See Inside Quote of the Week 2. Personal Essays 6. Star Related “The mind that is not baffled 3. Community 7. Literary is not employed. The impeded 4-5. News 8. Interview stream is the one that sings" ― Wendell Berry

Saturday, November 26, 2016 Vol. 2, No. 58 Star Educational Society Weekly

Interstellar (adjective): situated or occurring between the stars; conducted, or existing between two or more stars Uncle what is your job here?

A Message from Mustafa Hussaini, the Executive Director of Star Educational Society

replied, "Oh, I remember you. At that time we were just small girls and attended elementary classes. Now we have just fin- ished our bachelor’s degrees in sociology and plan to study English again." The el- der added. "It is very nice to see you after a decade." The two left to see the cashier and before leaving the elder girl asked, "By the way uncle, what is your job here?" t has been over a decade that I have "My job now? I am the Executive Direc- been emotionally connected to Star. tor of Star’s five branches and Star High During these eleven years, I have in- School." They scoffed and silently left vested both emotionally and physi- the office with very surprised faces. They cally in making Star a great place for approached the cashier and asked him, Ianyone who passes through the doors of “Excuse me sir, eleven years ago when our various branches. At Star, our com- my sister and I studied in B Branch Mr. munity is a family of shrewd and gifted Changiz used to be the director, could Starians who are committed, tolerant to- you please tell us who is responsible for ward differences, and value strength and the execution of Star programs now?" The quality service. cashier said, "The guy who you were just During these long years of hard work, talking to is our Director." I have faced both good and bad times, The girls came back embarrassed and but there has always been one steady in a very apologetic tone asked me to give thing that has given me strength when I them a speaking test. I evaluated them have felt weakened by the load of work or and told them to join their classes. Since pressure of deadlines - the goal of making then, they are my best students and we Star an ideal educational environment. have established a great rapport. Sometimes the rewards are not tangible An experience such as this one is a ones, but are rewards much richer than gift that illuminates my soul. I reflect on money or material things. The value of a the path that has led me to my esteemed simple “Thank You,” a smile, or witness- position at Star now and the paths that ing the pride, pleasure and satisfaction many Starians have taken to advance and in the eyes of either students or teachers improve in their lives, including these two who work for you is greater than anything recent university graduates. As a watch- money can buy. man many years ago, Star gave me the It was just last month when I stepped recognition and self-confidence that no into the office and saw two girls busy tak- other organization could have given me. ing the entrance exam in the corner of the And I, on the occasion of Thanksgiving room. I instantly recognized one of them week, take this opportunity to extend my and remembered that I had seen her in most cordial gratitude to everyone who Star many years earlier. I kept looking at has passed through these doors with me, both girls when one of them glanced back including students, teachers, support at me and asked, "Uncle, what is your job staff, volunteers and everyone who has here?" Without answering them, I asked, been instrumental in making Star a great "Were you two sisters Star students be- and memorable place for generations to fore?" The elder replied, "Yes, nearly 11 come. years ago in B branch." I smiled and approached the seat near them, "I knew I recognized the two of you and remembered you both from many years ago in B Branch in Barchi." The two left to see the cashier and before leaving the elder girl asked, The younger one asked me, "How do you "By the way uncle, what is your job here?" "My job now? I am the Ex- know us and what were you doing at that ecutive Director of Star’s five branches and Star High School." They time?" I answered, "I was the watchman scoffed and silently left the office with very surprised faces.  at B Branch at that time." The same girl

