets only to discuss important political issues (as apposed to having a spot of tea). These issues may include Constitutional Amendments.
* Tribal leaders are considered more important than national leaders such as Karatzi.
* Karatzi, in order to gain more political support from powerful leaders, such as Omar, is trying to include former Taliban into the new government. (Jamestown Foundation)
* Although the Taliban still exists, it is weaker than it was before.
A Modernized Taliban Thrives in Afghanistan: (Sirs.com)
Some important information we found from this article is:
*A new Taliban is now thriving in Afghanistan.
*Included in the new Taliban is:
-Finance councils
-Appointing of judges
-Appointing of officials
*Even today, the Taliban is still led by Mohammad Omar.
The same man who led it 1996-2001
To view more of this issue go to:
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0199-0-6193&artno=0000285044&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=A%20Modernized%20Taliban%20Thrives%20in%20Afghanistan&res=Y&ren=N&gov=N&lnk=N&ic=N
A War that is Still not Won:(Sirs.com)
Some important information we found on this article is:
*The Taliban has taken:
-School books
-Flour
-Cooking oil
*The Taliban is taking basic items from people such as shoes. One man was quoted saying in conversation with a British tradesman, "Last time you brought us shoes as gifts, and it made big problems for us. The Taliban came and took them away. This time if we take the gifts, the Taliban will finish us for sure."
To view more on this issue go to:
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0199-0-6193&artno=0000283497&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=A%20War%20That%27s%20Still%20Not%20Won&res=Y&ren=N&gov=N&lnk=N&ic=N
* The President, Karatzi, has been elected for 5 years. 18 and older may vote for the President.
* The Loya Jirga (Grand Council) meets only to discuss important political issues (as apposed to having a spot of tea). These issues may include Constitutional Amendments.
* Tribal leaders are considered more important than national leaders such as Karatzi.
* Karatzi, in order to gain more political support from powerful leaders, such as Omar, is trying to include former Taliban into the new government. (Jamestown Foundation)
* Although the Taliban still exists, it is weaker than it was before.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Trade in Afghanistan
*Exports: Opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides and pelts, and precious and semi-precious gems.
*Export Partners: India (23.7%), Pakistan (22.7%), US (21.3%), and Russia (4.1%)
*Imports: Capital goods, food, textiles, and petrolleum products
*Import Partners: Pakistan (37.2%), US (11.1%), India (5%), and Germany (4.2%)(CIA.gov)
*Export Partners: India (23.7%), Pakistan (22.7%), US (21.3%), and Russia (4.1%)
*Imports: Capital goods, food, textiles, and petrolleum products
*Import Partners: Pakistan (37.2%), US (11.1%), India (5%), and Germany (4.2%)(CIA.gov)
History of Afghanistan...in a nutshell
The history of Afghanistan includes many wars and terror inflicted upon the country. Part of this is due to Afghanistan being completely landlocked but also because of the religious diversity. No matter the reason, war has included itself in the war. (actualdot.com)
According to cia.gov, Ahmad Shan Durrani founded Afghanistan in 1747.
Much later, in the year 1919, Aghanistan won its independance. Kabul was attacked, and taken over by the Taliban in 1996. On September 11, 2001, a day we all remember very well, the Taliban attacked New York City. Along with these plans, the pentagon was attacked. An effort was made to take out the white house as well, but due to the heroics of the plane's passengers, that never happened. The US Military toppled the Taliban for holding Osama Bin Ladin, the eledgid mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. In December of 2004, Afghanistan elexted their first democraticly elected president, Hamid Karzai. This proved to be a large step.
According to cia.gov, Ahmad Shan Durrani founded Afghanistan in 1747.
Much later, in the year 1919, Aghanistan won its independance. Kabul was attacked, and taken over by the Taliban in 1996. On September 11, 2001, a day we all remember very well, the Taliban attacked New York City. Along with these plans, the pentagon was attacked. An effort was made to take out the white house as well, but due to the heroics of the plane's passengers, that never happened. The US Military toppled the Taliban for holding Osama Bin Ladin, the eledgid mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. In December of 2004, Afghanistan elexted their first democraticly elected president, Hamid Karzai. This proved to be a large step.
Food/ Dining Etiquette
You will be dining in Afghanistan for three weeks, so you will need to know the basics about the food that is served there and the proper etiquette to use while eating your meals.
Dining Etiquette (Encarta.com)
*You will be seated on the floor, usually on cushions
*Sit cross legged if you can; do not point your feet towards the food or at other people
*To eat, use your fingers; use your right hand only when you are eating
*You will usually only eat breakfast and dinner, but you may have some snacks between meals
Custom Food in Afghanistan
*Common foods eaten are:
*Palau (rice mixed with meat and/or vegetables
*Qorma (vegetable sauce)
*Kebab (skewered meat)
*Aashak (leek-filled pasta)
*Mantu (meat-filled pasta)
*Nan (leavened bread)
*Tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, peas, carrots, cucumbers, and eggplant are also popular
*Yougurt and other dairy products are common
*Sugarcane, a variety of fruits (fresh and dried), and nuts are eaten as desserts or snacks
*Chai (tea), either black or green, is the most popular drink
Dining Etiquette (Encarta.com)
*You will be seated on the floor, usually on cushions
*Sit cross legged if you can; do not point your feet towards the food or at other people
*To eat, use your fingers; use your right hand only when you are eating
*You will usually only eat breakfast and dinner, but you may have some snacks between meals
Custom Food in Afghanistan
*Common foods eaten are:
*Palau (rice mixed with meat and/or vegetables
*Qorma (vegetable sauce)
*Kebab (skewered meat)
*Aashak (leek-filled pasta)
*Mantu (meat-filled pasta)
*Nan (leavened bread)
*Tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, peas, carrots, cucumbers, and eggplant are also popular
*Yougurt and other dairy products are common
*Sugarcane, a variety of fruits (fresh and dried), and nuts are eaten as desserts or snacks
*Chai (tea), either black or green, is the most popular drink
Customs of Afghanistan
According to kwinessentials.com, there are many customs Afghanis follow. While visiting their country be sure not to dishonor them by following the customs.
