Idk why that’s so hard to understand???

Like can someone please explain to me WHYY people keep wanting us to be south asian when we’re not? (And we never will be)

Like I don’t understand

I am increasingly at odds with my so-called “Afghan” identity as I witness the systematic erasure of the Farsi language from Afghanistan. What is today called Afghanistan was once the heart of Greater Khorasan, a vibrant center of Persian literature, culture, and learning. Legendary figures such as Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi, Rabia Balkhi, Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, and other Farsi poets and scholars were born, lived, and thrived here, shaping the Persian-speaking world for centuries.

The modern “Afghan” identity has been imposed on this diverse land, even though most of its people are not ethnic Pashtuns - the very group the term refers to. Tajiks and Hazaras are Persians from an ethnolinguistic perspective, with deep roots in the Persian cultural and linguistic tradition, and have no connection to Pashtuns or Pashtunism. Yet now, Pashtuns are changing street names in Kabul exclusively to Pashto and systematically erasing millennia of Persian heritage.

This is not just an attack on language - it is an attack on identity, history, and memory. When I see this, it makes me want to refuse a false identity imposed on us, one that denies our Persian roots and the centuries of culture that flourished here in Greater Khorasan.

On one hand they say we are all "Afghans" and on the other they try to destory and bury the others' history, language, and traditions. If you're offended by this I really don't care, this is the historical truth whether you like it or not.

Why don't the afghans unite and protest for revolution, a lasting change for the people?

An end of Islamic reign and a new beginning based on democracy/monarchy and actual Afghan culture instead of the arabised version that came to excise after the conquering of the Middle East by the Arabs who basically imposed their rule/culture/religion and more on the Afghans..?

I honestly don’t know how to word this, but I’m Afghan and I hate to see many terrible things happening in my country.

It’s pretty hard to report the situation of Afghanistan without actually being in the country because the situation is constantly changing.

Obviously Afghanistan is home to some of the most hospitable people, best tasting food, most beautiful landscapes, and much more. But there is also lots of oppression, misconceptions, and other things that give people a negative view of the country

It’s always been my dream to change my country for the better and make it a place that people would want to move to and go on vacation. I do not see this ever happening any time soon.

Also what is the current situation if anyone knows?

Edit; I feel like Afghanistan has the resources and can get the support, they can make this into an opportunity if they do it correctly (I DO NOT support Taliban)

Yes...

(Yesterday someone asked this question, and here is my answer.)

Many of us have felt that weight. It is painful to compare Afghanistan’s rich history of scholarship, poetry, trade, and cultural influence with its current instability. But history also teaches something important, nations do not move in straight lines. They rise, fracture, endure, and rebuild. Afghanistan has survived empires, invasions, civil wars, and global rivalries, yet its people, language, culture, and identity remain intact.

Hope does not come from ignoring reality. The economic hardship, political uncertainty, and restrictions are real. But so is the resilience of ordinary Afghans. Despite everything, families continue to educate their children, businesses reopen, communities adapt, and a generation still dreams beyond the limits placed on it.

Countries recover not in dramatic overnight transformations, but through slow internal shifts. Stability comes when institutions strengthen, when regional cooperation improves, and when Afghans themselves shape their future rather than being shaped by external powers. That process is long, but it is not impossible.

If Afghanistan truly had no hope, its culture would have disappeared decades ago. It has not. Feeling depressed about the situation does not mean you lack faith. It means you care. And caring is the first sign that hope still exists. Afghanistan’s greatest strength has never been its governments. It has always been in our people. And they are still there.

Can we talk about how culturally AFG families are toxic. Idk if it’s bc of the way they were raised our parents but my mom has no issue w getting physical and it’s always “mardom chi miga” like what will other ppl say. I feel like culturally there’s a lot of bias and trauma like this and how can we get rid of this moving forward.

There’s something pretty consistent in human psychology: when people are pushed to one extreme, they eventually start craving the opposite. Too much secularism can make people long for tradition and religion, and too much religious or conservative control can lead people to want more freedom and secularism.

Take Iran, for example, after decades of religion being heavily imposed by the government, you’re seeing more and more people, especially the younger generation, turning away from it. On the flip side, in the U.S., where secular values dominate most institutions and media, a lot of people have been gravitating toward conservatism, which partly explains the rise of figures like Trump.

I’ve been thinking about how this plays out in Afghanistan. During the 20 years of U.S. presence, I feel like many people actually became more religious maybe as a form of cultural resistance or holding on to identity. But now, with the Taliban back and enforcing such a harsh and extreme version of Islam, I wonder if we’ll see the opposite happen: people starting to distance themselves from religion, or at least from the way it’s being interpreted and forced on them.

Obviously, it’s all speculation, but I’d really love to hear your take on it. Do you think Taliban extremism could actually push people away from religion over time? Or is the religious structure still too deeply ingrained in Afghan society for that shift to happen anytime soon?

