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/ 30 January 2007

Afghan actresses risk reputation to follow dreams

In the Afghan city of Herat, where there are no cinemas, Rahima, Rita, Mariam and Monirah are women of ill repute. But in following their dreams to become actresses in a country where just five years ago film and theatre were banned under the Taliban government, the women are mavericks trying to bring culture to their war-ravaged homeland.

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/ 18 November 2006

Nato sends aid to flood-hit Afghanistan

Heavy flooding has killed at least 52 people in north-western Afghanistan and left scores more missing this week, and Nato airlifted emergency aid on Saturday, officials said. Governor of badly hit Badghis province Mohammad Nasim Tokhi said at least 50 people were still missing and more than 1 000 people were homeless.

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/ 21 June 2005

Afghan women gain with weights

They don’t wear lycra and some keep their headscarves on while they work out, but the Shafaq Women’s Bodybuilding Club represents a small revolution for women in the conservative western Afghan city of Herat. ”When I come to this club by my own choice I feel I am free and independent,” says 25-year-old Masooda, who works out there.