I think this will be the last of the "Kabul Diaries" for now. I am likely to return there later this year and I will no doubt learn much more.
. . .
I’ve heard both expatriates and Afghans say that Afghans are “narrow-minded” - the same phrase, repeated several times.
With the mountains ringing this city, I can see how some might feel like the world was a bowl and they were down in the bottom (especially with the current media focus). I can see how people might feel like the world ended at the edge of nature's ramparts. Over the mountain might seem like nonsense.
But, of course, this is the crossroads of the world. The people from here know exactly what lies on the other side. They've sold at least one of everything at one time or another. They’ve forgotten more languages than are still spoken. They have seen every idea tried - and fail.
"Narrow-minded"? I'd call the Afghans very focused on their own problems. They have little time right now for anything else. I certianly cannot fault them for that.
Posted by Martial