U.S. Public Diplomacy in Afghanistan...

Reconstruction and Public Diplomacy in Afghanistan- VOA PNN Show

2012-01-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

Jamshid Chalangi with Mahtab Farid, VOA TV Set, Washington, DC

On September 11, 2011, Jamshid Chalangi, veteran journalsit hosted a special show on the Voice of America, Persian News Network (VOA PNN) about U.S. and NATO reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Since I served for over a year in Afghanistan, he asked me to speak about reconstruction and specifically about coalition forces in Afghanistan and how they relate to Afghans. Here are the two links to the show. The program is in Farsi. I mentioned the names and showed the photos of a lot of my military colleagues that I served with. There is also another guest who is an Afghan reporter and he gives his perspective on NATO efforts...

Show Part I- U.S. Reconstruction in Afghanistan...

Show Part II, Thanking our soldiers...

NATO can win the war in Afghanistan with Pubic Diplomacy

2012-01-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

Arif Yaghoubi and his friends graduating from Kabul University- Dec. 2011

امروز، روزی قشنگی بود. رقص وشادمانی،خنده وشوخی،ضبظ لجظه های شیرین، فراموشی دلتنگی های بی سبب، جشن فراغت دانشگاه...زندگی گاهی چه قدر قشنگ ودوست داشتنی است...عجیب حسی دارم...

This is a Facebook post from a young Afghan, Arif Yaghoubi who just graduated from Kabul University and received his bachelor's degree in Persian and Dari Literature. The translation to his post...

"Today was a beautiful day. Dancing, happiness, laughter and exchanging jokes, recording sweet memories, forgetting worries, and celebrating graduation from college... Life could some times be so beautiful and wonderful. What a feeling!!!!

You will NEVER see such sentiments about Afghans in any of the major news networks or read it in the international papers. You will only read or watch the road side bombing and how everything is falling into pieces in Afghanistan. But in reality there is progress in Afghanistan and young Afghans are the future of their country. Thanks to NATO forces for bringing security in kinetic places so Afghans could live a relatively safe and normal life. To start, schools are open and although Taliban in some areas still try to close schools or bring fear to the Afghans but Afghan parents know the value of education and send their kids to school.

Ten years ago, you would not have seen such Facebook post from young Afghans like Yaghoubi who graduated and started giving something back to his country. If United States and NATO forces didn't support Afghanistan, there will not even be electricity let alone access to the Internet or access to social media such as Facebook.

Arif Yaghoubi

Yaghoubi is a 23- years- old local journalist in Ghazni province working for BBC radio. Yaghoubi is just an example of many bright young Afghans that take whatever learning opportunity and turn it into gold. He has gone through extensive BBC journalism training and started earning a professional salary even when he was at school. Yaghoubi commuted to Kabul to attend the university and stayed with friends when he had classes few times a week while working in Ghazni. Later on he was introduced to the Ghazni public diplomacy team and started some public diplomacy projects. This impressive young man directed a U.S. Embassy public diplomacy photography project for exhibiting photos from various districts of Ghazni to teach the world about Ghazni 2013. (Ghazni is chosen to be the city of Islamic arts and culture in 2013)

Ghader Rahimi with Mrs. Ching Eikenberry in Ghazni

Ghader Rahimi, a gifted local photojournalist was part of Yaghoubi's team for the photography public diplomacy project. Despite all the sad images in Afghanistan, Rahimi has a happy outlook for his images. He captures mostly emotions and tries to communicate emotions and life in Afghanistan through his photos.

Mahdy Mehraeen

Another talented member of the team is Mahdy Mehraeen. He is a professional photographer who not only captures the news with his photography but tells a story with his images. The story of beauty, love, emotion, political oppression and the social situation as Afghanistan is going through war and reconstruction.

When people talk about winning the war in Afghanistan, it is important to keep in mind that NATO forces and United States are not in Afghanistan to make Kabul the 51 State of the United States. The presence of international community is to establish security, train Afghan armed forces and to help build capacity among Afghans especially young people. This is just one example of how one public diplomacy project can bring many Afghans together and connect the Afghans to the members of their government. It also gives Afghans a chance to display their talents to the international community. A wish that every Afghan yearns. "To be a member of the international community."

Serving our country through public diplomacy

2011-11-29T22:59:00.000-08:00

Mahtab Farid with Under Secretary Patrick Kennedy

I had the honor of receiving the State Department “Expeditionary Service Award” from Under Secretary Patrick Kennedy on behalf of Secretary Hillary R. Clinton on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 in a beautiful ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC. The award reads,

“In grateful recognition for your committed service in extraordinary and arduous conditions during your field assignment in Afghanistan. In spite of constant danger and difficulty your contributions to reconstruction, stability, and peace reflect great credit on yourself and on the Department of State.” Signed by Secretary of State, Hillary R. Clinton, Washington, DC

Radio Dehkade News Team in Ghazni, Afghanistan

There is no greater honor than representing United States of America. I was fortunate to share the American values with Afghans and build a bridge through personal and public diplomacy. I owe my service to many of our military colleagues who kept me safe and protected me like an ambassador. I also like to thank my family and amazing friends who supported me with their love during my service in Afghanistan. My service wouldn't have been possible without the friendship and support of our Afghan friends. There is no greater honor than serving our country through public diplomacy.

Here is the link to the story published in Farsi at Voice of America, Persian Service website:
http://www.voanews.com/persian/news/civil-society/Award-Mahtab-Farid-2011-11-30-134784768.html

Public Diplomacy through the lens of a photographer

2011-11-05T02:31:00.000-07:00

Photo by: Majid Saeedi

While the international community is worried about Iranian uranium enrichment program and United States is strengthening sanctions against Iran, an Iranian photographer act of public diplomacy shows a different side of Iran and what the Iranian people stand for.

