magazine Afghanistan part 1 21st Century Life in Afghanistan by Damian Bird Medieval transport is the norm in Afghanistan and given the road surfaces, the compact and strong Afghan horses are a very practical choice. The majority of Afghans welcome the presence of ISAF (Independent security forces) for the security they bring. Every Afghan I have ever spoken with prefers life now that the Taliban are no longer running Afghanistan. Afghan butcher shops are mostly open air and meat is sold as quickly after slaughter as possible to prevent the meat fromgoing bad. Refridgerators are the preserve of the rich, not least because of a poor electricity supply and infrastructure. Afghanistan’s recent history is written over the face of this 28 year old man.  One rarely sees females in public.  Even little girls are kept indoors while their brothers go out to play. 6 am Kandahar.  Men can be seen here on their way to work. This is an ANA (Afghan National Army) soldier, being trained by the British army. British army on patrol in the suburbs of Kandahar. Make do and mend cloths are what most Afghan children wear. No designer trainers in sight. The ANA is the hope of Afghanistan. When ISAF withdraws they will be all that stands between Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban. A British soldier watches carefully for threats from insurgents as the Landrover is removed from drainage ditch. During the rule of the Taliban men were beaten and imprisoned for shaving and now most Afghan men wear beards. Traditional Afghan bread. Harriers at the ready. Harriers and their crew are kept at the ready to respond to Taliban attacks on ISAF forces, should a laser guided bomb be required. Kandahar air field. A British soldier preparing ANA soldiers for battle with the Taliban. Delicious kababs are being prepared in this ‘fast food’ establishment.  Kandahar. Traditional Afghan dress. A Kandahar blacksmith works on his latest commission. A highly prized camel being driven through the harsh January weather just outside Kandahar. A traditional family-run bakery waiting for the morning’s customers  Most cars in Afghanistan are Russian built, packed full of passengers and held together with many home made parts. This was Russia’s answer to the British Harrier. It was used during the 70s by the Russian forces to fight the Mujahadeen. Most Afghan families dry their washing on the roof to protect their laundry from mud and dust. A vote of confidence from an Afghan to a British soldier glad to have democracy and not the Taliban dictatorship. The wearing of the burka for women was law during the Taliban era.  Although no longer a legal requirement it is still the standard dress in Afghanistan for most women. Afghanistan has many bikes that need to be mended by experts capable of making parts that can’t necessarily be bought. Females, even female children have to be seen to walk publicly behind males.  The photo shows a little girl following on foot behind her even younger brother on a donkey. British Army on patrol in Kandahar. British Army soldier training the ANA. In the background one can see a Russian built 4x4. These are very basic, very uncomfotable, but indestructable. ISAF soldiers on patrol in Kandahar. The threat of attack is ever present.