I wasn’t really planning to write anything, after The Sins of America any more of whatever turned out in Afghanistan as there seemed no point to keep poking but it all changed the moment i saw a video of the US secretary of state Antony Blinken, who while facing the toughest grilling of his carrier remarked that “they inherited a deadline, and did not inherit any plan,”. It angered me to say the least.
World’s strongest, resource filled country actually had no plan for 20 years. And it is safe to say that they have no plan to deal with anything under the sun, leave China; I do not think anymore that anyone of us will ever get to know anything about the origins the Corona virus.
The funniest part is, that those terrorists who were once on the UN blacklist, were carrying millions of money on their heads, the deadliest of human killers have become great again. Google Mullah Baradar, the Taliban co-founder is now on this week’s ‘Times ‘100 most influential people of 2021‘. Is this a Joke! A terrorist is now a politician according to google, and probably soon to be the President of a country. What are we showing the coming generations to deal with killers, and how. This is blasphemous.
Afghanistan indeed may not be the last blunder of the Biden presidency. Taiwan could probably be next. Robert Gates, who served as defense secretary under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, wrote in 2014 that Biden “has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.” Gates has proved right.
In fact, al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, in May 2010 letter found at his Pakistani compound after he was killed by U.S. forces, advised al-Qaeda not to target then-Vice President Biden, in the hope that he would one day become president. “Biden is totally unprepared for that post, which will lead the U.S. into a crisis,” bin Laden wrote. He too has proved correct.
Here in India, who is almost a new found ally of the US since the birth of the Quad, the Indo-Pacific, as they have been challenged by the Chinese on the face, has somewhere taken a hit of trust as Biden’s Afghanistan fiasco is a disaster for Asia, and this Self-inflicted defeat sends message that allies cannot count on the U.S intelligence, their friendship or more so India, who has been fighting terrorism ever since the times when the west had no Idea what was it actually. India has already been guarding her borders against the united might of China and Pakistan on her own.
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Indian astrology, which is the ancient most science that the Indians developed, which i have always been curious about, coming from my great grandfather, even though i have written very little about it; i sat with a friend last month and came out with an understanding that this was a landmark event in the world Politics. And in some years to come it was seen that it is certainly going to destabilise this region, mainly the middle east and the southern Europe which could be one of the major factors in contributing towards a full blown major war by the end of this decade. Pandemic was one factor, this is other factor and even other things will develop in a few years time.
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Being a storyteller, and having served organisations like the National Geographic and having been nominated once as the World Press Photo Global Talent in 2020, i am completely aware of what Photojournalists go through while covering a war in war-torn country. It felt like a responsibility to present this essay as a visual anthology of last 20 years starting from that very day when the Soviets were leaving, making way for the US to come over as they filled Pakistani pockets.
These images, and some of them pierced my peace and snatched sleep from my eyes yesternight as i was assembling them to present it.
This is the work of all those Photojournalists who have worked with a certain sense of death looming over their heads all the time and as readers, thinkers, observers, learners, lovers of humanity, love and peace it is our duty to see what war is. What does it do to humans, and woman, Children and above all a country. I really want that this must sleep with each human who looks at this essay today and whenever they do, that this happened and if it happened there, it might happen anywhere. Because some times, and most naturally in the times of war, Images say something that words may not want to touch, and almost they even might never.
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Thank you.
If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste
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I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly;
As a co-traveller, my Ten Learnings from several years on the road, before you coarse on your own Road to Nara.
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ROAD TO NARA 
I feel your anger. And your frustration. Take a short break, my friend. Let not the world’s many drudgeries take away from its equally many joys.
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Dear Charlie. I wish i or you could suggest the terrorists to take a break ha ha. I am not angry. Not even frustrated. Probably i am just a writer. And it is important for me to take and sometimes share detailed notes.
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And thank you for your words friend. I rejoice in almost every thing i carry. Thanks again.
Narayan x
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you are a powerful writer. your words come alive, get a lot of emotion from the readers. and yet you can detach yourself from the high emotion you develop. i wish i had your talent, dear friend!
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Charlie, how well and kind of you dear friend to feel this, and to have written it. Had i had any book out, i would have printed your words in capital letters as a review ha ha but see this is just here trying to express my way to feel well within myself.
I will remember this. Thank you will not be enough but thank you.
Narayan x
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This documentary is so powerful and disturbing that my hand is shaking while I write this!