Photo by: Majid Saeedi

Majid Saeedi, an Iranian photographer for Getty Images is an internationally recognized photojournalist who tells the story through the pictures. Saeedi recently won the prestigious Lucie Award in New York City but he couldn’t pick up his prize since his visa was not processed on time. “I applied for my visa three months ago but the lengthy process due to the lack of diplomatic relations between the two countries makes the process difficult.” Saeedi wrote to me in an email while he was capturing photos of Libyan people for a transition to democracy and the unrest on the streets of Libya.

In 2009, Saeedi was arrested during the Iranian presidential elections for transmitting images of protest on the streets of Tehran. He spent over a month in Evin Prison and was sentenced to three years in jail. He decided to escape Iran to the neighboring country of Afghanistan. Saeedi’s photos from the realities on the streets of Afghanistan say it all. He takes a special interest in capturing kids and revealing the pain they suffer.

Photo by: Majid Saeedi

His photos tell the story of kids with addiction in Afghanistan, poverty on the streets, and Afghans losing body parts because of landmines, rockets, and air strikes.

When I asked Majid why is it that he only takes photos of sadness and despair, he said, “People around the world need to see the images of what is going on so they can pay attention and make a difference.”

I learned about Majid's work when I was working on a number of public diplomacy projects in Afghanistan. During one of my visits to Kabul, I met with Majid and told him about a much happier place, "Samar Orphange" in Bamyan and in Ghazni that is run by a dedicated Afghan woman, Dr. Sima Samar. After meeting with Majid, I was inspired and decided to go back to the "Samar Orphanage" in Bamyan and teach kids how to take snap shots so they can document their lives. With the help of a wonderful humanitarian lady from Canada, Pauline Tymchuk, we managed to send some digital cameras to the orphanage.

I am sharing some of the photos taken by the kids at the orphanage which paints a happier side of Afghanistan. This video is dedicated to Majid and rest of the photographers who risk their lives every day to bring us the stories.

My interview with Senator John McCain

2011-10-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

Mahtab Farid interviews Senator John McCain

The link to my interview with Senator John McCain, http://www.youtube.com/user/USPublicdiplomacy

"The most noble thing anyone can do is to serve a cause greater than themselves." Senator John McCain

It is never easy getting an interview with senior and influential senators on the Hill when your audience is not in the U.S. However, when I called Senator McCain's office and told them I served as a civilian with our military in Afghanistan, I got a response within fifteen minutes. Despite his busy schedule, Senator McCain accommodated our crew and said, "you are always welcome in this office."

National Press Club home coming speech about media in Afghanistan

2011-10-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Mahtab Farid speaking at National Press Club

On September 21, 2011, my friends and colleagues at National Press Club hosted an event so I could share my reporter’s notebook from Afghanistan and the public diplomacy efforts during my 16 month tour with the State Department and the Department of Defense.

Media Workshop in Ghazni with Mahtab Farid and Afghan reporters

I served as a regional public diplomacy officer with the State Department in regional command east. I spent six months in Ghazni and the rest of my tour was in Bagram but I traveled to Parwan, Panshir, Bamyan, Laghman and Kabul to build capacity for Afghan media. My job was to tell the American story and to help Afghan reporters who had no electricity, computers, or access to the Internet to share their own story with the world.

Female reporters in Bamyan

Now that I am back, there are so many heartwarming stories to tell. I witnessed numerous examples of kindness and compassion from Afghans, soldiers, women and kids on the street. It was hard to tell all the stories and reflect all the images that I witnessed in one hour. But it was a wonderful feeling coming back to my press family at the National Press Club and featuring my work.

Myron Belkind and Mahtab Farid

I like to thank our International Correspondent Committee Chair Myron Belkind for his efforts and for presenting me with the National Press Club mug which only dignitary speakers receive when they speak at the club. I was also delighted to get a surprise visit from LTC Padilla who served with me in Ghazni and delighted to see Ken from our embassy while he was on a short break from Afghanistan. I remembered and praised our military colleagues and friends during the speech. I also missed all our Afghan partners, Afghan reporters, Afghan women and children who made my tour meaningful and memorable.
I will forever treasure the memories…

Presentation to American Female Soldiers on Media

2011-02-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

Mahtab Farid, Public Diplomacy Officer training soldiers on media in Bagram

Female Engagement Teams or FET teams are now all across Afghanistan helping Afghan women. There are various programs that include vocational training, poultry training, bee keeping, building capacity, media training, sporting events, and so many other programs depending upon the need of each province.

On Feb 1, 2011, I was delighted to get an invitation to be a presenter at the Female Engagement Team training in Bagram. The purpose of my presentation was to teach female soldiers how to deal with Afghan media. During the class, we shared the best practices on how to tell the American story through the lens of the American female soldiers who are also mothers and sisters. The soldiers also had a chance to conduct some mock interviews on how to best interact with Afghan media.

I told the American female soldiers , the Female Engagement Teams in Afghanistan conduct the great act of public diplomacy with Afghan women.

Delivering humanitarian aid in Bamyan, Afghanistan

2010-12-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

It is freezing cold in Bamyan, and as I am getting ready for another day of

a journalism workshop for young women, my colleague tells me, "Mahtab, we are receiving humanitarian aid by Afghan Air force and we need your help for distribution." I told her, "Of course, count me in."

I called the local reporters and put on my warm clothes and started walking to the flight line. As we were all waiting in the cold weather, the Afghan Air force landed and I noticed American soldiers with New Zealand soldiers helping carry out the big boxes of aid to the flight line.

The director of women affairs in Bamyan, Fatimeh Kazemi was the local official to receive the aid. However, some of the back packs, warm clothes, and praying rugs were delivered to the local mosques, schools, and the local orphanage in Bamyan.

It is has been a heart warming gift for me during Christmas to be able to witness the public diplomacy among Afghans and American and also be able to share the warm experience of giving in the cold winter.

Links to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) story and Press Release about this event.

Humanitarian aid in Bamyan
ISAF Press Release

The photo on the left, local Afghan reporters, Ali Erfan, director of Radio Bamyan and Nasser Behzad, reporter from Kilid News Agency interviewing Afghan Col. Pasha. The photo to the right, Col. Pasha talking to director of women affairs in Bamyan. Col. Pasha was the pilot for the Afghan National Air Force humanitarian flight to Bamyan.

