NZ-Afghans keeping low profile

By JULIE MIDDLETON

Members of Auckland's Afghan community, wary of a backlash, are aiming to keep a low profile following the bad press embroiling their country.

The international saga of the Afghan refugees, suspicion that a terrorist harboured by their country was involved in the attack on the World Trade Center, and an attack on Kabul airport by the anti-Taleban opposition - initially seen as American retaliation - have made them watchful.

The Federation of Islamic Associations has sent a message advising members to keep a low profile and avoid trouble, especially if their traditional beards and turbans made them targets for anti-Muslim sentiment, says communications officer Abdullah Drury.

Good advice, especially if you are a taxi driver, as are two members of the Tajek family of Mt Roskill, Hamayun and Khalil.

But the Afghans, all of who came to New Zealand as refugees, have found their adopted home a tolerant society, says Nader Tajek, a university physics student.

"If there was anything [that happened]," says Siraj Salarzi, "we could only put it down to a lack of understanding. We condemn every act of this sort of evil."

Dawood Tajek said the Afghan people had no say in Osama bin Laden's sanctuary there.

"He kills Afghan people," he said, tears starting to shine at the corners of his eyes.

But they were concerned that New Zealanders might react negatively, so Mr Salarzi offered a snapshot of the Afghan personality.

"They're frank, and they do not hide their feelings. They would express their feelings. They're tolerant, and that would be the same in Afghanistan.

"They wouldn't stab someone in the back. They would," he added with a winning grin, "do it right in front of them."

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