Lessons from my Christians of Kabul Zahir Qadir Warns Rising “Be the Change that mother, a veteran Rula Ghani, the first lady of Khurasan Province by you Wish to See in the Afghan nurse , is a Christian. It was Islamic State World” beyond people’s imagination. She is the Haji Zahir Qadir warns against forming My mother is a nurse. Growing up, she first Christian who became the wife of a “Be the change that you wish to see would tell me stories about her work Khurasan province by Islamic State leader in Afghanistan. in some parts of in the world” is a quote by Mahatma and the women she met at the hos- President Ashraf Ghani Gandhi that many of us have heard pitals and homes where she worked. Afghanistan. He says faced many challenges that Islamic State and been moved by. But even as we These stories were about fear, bravery, during his presidential have quoted, cited, coached it and deep cultural flaws, and triumph. They militants are trying campaign, one of to...Page 4 counseled with it, we don’t often hear gave me a deep sense... Page 2 which was...Page 3 the story behind it..... Page 6 Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Kabul Mosque... Page 5 Vol.2, No. 58 Personal Essays Lessons from my mother, a veteran Afghan nurse Written by: Maryam Laly hard for both of us to say. for the girls in our family to go to school. Republished from: http://www.freewomenwriters.org/927-2/ “Yes, I remember,” I interrupted. My I want them to get an education, which is father passed away suddenly when we re- of course crucial, but I also wanted them My mother is a nurse. Growing up, at Mastoraad Hospital (now Maiwand turned from Pakistan to Kabul. When he to study beyond high school and to have she would tell me stories about her work Hospital) and I will make sure you go to died so unexpectedly, we didn’t know how a profession. Because, as life has taught and the women she met at the hospitals nursing school,” she said. we would survive. us, there are so many hurdles and unex- and homes where she worked. These sto- I was in ninth grade then. When the My mother’s courage and tenacity pected problems. If you are economically ries were about fear, bravery, deep cul- time came, I took the Kankor exam (the landed her a job with a private clinic in dependent, you will have an even hard- tural flaws, and triumph. They gave me a national entrance exam for university) Kabul. She became the sole breadwinner er time. But with a profession, you can deep sense of solidarity with the women of and I was accepted to nursing school. I of the family. She had the insurance to change that. You will not be economi- my country. went to study at Mastoraad Hospital’s stay economically independent from our cally dependent on anyone, even if you Recently I sat to interview my mother school. Raheela helped pay for my edu- extended family. She worked hard day lose a husband or a father. You will have with the intention of writing one of her cational costs for the three years that and night so that her three children could an insurance in their hand that can save stories. I started by asking her about how I was there. I graduated top of my class go to school and receive an education. you and your community. she ended up going to school and became and I received my diploma from King Towards the end of our conversation In many ways, my mother’s degree a nurse. Here is a part of her story in her Mohmmad Zahir Shah himself. my mother shared an important lesson for was her life insurance. But it didn’t just own words: After graduation, I was assigned to her daughters: help her, it helped her entire family, her I was born to poor illiterate parents. the Operations Ward in Ali Abad Hospi- You know that I always advocated community, and her country. I was the eldest of seven children. It was tal. I worked there for 16 years. For more hard for my parents to make ends meet. than 12 of those years, I was the head From a very young age, I wanted to be ed- nurse. ucated. I was lucky because my parents Unfortunately, the civil war hap- also knew the value of education so they pened and the turmoil in the country in- were supportive. However, due to my creased. Many people were either escap- family’s financial situation, as a young ing the country or disappearing. That is girl I started working at a public bath- when I lost touch with Raheela. house alongside my mother. I got married and I continued work- One day at the public bathhouse, a ing for another year after my marriage. woman came up to me and asked: “Do But the political situation and my own you go to school, little girl?” health caused me to ask for an early re- “Yes. I go to school,” I said. tirement plan. “You shouldn’t be working here. You Raheela’s support may have seemed should be studying,” she responded. very small then, but it changed my life. “I am here during my breaks.” Because I had an education and a job, I She went on to ask what I wanted to was able to help my family financially. become when I am older. When I was a When the war broke out, I became a child, Afghanistan was a very different private in-house nurse and midwife in country from what it is now. Nurses wore Mazar-e-Sharif, where we fled to during caps and gowns and those uniforms re- the civil war. When we were in dire situa- ally appealed to me as a young child. So tion as refugees in Pakistan and your fa- without hesitation, I told her that I want- ther couldn’t find a job, I went back to my ed to become a nurse. profession. I worked at the refugee clinic The woman took my hand. for four years. Then when we got to Ka- “My name is Raheela Mujtaba. I am bul… Student nurses attend classes at the maternity hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan in 1950s. the vice president of the nursing school My mother paused. I knew this was Photo courtesy of Creative Commons. My Hometown Elementary School Ten years ago, during the transi- decided that some old, abandoned shops the most interesting to the least interest- tional government of Afghanistan, for- would be used as classrooms for our ing and chose the subjects they wanted eign troops came to our beloved country school. Four years after the elementary to teach. As I sat with them, I lacked the to fight terrorist groups, especially the school was established, I was studying courage to ask them to give me my fa- Taliban. I was in the seventh grade at the 10th grade in another high school. I knew vorite subjects. Ultimately, they gave me time, living in the Qarabagh district of I had the capacity to teach lower classes subjects which I knew very little about Ghazni province. At this time, I was work- so my three classmates and I began to - Dari, and English literature ing with my father to support my family work toward that goal. I was always ea- and Physics and Mathematics. I had to members while helping my siblings with ger to serve the people of my village and choose either to teach these subjects or their lessons as well. teaching seemed like a good path. give up being an instructor. Finally, after My siblings were all studying in the The school principal, manager and thoughts circling in my mind for a long Waraqa Village elementary school, Hasa- other experienced instructors discussed time, I made the decision to teach. na Waraqa Elementary School. Originally and negotiated the subjects to teach. I was so interested in teaching. the school had no building until it was They made a list of the subjects from Hence, I worked like a shepherd to pre- pare myself to do a good job. I felt great being respected as a new teacher. There were many issues that we were struggling to resolve, among them was the terrible location of the classrooms. Since the shops were located beside the highway, the muddy road and traffic were a prob- lem. The sound of cars and trucks pass- ing directly in front of the classrooms was About the author: Abdul Malik Baqeri is a a huge distraction. Star alumnus and current teacher at Star’s Although the location of the school B Branch. He graduated from Kabul Cen- had some drawbacks, there were good tral University with a degree in Mechani- points about the school as well. Hasana cal Engineering. He is also a designer for Waraqa Elementary School was a higher an HVAC project and an English teacher quality compared to other neighboring at Koshan High School. schools. Many of the students from this school became first and second position school. Such an achievement made me holders in secondary schools around our feel proud to think of the students as my village area. brothers and sisters. I visited the school I worked in the school for three years several times after I left the area for my before I left the province to pursue my university studies. It is the nicest school bachelor’s degree in Kabul. Two years in all the neighboring areas. I thank God after I was studying in Kabul, the govern- for supporting us and allowing us to wit- ment finally built a nice building for the ness such great achievements.

