Knowing Afghanistan – Better

Having spent more than 10 months in Afghanistan, I can now view & understand the Afghans better. The Afghans have braved, more than 30 years of insurgency. That makes them a lot different from many others who’ve seen peace in their home companies. The Afghans are quick to change when the situation so warrants. Something we expats here, find it difficult to accept and deal with.

The dynamic situation of Afghanistan has made many Afghans into opportunists. We can’t blame them also. It is the unknown future that keeps them on the toes and on the lookout for the best.

The greetings / courtesies they exchange upon meeting one & another are also quite unique. It starts with SALAM Alaykum and goes on to the each person & vice versa asking the other about their health, family, home, general well being etc. To a Westerner it may seem quite awkward! But if you look at the life expectancy rate here which is around 48 – 50 years, you may well understand the greetings.

The Afghans prefer a sit down (on the floor) dining option. They lay out a special mat / sheet on which food is placed. The food generally comes in glass ware and each ones helps him to the serving. People dig into all dishes using their cutlery and seldom common cutlery is used. As a vegetarian I felt a bit awkward seeing the same spoon being used in all dishes. So I always take a big portion in the beginning which lasts me till the end.

Breads (naan) are always bought outside home. There are numerous bakeries which sell them. No one cooks bread at home except Bolani (potato / spinach stuffed bread). Green Tea is an important concluding course.

The Afghans are a valiant lot. History is a witness to their heroic deeds. Unfortunately the 3 decades long insurgency has taken a significant toll on this country. The income & literacy levels have really fallen. So when the west has a Koran Burning organized, the Afghans feel very passionate about the same. It is surprising to note that no other Islamic country raised a voice. The Afghans were the only ones demonstrating & killing people, mostly their own countrymen.

But the Afghans haven’t lost their pride. This is something which keeps their chins up. I salute these brave Afghans. Everyone (Alexander the Great, Mongols, British, Russian, Americans etc.) have meddled in their affairs. Ask in whose affairs, did they meddle!

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