See Inside Quote of the Week “I listened, motionless and still; And, as 2. Personal Essays 6. Star Related I mounted up the hill, The music in my 3. Short Story 7. Literary heart I bore, Long after it was heard no 4-5. News 8. Interview more.” -William Wordsworth
Saturday, May 28, 2016 Vol. 1, No. 39 Star Educational Society Weekly Interstellar (adjective): situated or occurring between the stars; conducted, or existing between two or more stars Star brings luck!
A message by Rahmatullah Iqbalzada, a Senior Teacher at B Branch
t was 2008 tional Society lish stories, and arguing logically in gath- nuances of teaching and studying, I suc- when my family We entered its office, asking for in- erings and among friends. ceeded in the Kankoor Examination, en- and I deserted formation. It was hard to come across a My burgeoning English skills were tering the Faculty of Engineering in Kabul Ghazni province person speaking Persian as all were com- fostered by and indebted to firm, con- University. as the security municating in English; for a while, we crete, and constructive course work and My brother, similarly, acquired the situation became moreI intense; finding thought we had come to an institution class policies at Star, where I delivered scholarship granted by India in an open that it was no longer safe to commute to unsuitable to our needs. We thought pos- presentations in English, discussed my contest. The English skills my brother school, play football outdoors, and attend sibly it might not have been an educa- ideas in English and wrote in English. and I learned during our journey at Star the mosque or educational centers. I felt tional center. However, the environment, Sometimes my topics and homework helped us meet the university’s academic desperate and lonely as I left my school the atmosphere and warmth I felt then were rejected as a result of lacking logi- challenges and score high marks, as text- and close friends with whom I had hung absorbed me. The manger approached cal presentation, coherence or topic de- books, research papers, internet, semi- out for such a long time; however, I us asking if we were looking for Eng- velopment. Consequently, the situation nars and university tests all employed soon realized that disaster was about to lish classes. We nodded, confirming his impelled me to read more books, to write English as the medium of instruction. In present me with other successes and words. coherent essays, and avert my poor study all universities in India and Faculty of achievements. Later, I came across the fact that Eng- habits. Engineering in Kabul, the medium of in- After our settlement in a rental house lish speaking English in class, offices and The fruitful and constructive journey struction is English. in Pole- Sokhta, my brother and I be- the yard is a predominant principle at I had at Star consequently helped me to I believe that Star can be a significant gan searching for an educational cen- Star; no student, excluding preparatory obtain The FIRST POSITION HOLDER factor in yielding success and opening ter to pursue English skills. We entered class students, could express their ideas OF ENTIRE SCHOOL in Ibne-Sena High doors for great opportunities as it has many educational centers and enrolled or communicate in Persian. We started School in 2010. Consequently, after re- been for my siblings and me. Moreover, in courses, but no course appealed us. from Junior Class. At the end of term, ceiving my teacher’s badge in the Ad- the academic and “English only” environ- However, one day as we were passing we could not believe ourselves: We were vanced class, interacting with Star col- ment greatly expedites English learning. Sabeqa Bus Station, I noticed Star Educa- speaking English normally, reading Eng- leagues and directors, and learning the Join Star, join the institute for success!
A journey to Star Afghan Intelligence President Ghani: Poverty William Wordsworth: Wow! What a beautiful morning it was! Says U.S. Drone Killed rises after foreign the poet of love and The sky was blue, the sun was shining, the wind was blowing, the birds were Taliban Leader troop’s withdrawal from nature singing and the sunlight was flickering in Pakistan Afghanistan On April 7, 1770, William Wordsworth among the dense leaves of the tree into After the withdrawal was born in Cockermouth, Cumbria, my eyes. It was 8 o’clock in the morning. KABUL, Afghanistan — of foreign troops England. Wordsworth's mother died It was then when I decided to start a new The leader of the Taliban Poverty has raised when he was eight—this experience academic journey with star educational in Afghanistan, Mullah in the country, shapes much of his later work. society. So, I went to visit the center in Akhtar Muhammad said Afghanistan’s Wordsworth attended Hawkshead person. When I entered... Page 2 Mansour,... Page 4 President,...Page 5 Grammar School,...Page 7 Vol.1, No. 39 Personal Essays Wow! What a beautiful morning it By learning English, you will be able to told me that I needed to take a speaking A journey to Star was! The sky was blue, the sun was shin- make a living for yourself by working and test as well. For that, I talked for about 3 ing, the wind was blowing, the birds were making money. You should be strong to 4 minutes to Mr. Reza Sharifi who had singing and the sunlight was flickering and work hard, as you might need live an excellent pure American English ac- among the dense leaves of the tree into on your own someday”. I got home, sat cent. Finally, I was placed in Level one my eyes. It was 8 o’clock in the morning. on the corner of the room, and started class because I had studied in Mardfat It was then when I decided to start a new to desperately think about my unknown High school before and had not taken academic journey with Star Educational future as I was staring at the circling fun any preparatory courses there. Society. So, I went to visit the center in in the ceiling. I was hopelessly squeezing That was the first time that I set the person. When I entered Star Campus, it my arm and strongly rubbing my hands goal of learning English. After 2 months, was crowded. Students looked happy as against each other. My best friend had I learnt precious lessons of life, and start- they were speaking in English, and laugh- left me, and there was no one to talk to or ing to learn English was the first step of ing loudly. Voices of the teachers were get advice from. I took out my phone and my changing life. I learnt to be a different coming from inside of the classrooms; wrote a note on it; “it’s great that life is man and be capable of living differently. some playing a listening text and others like an ocean that can swallow its danger- I also learnt to never waste my time be- doing other things. I liked it. I decided to ous waves as it moves, and brings peace cause time never comes back. be a member of Star educational society, on it one day”. Life is a gift and you are the master and made the commitment to advance Suddenly, I remembered a sentence designer of your life, so shape it in a way my English. from my