as Mir gradually explores further into the town (where they came as refugees fleeing both Taliban and drought). Articulate, and with an eye on the future, he is also depressed having failed to secure any work. Abdul, Mir's father, becomes increasingly frustrated with this. Though, when they do both find work, all is forgotten. Perhaps strangest of all is the fact that Khoshdel's mother is the same as Mir's! Khoshdel and Mir are both brothers and brothers-in-law! Abdul had a son and a daughter yet no wife. Khoshdel had no wife but a mother so the two men did a deal - my daughter for your mother. Deal agreed, they married on the same day and have all lived together ever since.

Deljam is a neighbour - and a comic and singer. Ex-Mujahideen and also ex-Taliban, he always has a smile on his face - though he and his family are lucky to eat every second day. Through his humour we see the past in a new light - he enjoyed being Taliban because they wore bigger turbans that kept your ears warm!

Muhammad Ali is the old man of the cliff face. He is bitter, charming, angry and resigned. From the first time he talks to us, we know that he -