9 Things to Love About Afghanistan · Global Voices

This post is an edited version of a post that appeared first on the author's blog, A New Stone of Hope.

Overseas, the word Afghanistan strikes fear into many people's hearts, while some are quick to conflate it with the Taliban movement that ruled the country from 1996 to 2001 and continues to seek power through arms.

Overseas, the word Afghanistan strikes fear into many people's hearts, while some are quick to conflate it with the Taliban movement that ruled the country from 1996 to 2001 and continues to seek power through arms.

But beyond politics, Afghanistan is a source of great inspiration and resolve for its long-suffering citizens, for a number of reasons.

So, before asking the more frequently posed question of why so many Afghans are prepared to leave the country of their birth, perhaps it would be better to ask why so many stay?

1. It is one of the youngest countries in the world, and children are its pride

Afghanistan is the fifth youngest country in the world, with 68% of its population under 25. This booming demographic creates risks and opportunities. Young people want to grow their stake in the country's development and it is up to older generations to allow them to do that.

With hope, opportunities will be created for youth to serve their conflict-torn developing country, rather than advanced developed countries.

While many young people are ensnared by extremist groups, narcotics addiction and poverty, the youth of Afghanistan remains the country's greatest untapped resource, and its only hope for a better future.

Decades of conflict in Afghanistan have provided an opportunity for politicians and outside forces to harness the country's diversity to stir conflict between communities. But diversity remains the core of Afghanistan's national heritage and an inspiration to a great part of the population. 

- Read More, Globalvoices

9 Things to Love About Afghanistan · Global Voices

This post is an edited version of a post that appeared first on the author's blog, A New Stone of Hope.