Christmas Card from Afghanistan...

2010-12-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

Mahtab Farid, Kabul Embassy

From Afghanistan to all my friends around the world who celebrate Christmas... Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays...

I would like to thank everyone for their support during my stay in Afghanistan. Your kind notes and support means a lot to me.

I also like to thank Afghans for their love and hospitality during the past year.

Samar Orphanage kids in Bamyan with Mahtab Farid

On Christmas, I am visiting the kids in "Samar Orphanage" in Bamyan province. These kids are amazing.

I like to thank these kids for their unconditional love.

The term public diplomacy might sound fancy, but the concept is simple. It is about building bridges between cultures, connecting hearts, and making relationships.

Afghan women in Bamyan learn to be entrepreneurs

2010-12-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

Fatima Kazemian and Tayeba Khawari applying for business program

Afghan women continue to make progress in various fields. As I am visiting Bamyan province for a number meetings and trainings I noticed my colleague, Mary Jae Abbitt Sushka coordinated a meeting for a wonderful program to bring economic independence for Afghan women. Here is the story...

Two distinguished Afghan women in Bamyan, Fatima Kazemian, former Director of Women Affairs with Tayeba Khawari, manager of Youth Cultural for Civil Society NGO received applications and a briefing by Bamyan Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) gender advisor, Mary Jae Abbit Sushka on a business training program at the American University in Kabul.

This program is in partnership with Thunderbird School of Global Management in the U.S. funded by Goldman Sachs charitable fund for women in emerging economies.

The training includes entrepreneurship, marketing, management, accounting and strategic planning. After the completion of the course women will have access to mentors, networking and opportunities for internship so they can contribute to the development of Afghan economy.

Winning the State Department Meritorious Honor Award in Public Diplomacy

2010-12-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Mahtab Farid receiving Meritorious award from Ambassador Eikenberry

December 7, 2010 was a special day for me because I had the honor of receiving the State Department Meritorious Award from Karl Eikenberry, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan for my contributions in public diplomacy.

The letter attached to the award said, "Her energy and dedication has led to the completion of a series of highly successful projects that have told the Regional Command East story, developed capacity in the Afghan media and fostered civilian- military (Civ-Mil) integration."

When I volunteered to come to Afghanistan last year as a civilian, many people have asked me, why are you going to Afghanistan?

I came to Afghanistan because I wanted to give something back. I wanted to serve the American people and knew with my cultural, language, and professional background I could also serve the Afghan people.

My family and I were fortunate to leave my motherland Iran during Iran Iraq war. I still remember when Saddam Hussein started launching rockets to the city. As a kid, me and my brothers were frightened and would dock in some corner of our house or my father drove us out of the city so we could escape the attacks.

My first assignment in Afghanistan was in Ghazni, a cultural city in eastern Afghanistan but very kinetic. When we received the kids at our forward operating base hospital; watching their frightened face reminded me of my situation during Iran Iraq war. I could bond with those kids or women because I knew exactly how that felt. I could also connect with them because I speak fluent Farsi and understand Dari.

The difference was that my family escaped that situation and was able to move to a democratic country but these people in Afghanistan have no choice. However, Afghans are fortunate to have the presence of coalition forces and many giving hearts from around the world.

I also wanted to serve in Afghanistan because I believe in public diplomacy. I grew up practicing public diplomacy. Citizen diplomacy was not just a style, it was part of my survival guide as I was experiencing a new culture in a free country. Through building relationships, listening, and accepting, I learned we all have a lot more in common that we like to recognize.

Americans are generous and like to share the privileges they have. I will never forget the kindness of my sophomore English teacher, Mr. Schneider when he spent most of his lunch times mentoring me on the subjects that I was struggling in. I will never forget Mrs. Tiedemen who would drove me to the movies or threw me birthday parties when she knew my parents were away from me.

I experienced public diplomacy among our soldiers and civilians when I was deployed to Afghanistan. Last December when I arrived to Ghazni, a pitch dark forward operating base with so much to learn, LTC Ken Primus took me under his wings and walked with me for days so I could learn about my new working environment. Capt. Thorsen and his group supported my programs for poetry days and media workshops whether it was in the cold or in the heat of Afghanistan so I could conduct public diplomacy. During the summer when we were getting attacks, I became scared remembering the attacks from my childhood during Iran Iraq war. During those hard weeks, COL Fanning's office was a refuge. He invited me to play cards with his team or watch a movie so I wouldn't be scared. How could I forget the American medical team in Ghazni who worked on a burnt little girl Bibi for forty days until she was well enough to go home.

These are just some examples of what Americans are all about and the values they hold.

As a proud American, I wanted to give something back because my family and I lived the American dream life.

It is really interesting and intriguing when people ask the question whether we will win the war. This is not your traditional war where you go and defeat the enemy and take over the geography. This war is about the ideology of a group of dictators who brainwash kids and stop them from going to school. They brainwash kids to grow up to become suicide bombers instead of teachers and doctors. We are fighting an ideology that is taking the lives of Afghans and destroy the future generation. Of course we are paying a high price but as Americans we want to lead by example and we wish the same kind of freedom and privileges that we have in our country for Afghans.

I believe in public diplomacy and I believe with public diplomacy we can win this war...

Public Diplomacy among soldiers, civilians and Afghans...

2010-12-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

David Gillespie and Afghan reporter exchange ideas during training in Parwan

Video report of the media training produced by Staff Sgt. James Zannetti http://www.dvidshub.net/video/101768/building-afghan-media-capacity-parwan-province-package-long

Mahtab Farid, Public Diplomacy Officer

I have held many media workshops during the last year in Afghanistan but the most recent training is especially meaningful because public diplomacy was shared among civilians, soldiers, and Afghans in one day at one training.

People often think of soldiers as armed individuals who get out to kill but this is far from the truth.

