The Occasional Odd Thought

Razistan is a newish Tumblr site devoted to telling original stories from Afghanistan. Founded by a host of acclaimed photographers, writers, and editors (Pieter Ten Hoopen, Sandra Calligaro, Javier Manzano, Fardin Waezi, among others) the group aims to keep attention focused on Afghanistan now the the US’s, the world’s, and the media’s eyes have moved on. There’s a kickstarter funding campaign (72% funded as of this writing). It’s always an ambitious project to fight against the prevailing media of the moment, but Razistan is well under way. There’s a great deal of compelling imagery on their Tumblr site already, and the success of their kickstarter campaign will allow them to do more exhibitions, publications, workshops for local journalists, and more.

Now following. Some great photos there.

(via Worth a look: Razistan)

Afghans gather to celebrate Afghan New Year (Nowruz) in Kabul, March 20, 2012. Afghanistan uses the Persian calendar which runs from the vernal equinox. The calendar takes as its start date the time when the Prophet Mohammad moved from Mecca to Medina in 621 AD. The current Persian year is 1391. (Omar Sobhani/Reuters)

(via Afghanistan: March 2012 - The Big Picture - Boston.com)

timelightbox:

Stringer—REUTERS

The Best Pictures of the Week, September 30 – October 7; from around the world off of the wire. See more here. 

inothernews:

VALOR   President Obama applauded after awarding Dakota Meyer, a former active duty Marine Corps Corporal, the Medal of Honor.  In September, 2009, Meyer ignored orders to stay put and fought his way five times into an ambush in an Afghan ravine, helping to rescue three dozen comrades and to recover the remains of four dead American servicemen.  He is now a sergeant in the inactive service.   (Photo: Doug Mills / The New York Times)

My colleague Gretel C. Kovach of The San Diego Union-Tribune wrote a gripping story about Cpl. Meyer’s actions that day.