Yet, it is necessary because we know from history that ignorance is certainly not bliss. The photos are assembled with the mastery of the film maker’s eye, and we learn while they unfold the horrors that happened and are happening now. The writer’s prediction of the possibility of a major war, while frightening, cannot be ignored either. His writing in such a powerful way is the right way to nudge us to take action, and we should be grateful to the author that he does so successfully. We can write about the effect of wars in every paper or journal from our individual experiences, and it will be a good start, as wars affected as all.
Joanna
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Dear nature, as you know it became urgent and important for me to share this.
And i am happy i did. Because these images, or getting them together for over this long a period shall help someone who might be researching on it in future.
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Thank you so much. Thank you.
Narayan x
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What happened in Afghanistan is very unfortunate and lamentable. It proves that looking at the so-called Super power to rescue one from the woes, is largely misplaced. India has to diligently prepare herself to protect her own interest rather than looking up to others.
Being self dependent and self reliant is the buzzword in this turbulent times.
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Dear Mousami, i imagine today every state is proclaiming and showing off their power in someway or the other. Power being power is used to not hear but drum their beat right on the ears.
We are probably not just preparing well but are ready to take action if needed or how so i feel about this vibrant, vulnerable time.
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And yes, we are probably proving to be the best possible of democracy that can exist if governments are tough and responisble.
Thank you for your words. Lovely to have you here. Thank you again.
Narayan x
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This is all so sad and bad.
“Cry the beloved country,” Paton’s title.
And he wrote, “He begins to see the gaping racial and economic divisions that are threatening to split his country.”
He was so disturbingly correct with his prognosis for my country.
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Dearest Cindy, You know i just felt to have these twenty years together, some images so powerful, so intense. It shall help someone to go into details of this war if they ever wish ti and hence i felt a need to compile them.
Thank you for the quote.
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I am proud of you.
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haaa. This is beautiful. If you are and can be proud of me, then you are family.
And now i need to know more !
Long hug dearest Cindy, Narayan x
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Also i tried looking up for Paton, please tell me his full name so i can read up about him Cindy.
Thanks again for this.
Narayan x
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When I saw your photos, I immediately thought of him. Here is a link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cry,_the_Beloved_Country
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Woaa, two cinema adaptations of the book! And also based in South Africa, Joannesberg where Gandhi spent most of his time.
Thanks for this link Cindy.
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And i hope you and family are doing things happily and they are healthy.
Thank you again, Narayan x
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Yes Narayan bro. Thankyou for sharing a wonderfully written post and the work of so many
photojournalists!. How important this is because it will touch us all. Be safe and well you and yours. Peace and love from Oz.
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Gary sis, thank you.
Yes, important. Just a small tribute to them and for anyone who might want to see a collective time from various Photographers on this.
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Love . thank you again.
Narayan x
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I have great respect for war journalists. I follow the writings of John Wreford here. He is now based in Turkey and writes wrenching stories of the Middle East. I like to read novels based on historical fact. The truth is mankind has not evolved beyond the Roman Empire. We just find different ways to torture and kill each other. We are a fear based species that allows itself to be led by power-hungry people that use leadership for their personal gain. Afghanistan is another of those tragic stories and you are right, I am sure, that the whole area will be de-stabilized. I despair, not for myself but for the young who will be here when I am long gone. They will ask “how did this happen?” Which is why writing like yours is so important. They need to know that not all humans are savages. All my life I have held that word in my mind PEACE. Why is it so elusive? Namaste.
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Mankind had evolved in seeking all kinds of comfort under his or her butts.
And well there is a reason why this is happening, it will go on for good as of now. Some countries will rejoice in the short term, but the long term impact of it is going to be huge on Pak, Iran and the middle countries. As i wrote Yeti, what happened is a swtich on for something much bigger few years down the line.
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You know this region is where the oldest civilisation breathed, even before the Indus, Saraswati civilisation. Abundant and pure but slowly things changed as the riverbed dried up. Battles, fights started, race, religion became prominent and well this what it is till now largely, Religion trying to dominate the other human.
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But Thank you for stopping by after long Yeti. Its always a pleasure to have you, your name. Your review is well spot-on. Questions will be asked.
My wishes, please eat well. Take care of your health.
Nara x
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Such powerful curation of images, Narayn. A terrible tragedy, it’s hard to say any more.
