The World watched in horror as the Taliban (literally meaning "students") in a public show of anger and fanaticism destroyed with a combination of dynamite and Tank fire, the two famous Buddhas which graced the cliffs of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. The Taliban rulers had been angered by some Western government's repeated refusal to recognize their rulership as legitimate, and because of sanctions imposed on their country for human rights abuses. The Taliban were also angered that UNESCO were happily ready to pump huge amounts of money into protecting and renovating the Buddhas instead of putting that money into feeding the poor of Afghanistan. In the view of the Taliban, the statues were un-islamic idols of a infidel religion which did'nt help Afghanistan in any "practical" way in terms of relieving sanctions (which is true). So the Buddhas became a convenient focus of international dispute and a tool of manipulation. The Taliban had on earlier occasions threatened to destroy them due to this dispute with UNESCO, but backed down due to international pressure and protest. Later,the Taliban were determined to get the worlds attention (and they certainly suceeded). Rather than putting all the blaim onto Taliban fundamentalism, we can explain the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas as an example of what happens when differing regimes are stubborn and refuse to communicate or compromise.

Today,the Bamiyan cliffs are still as impressive as ever despite the abscence of the Buddhas. The Niches containing the two giant Buddhas lie vacant with a sign written by UNESCO proudly declaring the site is protected. We were unsure if this notice was put up before or after the destruction of the Buddhas. Nevertheless, the mounds of rubble which lie where two magnificent carvings once stood, are a sorry sight. This however does not mean that there is nothing to see in Bamiyan. Approaching the town, one is astounded by the sight of the cliffs across the green fields. Lit orange and baked by the hot Afghan sunset, the cliffs are a giant honeycomb of caves and grottoes which were once the home of a Buddhist society. No tourist infrastructures are in place, and visitors are free to wander where they wish without the usual hassle of postcard hawkers, overly big tour groups, and overly protective security guards which grace most tourist sites of this size elsewhere in the world. Wandering around the top of the cliffs means that you must watch where you tread, as live ammunition litters the whole area from the cliffs use as a defensive outpost recently. So be prepared to experience the still amazing site of Bamiyan (in safety) through the medium of Worldisround.com. A true wonder of a Buddhist society's legacy.

Adam Smith - September 2003