Today I had the pleasure of attending a basketball game between a team from the US Forces Headquarters in Afghanistan and the Afghanistan national basketball team at the Olympic complex in Kabul. On the way there, the streets were full of signs commemorating the martyrdom of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was assassinated yesterday by emissaries from the Taliban. The posters tell of the funeral to be held in Kabul tomorrow. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend.
We get to the Olympic complex and our first stop was to Ghazi (Hero) Stadium. Built in 1923, it was constructed by then King Amanullah Khan after his defeat of the British. It later became used for public executions during the Taliban's rule from 1996-2001. Today it is being renovated and resurfaced to become an official FIFA regulation soccer (football) field. Walking out on the very spot that had been the site of public executions was an erie feeling.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghazi_Stadium
Afterwards, we made our way to the gymnasium where the USFOR-A team was suited up to play the Afghan national team. The U.S. Military brought about twenty people for cheering support and spectators. The Afghans brought just about as many, until the ANA and ANPs in the area showed up interested in seeing this showdown. It was a close game, right down to the buzzer with a 3 point shot that clinched the game, 73 to 76, Afghanistan. What a great publicity event this was for bragging rights, and they have every reason to celebrate. They've overcome a lot in the last few years in forming their team. They definitely earned their win.
Public events can bring people together in unity or tear them apart. The Taliban are masters at tearing at the basic fabric of society by the use of fear of violence and death. Yes, the peace process is in shambles at the moment with their chief negotiator dead at the hands of the party he was trying to reintegrate, but the Afghan people share a power that is stronger than the fear the Taliban used to instill in them. Afghans have a force of unity through a hope for peace and a better life. Whether it be from a symbolic sports win for national pride or the solidarity of celebrating a martyr and carrying on their mission to bring peace to a land that has seen so little over the millennia. My hope? The next public event here will be the completed turnover of all security to the Afghan Government and the reintegration and reconciliation of a group currently hell bent on destruction. That would be a true test of the public unity.
More to follow.
We get to the Olympic complex and our first stop was to Ghazi (Hero) Stadium. Built in 1923, it was constructed by then King Amanullah Khan after his defeat of the British. It later became used for public executions during the Taliban's rule from 1996-2001. Today it is being renovated and resurfaced to become an official FIFA regulation soccer (football) field. Walking out on the very spot that had been the site of public executions was an erie feeling.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghazi_Stadium
Afterwards, we made our way to the gymnasium where the USFOR-A team was suited up to play the Afghan national team. The U.S. Military brought about twenty people for cheering support and spectators. The Afghans brought just about as many, until the ANA and ANPs in the area showed up interested in seeing this showdown. It was a close game, right down to the buzzer with a 3 point shot that clinched the game, 73 to 76, Afghanistan. What a great publicity event this was for bragging rights, and they have every reason to celebrate. They've overcome a lot in the last few years in forming their team. They definitely earned their win.
Public events can bring people together in unity or tear them apart. The Taliban are masters at tearing at the basic fabric of society by the use of fear of violence and death. Yes, the peace process is in shambles at the moment with their chief negotiator dead at the hands of the party he was trying to reintegrate, but the Afghan people share a power that is stronger than the fear the Taliban used to instill in them. Afghans have a force of unity through a hope for peace and a better life. Whether it be from a symbolic sports win for national pride or the solidarity of celebrating a martyr and carrying on their mission to bring peace to a land that has seen so little over the millennia. My hope? The next public event here will be the completed turnover of all security to the Afghan Government and the reintegration and reconciliation of a group currently hell bent on destruction. That would be a true test of the public unity.More to follow.
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