On the Links in Afghanistan

Fire of Liberty

Here's a good article by Steve Kelley in today's edition of The Seattle Times on the re-emergence of Afghanistan's national Golf Course. It's great to see that a nation which endured a ten year occupation/war with the Soviet Union, a protracted Civil War between varying Afghan tribes as well as the tyranny of the Taliban to finally get back to a sense of normal. Though most people probably think Golf is a sport that is miles away from this mountain nation, they tend to forget that prior to the ravages of war this nation was a modern nation that had amenities like hotels and golf courses like this one. Just read a little snippet of what Kelley wrote in this great piece:

This course is a metaphor for Afghanistan. It is the story of the country, really, condensed into nine holes of golf.

It may be chewed up and littered by the devastation delivered by all of the wars. But it is surrounded by beauty that robs your breath. And with the Taliban government gone, hope now glimmers for Kabul golf, just as it does for all of Afghanistan.

"I believe we will make a beautiful golf course again," Afzal Abdul said as he walked the course with me.

He estimates he needs about $200,000 to restore the irrigation system, buy mowers and make his course the lush, green gem he says it was in the 1970s.

"My wish is for our golf club to look like American golf clubs," he said.

I love to read good things like this every once in a while. Afghanistan has taken enormous leaps forward since they were freed by the US forces and the steely determination of the Afghan people. I wish Afzal Abdul and fellow golfers all the luck in their development of this golf course and hope they expand it to 18 holes.