Kabul

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 7: A woman and her son, prays over the grave of her 26-year-old son who had died in an accident at the Qadamghah shrine October 7, 2010 of Kabul's Saghi District, Afghanistan. According to reports, Afghan and Pakistani officials are meeting in Kabul in hopes of ending the nine-year-old war.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 2: New Afghan National Army (ANA) arrivals get a briefing from their commander at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) on October 2, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. There are between 5,000 to 7,000 troops on the training facility in eight week cycles trained by the coalition forces to ultimately take over the role of military operations in the country. Each training cycle consists of one battalion, which is referred to as a 'kandak.' Every kandak contains three constituent training companies undergoing a variety of training regimens. In an attempt to dissolve anti-government militant groups, the Karzai administration has offered cash and vocational training to encourage members to join the ANA. As of July 2010 the Afghan National Army consists of 134,000 active troops and is expected to double within the next 2 years. The current goal of the Afghan Ministry of Defense is to expand the ANA to about 260,000 troops at a cost of $20 billion, which is supported by U.S. President Barack Obama.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: A health worker looks through a microscope at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans pass through a hallway at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: An Afghan recieves treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 15: Afghans recieve treatment for a tropical skin disease at a clinic on May 15, 2010 south of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan capital, Kabul, has one of the highest concentrations of the disfiguring skin disease, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a parasitic disease transmitted by the phlebotomine sand fly. The World Health Organization estimated the number of cases in Kabul jumped from 17,000 in early 2000 to around 65,000 in 2009; the disease is non-lifethreatening and treatable with medication.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 26: Afghan student Marjan Fidaye,11, gets violin instruction from Allegra Boggess, an American volunteer teacher from Denver,Colorado at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music on September 26, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan's first and only music high school opened in June and now has 150 students, including 27 girls. The Taliban regime, from 1996 to 2001 banned all music, forcing many musicians to put away their instruments or go into exile. The school's aim is to revive long-neglected musical traditions using both Afghan and foreign instructors. 25 students were recruited from the war-ravaged country's large number of orphans and street children. There is a host of donor governments, international music colleges and instrument suppliers.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 01: Afghan children live in a refugee camp in Karti Parwan district on October 1, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since 2001 more than a million Afghan refugees who fleed to Pakistan and Iran returned back to the country, most of whom remain homeless.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 26: Marjan Fidaye,11, takes a break during orchestra practice at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music on September 26, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan's first and only music high school opened in June and now has 150 students, including 27 girls. The Taliban regime, from 1996 to 2001 banned all music, forcing many musicians to put away their instruments or go into exile. The school's aim is to revive long-neglected musical traditions using both Afghan and foreign instructors. 25 students were recruited from the war-ravaged country's large number of orphans and street children. There is a host of donor governments, international music colleges and instrument suppliers.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 26: A close up of a music sheet for students at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music September 26, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan's first and only music high school opened in June and now has 150 student, including 27 girls. The Taliban regime, from 1996 to 2001 banned all music, forcing many musicians to put away their instruments or go into exile. The school's aim is to revive long-neglected musical traditions using both Afghan and foreign instructors. 25 students were recruited from the war-ravaged country's large number of orphans and street children. The program is being supported by donor governments, international music colleges and instrument suppliers.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 01: Afghan children live in a refugee camp in Karti Parwan district on October 1, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since 2001 more than a million Afghan refugees who fleed to Pakistan and Iran returned back to the country, most of whom remain homeless.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 01: An Afghan man lives in a refugee camp in Karti Parwan district on October 1, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since 2001 more than a million Afghan refugees who fleed to Pakistan and Iran returned back to the country, most of whom remain homeless.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 26: Afghan students Samiullah,13, (right) and Rahullah,14 play the Delroba, a traditional Afghan instrument at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music September 26, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan's first and only music high school opened in June and now has 150 student, including 27 girls. The Taliban regime, from 1996 to 2001 banned all music, forcing many musicians to put away their instruments or go into exile. The school's aim is to revive long-neglected musical traditions using both Afghan and foreign instructors. 