The analogy between Giuseppe Tornatore’s masterpiece Malena and the situation in Afghanistan has always fascinated me. One is a victim of its unique geographical location and the other suffers because of her provocative beauty. Both have their admirers and detractors. Both deal with hypocritical and marauding forces masquerading as good Samaritans. If one is a geographical incident, the other a symmetrical progeny of nature.
Both have no choice in what they are. If one bears the brunt of its location, the other that of her charm. Both are looked on as booty. Both are denied dignity, self-respect and honour. Regrettably, one is considered only a piece of land and the other just a piece of flesh.
Rashid Khan
Mardan