What a confusing world we living in these days. Syria was threaten with WhOA by the US the other day. And now in today’s news an Irish Pub has opened in Kabul.
Kabul’s new Irish pub an oasis for foreigners
By TODD PITMAN
Associated Press
UPDATED AT 10:26 AM EDT Thursday, Apr. 17, 2000
KABUL – In Taliban times, it would have been unimaginable: a fully stocked Irish pub serving whiskey and cold beer in the heart of Afghanistan’s ultra-Islamic capital.
In the post-Taliban era, Kabul’s new Irish Club – the country’s only bar – is still unthinkable, at least for Afghans. But it’s a huge success with the many foreigners desperate for a bit of nightlife.
“Walk in that front door and you’ll find a very different world in here,” said Allan Ferguson, a 57-year-old Australian businessman sitting on a barstool as Irish folk tunes blare from speakers.
The Irish Club opened on a secluded side street in central Kabul last month on – what else – St. Patrick’s Day.
Concealed by a nondescript outer concrete wall with no sign out front – not even a number on the door – it’s not an easy place to find. In a country where terrorists are still a threat, that’s exactly the way the Irish-born owner wants it.
“We wanted to keep a low profile, so we didn’t advertise whatsoever,” said owner Sean Martin Mc Quade. “But people know where to find us. News travels fast by word of mouth.”
Judging by the club’s growing popularity, Mr. Quade was right.
In a mock-Tudor style house behind the blank outer wall, immaculate Afghan waiters in black pants, white shirts and black bow ties serve drinks to dozens of expatriate aid workers, diplomats and journalists crowded around a wooden bar topped off with green marble imported from Ireland.
Afghan carpets are strewn about the floor. Ads for Guinness draught are tacked all over the walls. Small lanterns – handy during sporadic power outages – are placed on every table, filling the bar with warm light.
“We’re the first people to stick our necks out and say this can be a cosmopolitan city,” said Mr. Quade, who’s worked as an engineer in Afghanistan for 11 years. “But we don’t want to disrespect anybody.”
Toward that end, he sought the approval of a neighbourhood mullah to open the bar. In return, he has promised to help rebuild the potholed road in front of the club and help relocate an adjacent school to a bigger, better lot.
The bar is officially licensed by the state to sell alcohol – but only to foreigners. Just inside the bar’s entrance, an Afghan bouncer keeps Afghans out, checking ID and requiring patrons to sign in.
“I’m sad we can’t let them in, but this is a Muslim country and it’s the government’s wish that we don’t encourage their sons and daughters to participate,” Mr. Quade said.
When are there going to be sessions 
MarkB
