Grey days for the property market
Grey days for the property market
by Rohullah Rahimi, Mazar-e Sharif
The real estate market skyrocketed from 2002 with the arrival of foreign armies, organizations and aid. Since prices peaked two years ago, fears about post-2014 scenarios and ever bold insurgent attacks have sent them crashing. So what’s next for buyers and sellers after the signing of the US-Afghan strategic pact? read more
Lucky for some: Where goes the lapis wealth?
Lucky for some: Where goes the lapis wealth?
by Khushqadam Usmani, Faizabad
Mined in Badakhshan, the royal blue lapis lazuli gemstone has for thousands of years won favour around the world in jewellery designs and carvings. Exquisite yet affordable and said to bring luck and happiness, it has instead become a source of bitterness and conflict in its place of origin. read more
by Abdurrahim Momand, Jalalabad
Frequent anti-Western demonstrations in Jalalabad have earned the University of Nangarhar the nickname "Al-Qaida university". Whenever there are nationwide protests in Afghanistan, Jalalabad's students are the first to take to the streets. Afghanistan Today looks at micro-politics in the eastern city to explain why read more
by Razmal Zaman, Kandahar
Kandahar's first supposedly drug-free district is busy promoting its vigorous implementation of orders to stamp out narcotics farming. But critics say destruction is corrupt and selective, and warn that the risk of a backlash in Zhari, the birthplace of the Taliban, grows with every bulldozed crop. read more
by Razmal Zaman, Kandahar
How Afghanistan's mineral wealth is smuggled out of the country
How Afghanistan's mineral wealth is smuggled out of the country
by Naqib Ahmad Atal, Khost
When it comes to Afghanistan's natural resources, all eyes are on the large deposits in Aynak and Hajigak. But for years to come, small and medium mines will be far more important for Afghan local economies. So far much of this wealth is mined illegally by local criminal networks and smuggled out of the country on anything from donkeys to motorbikes and trucks. read more
Ainak: Mining model that promised the earth
Ainak: Mining model that promised the earth
by Rahmat Alizada, Ainak
The Ainak copper mine was to be a showpiece for ventures to tap Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth, while providing opportunities for local communities. Five years after the almost three-billion-dollar investment deal with a Chinese consortium was inked, the site’s riches remains underground, while the first grievances over implementation are surfacing. read more
by Rahmat Alizada, Ainak
by Razmal Zaman, Kandahar
While much has been reported about Staff Sgt. Robert Bales who allegedly massacred 17 Afghan civilians in Kandahar, rather little is known about the victims and their families. One reason is that US and Afghan authorities initially did not allow journalists to interview survivors who are still being treated at the Mirwais hospital in Kandahar city. Our correspondent has visited them now. read more
by Momin Masood, Kabul
The issue of night raids by foreign forces of homes suspected of sheltering insurgents has long inflamed relations with the Afghan government and people. It is a main hindrance to the conclusion of a strategic agreement between Kabul and Washington that would allow US special forces to continue operating after combat troops are withdrawn by the end of 2014. The United States has raised the idea of concessions in these raids, with possible necessity of authorization by Afghan justice officials before they are carried out. Afghanistan Today asked people in several provinces what they think. read more
by Momin Masood, Kabul