25 students were recruited from the war-ravaged country's large number of orphans and street children. The program is being supported by donor governments, international music colleges and instrument suppliers.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 26: American cellist and music teacher Robin Ryczek from Boston, Massachusetts instructs Fekiria,14, at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music September 26, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan's first and only music high school opened in June and now has 150 student, including 27 girls. From 1996 to 2001 the Taliban regime banned all music, forcing many musicians to put away their instruments or go into exile. The school's aim is to revive long-neglected musical traditions using both Afghan and foreign instructors. 25 students were recruited from the war-ravaged country's large number of orphans and street children. The program is being supported by donor governments, international music colleges and instrument suppliers.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 01: Afghan children live in a refugee camp in Karti Parwan district on October 1, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since 2001 more than a million Afghan refugees who fleed to Pakistan and Iran returned back to the country, most of whom remain homeless.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 01: Afghan children live in a refugee camp in Karti Parwan district on October 1, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since 2001 more than a million Afghan refugees who fleed to Pakistan and Iran returned back to the country, most of whom remain homeless.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 01: Afghan children live in a refugee camp in Karti Parwan district on October 1, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since 2001 more than a million Afghan refugees who fleed to Pakistan and Iran returned back to the country, most of whom remain homeless.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 01: Afghan children live in a refugee camp in Karti Parwan district on October 1, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since 2001 more than a million Afghan refugees who fleed to Pakistan and Iran returned back to the country, most of whom remain homeless.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 26: American violinist William Harvey teaches a female student during a private violin class at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music on September 26, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan's first and only music high school opened in June and now has 150 students, including 27 girls. The Taliban regime, from 1996 to 2001 banned all music, forcing many musicians to put away their instruments or go into exile. The school's aim is to revive long-neglected musical traditions using both Afghan and foreign instructors. 25 students were recruited from the war-ravaged country's large number of orphans and street children. There is a host of donor governments, international music colleges and instrument suppliers.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 26: Marjan Fidaye,11, answers a question during english class at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music on September 26, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan's first and only music high school opened in June and now has 150 students, including 27 girls. The Taliban regime, from 1996 to 2001 banned all music, forcing many musicians to put away their instruments or go into exile. The school's aim is to revive long-neglected musical traditions using both Afghan and foreign instructors. 25 students were recruited from the war-ravaged country's large number of orphans and street children. There is a host of donor governments, international music colleges and instrument suppliers.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 26: An Afghan student waits for her turn to play in the violin section during orchestra practice at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music September 26, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan's first and only music high school opened in June and now has 150 student, including 27 girls. The Taliban regime, from 1996 to 2001 banned all music, forcing many musicians to put away their instruments or go into exile. The school's aim is to revive long-neglected musical traditions using both Afghan and foreign instructors. 25 students were recruited from the war-ravaged country's large number of orphans and street children. The program is being supported by donor governments, international music colleges and instrument suppliers.

An Afghan girl herds her sheep in Kabul on July 19, 2010. Afghanistan is to host a key international conference in Kabul on July 20, aiming to chart a future of peace and development and show supporters the war-torn country is acting on past pledges. The meeting is being billed as a bid by the Afghan government to follow a process of transition from dependence on Western backers to running the country alone and responsibly after tens of thousands of US-led NATO troops go home.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - OCTOBER 01: Afghan children live in a refugee camp in Karti Parwan district on October 1, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Since 2001 more than a million Afghan refugees who fleed to Pakistan and Iran returned back to the country, most of whom remain homeless.

An Afghan girl herds her sheep in Kabul on July 19, 2010. Afghanistan is to host a key international conference in Kabul on July 20, aiming to chart a future of peace and development and show supporters the war-torn country is acting on past pledges. The meeting is being billed as a bid by the Afghan government to follow a process of transition from dependence on Western backers to running the country alone and responsibly after tens of thousands of US-led NATO troops go home.