Andy Nelson - staff

Smiles and hope in Afghanistan

Even in this war-torn country, life has lighter moments.

By Andy Nelson / | Staff photographer of The Christian Science Monitor

from the May 12, 2008 edition

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Staff photographer Andy Nelson visited a field of Afghani kites.

There are plenty of stories and photographs out of Afghanistan about war and misery. But I believe that every so often it's good to see Afghans enjoying life – laughing, playing, smiling. That's why, on a late March day, I found myself on a dusty field chasing kites and kids, and sharing in the fun. This is the too-often-unseen Afghanistan; the normal, everyday people who live in a country with rich traditions, broad smiles, and growing hopes – but incredible challenges. As the sun slowly sank behind the mountains, I left the field glad that I had seen the brighter side of Afghanistan.