Young Afghans are turning to poetry to defy the burden of conflict

From a report in the UN News Centre:

Much of Afghanistan’s newfound love of poetic expression – which has taken hold in Kabul and Kandahar as well – is coming from young Afghans seeking new ways to interact and express themselves.

The Citadel of Herat, in western Afghanistan, which dates back to 300 BC and was restored by UNESCO in the 1970s. Photo: UNAMA/Fraidoon Poya

Read the full story here.

Poetry for peace in Pakistan’s KP province

Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been ravaged by war for a decade now. Poets from the region have joined forces to spread the message of peace. More than 300 books have been written on the subject of “peace” over the last decade.

Read more about the peace poetry movement in Asia Times.