Page 2 November 26th, 2016 Community Vol.2, No. 58 Christians of Kabul Written by: Ali Karimi, PhD student of communications, McGill University 30, 1895, encouraged the Armenians of mum Darwazi was travelling to Bukhara Translated by: Sveto Muhammad Ishoq Calcutta to migrate to Kabul to join the in 1919 to join a celebration hosted by Republished from: http://8am.af/1393/08/04/kabul-christians-afghanistan-qani/ small group of Afghan Armenians in Ka- Emir Alemkhan, the ruler of Bukhara, he bul in order to help them "not be alone." was introduced to a beautiful Russian of the church. Every time he tried to go He had promised them jobs and housing nurse. back up the chimney, he was thrown according to their skills. At the ceremony two singers sang a back down and could not escape. For the He sent the letter through an Arme- song of a poet Mir Said Abdul Ahad Khan fourth time, he was thrown on the floor nian, Saruradin Khan (Lucas Joseph), of this theme: “Suddenly come witty Ar- and then he remained in the church. He who was responsible for the Jalalabad menian/ either come and become a Mus- was sure that the Christian’s God did not bullet making factory, and was going to lim or convert me to Christianity now.” allow him to leave the church. When the Calcutta. The next year, he changed his People wanted him to compose a poem person who was in the church saw him, method. That year, he received a letter and dedicate it to the Russian nurse. He the thief regretted his behavior and asked from Abdul Hamid Sani, the Ottoman composed a poem as requested, which for forgiveness and asked church leader Sultan and Caliph of the Muslims, asking starts with “Russian Moon desire of our to convert him into the Christian religion. him to expel Armenians from their land. religion now / come to mosque, leave the Those in the church blessed him with the The Emir obeyed him and expelled all church.” According to Maghmum Dar- holy water and in that way there was one Armenians from the country. In March wazi, the Russian nurse also spoke Farsi, more Christian in Kabul. 1897, Armenian families left Kabul and and gifted him a watch for this poem. Hindi Armenians welcomed them in Pe- Most likely, perhaps all these poems Armenian Prince shawar. were inspired by a poet in Herat, Saidai We do not know much about Emir Even though the Armenians were Krokhi, who died in 1808. ’s Christian wife, not in Kabul anymore, they had a big Rula Ghani, the first lady of Afghani- except that after her husband’s reign, she influence on people to the extent that The only church in Kabul stan, is a Christian. It was beyond peo- used to live in the Qazi part of western Ka- the people used to call "Armenian" and In 1919, when the country declared ple’s imagination. She is the first Chris- bul. But we have more information about "Christian’’ as one name. For example, its independence, Italy was the first tian who became the wife of a leader in his son, Ishaq Khan. Ishaq Khan was his in 1839, when the British army put Shah country to recognize it. Afghanistan. President Ashraf Ghani son from his Christian wife and lived for Shejah Malik Durani on the elephant and asked the government of Italy what they faced many challenges during his presi- years with Emir Abdulrahman Khan in moved him from India to Kabul and that needed as a gift. The Italian Government dential campaign, one of which was his Samarqand and Bukhara. In 1880, after way made him a leader of Afghanistan. asked permission to establish a Catho- wife. People would say bad things about Emir Abdulrahman became the leader The coins of that time had a poem in it, lic church in Kabul. Amanullah Khan his Christian wife. However, on Septem- of Afghanistan, Ishaq Khan became the which said: “Coinage of gold and silver, accepted this and the Italian govern- ber 29, when Ashraf Ghani became the mayor of Turkestan; Turkestan at those brighter than the sun and the moon.” ment built a church in the courtyard of president of Afghanistan, no protests times was a part of northern Afghanistan. According to the Sultan history, peo- the embassy in Kabul, which finally was were heard about his wife afterwards. Ishaq Khan had a calm personal- ple of Kabul, for sarcastic and political completed in 1933. Today in Kabul, apart ity and this caused him to be loved by purposes, explained the poem in a dif- from this church, which is still active, no The first Christian First Lady the people. This was the reason he was ferent way: “Gold coins and gold wires, other Church officially exists. The first ever leader in Afghanistan chosen as mayor of Turkestan. This Armenian Shah Shejah / the brightness In 1959, President of the United who had a Christian wife was Ameer also caused him to become a leader in of the ‘Lord and Brun’s’ eyes, and the States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, visited Ka- Mohammad Azam Khan. He served for a northern Afghanistan for a short period ‘company’s slave.” In here, Lord refers to bul; he asked Zahir Shah to let him build short period, beginning October 17, 1867 when AbdulRahman Khan had become Lord Auckland, who was the British In- a Protestant church in Kabul in exchange and ending February 21, 1868. He was ill in 1888. AbdulRahman Khan became dian ruler of that time and Bruns refers for the Islamic Center built in Washing- a son of Emir Doost Mohammad Khan very angry when Ishaq Khan replaced to Alexander Bruns who was the initiator ton. He agreed and the church became (1845-1863) and an uncle of Emir Ab- him, and as soon as he recovered from of Anglo-Afghan War and “Company” re- operational on 17 May 1970. But the dulRahman Khan (1880-1901). When his the dangerous illness, he sent his army fers to the East India Company existing at situation changed very quickly and the brother, (1866- to fight Ishaq Khan’s army. The English those times. church was demolished on June 17, 1973, 1867) died from illness in Kabul, the writer, Jonathan Lee, writes the story of ‘Armenian’ used in this poem means the same day that Daoud Khan came to time came for Emir Mohammad Azam this battle in details in his book: The An- Christian, words that were used inter- power in a coup. Khan to serve his country. But very soon, cient Supremacy: Bukhara, Afghanistan changeably in those times. From the oth- Even though Afghanistan tolerated he gave authority to Emir and the Battle for Balkh, 1731-1901. er side, people did not behave badly with non-Muslims, it always differentiated (1868-1879) to lead the country and he Before Abdul Rahman’s move to Armenians but they didn’t have positive between the religions. Not only that, the himself spent his remaining life in Iran. Balkh, he had begun the psychological views about their religion. People called Afghan government also differentiated The wife of Mohammad Azam Khan war against Ishaq Khan. Faiz Mohammad Shah Shejah Armenian and Christian between Muslim sects, which was all for was Timor Khan’s daughter, who was a Kateb in Seraj-al-Tawarikh mentions in this poem because people wanted to political purposes and we have many ex- Christian from Kabul. In the 19th cen- about the letters of Emir to their leaders say that he was not a Muslim and that amples from the history. Afghanistan has tury, a small group of Christian traders to fight against the "Armenian people." was the reason they wanted him to leave always used religion as a weapon for po- lived in Kabul after they migrated from By the decision of Emir MalikSher Darbar leading this Islamic country. litical reasons. India to Kabul. Around 200 Christian and Mirza Shir Ahmad Jalalabadi, one Today the Middle East burns in the families migrated to Kabul during Nadir person from a Pashtoon tribe was asked Witty Armenian fire of religious conflicts. New conflicts Afshar’s reign, and other families came to compose a poem against Ishaq Khan Afghanistan had religious tolerance between “Islamic State,” Iraq and Syria from Lahor to Kabul during Ahmad Shah to be spread among people. Jalalabadi and a good relationships with non-Mus- have been created, and aim to massacre Abdali’s reign as a part of his army. There composed a poem against Ishaq Khan lims in the country, including in the lyrics non-Muslims. The followers of the Abra- was a church near Balahesar in Kabul that was printed on huge posters in- of a love poem that is well-known among hamic religions who have lived together where Christians used to live. However, stalled in public places across the coun- the people. There is a famous poem in for centuries in most Muslim countries the Englishmen destroyed it during the try, especially in the northern part of Pashtu about the Hindus which was sang now are against each other. It is hoped second Anglo-Afghan war. the country. The ode refers to the Chris- by a famous Afghan singer, Ahmad Za- that the first lady of Afghanistan, Rula In 1842, the father of British army tian mother of Ishaq Khan, which starts her, which says “I am a Muslim and my Ghani, will try to increase tolerance and commander Allen visited the Christian with: “Armenian mother named Ishaq / love is a Hindu.” prevent the penetration of different ideas church in Kabul and wrote in a report disgusting insect, and lies and hypoc- About Christians in Kabul, there is a in the country. that Armenian people in Afghanistan risy.” Then the poet used satire, threats love song called “Witty Armenian,” which had increased to 35,000 and they earned and sarcasm in poetic language and the is sang by several singers such as Profes- money by making and selling wine and poem finished with these verses: “in Kho- sor Amir Mohammad, Sediq Shabab and other alcoholic drinks. The Central rasan, you do not have a chance buddy Sofi Majid Panjshir with different titles, Church, which was located in Asfahan, / o donkey catch the easy way Iraq.” The such as “Witty Armenian,” and “Moon of managed Armenian’s church and a per- Armenian prince did not escape to Iraq, Russia.” “Witty Armenian” has become son would be sent to Kabul regularly to but on a narrative approach, went to Rus- famous beyond the borders of Afghani- visit the church. However, from 1830 on- sian Turkestan, and according to another stan as well, so that there is a song by an wards, no other person would be sent to version, went to Iran, where his father Iranian singer, Darya Dadvar, entitled this church to visit. was living. “Christian love” and a singer from Tajiki- The Central Church existed for sev- stan, Omar Timor, with the title “Moon of eral centuries; however, only one Afghan Deporting Armenians Russia.” had converted to Christianity, a man who The Afghan people had always been The song “Witty Armenian” was writ- went to the church with the intention of dealing with the followers of Jesus and ten by a Kabuli poet, Sufi Ashqary (1892- stealing. This man, who was originally Moses with tolerance and compassion in 1979). But before there was a poem with from Kabul, entered the church through Kabul. But when it changed from religion diverse lines by a poet from , the church’s chimney and stole all the to politics, the government of Afghani- Hussein Maghmum Darwazi (1880- silver glasses filled with the holy wa- stan dealt with religious minorities. Ab- 1946), entitled "Moon Country Russian’’ ter and was looking for a way to get out dul Rahman, in a letter dated December and it has become famous. When Magh- November 26th, 2016 Page 3 Vol.2, No. 58 News Pakistanis need visa to enter Afghanistan Translated by: Zakia Golabzada Source: Hasht-e-Subh

