The national sport of buzkashi was banned by the Taliban, but it has remained hugely popular. Horsemen who, weeks before, took part in combat, now show their speed and skill on the sports field. After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

Critically ill after giving birth, a woman is carried to hospital. Her family traveled for several hours through the desert near Meymaneh. After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

A severely malnourished woman is brought to a clinic. Despite the work of international aid agencies, food district is still inadequate in many areas. After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

Heavy rain turns the street to mud. After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

An armed man guards a Northern Alliance checkpoint. The female travelers were not permitted to sit with men inside the car. After years of drought, warfare and an US-led bombing campaign, Afghanis try to maintain their traditions. The fall of the Taliban regime brought some stability, but widespread malnutrition and harsh living conditions remain.

Portraits - 1st prize