Wednesday, 02-25-2009

Global Classroom: Afghanistan on our Minds and in the Classroom

Afghanistan. What images come to your mind? A poor, war-torn nation? A rugged landlocked country? World’s largest producer of opium? Or do you picture a beautiful mountainous country that has been an ancient crossroads of trade and migration? Do you imagine a land of great natural resources such as gold, silver, uranium, iron, and coal with potentially significant petroleum and natural gas reserves? Do you think of it as an important geostrategic location? What images would your students picture?

Join us this evening as we turn our attention to Afghanistan – a country that some would say has been neglected for years. Overshadowed by the war in Iraq, it has drawn little attention until recently when the levels of violence have exceeded those in Iraq. Although improving the situation in Afghanistan at first glance seems like a military task…it is just as much as political and economic endeavor. As the population struggles with the rising unrest, many still suffer from shortages of jobs, medical care, housing, transportation, and clean water. There is growing dissatisfaction with the Karzai administration, with complaints increasing over governmental corruption and abuses of power. Economic development is barely limping along. Despite increased donations from around the world, Afghanistan's living standards remain some of the lowest in the world.

Join us for a very special evening focusing on Afghanistan. UW Anthropology Professor Cabeiri Robinson will be delivering a brief historical and cultural overview of Afghanistan. She will then focus on the major ethnic groups and regions of Afghanistan in the 20th century. Finally, she will discuss how the armed conflicts of the 80s and 90s changed the socio-cultural landscape of Afghanistan to help us understand the Afghanistan of 2009. Special note: this evening will also feature guest speakers from Afghanistan and Americans who have worked there. Also included is: Afghan food, three clock hours, and up-to-date teaching resources. Don’t miss this! Co-sponsored by the Center for Global Studies, University of Washington.

Note: Because parking prices decrease after 4:00 pm, registration and the buffet is now from 4:00 – 4:30 pm; the program is from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. You could also come early and find on street parking.