The coalition forces in Afghanistan are here to help with the reconstruction efforts. They provide security and bring a set of unique skills to Afghanistan. Without their protection I was not able to do what I have done in the past year. Besides being soldiers, coalition forces are fathers, husbands, wives, or sisters who hold other jobs in their country.

A great example is my colleague, Master Sgt. David Gillespie, a social media expert and an award winning photojounrnalsit in United States. David kindly joined State Department to teach social media to Afghan reporters during the recent training.

Heshmat Radfar, Chief Editor of Nokhost Newspaper

I also invited Heshmat Radfar, the Chief Editor of "Nokhost Newspaper" to discuss the ethics of journalism and Ahmad Hanayesh, director of "Dunya Radio" in Parwan to join us for the one day training.

This event assembled civilians, soldiers and Afghans. The event was a success and attracted local politicians including the provincial governor, director of information and culture, director of youth affairs and prominent individuals from three provinces of Parwan, Panshir and Kapisa. Our training was featured in twelve local Afghan media outlets. It goes to show you that public diplomacy works in Afghanistan.

John Huey on the left receiving his appreciation award

With this post, I would like to extend my thanks to Task Force Wolverine, and my friend John Huey who is getting ready to leave Afghanistan.
They have been a true friend and supporter of civilians, so we could conduct our public diplomacy.

Thank you friends for your service...

Building Capacity for Afghan Media

2010-10-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Mahtab Farid, State Department Public Diplomacy Officer in Afghanistan

State Department hosted a media conference with the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in Bagram to build capacity for the journalists in Eastern Afghanistan. Every year, many journalism conferences are hosted in Afghanistan but in most cases the events are either held in Kabul or are Kabul concentrated. Meaning it is for the members of press and the executives in Kabul. Local reporters in Eastern Afghanistan hardly get a chance to get out of their districts due to security situation or financial reasons.

In this conference, there were 60 reporters from various provinces in Eastern Afghanistan. Local reporters had a chance to meet Mobarez Rashedi, Deputy Ministry of Information and Culture, Media Executives, and fellow reporters from other provinces.

Mr. Rashedi on the left and Mr. Mortazavi on the right

According to Rashedi, top challenge for reporters in Afghanistan is security and getting the accurate information. He said, many reporters in Afghanistan face security challenges either by local government or the enemies of Afghanistan. He told reporters when local officials threaten reporters for doing their job, they can contact the ministry for help. However, he said, "I could only defend you for your journalistic actions."

Lack of Internet connection or slow Internet connection according to Rashedi is also another challenge for reporters in Afghanistan to do their jobs or to meet their deadlines.

This interactive conference was an eye opener for all sides. Hossein Mortazavi, the editor of most popular daily paper in Afghanistan, “Hashte Sobh” said, “14 years ago not even one newspaper was published in Afghanistan except the weekly paper that was published in Pakistan and brought to Afghanistan. Yet today there are over 100 radio stations in Afghanistan, over 10 television stations, 6 major news agencies, and hundreds of print publications.” Mortazavi added, “Today all the voices in Afghanistan are heard and nobody can hide anything anymore.”

Female Reporters making history on the election day in Afghanistan

2010-09-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

Parvin and Zahra two female teenage journalists in Bamyan are not old enough to vote but they made history during the parliamentarian elections in Afghanistan. For the first time in the history of Bamyan, females were part of the reporting team. I was selected to be an election observer in the district of Bamyan focusing on the women polling station. I watched Parvin and Zahra the entire day as they were reporting. Even though at times they were facing challenges when male voters were making fun of them or not taking them seriously but they both focused on what was the most important mission which was filing live reports to Radio Bamyan. Radio Bamyan is a private local radio station owned by Ali Erfan a dedicated Afghan journalist who welcomes females in his staff. Here you can watch a videio clip from Parvin and Zahra's reporting during the election.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7x99oxn_yw

There was only one polling station for females in the district at a High School in Bamyan. Some women in Bamyan showed up to the boy’s schools to vote hoping the administrators will by pass the rules but they were turned away.

When Parvin asked one of the female participants why is it that she showed up to all men station? She said, “I have a two month old and can’t commute to the female station, I was hoping to be able to vote at the male’s station.” Immediately after this interview Parvin went on air and described the situation. Followed by Parvin’s report, Zahra, the reporter who was mostly capturing the election moments through pictures described the mood of the election and the female participant voters who were turned away. Once their reports were filed, Radio Bamyan received showers of angry callers asking why women voters can’t vote at more polling stations? Immediately after this report, two tents were opened for females at the boy’s school in Bamyan.

Despite what some of the inaccurate western news reports said, there were a lot of Afghans who showed up to vote. It was amazing to watch so many female Afghan observers and female participants during the parliamentarian elections in Afghanistan.

Most of the western news media flew to Kabul a week before elections and immediately acted as experts for Afghanistan. Kabul IS NOT Afghanistan. The reality of Afghanistan is when you travel to small provinces. Most places in Afghanistan lack drinking water and electricity. Little girls and boys help their parents after school to carry water to top of the mountain to their homes. Technology is something of a new concept in Afghanistan. Lack of technology, high illiteracy rate, and not having enough knowledge, all contribute to the issues we all noticed during the elections.

The process of elections in Afghanistan by no means is perfect but it is definitely a beginning to a new democratic path. Most of the female voters in Afghanistan told me, "Now they know they have a choice and they understand what elections mean."

To me the news was not so much about the corruption. To me the news was the presence of many Afghan women who showed up with their infants in beautiful, colorful outfits waiting in lines before the polls even opened. I met a 75 years- old woman who was voting for the first time. I also met so many volunteer girls who weren’t even old enough to vote but wanted to be part of the process. Some women walked for 3 hours to get to the polling station and waited for 4 hours to vote. If that is not progress, I don’t know what is???

Reporters get ready at IFES for the election coverage in Afghanistan

2010-09-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

State Department co hosted a media conference with Radio Bamyan and governor’s office at the International Foundation for Electroral Systems (IFES) office to bring reporters from various news agencies together to build coordination on reporting for the Election Day.

