Afghanistan
From Pomegranates to Poppies
Helmand’s farmers are chopping down their pomegranate trees for the more lucrative opium plants, while blaming the government for failing to help them.
The Limits of Afghan Press Freedom
Afghan Government Defends Chaotic Execution
The authorities are unrepentant in spite of claims that some of the 15 men executed were convicted as a result of flawed trials.
Afghanistan: Oct' 07
Plans in train for new Helmand newspaper and next set of stories for local voices project completed.
The Dancing Boys of the North
Wealthy strongmen recruit adolescent boys for entertainment and sex, with the local authorities powerless to stop the practice.
Foreign Taleban Rile Helmand Residents
Afghans in the troubled province say many of the insurgents are not Pashtuns but incomers from other countries who behave in a high-handed and aggressive way towards local civilians.
Community TV Comes to Helmand
The government has set up a new local television channel, but in a conflict-torn province, there may not be enough electricity to keep it running.
British Get Blamed for Helmand Security Problems
Allegations in an Afghan parliamentary report that British forces are actively promoting strife reflects lingering suspicions of a country many still see as a historical enemy.