Why Are Afghans Smiling? washingtonpost

Afghanistan has been at war more or less continuously for more than 30 years. The country has been invaded and effectively destroyed multiple times. With frequent reports of clashes and strife over the upcoming presidential election, most polls depict Afghans on the brink of an abyss and cite growing frustration with the violence, the United States and the international community.

A certain level of stability, of course, is necessary for society to function. -- Afghans don't think their lives compare well to the lives of people elsewhere, but they are optimistic that they will live better in the future. Why Are Afghans Smiling?

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