Neckties are a sign of the cross, ... Former president Ashraf Ghani -- who fled the country as the Taliban took over in 2021 -- favoured Western suits when abroad and traditional attire at home.

Then my hand reached up and made a sign of the cross on Tib’s forehead. This was not a conscious decision. Being with Tib felt holy, still, I didn’t go about wanting to be with the dying, but ...