Pakistan has announced to its border tribes that they couldn’t travel to Af- ghanistan without passport and visa of Afghanistan after thirty first of January in the ministry of border and tribe has said the coming year. The people of this area that people of tribal areas did not need utilize the services of both countries and any visa to travel to Afghanistan. sometimes they have been known as Af- Abdul Ghafor liwan, the supervisor of this ghan by the Afghan officials as well. Ear- ministry has said to the BBC, Pakistan’s lier, many Afghans traveled to Pakistan decision about this case belongs to them- without any passport and visa. However, selves but Afghanistan would not act the recently Pakistan announced that having same. He said,” Residents of this area can passport and visa is important. Accord- travel to Afghanistan to visit friends or ing to the BBC report, now Pakistan also other special work by the identification Infraction felony in election announced to the residents of its border card which has been given to them by Translated By: Sadeq Alawi that they must travel to Afghanistan after government. Recently, a lot of Pakistanis Source: Hasht-e-Subh taking Pakistani passport and Afghani- border tribes have been trained in differ- other, the next election is going to be stan’s visa unless they would take a seri- ent educational institutions in Afghani- performed in a better way.” Prior to this, ous action. Nonetheless, the officials of stan. president declared that they were going to announce the final roll after finishing the interviews with qualified candidates President Ghani says that infraction as members of the election commission. is counted as a serious crime in the law President Ghani says that the process of election. President Ghani after nego- of interviewing with introduced candi- tiation with candidates of election com- dates is finished by electing committee. mission and some of the political leaders These interviews are done in the and governmental ranks said, “Counting presence of president Ghani, Abdullah the election infraction as a felony can Abdullah, Sarwar Danish, two members prevent skullduggery.” of the Supreme Court and Farid Ahmadi, He also stressed that performing the the attorney general. The president’s of- election needed the consensus and coop- fice says that they are going to announce eration of politicians. The president said the final roll of the new members of the that performing a safe election needed committee after interviews. accuracy and transparency. Recently, the electing committee an- Abdullah Abdullah said, “Performing nounced that they have chosen 36 can- a successful election needs politicians’ didates from hundreds of suppliants and opinions. If politicians make a good de- they are going to send their names as new cision and have cooperation with each candidates of election commission.