father, which inspired me. To that you love. I met Mr. Rezayee, the manager of recall, he had said, “you are a grown Finally, I have a dream. It is to be- Branch C. I asked him about the rules, up man now, be strong and change the come a teacher in Star Education Society course availability, and tuition and fees. impossible to possible.” This sentence like my teachers, and shine similarly in He explained so much, which was kind not only remained as an advice but also the blue skies of Education and human- About the author: Aliullah Fanus is a of overwhelming for me. I did not have changed into a great hope for me. ity. I am extremely happy and thankful of deligent student of Star Educational So- anyone to help me, but I was extremely Eventually, I was able to get some those teachers who encourage me in my ciety at C Branch. He is a teacher at one eager to join this Centre and improve my money from a family member and went classes in addition to teaching me qual- of the secondary schools as well as an em- English knowledge. After that, I talked to to Star educational center for testing and ity English. It is one of the best methods ployee of an NGO. He aspires to be a bril- my dad and he said, “My son! Now you registering for classes. I took a test and that Star’s teachers use in their classes. liant writer and a doctor in the future. are grown up, and you must prove it. scored 29/40. After this, the manager
taxi told me diwana shodi give me my ty eyes were closed. His usually spiky hair I wish I were deaf and blind money”, but I was not able to talk and I now had no gel. His body reeked like rot- was running; I did not know where and ten meat instead of perfume. talked with my kind mother. Why is she when I lost my scarf. When I reached my After a long time crying. I told my not missing me? Now, it is 4:30 pm and father`s grave, I could not believe my brother to get up and talk to me; then I I am in Kabul airport. Oh, I cannot call own eyes: there was a new grave beside turned my face to my father`s grave and my brother, because I want to surprise my father`s grave. told him “How could you let God take my family. I think I have to call to my old I sat close to the new grave without him away from me? Why you did not pray driver. saying a single word. The weather was for us? He was the only one who helped “Hi, Kaka Sakhi, can you take me windy and dark. I was alone and the only when I needed help. Then I put my head home? What, what did you tell me? Why things that I could hear were the wind`s on my brother`s corpse and closed my you are telling me zandagi saret basha? Is voice” sheo sheo “, the voice of insects, eyes, whispering” I wish I were deaf and my grandmother ok?” He answered that and barking of some crazy dogs. The only blind”. I do not know anything about Rohullah. light was the full moon. I could not trust Suddenly, a warm hand touched my I asked him what happened to him, is he my eyes or my driver`s words. I started arm. “Froz. Dokhtaram open your eyes. all right? Sadly, he said that two days ago digging the grave with my bare hands. I Why are you shouting?” When I opened my brother was killed by his close friend. removed all the sand which was atop the my eyes I was in my own clean and soft I shouted and told him “You are lying, I grave. The only thing between me and bed and my mom was sitting next to me. talked to him a few days ago he was fine the corpse was a large stone. I tried to re- I was not able to talk to her. I was shocked About the author: Frozan Shahnoori is a and happy.” move that stone, but I felt that my hands and my body was cold and I was shiver- Star alumna. She was a student of creative He said that his grave is close to my were wet and it was raining on that stone. ing. I left my bed and ran toward the old writing and teacher training courses and father`s grave. After hearing his last sen- When I looked at its color carefully, it was wooden door to go to my brother`s room. will major in Computer Science when she tence, I could not feel anything, and this not rain. It was blood, which were falling When I entered to his room, he was there. starts her university studies in the near big world and everything in it were mov- down from my fingers. After a long time He was resting like a handsome model future. ing around my head. I dropped the han- I succeed to remove the last distance be- in his bed. I sat next to him and took his Wow, amazing, this world is amaz- dle of my red, big bag, which was full of tween me and the corpse. I went inside hand in my hands. Then I kissed his fore- ing. I have more than enough in my life. I fancy and expensive gifts for all members the grave. head and touched his spiky hair, which am a successful fashion designer in India. of my family. In those moments I was not I had no fear in my heart, but love for was full of the gel that I had given him on F.S is one of the most successful compa- even able to cry; I ran toward the exit and my brother. I removed the shroud from his birthday. nies in makeup products in India with got into a taxi, the only thing that I could his face, but I could not see him proper- Although, I was sitting on our old Af- many branches in Germany and Turkey. say was Karte-sakhi. ly. I took his head in my arms and had a ghan rug, but I felt that I was in seventh The most wonderful fact is this: I am the I was unconscious the whole way closer look, at which point I then started heaven. owner and founder of F.S. although some from the airport to Karte-sakhi, but in my shouting, crying and scratching my face would say I am too young and single. mind I was telling myself that he is fine, with my dirty hands. He was my beloved zandagi saret basha= sorry for you loss. Ufff, I miss my family. Why they are it cannot be true, he is an athlete and he brother. His muscular, tall, and warm diwana shodi= Are you crazy? not communicating with me these days? can defend himself. When I arrived I left body was as cold as ice. His rosy lips were Dokhtaram= My daughter. It has been three days that I have not the taxi without paying. The driver of the now pale. His cool, attractive and naugh- Karte-sakhi= It is a sacred place
Page 2 May 28th, 2016 Short Story Vol.1, No. 39
