Afghani reflects on home

Amwar Naderpoor fled Afghanistan in fear of being arrested and possibly killed for his beliefs. \nBecause of threats and fear of persecution, Naderpoor left the country at the age of 21. At the time, he was attending Kabul University in the country's capital and was demonstrating against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1981. He was warned to flee his country because of threats toward the protesters. He then studied in France before finally visiting family in the United States.\nNaderpoor owns the restaurant Samira, 100 W. Sixth St. #1, known for its Afghanistan and Mediterranean cuisine. He said he has enjoyed living in the United States for 16 years and Bloomington for three, but Afghanistan is still considered home. \nIn the United States, Naderpoor met his wife and decided to stay and open his own business. Thirteen years later, he opened Samira and now serves a wide variety of Afghani dishes to the Bloomington community. \nSo far, he has not suffered public backlash but instead is receiving a large amount of support after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Cards and other signs of friendship have been extended to him after the tragedies. To date, the only disturbance his restaurant has experienced is a broken display case. As for business, sales are up compared to September last year.\nBut Naderpoor still feels the tension between him and the public.\n"I can't say in public that I am an Afghan because of the resentment," Naderpoor said. \nNaderpoor has also been strongly affected by the attacks and feels remorse for the great loss. He said he hopes that the people responsible are caught and punished. When asked about the Taliban, he pointedly remarked that the Taliban is not from Afghanistan and they are there because they seized the country after the former Soviet Union withdrew its troops. \nWhen reflecting on life in Afghanistan, Naderpoor worries about his sister, who fled Afghanistan to live in Pakistan. In his native country, everyday life is largely restricted and women are not allowed to walk on the street. \n"The people are facing a major crisis," Naderpoor said. \nIn Afghanistan and Pakistan, there are no jobs available and Naderpoor sends his sister $100 a month to serve as the family's income. He said while Pakistan is in a better state, both countries are in jeopardy. \n"Innocent people of Afghanistan need the basics -- food, a roof over their heads, clothing for the harsh winters of Afghanistan, and a legitimate government that can represent the innocent of that country," Naderpoor said. "They had nothing to do with the tragedy of New York and the Pentagon." \nHe hopes the people of this country realize the severity of the situation for the Afghanistan people and look to help them. \nNaderpoor said he knows the days ahead are going to be hard on everyone and our economy. But he remains optimistic. \n"As long as we put our efforts together, we can accomplish any dream we have"