The same kind of singing competition that has made a huge success out of American Idol in the U.S., Afghan Star attracts an estimated audience of around 11 million, or approximately one-third of the country's population. Currently in its fifth season, the show offers a form of democracy by allowing the winner to be decided by viewer votes. It also breaks ground by promoting women's performances, a rarity in Afghanistan's highly traditional society.
A thinker's guide to the most important trends of the new decade