The New Voice of Nuristan...

Okay I admit that the above is a poorly done photo shop job, but I recently aired a couple of messages at our radio station here in Western Nuristan. I read several sentences at a time in English, which was then translated to Pashto by one of our interpreters. The message that was aired follows, but first a little history.

One of the Taliban’s tactics involves nailing letters to the doors of local coalition supporters at night time. These letters contain all manner of brutal threats, from cutting off noses to killing innocent family members. They are commonly referred to as “night letters,” and the mere mention of these atrocities is proof the Taliban is nothing but a gang of vile thugs who follow a twisted interpretation of Islam. The recent “night letters” have been targeted towards the elections, and so this was our counter to their message:

“Salaam Alaykum. My brothers, some of us have seen crude, threatening letters appear overnight in public places warning not to cooperate with the Government or they would suffer harm. Lately, these “night letters” have been warning against participating in the upcoming Presidential election which is our natural right as citizens. As is well known, such night letters are the work of the criminal Taliban. It is no surprise that they come in the night, like cockroaches scuttling about in the dark, leaving their filthy droppings behind. Such are these letters. They are meant to inflict the only thing the Taliban are capable of giving, fear and pain. Compare this with elections. With elections, we hold those we elect accountable for the job they do. If they do not act in the best interest of the public, we can vote them out of office at the end of their term. With the successful completion of elections, our government becomes stronger and more capable to serve our needs. Already many of us have seen schools and clinics being built. Roads are being paved and businesses are thriving. Do the criminal Taliban offer that? What have they offered us except pain, fear, and brutal repression? Do they build schools? No! They burn them and shoot teachers! Do they build roads? Again, the answer is no, they plant bombs in them that kill innocent Afghans! Their actions speak for themselves. Is this who we should believe in? Is this who we should allow in control over us? If we stand united, we will close out our villages to these filthy Taliban cockroaches, splattering our walls with their letters of hate and fear. We must report suspicious people and activities to the ones who are here to protect and help us. Your government has sent brave men willing to stand against these vile criminals, but need our help in reporting their whereabouts and activities. Villages that band together and do this will cleanse out any infestation of criminal Taliban, and with it, the fear and hate they bring. Do not tolerate them! Give them no safe haven! Lastly brothers and sisters, do not succumb to their attempts to control us through fear of threats against us for exercising our right to vote. Exercise your choice. Participate in building our future. When the day comes, go to the polls and let your voice be heard by casting your vote. Do not let the Talilban take that away from you. If you allow them to keep you away from the polls you will actually be casting a vote for them.”

I think that’s pretty powerful stuff. I believe it had an impact too, because about 24 hours later a 107 mm rocket was launched at our base. It missed, but spending an hour in a bunker did not make for a pleasant Sunday morning.

In other news, the Tupak road that was mentioned in a previous blog entry was recently finished. I’ve included a before and after picture to show just how much of an improvement this road is.Tupak road before.

Tupak road after.

Today is elections day. I'm holding my breath.