A number of reporters from different outlets showed up to an all day conference with government representatives and election officials on how to get information in different districts and how to share information.

The attendees included, the conference facilitator and IFES Bamyan representative Hassan Khaliqi, director of Youth Affairs, Najib Akhlaghi, governor’s spokesperson Abdol Rahman Ahmadi, director of election commission for Bamyan, Mohammad Ebrahim Abrar, and the director of information and culture Ebrahim Akbari.

The governor’s office representatives and the election commission representatives expressed concern on how in previous elections reporters refused to travel outside of districts. By end of the conference, six reporters were selected to go to 6 districts of Bamyan to report on election. Pajwok News Agency, the sole news agency with mobile internet service in Bamyan made a commitment to help file stories for his colleagues.

Bamyan State Radio Television, the only TV station in Bamyan pledged to cover all the governmental related aspect stories of the election including showing a live shot of Bamyan Provincial Governor Sarabi as she casts her vote.

Bamyan private radio executive Ali Erfan exchanged phone numbers with other reporters who will be traveling outside of Bamyan to call into the show during the day with their reports.

Bamyan University English professor Ali Hakim volunteered to come to American Lincoln Learning Center on the Election Day to help reporters compile and edit stories. The American Embassy in Kabul had agreed to close the Lincoln Learning Center to reporters in order to facilitate their reporting needs for the access to computers and the high speed Internet.

At the end of the conference the attendees created a shared email address so everyone during the day can send their reports to that one email so everyone can have access to all the information and photos.

In a historic move for the first time, two young female reporters, Parvin and Zahra were selected to cover the elections in Bamyan. In this photo Zahra is taping her weekly youth show at Radio Bamyan.

Special Note: The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) promotes democratic stability by providing technical assistance and applying field-based research to the electoral cycle worldwide to enhance citizen participation and strengthen civil societies, governance and transparency.

Public Diplomacy with Iftar Dinner in Afghanistan

2010-09-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

The American Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Ghazni hosted an Iftar (breaking fast) dinner for Ghazni reporters in Forward Operating Base with traditional Afghan food. It was truly a beautiful citizen public diplomacy exchange between the Americans and our Afghan friends. The reporters discussed how they were covering the parliamentarian elections in Afghanistan and challenges they face. Reporters also had a chance to pray before breaking their fast. I was watching my American collegues and our Afghan friends during this event and told myself, this is a wondeful exchange of understanding between Afghans and Americans. You should have seen the warm reception on the face of Afghans as they were interacting with the Americans in the room.

For thirty days in Holy month of Ramadan Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown. Ramadan is the month to reflect on life and to practice patience and humility while surrendering to god. Many family and friends invite each other for Iftar dinners to break the fast. The tradition of inviting Muslims for Iftar is considered a highly respectful tradition.

From Streets of Afghanistan to the office of President..

2010-08-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

“Ahmad why don’t you call Mohammad back and tell him about the interview,” said the director of media affairs in President Karzai’s press relations office. “I will sir,” said Ahmad Masoud.

Ahmad Masoud is a young, bright, well dressed, handsome young Afghan man working in President Karzai’s communication office making important decision with the members of press.

Ahmad’s life is like a fairy tale. He was only 6 years- old when his father left his mother and the rest of the family. At the age 6, Ahmad becomes the bread winner of the family. He sells gum, chips, and candy in a tray on the streets of Afghanistan. Instead of playing in the playground or playing with his toys, Ahmad works long hours in the hot summers and cold winters of Afghanistan. But his resilience doesn’t stop him from going to school. As he struggles to earn money he also continues to go to school. He finishes school at the age of 13 and becomes a reporter. Perhaps his work on the streets gives him a good sense of people and the outside world for his job. The man who once sold chips and gum on the streets of Afghanistan becomes the youngest reporter of Afghanistan at the age of 16 and wins an international recognition for his journalism work. Now at the age of 21, Ahmad becomes one of the youngest members of press working with President Karzai’s spoke’s person.

When I heard about Ahmad’s story, I was so inspired to meet him. In my recent visit to Kabul, I met with Ahmad in a traditional restaurant in Kabul to learn about his work. He was an impressive bright young man with great ideas. He was very knowledgeable about Afghanistan and the current situation. He briefed me on the media situation in Afghanistan and told me the problems journalists face in Afghanistan. We then went to his office and I saw Ahmad in action. He was confident, kind, and knew how to facilitate his team. His cell phone kept ringing the whole time. Members of press on the phone were asking different questions on the stories they were working on. In a calm manner Ahmad answered each call or consulted with his executive director to support the press.

As I was watching Ahmad walking in a beautiful white building going from one office to the other helping and assisting his colleagues, I couldn’t help remembering the face of a young boy that I met on the street the day before in Kabul. The boy on the street was collecting paper from trash so he could sell it to some stores for a small amount of money. I kept thinking to myself would he have a nice future like Ahmad or would he end up as a drug addict on the streets of Afghanistan and eventually die. Even the thought was disturbing. I snapped myself out of that thought and focused on a happy story that I was watching live.

Besides all the dark and horror stories in Afghanistan there are many hopeful stories among young Afghans too. Afghans are so savvy. Once they learn a skill or get a training, they stand on their own. At least this is the case with the young Afghans. I don’t think if you meet the children in Afghanistan you could possibly leave. Perhaps all the law makers, think tanks experts and so called Afghan experts on the news need to pay a visit to the streets of Afghanistan and see for themselves…

Wishing Ahmad, and all the young Afghan kids a peaceful Afghanistan filled with hope…

Samar Orphanage a story of hope in Afghanistan

2010-06-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

During one of my media workshops in province of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, I met a 17 years- old sharp female teenager. I asked her, “What is your name?” She replied, “Parvin, Parvin Samar.” The moment I heard the name Samar, something triggered immediately in my mind from my reporting days in Washington. Samar, Sima Samar, the brilliant Afghan lady who accompanied Afghan President Karzai as minister of women affairs to Afghanistan and she was mentioned by former President Bush during his State of the Union Address. Yes that is her. I interviewed her. I asked Parvin, I know your mother. I interviewed her. There was immediately a sparkle in her eyes, a sparkle of hope. I asked, “Where do you live?” “Can I see your mom?” She said her mom lives in Kabul and she lives in an orphanage that is run by her mother in Bamiyan. It sounded a little strange that she would live apart from her mother. I got the address for the orphanage and told her I like to visit. Parvin asked me if I could visit their English class that starts early in the morning at 7:00 o’clock.