One day her father thought of a new very fresh and her breakfast was ready, a the two heroes arrived and Gul-e-begum The greedy king way to make money for he was tired of fresh piles of fruits on the skin of a tree. said, “ hold you sword or else you will be working under the hot and boiling sun. Gul-e-begum went inside and took out killed instead of him,” everyone was sur- Then he thought of a very evil plan. The the food she had brought from home but prised and her father, he was glad and next day he wore his best cloth and went somehow they smelled badly and they very proud of her. The king said, “ so you to the king. Just as he came he knelt and stunk so she ate the fresh fruits. Gul-e- have come here to fight, I see, well, in this said, “Your majesty, my daughter can begum looked around the place and saw case I will send my knights to fight with spent straws into gold!” The king laughed a young and strong girl just like herself! you and you friend, even though fighting and said, “What! A girl has done that?” The girl came closer and said, “Hey, I with my knights is a not a good choice Qurban Ali said that even though it was saw you last night, you were asleep, that’s but since you have no shame you will die unbelievable but that was the reality. The why I brought you inside my cottage, any of course.” king believed him for Qurban Ali had an way I am Bakht-e-begum. Gul-e-begum The knights came and the fight start- excited appearance. (A fake exciting ap- was very happy to find a girl who was ed Gul-e-begum and Bakht –e- begum pearance,) happy, brave, and strong and had a name had never killed or injured any one be- The king ordered his body guards to close to her name the, “Begum” part fore but this fight was for setting the girls kidnap the girl when she was asleep, this was like her name. Gul-e-begum said, free and for her father. After a one hour was the evil plan. Gul-e-begum was cu- “Well, thank you a lot for your help and of course the knights won and all those rios; so she had followed her dad she had the tasty breakfast and my name is Gul- people who believed that girls could not heard all the things they talked about. e-begum, it is such a pleasure to meet do anything became very happy. Gul-e- Gul-e-begum knew that she had to make you.” So these two girls became best begum’s father ran to her and said, “My a decision quickly, so she went home friends and they did many of the works daughter, stand up, have the courage to and made a girl out of plastic, using her together and in fact Bakht-e-begum gave fight for the right and don’t gave up, as math skill to measure the plastics or cut fighting trainings to Gul-e-begum and your father I order you to stand up,” ev- About the author: Hakima is a brilliant the plastic in a proper size she was able Gul-e-begum gave reading and writing ery one believed that the girls were both Level 6 student of Star Educational Soci- to make girl just like herself and suit the trainings to Bakht-e-begum and so on dead and the hope of them being alive ety’s C-Branch. Recently she was selected fake plastic girl with one of her pair of they lived very happily for a month. After was gone. Just than Gul-e-begum stood as the best student of C-Branch. She likes clothes. one month Gul-e-begum remembered up and raised her sword as a sign of not writing stories and plans to study her Gul-e-begum took a bag and took of her father and decided to go fight for being dead but her friend was still down, higher education abroad. some food and water and ran away. When him against the king. Bakht –e-begum she went to her and whispered into her Once upon a time in a very far away the body guards came they took the fake was very depressed and she did not know ear, “best friends never leave each other land lived a very greedy king. This king girl and didn’t even bother to at least look what to do. alone in bad situations.” Bakht-e-begum had hundreds of lands, seven houses at the face or the plastic girl was very light When Gul-e-begum got ready to go too, stood up and raised her sword. filled with gold, and seven boxes of dia- so they had to at least look at it, but they and fight for her and her father Bakht- All the knights knew they would lose monds. However, he wanted more and thought if they looked at her she would e-begum said, “Now that you want to go because this time God was with them so more! In this very same land man lived he wake up and run away or scream. When and fight use all the fighting skills you they ran away and the king, his mouth had only one beautiful daughter and her the king removed the blanket by morn- learned from and I wish you success,” was still wide opened from the impos- name was Gul-e-begum. This man was ing, he got very angry and sent his body Gul-e-begum said, “ You could come sible situation that had happened. Gul- poor but not very and worst of all he was guards to find Qurban Ali, while he was with if you wanted to,” but Bakht –e- e-begum said in a very loud voice, “ Ev- a terribly bad liar, he would do anything busy playing with the gold and the mon- begum refused and said that she had live ery one, as you all saw today, we girls are to find money. His name was Qurban Ali, ey. Qurban Ali thought to himself, “Now in the jungle for 18 years she didn’t knew something in this society and we are the his wife and son were killed in an earth- this is a much easier way to find food and how to behave with other people and she same as boys, there are no difference be- quake. money, finally I have gotten rid of that could not leave her house and her friends tween girls or boys, God created all the Qurban Ali thought that he was the stupid girl, who needed her anyway? Girls the animals behind. As Gul-e-begum was people the same, there are no difference most unlucky man in the world and if are good for nothing.” Just than the body walking through the jungle she heard between men or women or boys or girls.” you asked why, he would answer, “I am guards arrived and arrested the Qurban the footsteps of two horses coming to- Everyone clapped; her father came to her lonely and I only have a useless girl as Ali and the consequence was that he was wards her when she turned around she and said, “You have impressed me a lot you know girls can’t do anything. It’s a supposed to be locked until his daughter saw her best friend on the horse and an- today, thank you very much.” waste of money to spend on girls.” But arrived, this news traveled through the other horse was after her! She said, “Best Gul-e-begum said it was all right and Gul-e-begum was completely against whole country and to Gul-e-begum. friends never leave each other alone in there was no need for apology or any- her father. Gul-e-begum was a brave, While this was going on Gul-e-be- bad situation” Gul-e-begum was very, thing like that. The king was not the king curious and a nice girl even though she gum was traveling through the jungle she very happy she got on the other horse as any more instead of him, Qurban Ali was didn’t go to school because of her father was very tired and very lonely till she fell quickly as she could to go and save her fa- the king, and no one ever talked to the but she did know most of the things by asleep in the jungle. When she woke up, ther! That day the king’s patience was fin- old king anymore, he was not loved or peeking through the window of the boy’s she found herself in a nice little cottage ished and he had ordered his bodyguards respected by anyone. The girls and boys classroom and used the sand and a sharp her bag of food was beside her. Gul-e-be- to kill Qurban-e-Ali. were the same and the gold and money pointed stick to practice the school les- gum cleared her eyes and looked around The king said that if his daughter were given to the poor. Gul-e-begum and sons. There was only one thing Gul-e- the room; she stood up and went out- loved that much she would return but Bakht-e-begum lived in the old cottage begum loved and dreamed of the most side. Outside