The Russians used radio as a tool to take over Afghanistan during the communist coup in the late 1970s. By having only a centralized national radio, Afghanistan received news from only one source. Radio was, and still is, the most effective medium for reaching the people of Afghanistan, a country where $35 a month is the national wage and literacy is still not common.

This communist coup was facilitated by false information passed over the radio that the president of Afghanistan was dead and the country had been taken over by the communists. In fact, the president was still alive, but the troops put down their arms and conceded defeat.

Today, Salam, Watandar is one of 31 local radio stations that form a collective independent Afghanistan radio. The stations share a network where some radio shows are broadcast nationally, while for most of the day local rural areas are the focus of individual stations. (Radio Sahar in Herat is one of the other stations, featured in the 1-19-06 ETS!.)

Afghanistan has two major languages, Dari and Pashtu. Salam, Watandar often broadcasts shows with two hosts. One speaks in Dari and the other in Pasthtu. Translations are not offered. The dialog is merely in two languages.

Programs are very simple and clearly thought out. They include shows for women, farmers, and health, as well as some music. People can call in to ask for health advice. Answers and clinic locations are offered with diagnoses by doctors.

"Sometimes they bring sheep to the studio," said station director Mirwais. "Local radio really changed the life of many people," he continued. "It is the first time in this country that there has been local, independent radio."

In the Ghazni province, a dam was reported overflowing. A phone call to the station at seven AM allowed the radio to make announcements. At 8:30 the dam collapsed.

"That rescued these people," said Mirwais. "It was hard for the governor to announce with a car and loud speaker."

Salam, Watandar also watches and investigates incidents of police corruption. "This is affecting police behavior," said Mirwais, noting that the police are aware that their actions are noticed and broadcast, particularly in the case of a man who died in police custody.

Salam, Watandar even takes on religious issues, but must be careful. "Religious stuff is sensitive," said Mirwais. "Where does it say in the Koran that music is bad?" is one question that Mirwas put to the Mullahs on the air. The fact is, the Koran does not say that music is bad, but the Taliban argued it was, and banned music in Afghanistan.

Mirwais faces one serious shortage. "The problem is with professional journalists," he said. "We don't have them. We can't find them. We need another six years."

Salam, Wantander has a staff of four. Mirwais does his best to recruit and train college students. He also has started a magazine.