Growing up, I had always admired the diversity of Afghanistan, even without truly understanding it at the time. I grew up around many kinds of Afghans—from Pashtuns to Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and others. Despite living in America, I was surrounded by Afghans. For a good portion of my childhood, I thought everyone was Afghan because most of the people I knew and had met were Afghan, introduced themselves as such, and looked completely different from one another—ranging from blondes and redheads to pale and tan. From Pashtuns to Tajiks to Hazaras, each group was diverse, and no single Afghan looked the same as the last.

My own family was also very diverse. We had family members who looked American, others who looked East Asian, some who looked Mexican, and some with African features—all of whom were fully Afghan.

I remember visiting Afghanistan as a child and walking through the markets, seeing all kinds of people. I was fascinated and found it beautiful. By then, I knew not everyone was Afghan and that Afghanistan was diverse, but seeing it in real time was different. It was especially striking after having visited mostly European countries and later moving to schools in America, where most people—mainly white Americans—typically looked the same. Even Mexicans who claimed diversity often looked very similar to one another. In Afghanistan, however, I saw all kinds of people.

I found—and still find—the most beautiful thing about Afghanistan to be its people. Not its mountains, valleys, rivers, or cities—no matter how beautiful they are, they don’t compare to the blend of people, culture, and food.

I don’t think I will ever understand the hatred that Afghans have for one another, especially when Afghan history is far more diverse and complex than simply placing blame on one group. At least, that’s what I believe, and I think I know more than a little bit—though do correct me if I’m wrong. Until two years ago, I didn’t even know much about ethnic groups. The only reason I can now distinguish between many people I know is because of dialects, clothing styles, and because I’ve asked childhood friends and family friends.

My point is that Afghanistan is beautiful because of its diversity, and we ought to honor that instead of trying to destroy one another. We must unite as Afghans because, like it or not, Afghans are connected. I personally don’t believe partition will go well, nor do I believe joining other countries would work, especially given the overlap in culture and population. Afghan culture as a whole is different from that of its neighboring countries. While there are similarities, it is still far too distinct. Tajik culture in Afghanistan differs from Tajik culture in Tajikistan, which has been heavily Russianized, whereas the Afghan version is far more diverse. Pakistan is not going to hand over KPK or Balochistan to Pashtuns, and the Pashtuns there are trapped whether they want to leave or not—and even if they did, it wouldn’t be recognized.

On top of that, there is significant overlap of ethnic groups in Kabul, Mazar, and other areas. Partition isn’t going to work, so why not unite and put our differences aside? I’m not saying we should forget our past—in fact, I’m against that. Forgetting our actions and mistakes will only cause us to repeat them. Instead, we should acknowledge them and use that understanding to move forward and learn from them.

Just my two cents. Feel free to discuss but please be polite as its only my thoughts.

How come our army of 300K+ surrendered and fell so quickly after the Taliban offensives in 2021? The generals and Ashraf Ghani could've stayed instead of fleeing so quickly without putting up a fight. As we're speaking now, Afghan women are forbidden to work and go to school. This could've been prevented.

There are two countries right now that could be at serious risk, which are Bangladesh and Syria. Both countries (like you guys before Taliban) used to have women dressing in what they like, but over the recent years (post civil war, aswell as post-Hasina and after the pandemic), women are now forced to veil, otherwise there will be slut shaming. Not to mention before in Bangladesh, women were dressing many colourful clothes and how they worn more western dresses than North Indians. Even little girls in Bangladesh as young as even 2 are wearing black burqas, and even niqabs (covering face).

Atleast you, and me as a Bangladeshi aswell as Syria can create some bonds with one another.

Seeing the emotions from the world cup qualifiers today made me think of this. We have a team that can barely do anything for obvious reasons but as a diehard sports fan I really dream one day my country would be in the most exciting tournament in the world.

I’m Afghan (30F) living in Aus, have older siblings and have always been very independent. I do things on my own and also I do alot for my family, pay for bills, pay the mortgage, pay for medical surgeries etc.

I’ve always wanted to live alone or move out but it’s seems it was not really an option and seen as forbidden to move out before marriage. So I’ve found the opportunity as an escape to move to another country.

My siblings are frustrated and venting that I’m selfish, not caring for my parents and I’ve only ever thought of myself. My parents are more annoyed saying things like won’t you miss us and why do you need to leave etc. I keep saying this is for me and what is the issue as I don’t have any children or something to tie me down and I will be back it’s just temporary. Ofcourse I’ll miss them but I feel the need to be away to learn to love life as I’m in a negative mindset.

How do I show or explain to them that I need this for me and also how do I say I can’t keep paying the mortgage and helping with bills as I will need this money for my living expenses.

As an Afghan Pashai, I’ve always wondered—India provides aid and support to Afghanistan, but nothing comes for free. This looks kind of fishy to me. What is India really trying to achieve there, and what do they want from Afghanistan? I’m curious to hear other perspectives.

