I was talking with a friend about the "graveyard of empires," b*tching about politics, and we both realized that we knew pretty much nothing about the British experience in Afghanistan in the 19th century. (I have a vague recollection about it being background for some Sherlock Holmes stories. She remembered some Kipling.) What books would you recommend for getting a good understanding of that period of history? Bonus points for an engaging writing style and for not being the length of an encyclopedia. Thanks!
posted by epersonae on Nov 13, 2009 - 16 answers

Bringing alcohol to Afghanistan: worth it? Risks? Fines? [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Nov 5, 2009 - 10 answers

Hi! I will soon graduate from a top computer science program with a PhD. I am interested to work in Iraq and Afghanistan for a year or two. Clearly, I prefer to work in the "green zone", but am willing to work alongside troops in the combat zone. I am quite versatile and can do alot of stuff, e.g., teaching, designing software, engineering work, testing, maintaining complex systems, etc. Does anyone know how I can go about this? I tried looking at KBR's and FLOUR's job postings for contractors. But they primarily list jobs that are in food service, transportation, warehousing, etc. I like to get a job that is intellectually fulfilling. Oh. One more thing. I am a foreign national from a country that is friendly to the US and the NATO countries. Thanks! :)
posted by jchaw on Sep 4, 2009 - 8 answers

What are some companies operating in Afghanistan (Kabul especially) that can provide logistical and operational support (finding and setting up office space, finding accommodations for international staff, recruiting local staff, managing IT and communications, etc.) to an international firm opening a short-term office with no current country presence?
posted by evanbsmith on Jun 10, 2009 - 0 answers

Wanted: Your favorite books and articles on the Soviet army's time in Afghanistan. [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on Apr 2, 2009 - 12 answers

Why is the Taliban not on the US or UK proscribed lists of terrorist organisations? [more inside]
posted by YouRebelScum on Mar 4, 2009 - 12 answers

What are the banks and mail system like in Afghanistan? [more inside]
posted by KimikoPi on Jan 25, 2009 - 5 answers

Vancouver Persianfilter: Where can I find Farsi language books, Iranian style clothing, preserved foodstuffs/snacks and authentic Afghan or Iranian (or any Central Asian style) style carpets and household accessories in Vancouver BC?
posted by thewalrus on Oct 19, 2008 - 3 answers

What are good (non-Alex Jonesy, please) documentaries, websites, and other resources that explore and explain al Qaeda, the Taliban, and all related matters? [more inside]
posted by Camofrog on Oct 6, 2008 - 20 answers

Can you provide information on acts of animal abuse/cruelty taking place in other countries during war time? More inside... [more inside]
posted by hammerthyme on Mar 3, 2008 - 8 answers

Regularly scheduled air cargo service from the USA/Europe to Afghanistan? [more inside]
posted by thewalrus on Feb 3, 2008 - 3 answers

What are some objective criteria/metrics by which to measure progress towards success or failure in a war or other extended conflict? [more inside]
posted by EatenByAGrue on Jan 13, 2008 - 18 answers

What are we bombing them with, exactly? A question for weapons geeks. [more inside]
posted by Meatbomb on Nov 29, 2007 - 13 answers

Should we leave Afghanistan? [more inside]
posted by davar on Oct 21, 2007 - 23 answers

What are good sources for seeing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through the eyes of the soldiers fighting? [more inside]
posted by CaptMcalister on Mar 16, 2007 - 8 answers

Where can I find good quality free video footage of the "war on terror" for use as b-roll in a documentary? [more inside]
posted by kookoobirdz on Mar 13, 2007 - 5 answers

Anyone know any way to send cans of Silly String overseas? [more inside]
posted by Smedleyman on Feb 2, 2007 - 5 answers

Looking for video online of Afghan war footage. [more inside]
posted by Nathanial Hörnblowér on Jan 8, 2007 - 3 answers

Help me find a certain tee shirt [more inside]
posted by Yelling At Nothing on Nov 15, 2005 - 4 answers

Does anybody know of any expansive polling of Canadians with respect to their feelings on foreign military intervention, particularily in Afghanistan? Of course, the more detailed the better. If that's too specific, can anyone point me to general repositories of Canadian polling data that allow free access (if such places exist)? Thanks as always! [more inside]
posted by loquax on Dec 5, 2004 - 2 answers

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about Jonathan "Keith" Idema. The guy who was sentenced to 10 years in Afghanistan for running a prison and anti-terror group supposedly outside of US and Afghan control. I've read the BBC stuff that's out there. Does anyone have any other information about this guy? I heard he went to jail for fraud in the US. Also, he had a documentary filmmaker named Ed Carballlo with him. I'm interested in learning more about him as well... Anyone? [more inside]
posted by Shanachie on Nov 23, 2004 - 4 answers

Where were you on 9/11? How did you find out what was happening and what do you remember about that day? [more inside]
posted by caddis on Sep 11, 2004 - 65 answers