Afghanistan: Five years on, the cost of forgetting
By Executive Director, Alice Thomas, Central Asia Institute This op-ed originally appeared in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, The Missoulian, Billings Gazette and Independent Record on August 12 and 13, 2026, and is republished here for the convenience of our readers. As we approach the five-year anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power, I find myself […]
Central Asia Institute in Afghanistan: The Fight for Education
Educating the next generation of Afghans CAI is one of the few international organizations still working in Afghanistan. By continuing to enroll Afghan children, especially girls, from poor, marginalized communities into primary school, we are fighting back against the Taliban’s repressive regime. By learning to read, write, and understand basic math, these children will have […]
Why Every Girl Matters
By Natalie Meyer As a college student, education profoundly changed and shaped my life. My classes have taught me to think critically, ask questions, and imagine new possibilities for myself. But more importantly, education has given me a sense of autonomy. It’s empowered me to take ownership of my voice, my decisions, and the life […]
How Central Asia celebrates Nowruz and Eid
Central Asia Institute wishes all who celebrate a Happy Nowruz Mubarak, or beginning of Spring, and a joyful Eid al-Fitr! By Bella Pich Have you ever wondered how Central Asia celebrates Nowruz Mubarak and Eid al-Fitr? Nowruz, meaning “New Day”, is the Persian New Year celebrated on the spring equinox, marking the beginning of […]