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High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Saghar' is a village in Ghor Province, Afghanistan. It is located at 33°42'0N 63°52'0E with an altitude of 2235 metres (7335 feet). Ghōr , also spelled Ghowr or Ghur, is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. It is located in central Afghanistan, towards the north-west. The capital of Ghor is Chaghcharan. The name "Ghor" is a cognate to Avestan gairi-, Sanskrit giri- and Middle Persian gar, meaning "mountain", and survives in modern Pashto as ghar. 97% of the population speak Dari Persian. ... Read more

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Afghanistan has been an area of imperial ambitions and competition throughout medieval and modern history. Great game of competition are being played between western democracies led by the US on one hand and other fundamentalists groups on the other. ... Read more

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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Presents alphabetically arranged entries for each of the 192 countries in the world, featuring a map and a listing of facts on the physical, political, economic, and environmental aspects of each country. ... Read more

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An introduction to the geography, history, plant and animal life, and social life and customs of Afghanistan. ... Read more

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Step back to the time of the wars in Afghanistan and see history through the eyes of those who lived it. Find out about life in the city of Kabul during the fighting of the early 1990s. Read about the importance of reconstructing the country so that the people can live peacefully without the constant threat of war. Age 12+. ... Read more

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In this powerful and passionate critique of the "war on terror" in Afghanistan, Palestine, and Iraq, Derek Gregory traces the long history of British and American involvements in the Middle East. He argues that the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11 activated a series of political and cultural responses that mapped a profoundly colonial perimeter of power. The Colonial Present traces the connections between political, military, and economic power – the grand strategies of geopolitics – and the spatial stories told by the lives of ordinary people. It also shows the intimate connections between events in Afghanistan, Palestine, and Iraq. Packed with empirical detail, and shot through with arresting arguments, The Colonial Present is indispensable reading for anyone seeking to understand a world riven by a war on terror that is also a war of terror. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Must-Read
Gregory's powerful and sobering critique of U.S. policy in Afghanistan, Israel/Palestine, and Iraq is a brutally accurate and important analysis. For any American reader molded by the jingoistic mainstream media of the U.S., The Colonial Present undoubtedly comes as a harsh reality shock. Gregory slices right through the righteous façade of policy makers who claim to go to war in the Middle East for the sake of freedom and democracy. More importantly, he exposes the unjust policies of colonialism that have generated in the past - and continue to generate today - Islamic anger toward the U.S. Understanding Gregory is essential to extinguishing the `war on terror' at its roots and establishing peaceful relations with the Middle East. For this reason The Colonial Present is "a `must read' for all those concerned for peace and justice in our time" (David Harvey on the cover of The Colonial Present).

Excellent Book
Gregory does a great job of connecting geographical concepts to recent conflicts in the Middle East, and while it is academically geared, The Colonial Present is very accessible for the average reader.While I don't necessarily agree with his argument on Israel, he is very convincing.A must read for anyone interested in the Middle East or geography; really every American should read this. ... Read more

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Afghanistan. Afghan (name), History of Afghanistan,Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, Mongol invasion ofCentral Asia, Hotaki dynasty, Durrani Empire, Timeline ofAfghanistan, Invasions of Afghanistan, Islamic conquest ofAfghanistan, Geography of Afghanistan, Politics ofAfghanistan, Constitution of Afghanistan, Demography ofAfghanistan, Districts of Afghanistan, Provinces ofAfghanistan, List of cities in Afghanistan, List of placesin Afghanistan, Languages of Afghanistan, Persian language,Pashto language, Culture of Afghanistan, Religion inAfghanistan, Economy of Afghanistan, Opium production inAfghanistan, Transport in Afghanistan, Communications inAfghanistan, Media of Afghanistan, Education in Afghanistan,Soviet war in Afghanistan, Civil war in Afghanistan, War inAfghanistan (2001?present), European influence inAfghanistan, Law enforcement in Afghanistan, Military ofAfghanistan, Foreign relations of Afghanistan, Afghanrefugees, Outline of Afghanistan ... Read more

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An excellent historical and cultural report on the country of Afghanistan. ... Read more

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Afghanistan has been at the crossroads of many cultures and civilizations, occupying a unique place in the cultural geography of Central Asia. Invading tribes and armies passed through ancient Afghanistan and left their imprint on the culture, customs, and way of life there. In recent history, Afghanistan has been the focus of international attention since the Soviet invasion and occupation of 1979-1989, the brutal civil war that ensued, and the subsequent U.S. invasion to topple the Taliban regime. As the country struggles to stabilize and rebuild, this volume is the first to reveal the people and ways of life that have been in flux for so long.

Emadi brings an insider's knowledge and authority to the accessible narrative. Students and general readers will find a clear explanation of the land, people, economy, social stratification, and history as context for the chapters that follow. In the chapter on Religion and Religious Thought, the predominant Islamic religion is largely intertwined with political events that have brought Afghanistan such attention. The lesser-known literature and the arts are brought to light next. A strong Architecture, Housing, and Settlements chapter highlights many styles unfamiliar to most Westerners. Coverage of Afghan cooking and cuisine brings a more intimate understanding of the culture. The chapter on Family, Women, and Gender will draw readers in with its survey of how the family works, what is expected of women, and what courtship, marriage, childrearing, and education are like today. A standout of the Festivals and Leisure Activities chapter is the vivid rendering of the sport called Buzkashi, where men on horseback vie to move an animal carcass across a field to a goal. A final chapter on Lifestyles, Media, and Education describes the urban vs. rural lifestyles, the state of communications, and the prospects for schooling post Taliban. A country map, glossary, resource guide, and photos complement the text.

Customer Reviews (1)

A Friend Betrayed
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. ... Read more