about
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has been in and out of the headlines over the past few years. Its connections with the Taliban and certain high level terrorists have kept it a familiar name with news readers. What they don’t seem to cover on the bulletins however, is that Christians are greatly oppressed in the society.
After 9/11 2001 the Afghan Taliban leadership was overthrown although some parts of Sharia Law [strict Islamic Law] remain in place. Outside of the capital there is strong pressure from radical Islamic movements. The pressure from society on every Afghan individual who changes his religion is very tough. Most Afghan believers keep their faith mainly to themselves. There is heavy pressure from the family and from local religious leaders on anyone who changes his religion. Anyone who is known to have changed his religion runs the risk to get killed.
The Northern part of the country is under the control of various warlords who pay lip service to the central government, but every one of them has his own private militia. Many of the militia are waiting for the departure of foreign troops in the country, so they can start fighting again. Weapons are still available on a wide scale.
The number of believers is increasing. Many Afghan people are weary and tired of war and violence and have started to ask questions about Christianity. Foreign humanitarian and relief agencies are allowed to work in the country, even though proselytizing – evangelism – is absolutely forbidden. But with the overthrow of the Taliban there are now greater opportunities for sharing the good news about Jesus.
A great book for background reading is ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini.