A.L.L. Religion in Afghanistan

Bouhammer | August 14, 2010

ISLAM • Abrahamic religion-shares roots with Judaism and Christianity • Qur’an holy book – infallible authority • Five Pillars: Testimony of faith (Shahada), Prayer (Salat), Charity (Zakat), Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), Fasting during month of Ramadan (Sawm) • Other Beliefs: Faith (Iman), Oneness of God (Tawhid), Prophets, Angels, Judgment Day, the Books (Qur’an, Bible, Torah), [...]

Afghanistan Holidays (dates* for 2010)

Bouhammer | July 27, 2010

• 26 Feb: Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)• 21 Mar: Nowruz (Persian New Year)• 28 Apr: Victory of the Muslim Nation (Withdrawal of Soviet Forces)• 01 May: Labor Day• 19 Aug: National Day (Independent Sovereignty from Britain)• 09 Sep: Masood Day, commemorating the assassination of Northern Alliance leader Ahmad Shah Masood• 10 Sep: [...]

Afghanistan Education

Bouhammer | July 25, 2010

In 1969 Afghanistan tried its hand at compulsory public education for children between the ages of 7 and 15, but the initiative never had a chance to grow roots. When the Soviets invaded 10 years later, many programs, including compulsory public education, were terminated. Prior to 1969, education was purely at the discretion of the [...]

Afghanistan Geography, Social Stats and Economy Stats

Bouhammer | May 22, 2010

Social Statistics Population: 28.396 Million (2009 est.) 0-14 years: 44.5% (male 7,664,670/female 7,300,446) 15-64 years: 53% (male 9,147,846/female 8,679,800) 65 years and over: 2.4% (male 394,572/female 422,603) (2009 est.) Total Fertility Rate: 6.53 children born/woman Under-5 Mortality: (m/f) 232/237 per 1000 Life Expectancy at Birth: Total population: 44.64 yrs Male: 44.47 yrs Female: 44.81 yrs [...]

The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan

Bouhammer | April 18, 2010

It is not something a lot of people like to talk about or acknowledge, but it is a factual way of life in many cultures, especially Afghanistan. I have talked about it before on this blog, why Thursday nights are so popular over there, why they are called Man-Love Thursdays and I even have talked [...]

Afghanistan Politics

Bouhammer | April 6, 2010

Here is another blog post that is part of the Afghanistan Lessons Learned series. With the recent postings about Karzai’s statements and the arguing back and forth between our country’s government I figured it would be good to provide some background on how the Afghanistan Government works. Afghanistan’s 34 Provinces are divided into districts. The [...]

The Flag of Afghanistan

Bouhammer | April 2, 2010

The Flag of Afghanistan • Black stands for the time period of 1839-1919 when the Afghan people fought three wars of independence against the British Empire• Red represents blood, sacrifice, and the continuous challenge of the people to overcome hardship• Green is the color of Islam and symbolizes peaceThe writing on the flag emphasizes the [...]

"Blog Description"

The Bouhammer [boo-ham-er] blog was originally created by a 22-year retired First Sergeant of the Army. This blog started out as a way to write about military related issues. It turned into a way for Bouhammer to document his 16 month tour as an ETT leader in Afghanistan for family and friends. It is now one of the leading and award-winning blogs written exclusively on operations in Afghanistan and other military related topics. In addition to Bouhammer, another writer is "The Dude" who is a National Guard Officer who served with Bouhammer in Afghanistan. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy what you see. If you care about what is happening in the land where the attacks of 9/11 were planned and if you care about our military, this is the blog for you. Tell your family, tell your friends, and even tell people you don't like.

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