Afghan Blogger

While researching my trip, I came across the blog of an Afghan named Nasim Fekrat. This is how he describes himself on his blog:

My name is Nasim Fekrat and I'm 25 years old. I born in the land of pain and injustice. Whatever I want for myself, I wish for the others. I write from Kabul. I write what I see and what I hear. I am the winner of the in 2005 Freedom of Expression Blog Awards of RSF (Reporters without Borders) - France among seven Bloggers throughout the world. I am obviously a defender of freedom of expression and independent media free of threats and intimidation. I want to highlight the problems of my society in an independent manner, without fear and in a non-partisan manner in regards any group or political interest in Afghanistan.

I 've had several e-mail correspondences with him and I've learned that he is an amazing young man. He sees blogs as an alternative media source. He writes that most of the Afghan media is slanted by political parties. He believes that blogs are an alternative method for getting the truth out about what is happening in his country. For more about Nasim, see this recent article in Slate.

His mission is to teach Afghans about blogging. He has held workshops and is planning more. He is seeking donations of money as well as computer equipment including laptops and memory sticks. If interested in making a donation, please let me know. I'm planing to meet him when I'm in Kabul.

Click here to see his amazing pictures of Afghanistan.