Accused corrupted Zahir Qadir Warns Rising Khurasan he didn’t say who those militants are sup- ported by. officers in court Province by Islamic State Zahir Qadir, who will be spending three Translated by: days in Nengarhar, emphasizes that he is Habib Amanpoor perfectly ready to fight against Islamic State Translated by: Khalil Baha in Nengarhar. According to him, people ex- Source: Hasht-e- Source: Hasht-e-Subh pect him to take bold action against Islamic Subh State. “We have supplied Khogiani with what we had supplied Shinwar”, said Zahir Qadir. Haji Zahir Qadir warns against form- militants. Islamic State militants are trying “The people are waiting and we are not go- ing Khurasan province by Islamic State in to enter Tora Bora through Bricher. In case ing to allow Afghanistan to be transformed some parts of Afghanistan. He says that Is- they enter Tora Bora, I personally acknowl- to Khurasan. As we previously said that we lamic State militants are trying to approach edge that Khurasan Province is going to be After waiting for many days, would make Shinwar a cemetery for Islam- Tora Bora. Being in charge of Parliament’s formed.” finally the first public trial to in- ic State. The bodies, if not already eaten by Wednesday’s general meeting, he said, “Is- Tora Bora, an area with lots of caves and vestigating cases of corruption dogs, might still be there. We have the same lamic State militants are only hundreds of tunnels, is located in a distant area in Nen- and heavy crimes was held in the plan for Khogiani. We would like to keep meters away from Tora Bora and they are try- garhar. Getting advantage of these caves and Supreme Court. In this session, a moving shoulder to shoulder with the gov- ing to occupy the area. In case they enter this tunnels, Osama Ben Laden could save his life military prosecutor, Abdul Hai, ernment. If we are a nation and we can vote area, they will immediately form Khurasan from the air strikes of the US forces in 2001 was obviously investigated. Ab- and can make a government, we can also de- Province in some parts of Afghanistan. Pichi- and managed to escape to Pakistan. Zahir dul Hai was one of military pros- fend ourselves. Today, the answers to those garam, which is a strategic area, is believed Qadir claims that Islamic States militants ecutor who has been charged issues that I had mentioned a year ago about to be under the control of the government are provided with food and other facilities by Islamic State and its supporters will become with taking 50 thousands brib- but is now being governed by Islamic State some helicopters during the night. However, ery. Lawyer of this prosecutor obvious.” asked for more time to prove his Last year Zahir Qadir blamed some se- client not guilty. The next session nior officials of the government (Hanif At- will be held next Saturday. Ac- mar and Masoom Stanakzai) for supporting cording to radio Azadi Shir, Agha and equipping the Islamic State militants in Muneeb, chairman of the meet- Nengarhar. ing, said: “I assure you that for Opposition among Leaders: the sake of justice and the truth MPs in their yesterday’s meeting strong- we delay ten sessions and your ly reacted to opposition among the govern- session will be held next Satur- ment leaders including the president and his first assistant. They wanted the leaders not day.” In this openhanded court, to increase the concerns of people or weak- Farid Ahmad’s case has also been en the spirits of security forces. Instead, they discussed. Furthermore, the case need to pay attention to security, political, the former manager of Azizi and economic problems of the country. They Bank, who was accused of 152 must not sacrifice the government for their thousand dollar bribery in Nan- associates. Khalilullah Sherzada, another gahar has also been discussed. MP, also says that the opposition between Shir Agha Muneeb has decided the leaders has strongly affected the spirits that accused prisoners should of the security forces and has created a big pay the graft money. Farid was gap among the people. He says the parlia- sentenced to ten years and eight ment must take action in case this opposi- months of imprisonment by Mr. tion continues. Describing this opposition Muneeb. This sentence is not fi- very embarrassing, Ghulam Hussain Nassery nal and the suspected criminal also says that these leaders have made the also has the right to appeal. religious occasions tribal. Page 4 November 26th, 2016 News Vol.2, No. 58 Farmer’s ask government for agricultural cooperation

Translated By: Najiba Ahmadi Source: Hasht-e-Subh

Some of the members of agriculture, live- mental officials want to rage cooperative stock cooperatives and the processers of lands and repel them. agriculture seeds have complained from Engineer Mohammad Tahir, head of Balkh government in Mazar e Sharif. They say not cooperatives, said to voice of America that only didn’t they do anything for us so far, council of ministers have recently decided but also they have taken cooperative lands to give the cooperative lands to ministry of from us. finance and this decision can cause bad ef- Sayed Mustafa and Mohammad Nadir, fect on economy and farmers. members of Balkh cooperatives, said to Mr. Tahir said,” We should remind that this voice of America that some of the farmers lands have been bought by the coopera- have paid membership fee to agricultural tives, we haven’t taken any budged from the cooperatives for years, but some of govern- government to give them back. Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Kabul Mosque Bombing At least 30 people are reported dead after a suicide bombing inside a mosque packed with Shiite Muslim worshipers