seemed a lot different than she hadn’t which meant that he was even if they had a whole castle and they and that was getting a chance to sit in the the last time at night she had seen it, the going to be killed in front of the whole lived happily ever after! class and study. birds were chirping and the weather was country. Just as he was about to be killed, May 28th, 2016 Page 3 Vol.1, No. 39 News Afghan Intelligence Says U.S. Drone Killed Taliban Leader in Pakistan By MUJIB MASHAL Mr. Mansour in the past tense. Omar in 2013 was revealed last summer. Source: The New York Times Asked if Pakistan had been kept in A former aviation minister lacking battle- the dark about the operation until it was field expertise, he ascended through the KABUL, Afghanistan — The leader complete — which is what happened ranks of the insurgents gradually but was of the Taliban in Afghanistan, Mullah with the raid that killed Osama bin Laden seen as a crucial figure in the Taliban’s re- Akhtar Muhammad Mansour, was killed in 2011 — Mr. Kerry said he would not grouping after an initial defeat following by an American drone strike, the Afghan say “when we communicated.” But he the American-led invasion in 2001. Once intelligence agency said on Sunday. indicated that he had talked with Nawaz he rose to the movement’s No. 2 position, Some Taliban commanders vehe- Sharif, the Pakistani prime minister, on he began a cunning campaign of sidelin- mently denied that Mullah Mansour was Sunday morning, after the strike was an- ing rivals and creating a monopoly over present in the area of the strike, which nounced. resources and decision-making. occurred on Saturday near the Afghan “We have long said that Mansour After a very public leadership con- border in the Pakistani province of Balu- posed an imminent threat to us and to firmation last summer in front of large chistan, but a statement from the intelli- Afghan civilians,” he said. “This action gatherings of Taliban in Quetta, the capi- gence agency, the National Directorate of sends a clear message to the world that tal of Baluchistan, Mullah Mansour had Security, was unambiguous. we will continue to work with our Afghan limited his movements, Afghan officials “Akhtar Muhammad Mansour, the partners.” said. While the reason given to his sub- leader of the Taliban group, was killed Mr. Kerry suggested that the attack ordinates was security — he narrowly around 3:45 p.m. yesterday as a result of would not derail peace talks, because he missed an attempt on his life, attributed an airstrike in Dalbandin area of Baluch- said Mr. Mansour had been opposed to to dissidents within the Taliban ranks, in istan Province in Pakistan,” the statement any such negotiations. “He was directly December — keeping the leader at a dis- said. “He had been under close surveil- opposed to the peace process,” he said. this is the first time a senior Afghan Tali- tance from the commanders followed a lance for a while, until his vehicle was Mullah Mansour’s death could add ban leader has apparently been struck on pattern that became routine under Mul- struck and destroyed on the main road in to the Taliban’s leadership difficulties less Pakistani soil. lah Omar. the Dalbandin area.” than a year after the death of their found- Mullah Hameedi, a top Taliban mili- At the same time, Mullah Mansour’s The United States did not offer con- ing leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar, tary commander in southern Afghanistan deputies, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, firmation of its own. was revealed. who confirmed a strike in the border area who is largely running battlefield opera- “We are confident, but at this point The news could also be a boost to but denied that Mullah Mansour was tions, have continued to move freely in we do not have indisputable facts that he the struggling government of Presi- there, said: “We are going to persuade Pakistan. is dead,” said Brig. Gen. Charles H. Cleve- dent Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan, as the Mullah Mansour to publish his audio re- Even as the Taliban operating inside land, a spokesman for American forces in Obama administration has finally car- cord to confirm he is alive.” Afghanistan remained a formidable and Afghanistan, said on Sunday. ried out what the United States had been The strike, carried out by several violent force, Mullah Mansour had dif- Secretary of State John Kerry, speak- reluctant to for 15 years: a strike against unmanned aircraft operated by United ficulties uniting his ranks. He brutally ing on Sunday in Naypyidaw, the capital the Afghan Taliban in their sanctuaries in States Special Operations forces, was au- quashed breakaway groups and sought to of Myanmar, where he was visiting the Pakistan. thorized by President Obama, American buy the support of other skeptical com- nation’s new civilian government, was Although the United States has re- officials said. manders, all while maintaining a public- the first senior official to talk about the peatedly targeted leaders of Al Qaeda and Mullah Mansour rose to the Tali- ity campaign that portrayed him atop a targeted attack. He repeatedly referred to the Pakistani Taliban in the tribal areas, ban leadership after the death of Mullah united command. TUTAP path will not change from Salang to Bamiyan
Translated by: Yasin Rezayee Source: Mandagar
Minister of Water and Energy and it takes short time and has low of Afghanistan says, "The confir- costs. mation of TUTAP path belongs to Osmani said after studying the two years ago so that this project report, TUTAP project plan started will be applied on Salang path." Ali to be applied on Salang path. The Ahmad Osmani in a press confer- reports were submitted to Na- ence On Tuesday May 3, 2016 said' tional Procurement Committee. "According to studies of Fyshnr Minister of Water and Energy Company which was conducted said, "The importance of the issue by Electricity Master Plan. The caused us to study both paths and 500 KW electricity line which will the reports were sent to cabinet." transfer from Poli Khomri to Ka- Moreover, he said," Bamiyan path bul, will transfer from Bamiyan." was selected by Fyshnr Company, The meeting which was held yet the Salang path was not inves- with the contribution of Minister tigate." of Water and Energy, Ministry of Osmani emphasized that af- Finance and Breshna Company ter investigating Salang path, they and also sponsors of this project started the project on Salang path, such as; Asia Development Bank, and now in terms of timing limi- World Bank, USAID and Islamic tation, it is impossible to change Bank came to an agreement. Not Salang path to Bamiyan path. only should we investigate Bami- Meanwhile, people protest against yan path but we also should inves- government's decision and the tigate Salang path. protesters sentenced the govern- Mr. Osmani said that when ment because of this discrimina- they investigated Salang path, tory action which government had they found out that Salang path against the residents of central was shorter than Bamiyan path parts of Afghanistan.
