This year, Mullah Omar, the secretive one-eyed leader of the Taliban, issued a Fatwa.

I asked Huvishka if Mullah Omar was secretive because he saw himself in the likeness of Mohammed, because like Mohammed, he has never been photographed or painted.

"He sees himself as another prophet, which is really stupid," Huvishka responded. "I was raised Muslim…Islam is a religion that is based on the individual. If somebody is interested in your religion, you can talk to them, tell them what it is about, but don't try to recruit them, because in the end it is only you that is accountable for yourself.

Buddhist Influence on Afghani Architecture

Mullah Omar's fatwa was to destroy all idolatry - the likenesses o

Gods and prophets are not to be revealed. The Taliban responded to the edict by ransacking the already damaged Museum outside of Kabul, and shelling the Giant Buddhist statues which count among the few truly unique symbols of world heritage that remain standing today. Dr. Mustamandy's life work was being destroyed, a Statue of Liberty for Afghanistan had fallen. Media reports covered the event, and more importantly, shed some light on the massacres and oppression of women. Massoud said to an Islamic radio station, "I am truly very sad to see the statues, especially the great statues of Bamyan, being destroyed by the Taliban. I strongly condemn this act…but the world has been a spectator…The world has contended with a few verbal condemnations or limited economic sanctions…take action before it's too late to stop the Taliban and the Pakistani government…to prevent new tragedies from taking place."
The world remained strangely silent

But not Pierre de Paeppe, who has been covering politics in Afghanistan for years through a renegade website called Afgha.com. In an exclusive interview with Notes from the Road, Pierre says, "Afghanistan is a country surrounded by the biggest powers in the world, always a subject of invasion, but a country which has always resisted. In my opinion, it is a key-zone of the world order. The future lies in the untying of the Central Asian knot."

Great Buddhist Statue of Afghanistan,
destroyed by Taliban in 2001

 

About the Site About Notes from the Road The Notes from the Road story, about Erik Gauger, his equipment and approach. Best Travel Sites A list of travel websites, science websites, outdoor websites, adventure websites, art and photography websites that have maintained an independent and unique spirit. Reviews Reviews, press clippings, criticism and more of Notes from the Road. Lost Sons of Afghanistan The first of two articles I wrote in the San Fernando Valley in 2001. A Museum for Kabul The follow-up to A Museum for Kabul. Bird List A collection of birds I have identified while on the road. I always keep an eye out for new birds and this is one of the greatest pleasures of travel. Count: 812 Fish List A collection of fish species I've counted in the wild over the course of my life. Count: 151 Mammal List A collection of every mammal I have positively identified over the course of my life. Count: 78 Reptiles & Amphibians List A collection of reptiles and amphibians I have managed to identify positively. Count: 55 Butterflies List A collection of butterflies I have managed to identify. Count: 54 Seashore Creatures List Tidepooling and snorkeling is one of the greatest joys of independent travel. This is my collection of seashore creatures I have identified during my Notes from the Road years. Count: 67 Dragonflies & Damselflie List A list of all my dragonfly and damselfly identifications. Count: 6