Independence Day is one of the few Afghan holidays free of political or ethnic tension, celebrated every Aug. 19 with patriotic speeches and caravans of vehicles draped in black, red and green Afghan flags. In recent years there have been threats of insurgent violence on this day, with extra security measures put in place. The sultry, Afghan-born pop singer-songwriter, who lives in London, is known for her skintight costumes and provocative singing style. A recent televised concert in Paris, at which she wore a nude-toned dress, drew shocked opprobrium from conservative Afghans. But hundreds of eager young men, as well as some young women with their families, pressed toward the hotel.

Source: Washington Post August 19, 2017 19:07 UTC