Page 4 May 28th, 2016 News Vol.1, No. 39 President Ghani: Poverty Rises after Foreign Troops' Withdrawal from Afghanistan Translator: Mohammad Hadi Noori Source: Week Economy (Eqtisad-e-Hafta) Afghanistan’s President, Ashraf At the end of the conference, Aklil Ghani said, "After the withdrawal of for- Hakimi, Afghanistan finance minister, eign troops, poverty has raised in the United Nation especial envoy and Euro- country." He was talking in the opening pean Union representative attended at a ceremony of special Joint Coordination press conference. and Monitoring Board (JCMB) and stated Afghanistan finance minister said that Poverty has raised from 46% to 49% that our donors are satisfied with the per- in 2014. Foreign troop’s withdrawal has formance of Afghanistan government. He caused poverty rise because they were a added that the donors should renew their great supplier to the economy and with promises and support Afghanistan until their withdrawal we lost 40% of our eco- 2020. He also said that we talked about nomic opportunities. Warsaw and Brussels conferences in our He spoke about his administration today‘s meeting. achievements and named financial re- Deputy special representative for form, on time planning of the budget, UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan ensuring security, judicial reform and (UNIMA), Nicholas Haysom, said that saving money in governmental contracts. Afghanistan is experiencing many chal- He talked about security in Afghanistan lenges, but the most serious is admin- and insisted that Afghanistan has been istrative corruption. He added that the targeted by ISIL, Al-Qaida and Pakistani government of Afghanistan should try Taliban. to convince international community to Afghan Human Right's Commission During this conference, both sides continue their supports. shared their ideas and expectation with European Union representative for criticizes agreement between NUG each other and then, Afghanistan gov- Afghanistan, Franz-Michael Melibin said and Islamic party ernment talked about its performance. that he will try to hold Warsaw and Brus- Donor’s representative said that their ex- sels Conferences successfully. Warsaw pectations from Afghan government is to conference is about security and Brussels Translated by: Essa Omid fight and try more to be self-sufficient. is about development in Afghanistan. Source: Jomhor News
Afghanistan Independent Human tice” Right Commission intensively criticized Global Human Rights Watch Re- the agreement between National Unity searcher Patricia Gossman in Afghani- Government (NUG) and Islamic Party stan said, "In addition to other groups led by Gulbodding Hekmatyar. Human which were accused of human rights Rights Commission emphasized that violation in Afghanistan, militias are re- human rights violators should be pros- lated to Golbuddin Hekamtyar, who have ecuted and the exemption shouldn't be committed most of human rights viola- granted to them. tion such as killing and injuring of many Commission spokesman Rafi-u-llah citizens so far.” Bidar says, "Those who have violated the And there are reports that show human rights of citizens should not be peace agreement between Afghan NUG forgiven, but they have to be accountable and Afghan Islamic Party is finalized. for what they have committed.” Earlier, US state department wel- Human Right Commission spokes- comed the beginning of peace dialog be- man stated, "All Afghanistan people want tween Afghan government and Islamic peace which can establish pillar of jus- Party led by Golbuddin Hekmatya.