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Michael. I had been away for sometime but had your memory somehow. Yes, a grim time. And this is how it is going to be and even start getting worse in coming years.
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I hope you are well. And doing something constructive. Thank you again dear friend.
Narayan x
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The photos are grim but they tell the story. I seem to recall that the Russians also failed to “take” Afghanistan and their army retreated with many of the troops not getting paid and going hungry. History repeats itself but not one seems to remember that.
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Yes dear Anne. Too much for seeking power.
History repeats itself and lets just hope now when it does, she is kinder.
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Thank you so much Dear Anne
I hope you are well and enjoying waiting now for the winters are coming.
Narayan x
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We may flee south to warmer climates this winter. I hope you are well too !
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This post of yours have captured almost all aspects of the Afghan issue. Biden is a disaster for US, and may be for the world as a whole. Thank you, Narayan ji for the pictorial presentation of the tragedy that has unfolded on the humanity. A big salute to brave photojournalists. We have seen what happened to Danish Siddiqui. But your prediction appears scary. It will be disastrous, if it comes true. As always, your post is superb. But can you clarify why you have mentioned that the world will never know about the origin of corona. What’s your gut feeling?
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Yes, Kaushal Ji. I had known Danish from far. He was a senior and had his image in my mind while making this a quiet tribute to him and many others who lost their lives or some escaped along the way.
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So kind of you, Narayan ji for stating this. I didn’t know Danish, but felt pain in my heart.
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Kaushal Ji, it is apparent that we have been denied to call it is a Wuhan or a Chinese Virus. No one can claim its origin as Natural or Lab based. And How?
The Chinese over last decades have been working so hard in making money and giving it away to every narrative building organisation that almost none speaks against them.
It may have gone out of their hands, as it slowed their own progress and garnered such a bad name that it now feels a work of Karma, but at least for few years down the line, i do not think any Western power can demand or carry an investigation in China.
But i do see an extremely bad period for them, for the Communist Regime between 2028-2035. To an extent that it could be the only period when Tibet might just come out of their claws.
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Thank you for explaining the facts in detail. Chinese tricks are quite obvious, but I liked this prediction of yours regarding China and Tibet. I pray let this come true. Thanks again!
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Just this Kaushal Ji. Also thank you for making me write this.
Pranam
Narayan x
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It’s my pleasure, Narayan ji. Thank you.
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your images are truly visceral my friend. Honestly, I cannot place blame here in anyway. I do feel like the woman soldier with tears streaming down my face.
The human condition is not comprehensible nor is continuing a battle that can’t be won.
Peace out my dear friend. Namaste 💖🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️
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Dearest Cindy, so well that by the time you came here to write you remembered Woman soldier’s face. It is truly something to feel her quiet fury, almost taking it all within her, and letting it go with a salute.
You know even though we see it as many versions of war or violence but it anyhow is inevitable, what happened in AF is completely their making.
I agree with you but as a human watching over can only surmise that the transformation could have been a bit slow.
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Thank you so much Narayan,
Yes, it is etched in my soul and mind now.
Totally true on that end.
I can never judge I know that and I believing in something other than Trumpster to the dumpster makes my heart happy. 💖🙏🙏
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I hope you are well now, after the poem which i really felt came out like fire inside Cindy.
Any plans of coming to India and meditate/Travel here 🙂 ?
Namaste
Narayan
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Oh I’m always well in one way or another Narayan, thanks for asking.
I would love to come but I can’t talk my India friend about the block to visit yet and zi defer to her… she said maybe 3 years… seems looong but what do I know?! 💖
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Reblogged this on The Foreign Correspondent: A Site of "Revealing Interviews" of a Foreign Correspondent, the Journalist and Writer and commented:
Great photos, Narayan
All the best
“waking up early-bird” c
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It makes me angry to realize that my country no longer stands for the spirit of goodness around the world. Your pictures make that very clear.
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I apologise that you felt anger dear friend. My intent is not at all to blame anyone anymore, rather this was a heart filled tribute to the people who had been documenting what i would have loved too.
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As we know all things have a reason and it is now apparent that Afghani people should take up the responsibility for their own future. We can only support once they start supporting themselves.
Thank you for writing this Usfman.
Narayan x
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Shocking images…
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Well, it was all real. All this actually happened.
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And again thank you for writing Ankur.
