The Dangers Of Amateur Astronomy In Afghanistan 137
Nancy_A writes "Most amateur astronomers take for granted that they can just go outside and enjoy viewing the night sky without encountering many problems. But in order for amateur astronomers in Afghanistan to simply set up a telescope in a dark region, they have to deal with more serious complications, such as making sure the area is clear of land mines, not arousing the suspicions the Taliban or the local police, and watching out for potential bombing raids by the US/UK/Afghan military alliance."
Comment removed (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Poor astronomers, poorer dogs (Score:5, Informative)
It works EXTREMELY well on most dogs. In fact my dog goes absolutely crazy for it, like crack fiend crazy. She gets so excited she shakes, and that is just when I reach near the box that the laser pointer is in. Then she will run until she passes out, literally, chasing the thing. And finally she goes into withdraw if she doesn't get it for a few days. Like crying, shaking, skittish angry withdraw. She has been clean about two months now, I'm tired of the damn thing.
Re:Actually Islam is pro astronomy (Score:5, Informative)
No, I guess he is quite right. The Islamic fundies are imported, they didn't "grow" there. The US (more specifically, the CIA) ported them over to Afghanistan in the 80s, mostly from the Arabian Peninsula. Which served two goals at once, you got rid of the Islamists in the "important" areas like the oil regions (imagine, another Iran... Saddam couldn't have waged a two front war for us, against Iran AND Saudi Arabia) and the poor sods went on to fight the godless Russkies for us too. Worked like a charm, really.
I guess the US then somehow managed to double cross their former friends when the Russians didn't want to play the evil Commies anymore and became our ... well, not quite friends, but no longer "teh evilz" and that pissed Ozzy enough for that 9/11 stunt. I mean, it's not like the US don't simply dump their buddies when they're no longer convenient. For reference, see Saddam.
Re:...just not this particular flavor of it. (Score:3, Informative)
Wahhabism is the dominant form of Islam in Saudi Arabia.
Saudis were the majority of attackers on 9/11.
Well, think about it.