Two days later, Vahid our cultural assistant drove me to the orphanage and I taught their English class for a day. When I asked the students what their names were more than half of the class said their last names were Samar. Waaah, did Ms. Samar have that many kids? One of the teachers told me in private, Ms. Samar has told them they are her children and they have a choice to get her last name. Most of these kids don’t have parents or their parents gave them up for variety of reasons. Some even have parents but since their parents can’t take care of them, they choose to come to this orphanage. I think to myself, “what an angel?” How little did I know that Parvin’s mother is the angel who mothers about 200 kids? What an honor it was for me to have met a woman who not only fought for the rights of Afghan women but also fought for the right of children. I became even more interested...

One of the kids walked up to me and told me whether I could do a media workshop for children because she had heard on a radio program that I was training journalists. I looked at her beautiful face and said sure….. I talked to their director and he told me these kids wanted to learn about journalism so they can share their story.

During the workshop, these kids would not take a break and were listening to every part of the training. They were sharp and curious. They also asked educated questions and performed an outstanding job on the class exercises.

But what was most amazing about this orphanage was the sense of family and compassion among the kids. The older kids cared for the younger children and real young children played and ate together. When you walked in this orphanage, you didn’t feel this was an orphanage. It felt that you walk in a big house and met this large family.

I learned Ms. Samar has telephone lines for these kids and they can call any time and can talk about their day with her. She makes sure these kids eat the proper portions of fruit and vegetable. Above all, she makes everyone feel like her own children.

When most of us think about Afghanistan we think about war, death and destruction. Underneath all the pain and destruction there are many colorful stories. “Samar Orphanage” in province of Bamiyan is an example of hope and light in Afghanistan. Parvin, the 17- years old sharp teenager who I met was also raised in the orphanage. She is a skilled writer and a radio producer for the local radio in Bamiyan. The way she spoke about her mom, you could have never thought that Ms. Samar was not her biological mother. Programs like “Samar Orphanage” led by Ms. Samar’s vision are the bridge for the development of Afghanistan.

The future of Afghanistan belongs to Parvins of Afghanistan and in case you are wondering what works in Afghanistan, I have to say projects like “Samar Orphanage” are big catalyst for change in the future of young Afghans. We need more Sima Samars in Afghanistan….

The young generation of educated Afghans will win the war…

Soldiers and Citizen Public Diplomacy with Afghan Kids

2010-06-20T03:59:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a high ranking military person or you just joined the armed services, the coalition forces seem to always find time for the kids in Afghanistan. There is a special bound between the uniformed guys and the Afghan kids. Every place I have been in Afghanistan I noticed the coalition forces stop and talk to the kids with so much compassion. They listen to the kids and their needs or wave at them if they are driving in the car.

I noticed this special bound the moment I arrived to Afghanistan. I remember when we were holding one of our meetings in a small village in Ghazni, the polish soldier was playing with the kids in the yard. These soldiers spend so much time away from home so when they see the Afghan kids, it is almost seeing their own children. I have seen soldiers buy shoes, books, and pay for the medical bills out of their pocket to help the Afghan kids and of course the medical team always take care of the kids like their own.

Preston, one of the young soldiers who is a father always spent time with the kids when we went out. He played sports and taught Afghan kids how to play with the ball. The kids always enjoyed being around Preston.

During one of our visits to an orphanage, one of the kids said he wanted to become a soldier. Commander Kapusta talked to this boy and the kid asked him, "how do you become a soldier?" Commander Kapusta replied, "you need to go to school, you need to be smart and you need to be brave." I never forget the emotion on Commander's face as he was mentoring the young boy.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers who are serving our country away from their children...

No place like Afghanistan for Journalism

2010-06-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Mahtab Farid with reporters in Bamyan, Afghanistan

I always enjoyed being a journalist and dedicated most of my professional life in this field but there is no place in the world like Afghanistan for journalism, now that I am on the training side of journalism. Afghanistan is the only place in the world that not only local journalists are reporting on the local issues but they are also covering the war, the reconstruction and the development projects from the international community on daily basis. There are so many elements, so much news and so many stories to tell. Yet with everything that happens in Afghanistan, there are limited resources and limited access to the Internet. Most of the local news stations have no electricity and work with generators so they can't operate for 24 hours like most news stations. Majority of the news stations in Afghanistan have no access to the Internet. I don't believe any journalist can imagine being a reporter without access to the Internet. A lot of Afghan reporters commute for 30 minutes to an hour so they can get to a place with the Internet access. Once they get their hands on the Internet, they have to practice patience because the connection is so slow.

Most of the TV stations in the provinces can't email the news clips on time because of the slow connection. You can see how the dynamics of the news can change due to lack of technology. Also using the resources for the reporters become limited. The international radio stations become a source for the local news stations in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, some times the insurgent radio stations manage to act as sources. A good responsible journalist has to work so much harder to overcome all the issues and manage to report in a decent manner.

