Kabul’s Cyber Café Culture

Majumder, S. (2003). Kabul’s cyber café culture. In P. De Palma (Ed.), Computers in society (pp. 188-189). Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill.
Unit 7, Article 40

Review by Kim Doyle

Sanjoy Majumder writes in this article, originally published in 2003, about the establishment of cyber cafes in Kabul. Just two years prior the Taliban banned the use of the Internet by anyone other than the government. Afghans are realizing, as are citizens in other developing countries, that the Internet is a way to catch up with the rest of the world. In Kabul, and elsewhere, Internet is accessed through a wireless broadband system – very fast with high-capacity lines. There is a high level of enthusiasm around Internet use. Afghans are keeping their newly established cafes very busy. The low cost, only $1 for an hour of access, is a primary reason for this high level of use. Sabir Latifi, hoping to be the country’s first privately-owned Internet service provider, is recruiting help from others that have become familiar with the Internet when visiting other countries. They have returned to Kabul excited about what they have learned and use the Internet extensively to keep in touch with contacts and friends they have met while visiting other places. Latifi’s hope (when this article was written) was to bring the cost of Internet access down and make it available for free to Kabul University students. Latifi also believes the Internet can play a crucial role in empowering the central government and bring the people together.

Reaction

Majumber creates an image of Kabul - dusty streets with kebab stalls, vegetable carts, curio stores, chaotic traffic…and Internet cafes. It does seem incongruous. Yet the Afghan citizens are clamoring to these cafes in an effort to become connected with the world outside of their own. This article was written in 2003. It could be assumed therefore that Internet use has increased. The Internet has become so commonplace in our country. We take it for granted and know that nearly any kind of information needed or wanted is available. It is difficult to imagine it being one’s only connection to the outside world. What an opportunity for a war torn country that has been under such oppression.