Supporting the Enlightening Move- darkness and oil lamps has passed, so let ment and their desires, and also the the people live in present time and ben- Lanterns from Buddha to peaceful demonstration of Sawr 27th in efit their very basic rights such as having Presidential Palace Kabul, they said, “Besides political con- electricity.” They requested these two of- ditions, people’s demand is clear and ficials of the country to respect Enlight- transparent for government. The peo- ening Movement and the citizens and Translation: Farid Shefayi ple’s demand is to transmit 500 KW elec- consider the civil values. Source: Etilaat e Roz tricity from its main route which is Ba- The Enlightening Movement which myan-Wardak. The route which is based has been formed after pronouncement of on electricity development master plan changing the route of this electricity line Zakia and Zahra, two Bamiyani girls, an insult to Presidential Palace.” of the country is also good for economic by the Cabinet of National Unity Gov- with lanterns in their hands protested Changing the route of transmit- growth of the country and a balanced de- ernment, presumes this decision of the against the recent decision of the gov- ting 500 KW electricity from Bamiyan to velopment.” government discriminated, against a bal- ernment regarding changing the route Salang has had extensive protests and cri- These cycler ladies say that each anced development and against electric- of transmitting 500 KW electricity of tiques against the government inside and citizen of this country has the right to ity master plan of the country. Turkmenistan from Bamiyan to Salang outside the country. The protestors have benefit development services and plans Though the government has formed by taking a long ride from Bamiyan to expressed their dissatisfaction in various of the government. They requested the a commission to solve uprising issue Presidential Palace ,located Kabul, just ways, the Enlightening Movement was President and the CEO not to answer the and check all documents related to this by bicycles. They end their journey deliv- created, very huge demonstrations were citizens who respected civilization and project and deliver the results to Presi- ering their lanterns and their messages to held in the Capital, other provinces and equal rights with darkness. dential Place, the High Council of People President. These girls have named their abroad. Zakia and Zahra say, “Giving two lan- and Enlightening Movement assume this feat “Cycling for Right, Light and Justice”. Zakia and Zahra carried the following terns to you, President and CEO of our commission a conspiracy of the govern- They have been warmly welcomed by messages, “Respecting democratic val- country, we remind you that the age of ment. social activists, members of Enlighten- ues and a democratic system for which ing Movement and many of Parliament millions of citizens of this country have Members. These two cycler girls left been massacred and still defended it, Bamiyan heading to Fountain Square, and respecting equality, human dignity, in front of Presidential Palace. Today, at human rights, peace and democracy, we noon, they arrived at their destination. cycled the route from Bamiyan to Kabul Now that they are in Kabul, President in order to proffer our present to Presi- Ghani is in Tehran and the CEO is in Tur- dent and the CEO of the country. Two key. Based on reports, Zakia and Zahra lanterns are our presents for two persons have delivered their messages to Admin- who reached the positions of presidency istrative Office of President; but the of- and leadership by clear promises and ficials have not accepted their lanterns. vows that they have taken to serve Af- They said, “Accepting these lanterns is ghanistan.” May 28th, 2016 Page 5 Vol.1, No. 39 Star Related your mouth shut otherwise I might have The Jungle Queen to throw you and your stupid daughter in the jungle so that an animal will eat both of you.” The villagers came and beat the mother for saying nonsense things and took her baby away; she was too hurt to fight. The women gathered and paci- fied her but it was hard for the mother to sleep, wondering about her child for days and nights. One day while the mother was thinking about her child the husband came and as soon as he took a look at her, he understood that she was thinking about her baby. He said ,“This is enough; you don’t need to think about About the author: Hakima is a brilliant your baby anymore, we threw her in the Level 6 student of Star Educational Soci- jungle where lions, bears and tigers ex- ety’s C-Branch. Recently she was selected ist.” Hearing that her poor child was as the best student of C-Branch. She likes abandoned in the jungle the mother was writing stories and plans to study her shocked and wanted to bring her baby higher education abroad. back but her husband denied her the op- lier. At that time the father understood to my palace and have dinner with us.” It was early morning, July 15 when a portunity. everything and said to his wife, “Come The father and mother were really hun- child was just born. Everyone could hear After 18 years everything was forgot- on, we are going to the jungle so that a gry and very excited too! As the three of the child’s voice because she was special. ten about the poor child but her moth- wolf or other animals can eat us instead them entered the castle, every kind of As soon as the father heard that the child er still believed that she was alive and of us dying of hunger.” So they packed animal bowed and with each step the was born he eagerly rushed, expecting had named her “Queen Sarah” in her and headed for the jungle and no one palace became brighter and everyone a boy, but when he asked no one dared heart. One night Sarah’s mom dreamed could stop them. became happier. to say a word. He shouted madly “Is it a that a girl came into her dream and As they were walking through the After they had dinner the queen said, boy or a girl?” Still no one said anything; said,“Mother, I am fine you don’t need jungle they saw many wild animals “Now I would like to ask you a few ques- soon he lost his patience and pushed to worry. Now I have a family of my own but they didn’t eat them, instead, they tions if you don’t mind. So here’s the first his way through the crowd and saw that which are lions.” “Don’t worry about me” bowed! Then two lions came, one male question. How many children do you the child was a girl! He was so angry that was the last sentence before the mother and one female and took them to a place have?” The father said that he had two he slapped the poor child and beat her. woke up. After she woke up, somehow full of pretty animals and there was the but the mother said that she had three. The mother could not tolerate this, for the mother felt relaxed feeling then that amazing, beautiful and awesome queen. The queen said, “How is it possible, you she loved her baby no matter whether it she didn’t have anything to worry about. She had all the power of the animals; she two are wife and husband?” The father was a boy or a girl. She pushed her hus- As the days passed, the mother and was as fast as a cheetah, as strong as the said, “Well, I have two sons and that is band and said “How dare you beat and the father became older and poorer. They lion, her clothes were as colorful as the enough.” The mother said, “He’s right, slap this poor child; you think you are a had nothing to eat. The husband decided feather of a peacock. Her eyes were as we do have two sons but I also have a man? But you do not know that this ac- to go and ask for help from his children, beautiful as the eyes of a deer and were daughter in my heart.” Hearing this, tion shows how weak and ignorant you but they refused. His son said, “The very so beautiful that no other animals or hu- tears began to fall from the queen’s eyes. are. Look, look at her prettiness. It’s right moment, when you decided to throw my mans could ever match them. Also, she “Now this was really amazing and weird,” she cannot defend herself but it doesn’t sister in the jungle, from that moment till had the picture of a dove on her arms, The queen said, “I’m your lost, ugly poor mean that you can beat her. If you want now the greatest pain has been created in displaying the symbol of freedom. The child.” The mother was really happy but to beat her then first break my love for my heart and it has taken up all the space father and mother saw that all the ani- the father was ashamed of himself and this child, Understand!” Soon the mother of my heart. There is no space for kind- mals were bowing so they tried to bow then apologized. The queen sent two li- found herself crying; however her hus- ness.” They couldn’t forget the event that but the queen didn’t let them. She said, ons so that they could bring the others band was very angry, then saying,“Keep had happened to their sister 18 years ear- “Welcome to my kingdom, please come too. They lived happily ever after!