Narayan x
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What is happening in Afghanistan is very bad
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Yes Nana Ji and well nothing can be done rather, it shall be however it is going because nature has her own way.
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I feel 20 years is long enough. The journalists are to be honored for bravery.
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Long Long time. Absolutely, i feel in the current age these war journalists are the most underrated people working on planet.
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They are courageous and fill a most important role. x
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True. Even though there is almost nothing coming out of such regions and whatever little, thanks and much more to them.
Holly, thank you again.
Narayan x
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Also Thank you so much Holly. Thank you for reading and sharing.
Narayan x
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xx
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Thank you for posting this! Powerful truth.
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Dawn thank you for writing this. And making your point, bringing a tinge of confidence in me as well.
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You’re a good writer! You say it like it is. Thank you!
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Also as it became increasingly important for me to highlight their work amongst looming sword on them every moment. Thank you again for writing.
Narayan x
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Reblogged this on worldtraveller70.
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Thanks. Very good you did.
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I cannot add anything here. I am heartbroken! My sense of humanity is torn apart and still, I pray for peace 🙏
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Thanks for your detail in this article.
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Thanks for writing.
Narayan x
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You are very welcome.
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This president does not represent the majority of people here, many are convinced his election was rigged. We’re all busy with living, but some people do take time to stand up against this. I just don’t think it makes the news coverage often. It’s sickening the families in Afghanistan are experiencing this.
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Yes, it seemed like. Not just democrats but world like it was made sure for Trump to not be back at the office.
And for AF its only getting worse, and it will of course in another year or two. I though hope now that the US becomes stable in its decision making.
Thanks for writing Daw. Absolute honor to speak with you.
Narayan x
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Yep. Indeed.
Likewise
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Whilst I agree that Joe Biden seemed unprepared for the exit from Afghanistan and that in general he is not thee best prepared with foreign policies, I should say I do believe he did quite well in the circumstances. He was not privy to Trump’s negotiations with the Taliban over the heads of the Afghan Government. He just inherited the agreement. It could, it should have been done better as the heart wrenching photographs show. He does have the support of the majority of American voters hence him sitting in the White House and not Trump (to the benefit of the World) and we can only hope he and his Goverrnment intend to follow a plan to peace in the world. Personally
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Hello David,
Yes, but isn’t it strange that a politician who has served in governments, and for decades as a foreign minister, advisor is said to be not the best to take over foreign policies! More so when US’s work is more outside than there is internally. but of course, it had to happen and they could have managed things better for themselves and for the region around. You won’t believe but their image has been dented badly. They did not take their allies into confidence, and we can see this with the new news regarding Submarine that came which fired France up. So yes, something’s happening with the US’s policies and the world is changing faster.
Peace as they say dear David, will only come after war. Dragon is all set to fire, and it will happen in next five years.
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Thank you so much for engaging, for your valuable view which made this conversation possible. Thank you again.
Narayan x
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Personally I hope the Afghani’s achieve what they want starting with real stability an none of the cruelty the Taliban are famed for. Keep taking such photographs that tell such a graphic story.
Huge Hugs
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Dearest David, i hope so too but it all will go on like this against our hopes. Pak, China will mine its people and this country off their resources still for some years to come.
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My Wishes to you and hugs 🙂
Narayan x
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Thank you for collecting and posting these. Naked truth of the horrors and terrible suffering of war. I will not comment on the politics but I am happy that the American war there has been (ostensibly) finally ended. And thank you for your kind comments on my blog. Paul
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You have got a beautiful name for the blog. And felt wonderful to learn about your association with Kashmir Shaivism. I was myself living the last Kashmiri Shaiva master’s family in Srinagar where Ashram still runs.
Here, i agree with you Paul that somehow, however it may came down to, but at last it came to an end.
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it is lovely to have hour kind acquaintance here. I am not aware, at least through your blog if you have come to India, but if ever i will happy to help you and have you here.
My wishes and strength to you
Narayan x
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What happened in Afghanistan is very really unfortunate,
Thanks for sharing these information..
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You are absolutely right. Its very helpless how it all happened.
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Thank you again.
Narayan x
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This is a stunning piece. Really like the way you set down a background for the photos to shine through abd tell their own stories.
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Lovely to find your words here, all photographic essays here on the blog get their setting like the one coming up tomorrow, you will understand as you have a terrific resume impressing upon many ordeals.
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Thank you again for writing.
Narayan x
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