 |
The desire for a market economy 10/2006 - It is a new day in Afghanistan, and Roots of Peace aspires to greet the sun with a walk through the vineyards of the Shomali Plains located north of Kabul. Our driver picks us up at 4:00 a.m. armed with ammunition of “grapes” not “guns” to escort us to the former frontline of battle that waged in Afghanistan from both the Soviets and Taliban forces.
This is the site where we have turned MINES TO VINES by replacing the scourge of landmines with the nectar of fresh grapes by transforming toxic minefields into bountiful vineyards. Ramadan came early this year on September 24th, and we are engulfed in a Muslim society that begins to fast at daybreak—no eating or drinking until 6:30 p.m. Imagine the challenge of harvesting in the fields with no nourishment to the human body as they toil beneath the hot sun, yet their spirits remain bright with “hope” and “appreciation” for the Afghan and American mothers who have stepped into their world. As we drive north with our camera crew, the silhouette of donkeys carrying crates of fresh fruits and vegetables to market line the streets. Innovative Afghan farmers who once dominated The Silk Road continue to market their produce in hundreds of torn metal crates converted into small business stands. I am stunned by the amount of men lining the streets waiting to catch colorfully decorated buses taking them to distant locations for jobs to feed their families. The desire for a market economy is evident, yet their ancient tools prevent the average Afghan farmer from competing in the world trade market. If only they had paved roads with transport vehicles, the Afghan ingenuity may be exported. The “hub” for market independence clearly exists in the dawn’s early light. |