During my tour with the State Department in Afghanistan, I try to visit as many newsrooms in different provinces as possible. My goal is to learn about different aspects of how reporters write, produce and air their news in Afghanistan. I also work very hard to provide training to each news station based on the need of that newsroom. My work include training the local professional reporters so they can train other journalists. Unfortunately, except Kabul University and may be only a couple of other colleges in Afghanistan, there is no journalism major in most colleges. If a young person wishes to become a journalist, the school choice is limited. Most of the local reporters rely on the media workshops that are provided by the international community. There is a major issue with these media workshops. Most of these workshops are held in English and the students have to listen to the workshops through a translator who is often not a reporter and can't fully translate the journalism concepts. In another words the workshops get "lost in translation." I feel so lucky and honored to be able to speak in their own language and conduct the workshops without a translator. I also do a lot of research before each workshop to be able to fulfill the need of the reporters. Most of the media trainers only focus on an overall general journalism overview. Reporters in Afghanistan have to fight many more challenges than any other journalist to cover the local news, the war and the reconstruction.

*The pictures you see in this post are from my recent visit to Bamiyan State Radio TV to work with the reporters on their stand ups using the beautiful historic background they have.

Afghan women learn to tape their first media roundtable

2010-06-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

As part of the hands on training, a group of aspiring female journalists in Bamiyan learned to produce their own show and recorded their first radio roundtable program at Radio Bamiyan. The initial part of their training was held at the U.S. Lincoln Center last week on the basic journalism skills.

In their first media roundtable the Afghan female journalists discussed lack of resources for female journalists in Bamiyan and the role of Afghan female journalists in their society.

A popular local Afghan artist also came to the studio to play the show open music. In the entire province of Bamiyan, there are no female journalists.

Afghan Kids learn to report on Child Labor

2010-06-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

I had an opportunity to teach a media workshop to a large group of kids at “Samar Orphanage” in province of Bamiyan so they can report on child labor. The kids learned about producing radio segments so they can have programming on the local Bamiyan radio about child labor in Afghanistan and talk about how most kids work instead of going to school. Bamiyan State Radio TV also took part with teaching the kids about producing television segments.

During the workshop the kids learned about interviewing skills, research, and how to tell their story using radio and television. At the end of the class, the kids participated in a press conference and asked intelligent questions from their teacher.

Nadere, 12 years- old girl at the orphanage told Radio Bamiyan in an interview after the class that she is now able to put together a package and share stories that matter to Afghan kids. Rahim, 11 years- old boy told Bamiyan Radio, “I now gained the confidence to interview people for the radio show and share the kids concerns in Afghanistan.”

U.S. media trainings featured in Afghan news

2010-06-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

The media trainings for women in Bamiyan and the workshops for professional journalists on how to moderate round tables were featured on a number of Afghan blogs and a local radio station in Bamiyan. The bloggers spoke highly of the trainings and the importance of polishing media skills.

During the past week I had the opportunity to train a group of professional journalists in province of Bamiyan at our U.S. Lincoln Center so they can learn about the media round tables and the social media. The class had a number of mock round tables with the special guests such as the governor’s spokes person and directors of media organizations. During the second session of the class, reporters learned about how to use their blog to post their stories and worked on enhancing the overall design of the weblogs.

The report on the media workshop was featured in several weblogs in Bamiyan. Mohammad Khaleghi, senior reporter from Bamiyan Radio wrote a post in his blog about the two media workshops at the Lincoln Center. Here is the link,
http://benisewak.blogspot.com/2010/06/blog-post.html

Abdol Rahman Ahmadi, the governor’s spokes person also wrote a short piece in his blog about the workshop. Here is the link,
http://ahmaditarghai.blogspot.com/2010/06/blog-post.html

Ebrahim Tawallah, Youth Publication reporter and a well known poet in Bamiyan also wrote a piece about the journalism workshops at the Lincoln center. Here is the link,
http://tawallah.blogspot.com/2010/06/blog-post.html

Kabul Press link,
http://kabulpress.org/my/spip.php?article13693

Afghan women becoming journalists

2010-06-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Bamiyan is one of the most beautiful and peaceful provinces in Afghanistan yet this province has no female journalist. During a workshop at the U.S. Lincoln Center in Bamiyan, I taught a group of young aspiring female journalists about journalism. They had a chance to conduct muck interviews front of the class on the topic of their choice.

One of the students Parvin Samar was a 17 years- old teenager who volunteers for an orphanage. Her dream is to teach the young kids at the orphanage about the journalism skills so they can produce programming for young children.

The young Afghan generation will be the key for the future of their country. They are truly bright with big dreams filled with hope for a happy future. Unlike what most of us see on the news, the young Afghans are not what you see on television. They want to be educated, prosperous, and want to join the international community.

Public Diplomacy through workshops

2010-06-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

During the month of May, I spent most of my time visiting and holding professional development workshops for the graduating senior class in Kabul University. The workshops included writing resumes, cover letters, and learning how to write mission statements for various graduate schools around the world.

Every time I hold workshops, I learn so much about young Afghans and their aspirations. We could learn so much by listening to Afghans. By listening we are fulfilling the most intricate part of public diplomacy which is listening.

On the other hand, the Afghan students learn so much about our life and our culture in the United States. During the workshops, I told the students about volunteer work in the U.S. and the importance of paying forward. Towards the end of these workshops some of the students agreed to volunteer at some of the orphanages in Kabul so they can give something back to their country.

Attending college in Afghanistan is a privilege. Many provinces don't have colleges or professors. Even when you see a college in Afghanistan, don't expect to see a list of options for different majors. In most cases there are only two or three majors. So if you really want to study the subject of your choice, you either have to move to Kabul or move out of Afghanistan. In most cases for family and financial reasons that is not always an option.

Many colleges in Afghanistan don't have electricity more than couple of hours a day. Lack of Internet access is another challenge among the college students and Afghans in general. So imagine students face lack of water, electricity, computers, or the Internet access. However, Afghan students are so determined to learn about whatever topic they can through whatever channel possible. It is been a pleasure to be able to meet young Afghans, Afghan journalists and Afghan women in a number of different workshops. They are all full of life, energy and eager to learn.

Afghan boy wants to become an American

2010-04-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

Video clip from our visit to the classroom in an orphanage in Ghazni
http://www.youtube.com/user/USPublicdiplomacy

The dream of being an American has reached all the way to a far village in Ghazni, Afghanistan. Ghazni is located in central Afghanistan and it is known for its historic sites, culture, and Islamic arts. Most of the small districts and the villages don't have access to drinking water and electricity, yet the dream of being an American is in the heart of young Afghans.

