Afghan Bloodsport

The below image was shot last February in Kabul, Afghanistan. It is one of a series I did, kneeling in the snow and shooting few images Westerners ever see. This is Afghanistan. The men in the image are Tajiks; their long shalwar kameez tunics identify them. This photograph was made on the city's outskirts far away from NATO military influence. I was there with three western friends, one of whom was also a photographer. The other two were security operators. We were the only Westerners there amongst 1500 or so Afghans and I was the only woman there at all. We were treated kindly and even given prime access as photographers.

These dogs are not fought to the death. They are far too valuable, this is a betting sport and all dogs live to fight another day. I just recorded the image and tried to stay aloof from the morality of the sport. The intensity of the handlers is, in my opinion, what makes the image.

I will tell you I had a 9mm handgun in my coat. One week to the day after this event, 120 people were killed in a suicide bombing in Kandahar attending the same sort of affair. One cannot be too careful. There's really no defense against a bombing, but kidnapping in Afghanistan is a growth business and one should be prepared for anything. I strongly advise against unaccompanied travel in Afghanistan.

Wendy

Amazing stuff Wendy, and a great image. What are you doing in Afghanistan yourself?

Nill

Wendy: you have some brass ones. Afghanistan was a hairy place BEFORE the wars. I remember being in a restaurant in Peshawar, Pakistan, in 1972. A bunch of guys tied up their horses and came in to eat wearing crossed bandoliers of 7.62 rounds and carrying rifles. They were bandits (banditry is still legal in Afghanistan, and they had crossed over to Peshawar to sell booty). I bought them some sweets and tea and we got along fine. Nevertheless, I breathed easier after I left.

Are you doing photojournalism there?

Best,

Doug

I am working for an NGO- we are involved in USAID contracting. I spent eight months in Afghanistan after having worked for two years in Iraq. I am back in Baghdad now; I left Afghanistan in May of this year. Who knows where the next gig will be...

I really enjoyed Afghanistan. It's not as restrictive, movement-wise, as is Baghdad. Here it's checkpoint after checkpoint and wandering around outside of secured areas even with security is out of the question.

Wendy