In this issue, we provide an thorough look into the acclaimed novel The Kite Runner; Mir Hekmatullah Sadat gives a historical background and discusses the socio-political themes of the novel; Arley Loewen, Literature and Persian Culture Specialist at the University of Toronto, offers an in-depth overview of the book; and we follow-up with an open interview with the author Khaled Hosseini.

Also in this edition, journalist Fariba Nawa chronicles in a photo essay her summer 2002 cross-country road trip through Afghanistan. We review Japanese director Naofumi Nakamura's documentary Marina. And the cover entitled "Old Man" ("Pir Mard") is by artist Hashim Sanjar.

We hope that you enjoy this issue. We look forward in reading your feedback and comments. We encourage Afghan writers and those writing about Afghanistan to contribute work for future publications.

Farhad Azad
Publisher