During a visit to an orphanage with my Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) collegues in Ghazni, we spent some time in a classroom. We asked the children what they wanted to become? They wanted to become soldiers, police officers, teachers and doctors. One of them said, "I want to become an American."

Public Diplomacy in Garden of Peace and Friendship

2010-04-13T01:19:00.000-07:00

Bringing peace to Afghanistan is one of key challenges since without peace and security nothing can be accomplished.

Most of the conflicts in Afghanistan are intra meaning they start from home or a region between two tribes. Even Muslims face issues on whether one person is Sunni or Shia.

With the help of our Texas agriculture team, we (the U.S. Reconstruction Team) have sketched a plan to build gardens of peace and friendship in different districts of Ghazni, a city in southern part of Afghanistan.

This garden will be a beautiful symbolic place for Shuras (local meetings) in Afghanistan to take place in order to build peace and reconciliation. There will be various flowers planted in these gardens from each district representing different tribes. The concept of citizen public diplomacy can easily grow in these immaculate gardens.

In addition, this project will teach Afghan women to grow small green houses and learn to grow fancy crops like strawberries.

We started our first "Peace and Friendship Garden" project from the Ministry of Women's Affairs in Ghazni. We visited the director of Women's Affairs, Shokrieh Vali to discuss the projects. She and her team welcomed the idea.

May the concept of peace and friendship grow in every district of Afghanistan...

Citizen Public Diplomacy by American Doctors in Afghanistan

2010-03-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the American doctors in Afghanistan, Bibi , an eight years- old Afghan girl survived a deep deadly body burn. Bibi smiled as she was going home today after spending forty days in Ghazni Forward Operations Base (FOB) clinic in Ghazni. Bibi’s father told the local Afghan press in Ghazni, “If it wasn’t for the American doctors, my daughter will be dead.”

Bibi is a sweet young Afghan girl who showed strong resilience as she was going through painful recovery from her burns. Unfortunately due to lack of electricity in most rural areas in Afghanistan, families use wood stoves inside the house to keep their houses warm. As a result of this unsafe practice, many kids burn or the stove explodes and the entire family suffers from burns or in some cases gets killed.

Bibi is a victim of this stove burn. After she was burnt, she was taken to Ghazni hospital but they couldn’t do anything for her. She then was brought to our clinic. The American doctors and the entire medical team performed operations on her and did an amazing job of continuing care for her full recovery. This was no easy task…

When Bibi came into the clinic to get her wounds washed, the doctors had to give her a mild sedation so she wouldn’t feel the pain. Every time she woke up from sedation, she became so emotional and needed a lot of love to feel secure and at ease.

One of my main duties as a public diplomacy officer is to reach out to people and listen to them. About a month ago, when I heard about Bibi in our clinic, I went to visit her.

I have to say, my perspective towards life has changed as I watched her with the doctors and the entire medical team for the past month. If there is a description for citizen public diplomacy is watching the medical team with Bibi. I saw a great amount of compassion and dedication for this little girl from our medical team that words could hardly express.

Since I speak Farsi and understand Dari, it was comforting for Bibi to wake up and to talk to me. Bibi’s mother was home with other siblings so she was staying at the clinic with her father. Bibi is very special girl and in no time we bonded.

She loved stuffed animals and lolly pops. Doctors had different colors of lolly pops for her as she woke up from sedation. The medical team never left her site. They constantly checked and double checked her. They made sure she will always feel at home.

This was the routine; she would come to the clinic, get her wounds washed, and then wake up from sedation. Receive stuffed animals, toys, coloring books, and go to her room.

Bibi’s recovery was incredible. The first few days the burn on her face, chest and arms were so deep that bleeding didn’t stop when she got her wounds washed. However her recovery was amazing…

As a public diplomacy officer, it was incredible to watch how a group of American doctors who couldn’t speak Bibi’s language or never really had any exposure to Afghan culture were able to make connection with her and her father. I also saw her father’s face every time I walked into the clinic. His look was filled with gratitude, and humility. This is real citizen public diplomacy…

With this post I like to express my gratitude to Mike Roelse and his entire team in Ghazni who work so hard around the clock to help people like Bibi. She is only one of many examples that I have witnessed. I will share more of these stories with you so you will know what an incredible job our men and women are doing in Afghanistan with the local nationals.

Bibi’s story attracted a lot of media attention. She was also visited by Governor of Ghazni and the wife of U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mrs. Eikenberry.

Bibi is very special to me because we both had a special bond. She often asked for me when she woke up and always asked me if I had brought her anything.

My best memory with Bibi is when she was crying from the pain and I gave her a frog stuffed animal. I told her she needs to press that frog every time she has pain and her pain will go away. She immediately pressed on the frog and gave me a big smile.

I will always remember her resilience, and her smile and I will always remember the compassion of my team members in Provincial Reconstruction Team of Ghazni…

My Story From Afghanistan

2010-03-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

Mahtab Farid with Afghan kids in old Ghazni, Afghanistan

It has been a challenging journey and an unbelievable experience to be able to reach out and help Afghans.

I grew up practicing citizen public diplomacy as an immigrant. Public Diplomacy became a tool for survival.

It is truly a pleasure to see how the concept of public diplomacy is expanding around the world. We need more citizen to citizen diplomacy rather than diplomacy among government officials.

Many of you may remember me from my blog, "From Washington to Tehran" for my U.S. Iran relations stories. Now you will hear my story as a public diplomacy officer from Afghanistan.

Mahtab Farid with Mrs Eikenberry with Afghan women in Ghazni

Here is a clip from my recent speech I made for "International Day of Women" in Ghazni.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBWqiv5eSiM

The speech is a short clip in Farsi. I talked about how American women had to work hard to claim their equal right.

I like to share my utmost appreciation and gratitude for every one's support since I started my deployment as a Public Diplomacy officer in Ghazni, Afghanistan.