General David H. Petraeus takes over Gen. Stanely McChrystal's position as a commander of ISAF in Afghanistan. How will that affect the US military policy in Afghanistan? Would he follow the steps of his predecessor in saving civilian lives, respecting Afghan culture, and including Afghan government in decision making?

Gen. Patraeus is taking over the mission in a critical situation while the US Army and ANA are planning a big offensive in Kandahar, Pakistani ISI's continueing involvement in training and supporting the insurgents in Afghanistan is being exposed by the media. How would Gen. Patraeus handle that?

The Plight of the Afghan Women

The Plight of the Afghan Women

As the lord created women from earth and water
A new universe was brought into existence

For whatever is here from her presence
From the obvious to the obscure

There wouldn’t have been an Eve without the world
There wouldn’t have been Jesus without Mary

Observe women’s beauty and elegance!
Her skills and capabilities are acknowledged by all

The reverence of Eve and Mary
Known to humankind for all times

Alas that the Afghan women live in profound agony
In hideous condition and heartbreaking melancholy

Living under the tyranny of the wretched
Shackled by the miserable hand of the clergy

Why have you acquired such satanic conduct?
If you yourself part of the human race

How dare you deny and cover the obvious
With your repugnant bread, turban, and machine gun

Listen to the pleas of the deprived and the destitute
Since the best prayer is service to humankind

The right of women is based on belief in the truth
And the words of all scriptures

Go away tyrant and leave us in peace
You are nothing more than the work of the devil

Redeem yourself and follow the road of the truth and salvation!
And heed to the plight of the Afghan women!

'Najia Karim'

International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD) is marked on March 8 every year. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. Women's day has a long history of celebration in Afghanistan. After the fall of Taliban Regime in 2001, women of Afghanistan has seen advancements in different areas such as education, government, politics, sports and many more. However, due to being a male dominated country, women in Afghanistan are still oppressed and not let raise their voices.
Like past years; this year Women's Day was celebrated in Afghanistan. Karim Khalili, vice president called for severe punishment of those who are violent to women. He called the act of violence against wormen "un-islamic" . According to Women Affairs ministry, the violence doubled against wormen compared to previous year. Last year, a total of 35 cases of self-immolation and 30 suicidal were registered. Based on reports of the Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) in 2009, 119 cases of self-immolation and 23 suicides were registered with the organization. In 2008 the numbers of the self immolation cases rose to 84 and the suicides to 33, the reports have said. The officials concerned believe the reasons of such cases are beatings, forced marriages and other forms of violence against women.

This is Kabul City Center (Safi Landmark) after Feb 26 suicide attacks on a foriegn guest house. This is condemned by me and all other Afghans.

Ustad Sarahang

Today I came across one of Ustad Sarahang's beautiful ghazals that I want to share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi1eLCsdg0k

Landmines in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is currently dealing with an old enemy. This enemy is not from a neighboring country, it is not Taliban or Al-Qaeda, and it is not suicide bombers. This enemy is landmine. The Soviet Union dried and left Afghanistan decades ago, but the crop of their planted landmines is still fresh. It is still fighting and killing innocent people including wild and domestic animals. Additionally, the post 9/11 war on terrorism in Afghanistan has added to minefields.

Due to the recent security situation in Afghanistan, the international society has almost forgotten the issue of landmines. Clearing landmines in Afghanistan is as important as is the war. It is basically a war in slow process. Below is a statistics of landmines and other Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) incidents in 2009.

Welcome Notice

Dear bloggers,

Welcome:
I would like to thank you for taking the time and viewing Afghan's Cry blog.

Afghan's Cry is new-born to the world of blogs and bloggers. The idea behind Afghan's Cry is to create an informative environment about the miseries that Afghan people suffer everyday. This is to promote freedom of speech among the voiceless voices.

Since Afghan's Cry is not political, we will be dicussing politics from a citizen's point of view. Afghan's Cry will discuss current issues surrounding Afghanistan and it's people such as: Culture, Poverty, Child mortality, Refugees, Narcotics, Corruption, Trade, Domestic Voilence, Economy, Women, Warlords, and many many more.

Dear bloggers, Afghan's Cry appreciates your cooperation through suggestions and opinions on how to promote and present a friendly and as informative as possible environment to the world. The end goal is to get the world know of happenings in Afghanistan.

Thanks,

Afghan's Cry