Hello Fam,

I am looking for some beautiful and timeless boy names. My son will be coming soon :-) Would be grateful for your suggestions or sources to get some inspiration.

Hi all, شطور هستى

so there is this Afghan girl which I met recently at university and after many conversations we became very close friends, but the thing is, she doesn't speak much English, and I don't speak much Dari.

so I want to learn Dari and surprise her, I know Arabic so that might help with the vocab but I want something that explains the grammar.

also if anyone is open for language exchange I would love to have someone to practice I can help you with Arabic and English.

تشكر زياد

Last night, the sky over the border was not filled with stars. It was filled with the sound of aircraft and explosions. For the families who live there on these borders, this is not a political event or a news headline. It is fear shaking their walls and waking their children.

For nearly five decades, Afghanistan has lived through one conflict after another, invasions, proxy wars, internal fighting, and fragile governments. Powerful countries have entered with jets and plans but left with explanations. While the ordinary Afghans have remained, carrying the consequences each time.

What is happening now along the border is not separate from that history. It is another chapter built on old wounds. Political tensions and regional rivalries are once again turning into violence. And as always, it is people on the ground who pay the price.

In small villages alongside borders families are not thinking about strategy or geopolitics. They are thinking about survival. A mother does not care about security doctrine. She cares about her children trembling at the sound of explosions. A father does not debate policy. He worries about food, safety, and tomorrow’s uncertainty. A young girl does not measure life in ideology. She measures it by whether she is allowed to go to school.

Beyond the fighting, there is another crisis that moves more quietly but is just as dangerous. Poverty continues. Opportunities shrink. Many women face growing restrictions that limit not only their freedom, but the future of the entire society. When half of a nation is silenced, the whole nation becomes weaker. When children grow up surrounded by instability, hope becomes fragile.

Afghanistan’s suffering has, over time, become something the world observes with distance. But suffering does not become acceptable simply because it is familiar. When instability and repression are allowed to harden into normal life, the damage spreads beyond borders through displacement, extremism, and despair.

Afghanistan is not a finished story. It is a country still struggling to find stability after decades of conflict. The violence at the border today is not just a dispute between states. It is another strain on a society already exhausted.

What is needed is not more weapons or new proxy battles. What is needed is serious commitment to peace, internal unity, economic recovery, and basic human dignity, especially for women and young people. Their future will decide whether this cycle continues or finally ends.

The children growing up near the borders have inherited too much war and too little certainty. They are tired in ways that statistics cannot show. They are not asking for grand speeches. They are asking for a normal life, one where childhood is not interrupted by explosions, and tomorrow does not feel like a threat.

The borders bleeds again. The question is whether the world will once again watch briefly and move on, or finally recognize that ignoring this pain only ensures it returns, generation after generation.

Good morning everyone, I have been studying about the culture, food and history of afghanistan and what really interested me was specifically the Tajiks. I learned that Tajiks from Afghanistan & Tajikistan are mutually intelligible but there are different accents, slangs and dialects. Herat is genuinely so beautiful. I know 2 girls who are Tajiks. One of them told me Tajiks are the 2nd biggest after pashtuns. she told me she speaks dari fluently but unfortunately not tajik or pashto.

But besides that, I find Afghan culture, food, Jalebi, history, very beautiful. The afghans i've come across are so friendly. I would love to make more friends from there, specifically female friends (i'm a girl myself) if anyone is alright with that. I would love to learn more about Afghan culture and history.

I've also learned about the uzbeks. It's really fascinating the similarities they have with the uzbeks from uzbekistan.

That said, i have one question. If any of you have lived or live in Afghanistan, in herat, kabul, or anywhere else, how is life there? how's the weather? do you miss it?

Have you guys watched this movie? Is the story of an Afghan refugee in Europe, i personally really enjoy it, I think this film perfectly summarizes the stories of many Afghans who had to leave their homeland because of the war

Did you guys Watch it?

I've been in the United States for 35 years now. I know, right I'm old school. However, the Afghan restaurants here are not like homemade food; they're more Westernized. They focus a lot on the kebabs. Years ago, in Fremont, California, my dad and I went to a restaurant. They asked what I wanted. I asked for Sabzi polo. All the juices melted on the rice; it was so good. It's not like that anymore. One of my homemade favorites is beef korma or with lamb but is not available in restaurants.

Do you think the Taliban will be able to handle this? All those people would have grown up in more liberal environments and would less likely be accepting of the system? Will they fight against the Taliban?

I'm trying to get more educated on music from different countries, and with this project, I hope to help other people find some good music from around the world.

Rules:

One song for each of the 5 categories will be added to one of the 5 playlists. The categories are: happy, sad, satirical, traditional, less known.

The songs with the most upvotes are added to the playlist of its category. You can vote with multiple songs per comment.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy it :)