Article

2010-09-09 Afghanistan

Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.

Posted by Besoeker 2010-09-09 01:28|| || Front Page|| [8 views ] Top

#1 You sound surprised.

Posted by g(r)omgoru 2010-09-09 01:37|| 2010-09-09 01:37|| Front Page Top

#2 James A. Michener's classic novel Caravans, set in Afghanistan in 1946, has an extensive description of this depraved dancing boy tradition.

*Spoilers*

The hero, a young American diplomat named Mark Miller, and his Afghan traveling companions watch a troup of them in Kandahar. They are accompanied by a German doctor who carries on a desultory practice in the town. After the show, a tribesman from the hills and a local policeman both try to buy the prize dancer for the night. Miller and his friends recognize the tribesman. They had given him a lift into town earlier in the day, commenting on his unusual apparel, a European style woman's coat that is apparently the man's prize possession. A fight breaks out, the policeman is killed and the tribesman arrested.

The next day, Miller, his westernized Afghan companions and the German doctor witness the aftermath as the dead policeman's father takes his lawful revenge under the supervision of local mullahs.
Miller is horrified when he learns what is to happen: A ritual beheading in the town square. His Afghan friends are humiliated but they stay with Miller as the scene unfolds. Before the actual cutting can begin, the German doctor rushes into the street and remonstrates with the father and the judges. Miller is relieved until he learns that the doctor only wants the father to work from the other side of the body so the light will be better for the photographs the doctor intends to take.
The father politely changes sides and goes to work with a rusty bayonet. He finishes and triumphantly waves the head to the cheering crowd.

The scene ends with the dancing boy and the avenged father walking away arm-in-arm. The father is wearing the now very dead tribesman's prize possession, the fancy coat. Miller is overwhelmed with the bizarre hellish insanity of the scene and goes into uncontrollable fits of laughter, while his Afghan friends are utterly disgusted and ashamed.

The whole thing is described in exacting, even mesmerizing, detail, including the homo-erotic dance and, later, the gruesome beheading. Michener, who went to Afghanistan to research the book, says in his notes that he did not actually witness such a scene but arrived in a small town just days after one. A European doctor had in fact intervened to improve the lighting for his pictures and had helpfully supplied Michener with copies.

Posted by Atomic Conspiracy 2010-09-09 05:32|| 2010-09-09 05:32|| Front Page Top

#3 No B-Ker, this isn't why we're over here for. The Brothers who we lower the flag for (about twice a week on average here in RC-South) are killed keeping the fight on this side of the pond, away from the USA. 9-11 was a Painful Home Game, now we are trying to make all the rest "Away" games. I just Pray that the current Administration will let us do what we need to do.

For God and Country, Bodyguard

Posted by Bodyguard 2010-09-09 09:12|| 2010-09-09 09:12|| Front Page Top

#4 From home and hearth, thank for that important reminder, dear Bodyguard.

Fondly,
trailing wife

Posted by trailing wife 2010-09-09 18:18|| 2010-09-09 18:18|| Front Page Top

#5 Yes I know Bodyguard. Far too many ramp ceremonies. Far too many.

Posted by Besoeker 2010-09-09 18:38|| 2010-09-09 18:38|| Front Page Top

#6 http://articles.sfgate.com/2010-08-29/opinion/22949948_1_karzai-family-afghan-men-president-hamid-karzai

screw the bbc, they are spineless onn so many counts.

Posted by Kojo Cromble5733 2010-09-09 18:43|| 2010-09-09 18:43|| Front Page Top

#7 amen, Bodyguard, and thanks

Posted by Frank G 2010-09-09 20:18|| 2010-09-09 20:18|| Front Page Top

#8 Charlie Mike, BG.

Posted by Skidmark 2010-09-09 22:51|| 2010-09-09 22:51|| Front Page Top

23:31 anonymous2u
23:16 DarthVader
23:14 DarthVader
23:10 Barbara Skolaut
23:02 KBK
22:59 DarthVader
22:59 Skidmark
22:57 Sprocket Muppet
22:51 Skidmark
22:49 Frank G
22:47 Skidmark
22:38 Skidmark
22:34 Frank G
22:34 retired LEO
22:28 borgboy
22:25 borgboy
22:22 borgboy
22:22 Procopius2k
22:03 Halliburton - Mysterious Conspiracy Division
22:01 Barbara Skolaut
21:54 Barbara Skolaut
21:46 DMFD
21:43 swksvolFF
21:42 DMFD