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Culture and Customs of Afghanistan (Culture and Customs of Asia)

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It is now at least two decades since the corrupt Reagan regime first stirred up the war in Afghanistan. American politics (too complicated to explain in this brief review) succeeded then in involving the Soviet army in a war on the Afhanistan front. Despite the dubious causes of this war, the Afghanis proved loyal allies to the Americans and even inspired material for dreadful propaganda films of the time like 'Rocky'.
However, all of a sudden, the brave and friendly Afghanis seem to have become the evil enemies of America. It is unlikely that the people of Afghanistan have changed so radically; what has changed once again has been American interest. Despite these years of turmoil, the Afghani people have remained true to their rich body of traditions and customs. At last through these customs, the reader can get a true glimpse of the real Afhani people - not some negative stereotype from the mass media.
This delightful work explores many aspects of the culture of Afghanistan. Apart from the history and literature, one can gain valuable insight into life cycle customs as well as muslim festivals and even children's games, etc. The interesting text is supplemented with a full glossary of Pushtu (and Arabic) vocabulary, a bibliography and an index.
On the subject of birth customs it is interesting to learn that some tribes have the tradition to fire shots joyously in celebration when a child is born (p. 177). It is advisable for those occupying Afghanistan to be informed about such customs. Due to ignorance so many poor Iraqis have been killed in similar circumstances simply because they were firing shots at a wedding - a custom also seen in the Cretan 'balothies'. Moreover, if the average occupier were to read this totally unbiased work, then he would be able to begin to understand and respect the people he is purported to help. The Afghani people are not backward savages but holders of a very rich tradition and culture! This is evident from all the pages of this book.
It is sad that the same mistake in Iraq was repeated in Afghanistan. America imposed the Saddam Hussein dictatorship on the Iraqi people, taking advantage of his support against Iran. Yet when he had outlived his usefulness, not only he but also his peole became expendable. Just as the majority of Iraqis did not want their American-imposed dictator, so many Afghanis do not want the Taliban government. However, since the former American support, the Talibans have already become an established force. Despite their fanaticism, many brought up to this tradition are very sincere. Moreover, one must not equate the Talibans with all Afhganis. In a recent news report, one Afghani was quoted as saying that he feared the Taliban - yet he feared the Americans more! Extreme examples of the way in which women are treated under the Taliban regime should not be seen as representative of the way in which the woman is perceived in the country as a whole. In Afghanistan the woman has a valued role - as can be seen in the excellent sections of wedding customs, birth and family life. Perhaps the average Afghani girl (protected by the strong institution of a close family who love her) sometimes has better prospects for happiness than a western woman who is free to enter relationships with men who might use and betray her. While westerners so often shut their old people away in homes, in Afghanistan the family is still very important. United they help one another and, despite propaganda about opium-cultivation, etc., they shelter their children from drugs, promiscuous behaviour and other threats that 'democracy' brings. If one is prepared to learn about the Afghanis with an open mind, then this noble race have a lot to teach all of us!
Although Mr. Obama will bring many positive changes in America and the world, I am rather apprehensive of his policy in Afghanistan. Instead of planning a complete withdrawal as he has for Iraq, he has announced his intention to increase American presence there. Haven't the Afghani people suffered enough? Why aren't they given the chance to live in peace? If anyone reads this book, one thing is evident: the Afghani people are not warlike barbarians;they are a proud and hospitable people trying to hold on to their fascinating culture.