By EHSANULLAH AMIRI and JESSICA DONATI Republished from The Wall Street Journal KABUL—Islamic State claimed re- sponsibility for a suicide bombing that officials said killed at least 30 people in- side a mosque packed with Shiite Muslim worshipers in Kabul on Monday, the lat- est in a string of attacks targeting Afghan- istan’s Shia minority. The Sunni terror group’s Afghan affil- iate has previously targeted Shiites in the capital. It took responsibility in a state- ment posted to its official Amaq news agency, saying one of its fighters had tar- geted a Shiite congregation hall. The bomber struck the popular Baq- ir-ul Olum mosque during a religious ceremony marking the end of the 40-day Ashura period of mourning, which com- memorates the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. Photos from the scene of the blast circulated onFacebook by witnesses showed rescue workers picking their way across dozens of bodies strewn across the bloodied floor of the mosque, looking for survivors. Afghan health officials said at least 85 people were wounded and that the toll Afghan municipality workers sweep Baqir-ul Olom mosque after the suicide attack that left at least 30 people dead and 85 or more could rise as victims reach hospitals and wounded. PHOTO: RAHMAT GUL/ASSOCIATED PRESS emergency services. The mosque is in a neighborhood popular with the country’s Hazaras, an ethnic minority group that is mostly Shia and has become an increasing focus of attacks by violent extremists. Monday’s bombing was the third major attack targeting Hazaras in Kabul since a July blast at a protest killed more than 80 people, one of the deadliest at- A suicide bomber attacked a Shiite tacks to strike the city since the Taliban mosque in Kabul, the Afghanistan capi- were ousted in 2001. tal, killing at least 30 worshipers and in- The affiliate, called Islamic State juring dozens. Photo: Getty Images Khorasan, claimed responsibility for that attack along with the subsequent bomb- Afghan and coalition officials say its new- ing of a popular Shiite shrine that killed found ability to strike high-profile targets 14 people at the start of Ashura. The there reflects a growing influence in the group has also taken responsibility for country. two other attacks in the capital that tar- Afghanistan has largely been spared geted coalition and Afghan government the sectarian strife that has ravaged many workers. of its neighbors. But the bombings are fu- Islamic State first emerged in east Af- eling concerns that conflict between its ghanistan in late 2014, as foreign forces religious groups is escalating. were withdrawing. It initially focused its “We are very worried,” said Ahmad efforts on battling the Taliban to establish Behzad, a parliamentarian who is also a foothold in eastern Nangarhar prov- a prominent member of a grass-roots ince, its main base in the country. movement associated with the Hazaras. Over the past year, much of that “This situation will further increase the fighting with the Taliban has ceased, and violence in the country.” the group has shifted its focus to carrying — Noam Raydan contributed to this Police arrive at a Shiite mosque and cultural center after a suicide blast in Kabul. (Omar out high-profile attacks in Kabul. Some article. Sobhani/Reuters) November 26th, 2016 Page 5 Vol.2, No. 58 Star Related “Be the Change that you Wish to See in the World” she was able to approach Gandhi once ney towards change many obstacles to face, but change is again. Hearing her repeated request, On the other hand, things don’t possible. My dear countrymen, whatever Gandhi immediately spoke with the boy, change by themselves. If someone has changes you would like to happen in our who agreed to begin working to eat less a goal, they need to set an example to society has to begin with you. Leaders in sweets. reach that goal. People must realize that this world are accountable and respon- After thanking Gandhi for his wise by putting their words into actions, their sible for their own change. The commit- and compassionate words, the mother aspirations can support their goal when ment for change does not allow excuses. asked him why he wanted them to return asking others to join their journey. It is Stop preaching and try practicing; it is instead of offering his advice the first very simple to grasp that one must start wonderful to see someone want change time. Gandhi replied, “Upon your visit their journey alone and this will pave the and begin to work to make it happen. two weeks ago, I too was eating sugar.” way for others by setting He explained that he could not teach an example for them to her son to not eat sugar if he himself had follow. As we know, peo- not taken that journey. This great story ple can point fingers at

teaches people that before they tell oth- others’ problems when FRENCH GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS ers what to do, they themselves should all the while they have 2017 – 2018

have experienced this work in order to the same problems but You wish to pursue your studies in France and you are either: þ Holding a B.A.or B.Sc, or M.A or M.Sc. offer advice to others. In other words, decided to point fingers þ Student in last year of B.A or B.Sc. if we don’t do something ourselves we instead of doing some- þ Young professional working for an Afghan institution

About the author: Ahmad Shah Karimi can not expect others to do things when thing about it them- You have: studies English Literature at KarAmoz In- we hesitate to take steps towards doing selves. If we want to see þ Obtained excellent academic results; For applications in French: A DELF B2 certification stitute of Mid Higher Education. He is a what we ask others. If we look closely change, prosperity, and o o For applications in English: A minimum TOEFL (560) or IELTS (6,5) writer and an English instructor. at the history and background of great a better condition of life, certification

leaders like Gandhi or Nelson Mandela, then each of us has to The French government offers scholarships at the Master and PhD level. “Be the change that you wish to see we realize that they showed many peo- do all we can to create Please note that the priority fields are: Agriculture, Health, Law, Environment, Engineering, French as a Foreign Language (FLE) and Archeology. in the world” is a quote by Mahatma ple that if they wanted to see a difference change. The host institution, the Ministry of Higher Education and the French Embassy will certify your application. Gandhi that many of us have heard and in their lives, societies, and even in the I know bringing been moved by. But even as we have world, that they should be the initiator change is a difficult task Deadline to submit the application form filled and completed th quoted, cited, coached it and counseled of such works. As you move throughout and the road ahead is with the required documents: January 31 2016 included at with it, we don’t often hear the story be- your life, you can encourage, invite, and not easy. There is a great the Ministry of Higher Education, IT Hall, 2nd Floor, Office N°1 hind it. convince others to join you on the jour- deal of work to do and Information Meeting Among the hundreds of people Sunday, December the 4th 2016, from 15:00 – 16:30 waiting to visit Mahatma Gandhi were (To participate and registrate, please send an e-mail to [email protected] a mother and her young son. When it along with a scan of your passport before November 28) was their turn, the woman asked Gan- dhi to speak with her son about eating Location At the Auditorium of French Institute of Afghanistan – Kabul sugar. Gandhi asked her to come back in two weeks and said he would talk to Contact information the boy then. She wondered why he did Ministry of Higher Education, IT Hall, 2nd Floor, Office N°1 not speak to her son while he was al- Every Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 13:30 to 15:30 from 04/12/2016 until 11/12/2016 ready there, but she complied with his and from January 15, 2017 request. In two weeks, they returned and