When greeting someone, keep the following things in mind:
*Shake hands with men
*Place your hand over your heart and slightly nod
*Must ask how they are, how their job is, etc.
*Men and women do not shake hands or make eye contact.
Mixing genders is a very important thing to keep in mind:
*Mixing of genders only takes place with in families
*Foreign females must learn to read rules and to live by them while they are in the country
*If a man speaks to a woman directly, it is dishonoring.
*If-as a woman-you are spoken to on the the street, it is dishonorable.
*Women should avoid looking men in the eye.
*Men and women should never be alone in the same room
*Men and women should never touch each other (unless married)
Some may view it as rediculous, but in Afghanistan, there are specific customs to following when giving gifts to others:
*You must never give alcohol
*If you are invited to lunch or dinner, you should bring either fruit or pastries
*When giving a gift, it must be a subtle delivery. Expamples: leaving on a table in the livingroom or at your place at the dinner table after everyone has cleared.
*No wrapping paper color is specified
*Although green, is good for weddings
By following these customs, it should insure a proper stay and no problems should occur.
When greeting someone, keep the following things in mind:
*Shake hands with men
*Place your hand over your heart and slightly nod
*Must ask how they are, how their job is, etc.
*Men and women do not shake hands or make eye contact.
Mixing genders is a very important thing to keep in mind:
*Mixing of genders only takes place with in families
*Foreign females must learn to read rules and to live by them while they are in the country
*If a man speaks to a woman directly, it is dishonoring.
*If-as a woman-you are spoken to on the the street, it is dishonorable.
*Women should avoid looking men in the eye.
*Men and women should never be alone in the same room
*Men and women should never touch each other (unless married)
Some may view it as rediculous, but in Afghanistan, there are specific customs to following when giving gifts to others:
*You must never give alcohol
*If you are invited to lunch or dinner, you should bring either fruit or pastries
*When giving a gift, it must be a subtle delivery. Expamples: leaving on a table in the livingroom or at your place at the dinner table after everyone has cleared.
*No wrapping paper color is specified
*Although green, is good for weddings
By following these customs, it should insure a proper stay and no problems should occur.
Geography of Afghanistan
*Roughly the size of Texas
*Bordered by Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Iran
*Country is split east to west by the Kush Mountain Range
*Country is split east to west by the Kush Mountain Range
*Population: 32,738,376
*Climate: Arid to semi-arid with cold winters and hot summers
*Major rivers: the Amu Darya, the Hari River, the Kabul River, and the Helmand River
*Mountains dominate the landscape
*Overall rugged terrain (Infoplease.com)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Languages
Many languages are spoken through out the country of Afghanistan (Ethnologue.com):
*Aimaq.................. *Pahalvani
*Arabic .................*Parachi
*Ashkun ...............*Parya
*Azerbaijani .........*Pashayi
*Balochi ................*Pashto
*Darwazi ..............*Prasuni
*D0mari ...............*Sanglechi-Ishkashimi
*Farsi ....................*Savi
*Gawar-Bati ........*Shughni
*Grangali .............*Shumashti
*Gujari .................*Tangshewi
*Hazaragi .............*Tirahi
*Jakati ..................*Tregami
*Kamviri............... *Turkmen
*Karakalpak .........*Ughur
*Kati ......................*Uzbek
*Kazakh ................*Waigali
*Kirghiz ................*Wakhi
*Malakhel ............*Warduji
*Mogholi ..............*Wotapuri-Katarqalai
*Munji
*Ormuri
Luckily for you, we will have translators who will be knowledgable in the languages of Turkmen, Pashto, Kamviri, and Arabic as we visit the places native to these tongues.
*Aimaq.................. *Pahalvani
*Arabic .................*Parachi
*Ashkun ...............*Parya
*Azerbaijani .........*Pashayi
*Balochi ................*Pashto
*Darwazi ..............*Prasuni
*D0mari ...............*Sanglechi-Ishkashimi
*Farsi ....................*Savi
*Gawar-Bati ........*Shughni
*Grangali .............*Shumashti
*Gujari .................*Tangshewi
*Hazaragi .............*Tirahi
*Jakati ..................*Tregami
*Kamviri............... *Turkmen
*Karakalpak .........*Ughur
*Kati ......................*Uzbek
*Kazakh ................*Waigali
*Kirghiz ................*Wakhi
*Malakhel ............*Warduji
*Mogholi ..............*Wotapuri-Katarqalai
*Munji
*Ormuri
Luckily for you, we will have translators who will be knowledgable in the languages of Turkmen, Pashto, Kamviri, and Arabic as we visit the places native to these tongues.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Sunnis, Shi'is, or Pashtuns
Most Afghans are Muslim (Nationsencyclopedia.com):*84% are Sunnis
*15% are Shi'is
*1% are Pashtuns.
*In 1994 the Talkiban started a religious group called "the Seekers".
*Women were ordered to dress conservatively, making sure ones body was covered. Women were banned from work and leaving the home, unless acompanied by a male relative.
*Both the men and women had to pray 5 times a day.
*Men had to grow full beards.
*Religious tolerance for nonmuslims was granted in 1964.
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