This is just a drop in the ocean. A vast majority of the Buddhist relics have been systematically destroyed or illegally dismantled and smuggled from Afghanistan and Northern Areas of Pakistan including ancient seats of Buddhist learning - Swat and Taxila. The problem is that the present people at large do not connect with this culture. Partly due to their upbringing which sees everything non or pre-Islamic as "Foreign". I was shocked when a educated man I met in Dubai claimed that these statues and relics were actually built / made by "Chinese Tourists".

Can someone please tell me what became of Nancy Dupree, once head of an international effort to safeguard the Antiquities of Afghanistan. Many years ago, I was a student of her husband, Louis Dupree, a journalist, anthropologist and archeologist. We both looked the country, I from afar, intending to m go there, he, from 25 years spent living there. He told me of sites and very important discoveries that were being found, discoveries that would change the way we teach the history of the world. I have never stopped studying, though I do not have the language skills. Every time, I was ready to go, I have been advised that the situation is not right. Like Dupree, in my opinion, the interests of the Afghans came first. While his temperament toward the then Soviets changed as the war dragged on, I am not certain, if he saw the whole Geo-political carpet that was being unraveled. If Nancy is alive, where would I reach her? If not, where would their papers be. I believe I may hold several priceless keys, as he spoke to me more as a colleague, than as teacher to student. Pieces began falling into place long after I last saw him. Any help would be greatly appreciated. It may also be of great benefit to the tribes and the peoples of Afghanistan, and indeed, world history. Thank you. John