Tony O'Brien is a photo journalist who has been to Afghanistan many times in his work for major publications such as Time and Life. Here, he and his brother-in-law, Mike Sullivan, interview children of all ages about their lives, their fears and their dreams. The children's voices and their images are haunting, illuminating and make for compulsive and compulsory reading.

Afghanistan has long been one of the world s most war-torn countries. Beginning in ancient times, one invader after another tried to conquer it, but only a few succeeded. And even those who did seize the country did so with tremendous difficulty. In part, this is because the Afghans are tough, independent-minded folk who do not like being told what to do by foreign intruders. Indeed, they are proud of their traditional customs, including their main religion Islam and their native literature and music. Yet, while they often fight to maintain their time-honored way of life, many of them are willing to try some new ideas. After US forces helped them expel the brutal Taliban in 2002, for example, the Afghans installed a democratic government. It still struggles to control all of the country s far flung tribes. But a majority of Afghans hope that it will eventually bring their ancient land unity, peace, and prosperity.

In 1984 Tamarov, then 19, was drafted into the Soviet Army and posted to Afghanistan where he spent 20 months in a minesweeper outfit. Despite heavy operational responsibilities and danger, he managed to take artful photographs which capture the stark landscape, friendly and unfriendly Afghans and the men of his platoon in action and in repose. Photographs depicting the haunted faces of both soldiers and civilians, the country's rugged yet beautiful mountain terrain, and the banality of daily life between missions are interspersed with Tamarov's unsentimental but passionate prose, in which he reveals his growing disorientation and takes to task his government for a campaign that has been widely dubbed "the Soviet Vietnam". Returning home uninjured in 1986, the author subsequently traveled to the United States, met with Vietnam vets and paid his respects at the Wall on the Mall in Washington, D.C., sharing with his new acquaintances "something which others cannot understand." More than a photographic essay, Afghanistan offerns an stunningly personal view of combat that is rarely seen by most.

- Minerals Yearbook, 2014, V. 3: Area Reports: International: Asia and the Pacific. Volume III, Area Reports: International, is published as four separate reports. These regional reports contain the latest available minerals data on more than 180 foreign countries and discuss the importance of minerals to the economies of these nations and the United States. Each report begins with an overview of the region's mineral industries during the year. It continues with individual country chapters that examine the mining, refining, processing, and use of minerals in each country of the region and how each country's mineral industry relates to U.S. industry. Most chapters include production tables and industry structure tables, information about Government policies and programs that affect the country's mineral industry, and an outlook section.

This is the fourth volume sponsored by the United States Board on Books for Young People, following Children's Books from Other Countries (1998), The World Through Children's Books (2002), and Crossing Boundaries (2006). This latest volume, edited by Linda M. Pavonetti, includes books published between 2005 and 2009. This annotated bibliography, organized geographically by world region and country, with descriptions of nearly 700 books representing more than 70 countries, is a valuableresource for librarians, teachers, and anyone else seeking to promote international understanding through children's literature. Like its predecessors, it will be an important tool for providing stories that will help children understand our differences while simultaneously demonstrating our common humanity.

The first comprehensive look at youth living in a country attempting to rebuild itself after three decades of civil conflict, Children of Afghanistan relies on the research and fieldwork of twenty-one experts to cover an incredible range of topics. Focusing on the full scope of childhood, from birth through young adulthood, this edited volume examines a myriad of issues: early childhood socialization in war and peace; education, literacy, vocational training, and apprenticeship; refugee life; mental and physical health, including disabilities and nutrition; children’s songs, folktales, and art; sports and play; orphans; life on the streets; child labor and children as family breadwinners; child soldiers and militarization; sexual exploitation; growing up in prison; marriage; family violence; and other issues vital to understanding, empowerment, and transformation. Children of Afghanistan is the first volume that not only attempts to analyze the range of challenges facing Afghan children across class, gender, and region but also offers solutions to the problems they face. With nearly half of the population under the age of fifteen, the future of the country no doubt lies with its children. Those who seek peace for the region must find solutions to the host of crises that have led the United Nations to call Afghanistan “the worst place on earth to be born.” The authors of Children of Afghanistan provide child-centered solutions to rebuilding the country’s cultural, social, and economic institutions.

- Minerals Yearbook, 2014, V. 3: Area Reports: International: Asia and the Pacific. Volume III, Area Reports: International, is published as four separate reports. These regional reports contain the latest available minerals data on more than 180 foreign countries and discuss the importance of minerals to the economies of these nations and the United States. Each report begins with an overview of the region's mineral industries during the year. It continues with individual country chapters that examine the mining, refining, processing, and use of minerals in each country of the region and how each country's mineral industry relates to U.S. industry. Most chapters include production tables and industry structure tables, information about Government policies and programs that affect the country's mineral industry, and an outlook section.

📚 Tales from Afghan History - Heroic Tales and Cultural Legends for Kids 🌟 ✨ Explore the heroic and inspiring tales of Afghanistan's rich history, specially adapted for young minds. ✨ Are you searching for an engaging way to introduce your child to the fascinating history and cultural legends of Afghanistan? Look no further! "Tales from Afghan History - Heroic Tales and Cultural Legends for Kids" is a beautifully crafted collection that brings the legendary heroes and pivotal moments of Afghan history to life through captivating narratives and stunning illustrations. 📖 Book Highlights 📖 200+ pages of enthralling stories that will keep your child captivated for hours. Beautiful illustrations accompanying each tale, sparking imagination and bringing the stories to life. Simplified English and gentle language carefully adapted to ensure the stories are both understandable and enjoyable for young readers. 🌟 Featured Stories 🌟 📜 Ferdowsi: The Poet of Kings — Experience the grandeur of royal courts with a poet who immortalized heroes. 🌙 Jalaluddin Rumi: Beginnings of a Poet — Explore the story of one of the most cherished mystical poets in history. 🚀 The Astronaut from Afghanistan — Reach for the stars with Afghanistan’s very own pioneer of space. 🛫 Meena Kamal and Niloofar Rahmani — Meet the women who dared to dream big and flew beyond the boundaries of expectation. Each story in this collection has been thoughtfully adapted to ensure young readers can appreciate the messages without encountering harsh language or complex concepts. These tales are perfect for bedtime reading, classroom storytime, or family discussions, helping children to develop a strong sense of cultural heritage and moral values. Introduce your child to the rich tapestry of Afghan stories, filled with lessons of bravery, wisdom, and enduring spirit. This book is not just a collection of stories; it's a treasure trove of cultural and moral guidance, ideal for growing up with a strong sense of identity and ethical principles. Perfect for bedtime reading and family bonding, this book will be a cherished addition to your child's library.

This groundbreaking collection traces the history of women's rights and roles in Afghanistan over the past 30 years; it examines the current human rights crisis, and suggests realistic solutions for post-war Afghanistan.

Provides information on the Taliban in Afganistan and different viewpoints on how to deal with the issue.