Well publishing after a two-year hiatus does qualify the magazine for being labeled "whimsical". During this time we endeavored three times to publish, but overwhelmed with activities we were unable. Nonetheless, afghanmagazine.com has also fascinated readers by publishing analytical articles, insightful personal essays, contemporary prose and poetry, rare travelogues, historical critiques, artwork by leading artists and much more.

When our magazine emerged in 1997, there were no Afghan e-zines. The Taliban ruled Afghanistan and the entire Afghan Diaspora was arrested in a state of depression. We published our last issue in December 2001 after catastrophic and significant changes around the world. We are not trying to be apologetic for our whimsical publishing habits but the staff of afghanmagazine.com became swamped with demanding tasks inside and outside of their communities not to mention completing school, falling in and out of love, getting engaged and married, moving, traveling back to Afghanistan and all other things not related to publication.

Just to name a few personal items-- I had the opportunity to give many lectures on Afghan art and history, curate five art exhibits, lead the first post-911 art and culture tour to Afghanistan from the US and co-produce a documentary film on Afghan music--to just name a few accomplishments. And the list of accomplishments for the staff is even longer.

In this issue, we have two feature articles: Dr. Amin Azimi examines the psychological condition of Afghans inside Afghanistan; Mir Hekmatullah Sadat presents an extensive look at the history of modern education in Afghanistan. Giving our first look at contemporary art inside Afghanistan, the artwork of artist Hamdard is featured. Pia Torelli presents a sample of her work from her photo exhibit "War and Peace" originally displayed in San Francisco City Hall. A translated version of prolific fiction writer Spozhmai Zaryab's haunting short story is featured. And co-editor Zaheda Ghani presents a new poem.

We hope that you find this issue fascinating and promise to regiment our whimsical nature. Please note that we will publish on a standard monthly basis. The amount of content will be less, but our intent is quality of work rather than quantity of publication as evident by our history.

Nevertheless, we have now published. As always, we look forward in reading your feedback and comments. We also encourage Afghan writers and also those writing about Afghanistan to contribute work for future publications.

Farhad Azad
Publisher