I am sure this goes on in Afghanistan or parts of Afghanistan. But I am curious to know just how prevalent it is. I find it hard to believe that is as common as the author makes it sound. The fact that half the tribal leaders in Kandahar are in to pedophilia doesn't mean anything if there are only say six tribal leaders, it would just be a blip. If for instance we were to say that half the ministers in Qatar have Bentleys or Maybachs it doesn't mean that Qatar is swarming with those cars. I felt the author is trying to shock and awe the reader, the reference to the Karzai family is all part of this sensationalism. If the author were to say that a certain percentage of an entire town, that would be relevant statistics and then we get a grip on the magnitude. What I am interested to know is if this practice is really as accepted in Afghan society as the author makes it sound. Dot.com... what is your take on this?