reading. This newspaper contains vari- reading skills, vocabulary and transla- ous texts, such as personal essays, news tion abilities. It also helps us to become Interstellar = Inspiration translations, interviews, short stories and acquainted with Star’s top teachers, stu- To be honest, I have struggled to im- more. dents and alumni from all branches who prove my English reading skills. To learn Now one of my favorite things to do are introduced by their articles and inter- how to read English better, I began to when I am not working is to read the In- views. Finally, the Interstellar Bulletin is practice reading English books, maga- terstellar Bulletin because it gives me in- one of the greatest assets of Star and is a zines and some articles, but I did not read spiration. This newspaper brings positive great resource for teachers to use in their enthusiastically because either the mate- changes to students and inspires them classes. rials were too difficult to understand or which is important because they want they were not interesting to me. to do something with their new English More than anything, the hardships skills and to practice reading. discouraged me. I was constantly search- By reading the Interstellar every ing for some series of magazines, stories week, we are challenged to improve our or newspapers to help me become a bet- ter reader. Fortunately, Star Educational Society launched a weekly newspaper called the Interstellar Bulletin to add to their other cultural and educational pro- grams. Every week I receive the Interstel- lar Bulletin, I become enthusiastic about

About the author: Sulaiman Wafa is a Star alumnus and an instructor at Star’s B Branch.

Page 6 November 26th, 2016 Literary Vol.2, No. 58 65

About the author: Hadi Zaher was the first graduate of Quetta's branch of Star Educational Society in the year 1999. He has an MA from the University Stories of Wollongong in Australia and is currently a post-graduate student at the My Grandmother University of New South Wales. Told Me

aghori used to get many refugees from Uruzgan. I do not recall whether they were fleeing Pash- tuns or the civil war or both, but they used to arrive in groups of manyJ families. I used to speak to the ones who passed through the village. They had sto- ries to tell. Many said they had land and livelihoods, and they had all been taken over by Kochis. Others had fled because of the wars among the mullahs. Some had even left behind their daughters or young Masha. When the refugees from Uruzgan They were not impressed: war came and the people of Jaghori had children, unable to carry them over the first arrived in Jaghori, donkeys and their We have arrived with donkeys, but at to flee, many did not even have their own mountains. They had fled on donkeys and clothes were all they had. They were in tat- least we have them. When your turn comes, donkeys to flee on. They had nothing but horsebacks, walking through the moun- ters. Some people of Jaghori mocked them you won’t even have donkeys to flee on. the clothes on their bodies, just like the tains for days before arriving in Sang-e- for having nothing but donkeys. Ten years later it happened. When the people of Uruzgan. In this World

The hill pasture, an open place among the trees, tilts into the valley. The clovers and tall grasses are in bloom. Along the foot of the hill dark floodwater moves down the river.

The sun sets. Ahead of nightfall the birds sing.

I have climbed up to water the horses and now sit and rest, high on the hillside, letting the day gather and pass. Below me

cattle graze out across the wide fields of the Wendell E. Berry (born August 5, 1934) is a poet, novelist, and environmentalist. He bottomlands, lives on a farm in Port Royal, Kentucky near his birthplace, where he has maintained a slow and preoccupied as stars. farm for over 40 years. Mistrustful of technol- ogy, he holds deep reverence for the land and In this world is a staunch defender of agrarian values. He is the author of over 40 books of poetry, fiction, men are making plans, wearing themselves out, and essays. His poetry celebrates the holiness of life and everyday miracles often taken for spending their lives, in order to kill each other. granted.

November 26th, 2016 Page 7 Editor-in-Chief: Ali Reza Yasa Editors: Jonathan Greenburg, Murtaza Farjad Designer: Musa Autbin Distribution: Najibullah Malikpoor 0785103920 B&C Branch: Abdul Khaleq Khleqyaar 0776761455 Bamyan: Essa Omid 0773609598 Daikundi: Hamid Naderi 0767961513 Ghazni: Essa Jamal 0787126362 Add: Star Avenue, Sabiqa Stop, Dehburi, Kabul. A Branch Phone: +93 (0) 785 10 39 20 / +93 (0) 744 56 37 55

Saturday, November 26, 2016 Vol. 2, No. 58 Website: http://www.star.edu.af Email: [email protected] Insights from Kabul-based scriptwriter and director Interview with Shahrbanoo Sadat Republished from: http://www.raisingfilms.com/interview-shahrbanoo-sadat/

