Farewell, good ol' Marjan... The lone king of Kabul zoo succumbs to his age at 48, after surviving years and years of deprivations and symbolizing to kabulis the spirit of resiliency itself Well.....that's sad news, indeed. To my eyes, Marjan symbolized hope. However, in thinking about that dear old lion's death I choose to believe that when he heard the swoosh of kites flying over Kabul, heard the roars from the football stadium, experienced the renewed sounds of music in the air and heard the click-click of chess pieces being moved around chessboards....well, the old guy knew that there was plenty of hope around and it was okay for him to let go and fly off, amid kite strings, to wherever it is the spirits of animals go.
Peace to you Marjan and peace to Afghanistan.
[Diana Smith, via the Internet]
WESTERN SAHARA QUICK FACTS 1884: Spanish occupation of Western Sahara begins
1934: Spanish army occupation is complete
1966: the UN recognizes Saharawi's right to self-determination
1975: While Spain withdraws, Morocco exploits the first " Green March " and occupies the territory sharing it with Mauritania. Massive civilian fleeing towards Algeria
1976, Feb. 27: On the last remained free territory, the Polisario Front claims the Arabic Democratic Republic Saharawi. 74 Countries will acknowledge it in the following few years
1991: military Truce between armed Polisario Front and Morocco. Peace process sets off
200??? UN-monitored referendum for self-determination