You don't order someone to polish your shoes one day and call them 'sister' the next.

I think the scale of the conflict [in Afghanistan] has dramatically changed in 2003. You're now facing a much more motivated, well-supported enemy. I don't see any quick end to this thing.

You have think tanks like the widely respected Atlantic Council that have published reports in the past year that have called Afghanistan a failing state.

Though there were moments of beauty, Mariam knew for the most part that life had been unkind to her.

The Kite Runner is a story of two boys and a father, and the strange love triangle that binds them.

You don't order someone to polish your shoes one day and call them 'sister' the next.

In Kabul, hot running water had been like fathers, a rare commodity.