I learnt so many things about the Af- derstand what you want from them. his life to me. I am working on a pentalogy, ghan community from those seven years. I kept in my mind as a director that five feature films about his character. Wolf When I was 18, I moved to Kabul and I they are not actors, they don’t give a shit and Sheep was the first part. In other parts, met a guy who lived in the same village as about film; they are kids and they want you will see Qodrat in different places and I did, but in the 70s. Even though he was 18 to have fun and if they are bored or their times. I was very inspired and impressed years older than me, we turned out to be mood is off, they will destroy the scene. So I after reading Anwar’s unpublished diary of best friends, we had many things in com- tried to shoot mostly in sequence plan and 800 pages. I keep saying to myself, his story mon: he was also an outsider, he was born in one long take so they won’t have to do it needs to be heard and seen by the world. there in that village and when he was 8, he again. Most of the time, they surprised me He is Afghanistan. He is the one taking our moved to the city, Kabul – the opposite of by saying something they were not sup- hand and let us to explore the real Afghani- me that I moved from the big city Tehran to posed to: I laughed a lot while shooting. stan. I adore him for being survived after that small village. being in different wars and experiencing In Wolf and Sheep, I imagine a fictional Sediqa and Qodrat’s life is quite different violence. He is a true inspiration for me. time that we both lived at the same time from many children in the West. How have and we became friends, even if it’s only for international viewers responded? I think Do you involve your own family in your very short time. the film is very rich for my international work? How does your experience of grow- audience. There are many things new for ing up shape the stories you want to tell? I How did you find the young performers them. I keep receiving responses that it was involve people around me, my friends, and who play them? And did they have any in- a journey, or it was another world, or ev- sometimes family members. I involve all fluence on how you made the film? What erything fresh. They mostly were surprised the people that I trust. did they think of the story? I was cast- that women were not wearing burqas. I think I have stayed a child in many ing for two years in central Afghanistan. I People keep saying me that they experi- ways: I don’t count myself as a grown up in visited many schools and saw many kids, ence a different version of Afghanistan has my heart. I feel very close to kids’ emotion almost 2,000. As I always work with non- nothing to do with the clichés about Af- and behaviors and reactions. actors, they always influence the film. They ghanistan they have seen and heard every play a big part, they play themselves, the day through the media or other films. That In the UK, Wolf and Sheep will be distrib- way they talk, the way they look in every- makes me happy. uted online via The Tide Experiment from day life. We didn’t use any make-up or any 10 October, straight after it screens at the costume, everything was natural, coming Your film and your work challenge tradi- London Film Festival. What do you think Shahrbanoo Sadat is a 26 year old Af- from them. tions about gender that still hold in rural this model of online distribution can of- ghan woman, scriptwriter and director. They had no clue of the story. I ex- Afghanistan and elsewhere around the fer to first-time filmmakers ¬– and to au- She is based in Kabul. She studied docu- plained them the story of each scene only world: what role can film play in making diences? Wolf and Sheep producer Katja mentary film-making at the “Atelier Varan before shooting of that scene, sometimes this challenge and making change? The Adomeit says: Kabul” a French Workshop. Her first short they put the scenes we shot in the order of film has a very poor chance of being seen I think this is an amazing distribution fiction “Vice Versa One” was selected at shooting and they guessed something, but in Afghanistan: we have no real cinemas, model. The Tide Experiment not only al- Cannes Directors’ Fortnight in 2011. that was it. and cultural places like French Institute lows for non-traditional distribution and In 2013, she launched her production don’t do screenings anymore because of tries something new, but also allows to work company “Wolf Pictures” in Kabul. Wolf Did they know about the Kashmir Wolf the high security risks. with the best in marketing, PR and distribu- and Sheep was developed with the Cannes legend before the film? Yes, they all knew I think it makes change maybe not for tion. Together, we can create a buzz about a Cinéfondation Residency in 2010: Sadat the story. Everyone in central Afghani- the Afghan audience but for Afghans who film at one festival screening, and then any- was the youngest filmmaker ever selected stan knows the story of the Kashmir wolf. worked on the film, like my cast for exam- one can immediately watch the film online for the programme. She is currently in de- Sometimes the versions are a bit differ- ple. The film gave the chance to 38 Afghans at home. For first-time filmmakers, who are velopment on The Orphanage, the second ent, as it’s a verbal story and no one ever who had never travelled before to go to Ta- not known yet in the world (which I’m sure part of a series of films following the same writes it down, so people have the freedom jikistan and be with international people Shahrbanoo certainly will be), it is just a character, which begins with Wolf and to change, or add or delete some parts and for 2 months, experiencing a completely wonderful opportunity. Sheep. make a new version of it. different life compared to their everyday life. This means a lot and it has the poten- How did you develop the story for your What did their families think about the tial to change the direction of kids’ lives. first fiction feature, Wolf and Sheep? Why film? Were they around during shooting? The kids saw that the director is a woman, did you decide to focus on the young After I found the kids, I cast some of their the producer, the DOP, the sound, the line characters, Sediqa and Qodrat? The story family members too. When I shot the film, producer, the first assistant director are all is based on my best friend’s childhood (An- no grown ups were allowed be around the women. war Hashimi) and mine. I lived in the same set. I always shot them separately except We look like super heroes to the kids kind of village in central Afghanistan for for the scenes where they have to be to- and I loved that, because they could see seven years between the age of 11 and 18 gether. that reality is not supposed to be like their (from 2001-2008). I was not able to com- routine and it can be a completely different municate with other kids, I couldn’t see How was it working with such young ac- thing. properly as I need to wear glasses since I tors? How did you look after them on set? was born but no one knew that, not even Did any of the other cast or crew have chil- Is there anyone who has become a role myself; the first time I wore glasses, I was dren with them – and if so, how was that? model for you – and why? What has in- 18. On top of that, I spoke Persian and not It was not that difficult working with kids, spired or shaped the way that you work? Hazaragi like the people in central Afghani- I experienced the same in my short films. If you mean any one from the film world, stan, because I was born in Tehran, Iran as What’s nice about working with kids is that I must say no one. There are many people an Afghan refugee. My family lived in Iran they are very simple. You have to make a who I admire, as people and their work, but for many years as refugees, and after the good relationship with them and every- I understand we are very different in many events of 9/11 they moved back to Afghani- thing will be fine. They need to understand ways. stan, to their small and isolated village in that you love them and you are looking to My role model is my best friend, Anwar central Afghanistan, where they were born. have fun with them, and they need to un- Hashimi, who trusted me and opened up