The internet is an incredible tool, and it gives us the ability to see things happening on the other side of the planet. That can mean text from those who are there on the ground, pictures, or even video — these things are often anything but entertaining, but they give us an idea as to what is going on, and can greatly inform our thought processes and decisions. However, the picture presented is not always completely accurate — the journalists and newscasters are generally concerned with news. Some do it well, others do not, but neither have much inclination to show what “normal” looks like, and to be fair it’s not their job to do so.
Still, while the world is mired in conflict even at its most peaceful age in history, there are many people living their days in relative peace. This includes the war-torn jungles of Myanmar, the flat and bloody plains of Sudan, and even the tired, rough mountains of Afghanistan.
Like any country, whether they are in peace or at war, the everyday person will struggle to find some sense of comfort, routine and happiness. Many of them find a level of it, at least in their own ways. Afghanistan is no different — children play, adults endeavor to keep their families fed, and they all partake in traditions and rituals that have been handed down from previous generations, just like anywhere else.
Make no mistake, Afghanistan is a dangerous place and the civilian death rate is continuously rising — the U.N. recently reported that 2018 is on track to be the worst year for Afghan civilians since they started recording these numbers. 1,692 were killed in the first six months of this year.
Still, some people find at least a lingering sense of normalcy. The following is a series of pictures, depicting the Afghanistan not often shown in the headlines, not soaked in blood or rife with shell casings. Rarely is it an easy life, but it’s still not one you often see.
Featured image:Â An Afghan girl poses for a photograph at a brick factory on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, June 16, 2013. | AP Photo/Rahmat Gul
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Great photographs. Thank you, Luke.
Great photographs. Thank you, Luke.
Stunning pictures. I find some irony in the man that is standing in the shop with wedding dresses and evening gowns when you consider that Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places for a woman. I realize that not all of Afghanistan is rural but are there really events where one would need an evening gown? Seems a country that has been a war for so long those types of events would be few and far between. Especially with Taliban influence. But even in the worst circumstances, a girl sometimes just wants to look pretty. 🙂
The pictures of the children tug my heart strings.
Stunning pictures. I find some irony in the man that is standing in the shop with wedding dresses and evening gowns when you consider that Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places for a woman. I realize that not all of Afghanistan is rural but are there really events where one would need an evening gown? Seems a country that has been a war for so long those types of events would be few and far between. Especially with Taliban influence. But even in the worst circumstances, a girl sometimes just wants to look pretty. 🙂
The pictures of the children tug my heart strings.
Thank You for sharing these.