GROUNDED KITES

This is sad, but probably not a cause for panic, or abandoning the field.  Many of you are doubtless familiar with the fine movie, "The Kite Runner," which we praise on our "We Recommend" page.  It is about Afghanistan.  The movie has now been banned in that country, and four of its child actors flown out for their own protection.  Yes, it's a setback for free expression, and I almost can't wait for the usual suspects in the coffee emporiums of Berkeley to declare our mission in Afghanistan wasted in the face of this artistic desecration.  Why, it's the inquisition all over. It's just (in unison, please) another Vietnam.

The movie was banned, according to a government minister, primarily because of a rape scene, and because it showed Afghanistan's ethnic tensions.  It takes time for the subtleties of freedom to take root in a country like Afghanistan.  We should make plain our disappointment at the government's action, but recall that Boston was banning movies not so long ago.  Keep the pressure on, but give the Afghans time to get it right.

Posted on January 16, 2008.