quality jobs, knowing English language cate with foreign people. To help these English as a Medium of Instruction is a must. people read, write and speak English As technology continues to develop, well, it is incumbent upon universities A student can access any information in competence in English can also help stu- to provide them with English education; books, magazines and the internet with dents widen the audience with whom what’s more, university students can use the help of English. A successful aca- they can communicate on a global ba- some specific hardware and software of demic career depends on how deep the sis. It is crucial for students to following computers with their English to com- understanding of English is because in the developments in global technology. municate with others. For example, the a standard international education Eng- Certainly, they should not lose their in- internet, is the largest source, based on lish is universally utilized as the medium terest in or ability to communicate with English knowledge and information. of instruction. Likewise, if the students the world beyond their nation’s borders. In conclusion, based on the reasons know English well, they will also be able However, some university students can- stated above, English as a medium of to read and understand the great works not obtain English education in their instruction is beneficial to all university of literature related to their fields of universities. Unfortunately, these people students. Students’ international educa- study. Thus, English can be seen as the will lose the ability to freely communi- tion potential will be greatly enhanced. root of the international education. cate with their peers and others who have Students will find good jobs and will be In addition to boosting students’ been able, often through their knowledge able to communicate with the world potential for success in the realm of in- of English, to keep up with advances more easily. Strong English skills can ternational education, it is indispens- in technology and international busi- open more doors; thus excellent English able to students’ career path. These days About the author: Najibullah Baraty, a ness. In brief, they will not communi- skills can prove to be a great asset. English holds an important role in the senior teacher at Star Educational Society realm of business. Moreover, good jobs (A Branch). He has been teaching for eight need a good understanding of English. years. He graduated from Kateb Univer- By way of example, companies prefer sity with a major in economics. He plans to employ graduates who can display to pursue advanced studies in the United competence in English. Gradu- States. ates who know English can Language is the most powerful tool be efficient in his/her that a person can possess. There are so job by acquiring and many languages in this world but the employing knowledge language which is most widely used is and information from English. As a global language, proficiency online sources as well in English is a must to succeed in a glo- as books written in balized world. For this reason, English English. Furthermore, should be a medium of instruction. It can high quality jobs are boost students’ international perspective related to interna- and is indispensable to students’ career tional communication. prospects. Graduates who work English as a medium of instruction in international organiza- can boost students’ potential for ac- tions should know English so quiring international communication that they can easily communicate and skills. Students should have the capabil- share data with foreign workers. Conse- ity to speak, read, and write in English. quently, for graduates to secure high-
Page 6 May 28th, 2016 Literary Vol.1, No. 39
46 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 of Wollongong in Australia and is currently a post-graduate student at the University of New South Wales. StoriesMy Grandmother Told Me e had been led to believe and beyond, without taking a second look that musicians, singers at us, one of their own. I could hear them were bastards; and those from across the pass, chanting Durood who listen to music were and Salawat, and then, those sounds too, destined to have molten dimmed and disappeared. The aftermath leadW poured into their ears on the day of of the wedding procession too, felt like the judgment. Unlike you guys, we couldn’t aftermath of a funeral – eerie silence and listen to music at any time or any day. The dejection everywhere, as if, as if some- elders and the mullahs decreed that music thing had died in the village. an affront to god, and an instrument of the Months went by, and we put that devil. They said the devil created music behind us. Your father’s cousin, Moham- to distract the believers from prayers, mad Hussain of Geru, came to your father and instigate corruption. Most people to borrow money to pay his wedding. He treated music and artists with disgust. did. He returned later to ask for his gun, You lot listen to music the first thing in the to carry it on his shoulder, as a groom on morning and the last thing at night. Such a horseback. But come the day of the wed- is your life. ding, neither your father, nor our fam- Many years ago, at Aabay Saifulla’s ily were invited to the wedding. The three wedding, the village mullahs prohibited families who weren’t in the commander’s nation made their way to the front. The wat. I still don’t know why the people were music, encouraged chants of Salawat, party, were left out – our family, the fam- mullahs pushed their way in and out. The so stupid. But as soon as the procession segregated men and women. That whole ily from Qolbili, and Doctor Saraw’s fam- screamed at the youth at the front, scolded reached the the pass, it was a different ter- wedding looked like a funeral. Your fa- ily. The rest of the village got together and them, and called them awful awful things. ritory. Your father ran to the front, did a ther’s rebellion in the face of the village celebrated. I think one of those mullahs was my neph- loud ‘AAHOOOYE!’, began waving jacket meant that we were banished from the In the year before that, me neice, Aa- ew, Baseer, the idiot mullah now based in in one hand, and danced. The children, village and kept out of the wedding. Your tay Rasheed’s daughter, was being wed- Iran. He snatched the cassette player and and young boys joined him. This was re- mother, Aabay Saifullah’s own sister, ded off to Thayna Jaar village. The groom’s raised it to smash it unless the music was bellion. This made the mullahs so made, wasn’t invited. I and my youngest daugh- family sought the permission of the bride’s stopped. but it made us all so happy. ter, Aabay Wahida sat by the front win- father to play some music, and beat drums The village elders held him back but Such was the life back then. dow, longing and looking, as the wedding in front of the main procession. He nod- the music died there. There was more procession approached our house, walked ded. No sooner had the music begun Salawat, no music, now laughter, no joy, *Salawat/Durood = Islamic chants past it, and walked away towards the pass playing that loud screams and condem- no songs of wedding, but prayers and sala-
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud By William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced; but they On April 7, 1770, William Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, Cumbria, England. Wordsworth's mother died when he was eight—this experience shapes much of his Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: later work. Wordsworth attended Hawkshead Grammar School, where his love of poetry A poet could not but be gay, was firmly established and, it is believed, he made his first attempts at verse. While he was at Hawkshead, Wordsworth's father died leaving him and his four siblings orphans. In such a jocund company: After Hawkshead, Wordsworth studied at St. John's College in Cambridge and before I gazed—and gazed—but little thought his final semester, he set out on a walking tour of Europe, an experience that influenced both his poetry and his political sensibilities. While touring Europe, Wordsworth came What wealth the show to me had brought: into contact with the French Revolution. This experience as well as a subsequent period living in France, brought about Wordsworth's interest and sympathy for the life, For oft, when on my couch I lie troubles, and speech of the "common man." These issues proved to be of the utmost importance to Wordsworth's work. Wordsworth's earliest poetry was published in 1793 In vacant or in pensive mood, in the collections An Evening Walkand Descriptive Sketches. While living in France, They flash upon that inward eye Wordsworth conceived a daughter, Caroline, out of wedlock; he left France, however, before she was born. In 1802, he returned to France with his sister on a four-week visit Which is the bliss of solitude; to meet Caroline. Later that year, he married Mary Hutchinson, a childhood friend, and And then my heart with pleasure fills, they had five children together. In 1812, while living in Grasmere, two of their children— Catherine and John—died. And dances with the daffodils.
