Troop Withdrawal Distraction from Fact of More Low-Key Deployments

Mission Enduring Freedom is underway with the deployment of airmen and women from the US Air Force. Though there was a significant US troop withdrawal recently in Afghanistan, it does not seem to reflect the offensive among Air Force officers. It could be that the troop withdrawal is only a distraction from the fact that other deployments are being continually arranged.  

Independent Afghan DJ Making his Mark

In America, it would be seen as nothing much. But being a DJ in Afghanistan supplies its weight in death threats. Gradually, radio freedom has been demonstrating its power across Afghanistan, allowing the public to hear the real news. This is an important step in the freedom of the Afghan people. If the public is led to believe whatever the Taliban feeds them, they will live in constant fear and misunderstanding.

Recent Suicide of a US Soldier When Asked to be Deployed Once More

As the video explains, the suicide toll is far greater in percentage in regard to the US Army personell than in the general US public. What is the reason for this? Is it the trails of training that a US army officer has to endure? Or is it the memories of all the people they killed without actual cause? The soldier in the video believed he was going to hell. He maybe came to the realization that he had his hand in killing many people that were never meant to be killed. Only a few people can handle the realities of war with a clear mind. 

The Future of Afghanistan in a Novel

What do you think the future of Afghanistan will be like? My next novel, More Than After, is going to be placed 500 years in the future in Afghanistan. In my perspective, Afghanistan will no longer be affected by tribal wars. Afghans will be united in their struggle against natural disaster. It is a well-known fact that natural disaster is going to strike around the world increasingly in the years to come. In my estimate, Afghanistan's cities will be almost entirely demolished, just as the whole world will be affected.

In light of this demolition, leaders will have to rise to take up the responsibility of providing survival. This is where the novel will begin. I hope my imagination will capture the reader's belief in what could be. 

Precarious Position of Afghan National Army Calls for Patience on All Military Sides

There is no doubt that the Afghan National Army is at a precarious position. Though they can pride themselves on many positive factors, it it still left to be said that there is widespread drug-use among the ranks, illiteracy inhibits their competency, and unresolved tribal tribulations continue to flair up. But what else can you ask for? Afghanistan's history cannot change in a year, or even a few years. Patience is the most important thing to value in this war. Patience for all military sides. 

Added Aggression of Taliban Since Troop Withdrawal

Since the announced troop withdrawal by Obama, Taliban's forces have increased their aggression and boldness. They are getting closer and closer to approaching Kabul, and many analysts believe that the troop withdrawal does not reflect what is actually happening on the ground. 

This is what the Taliban always do, though. They try to scare the public and officials as much as they can, because their numbers are not much. Their true power is fear and making people believe that they are powerful. 

The Rise of Confidence in the National Afghan Army Comes with a Price

Life is changing in Afghanistan on a daily basis.

One of the largest shifts that is occurring now is the hand-over to the Afghan national army. It is beginning to unfold city-by-city, and Afghan politicians are gaining more confidence in this move.

But the terrorists have seemed to devise new methods of attack, taking down Afghan politicians without notice or with an edge of caution by intelligence. This rise of positive enforcement in the Afghan national army has caused the extremists to act with desperation.

But a group can be desperate for only so long.

Afghanistan's Future in Cinema

Afghanistan's film industry was once a blossoming enterprise. In the midst of perpetual wars since the soviet invasion, Afghanistan has not found its former grip on its artistry in cinema. Instead, it is showing films from Bollywood, Hollywood and Pakistan's Lollywood.

Mayor of Kandahar: the Face of a New Afghanistan

I can see why terrorists killed the mayor of Kandahar, Ghulam Haidar Hamidi: he was a modern-minded, uplifting politician that could charge its citizens with the concept of a new Afghanistan. He will be sorely missed. 

Afghanistan's National Dance: Attan

Though Attan, the national dance of Afghanistan, is known for being used in weddings and during war-times, it origins are far more significant. Being a Zoroastrian dance initially at the time of the reign of King Yama, it diverged into a spiritually mystic dance that was performed to feel closer to God. Rumi, the mystic poet, had his named attached to this dance - sometimes called Rumi's Dance. 

Here is a video of it in action: