Just a couple of weeks ago, I was heartened to see the Afghan news media flourishing. However, there are warnings that that flourishing will quite likely be stifled due to an approaching new Taliban-like law. Mainstream media here in the States aren't telling the story, but one intrepid reporter is.
The law will reverse plans to make RTA a public broadcaster, bringing it under strict state control instead. All state and private media organizations will fall under the supervision of the Religious and Cultural Affairs Commission of the parliament, headed by Mohammed Mohaqeq. Mohaqeq maintains a large private militia, backed by Iran, and is accused of gross human rights violations for his Hizb-e-Wahdat faction's role in the civil war of the early 1990's.
"Never let them intimidate you. Never. If someone tries, do me a favor and work just a little harder on your story." -- David Halberstam, speaking to Columbia students, 2005
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