May 28th, 2016 Page 7 Editor-in-Chief: Ali Reza Yasa, Chairman Editors: Murtaza Qasemi, Murtaza Farjad Designer: Musa Autbin Distribution: Najibullah Malikpoor 0785103920 B Branch: Yasin Rezayee 0748009565 C Branch: Yadullah Rezayee 0776292665 Bamyan: Essa Omid 0773609598 Daikundi: Hamid Naderi 0767961513 Add: Star Avenue, Sabiqa Stop, Dehburi, Kabul. A Branch Phone: +93-785 10 39 20 / +93-744 56 37 55 Saturday, May 28, 2016 Vol. 1, No. 39 Website: http://www.star.edu.af Email: [email protected] Motivated by the plight of Afghan women An interview with Leena Alam, award-winning Afghan film actress
First of all, tell us a little about yourself? hunda who was brutally beaten to death My name is Leena Alam. I was born in in public by a mob in Kabul after being Afghanistan and I am an actress. I have falsely accused of burning the Quran. worked with different producers and di- On the fortieth day of her death, my col- rectors starring in a total 13 movies and leagues and I re-enacted her brutal mur- 2 TV series. der in the place where the incident had occurred. How long have you worked in the movie industry? Although, I started working as Will you continue your role in the Sher- an actress in 1998, my initial work in Af- een drama? Yes, if the drama resumes, I ghanistan started in 2007. I have worked will gladly continue playing my role in it. in Afghanistan for about 9 years. Tell us about your new work, and who What is the social impact of the film in- has assisted you? My latest films are Ah- dustry in Afghanistan? Cinema is part of wal e Darya directed by Mr. Homayoun a country’s culture. Unfortunately, peo- Karimpour, Black Kite directed by Mr. ple in Afghanistan refuse to fully accept it. Tarique Qayumi and a TV Series called Not only is it not considered an art, but it Shereen, directed by Mr. Ghafar Azad. is the lowest form of work in their minds. About 9% of the people don’t even know What do you think of the situation per- what cinema is, regretfully. The remain- taining to female actors in Afghani- ing 1% of the population truly under- stan? Female actors do not have a place stands and respects the cinema industry. in society. This is due to the fact that our It is unfortunate, because cinema could society is very conservative and consid- be the most easily accessible form of edu- ers woman as property rather than as a cation, and information for a society such human being. As a result, most women as Afghanistan which lacks education. do not want to become actresses. Some women work in other fields in order to What motivated you to be a success- provide their families with financial sup- ful actress? Although, I have won many port. Other women who really wish to be- awards, I don’t consider myself a suc- come actresses must sacrifice their own cessful actress. I feel that there are still a needs, are constantly threatened by fam- lot of things that I need to learn and do. ily and countrymen, or become subjects What motivates me to be an actress is the of violence. buried voices of women in Afghanistan, their suffering, and struggles. I often find How many films have you had a role in? that these same women associate with I have played in thirteen films including the characters that I play; they see them- In Foreign Land, Loori, Kabuli Kid, Soil selves. And those same characters that and Coral, Black Kite, Silent Love, Ahwal I play, somehow, and somewhere give e Darya, Moving in a Circle, Live in Grave, voices to their struggles, suffering, and Promise of Love, The Unknown, Qamar, sometimes, if lucky, their successes. and Kocha e Maa.
Tell us about a memorable moment in Let us know about your awards or your life/career? By far, my most memo- achievements? Mostly, I was selected rable work was playing the role of Fark- as the best actress and have won many awards including;
QQ Best Actress – Kabul International Film Festival, 2008 QQ Best Actress – Tolo Film Festival, 2009 QQ Best Actress – Afghanistan Hu- man Rights Film Festival, 2013 QQ Best Actress – Negah-e-No Film Festival, 2014 QQ Best Actress (honorary) – Herat- International Women's Film Festival, 2014 QQ Best Actress – Negah-e-No Film Festival, 2015 QQ Best Actress – Mehrgan Interna- tional Film Festival, 2015 QQ Best Actress – Herat-Internation- al Women's Film Festival, 2016 About the interviewer: Taiba Atiffi gradu- ated from Rabia Balkhi High School and What is your message for Interstellar literature about cinema to educate your message to the dear people of Afghani- will study business in university. She is Bulletin readers? My message is that readers about cinema. And publish re- stan is to realize the value of cinema, give a Star alumna and teacher and has also you provide readers with informative sponsibly to ensure you have done your cinema a chance, and have trust in the taught in a primary school. materials, responsible subjects and rich best to educate and brighten minds. My industry.