From Tim Albone, Kandahar

WITH ITS imported coffee and buzzing conversation the Coffee Shop would be at home in Toronto's trendy Yorkville district.

There are coffee beans from South America, a bookshelf piled high with books and magazines and on the walls pictures and photographs, including Steve McQueen's famous photo of the Afghan girl with the enchanting green eyes.  

Yet one step outside the door of this air-conditioned oasis and you are quickly reminded that this is Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban movement, a Canadian military convoy zooms past and women in burqas scurry across the road.

The Coffee Shop, the only place outside of Kabul where one can get a decent cup of coffee in this troubled country, is the brainchild of Mohammad Naseem, 31, a Kandahar native and a former fast food proprietor in Philadelphia.

"There was no where to hang out with my buddies, somewhere you could read a good book or magazine," said Mr Naseem who speaks perfect English with an American twang, the result of 13 years living in the States.

The only option in Kandahar before the opening of the Coffee Shop eight months ago to hang out with friends were the seedy Samawads, tea houses where the down and outs go to smoke marijuana.

Mr Naseem was eager to provide a more stimulating environment- smoking is banned, reading and discussion encouraged- "This place is positive, it doesn't go against the culture or religion.

"The first thing it says in Islam is to read, both for men and women and this is an educational place."

Mr Naseem hopes that in some small way the coffee shop, by encouraging people to read and debate may act as catalyst to help bring back a sense of honour and duty known as Pashtunwali to the people of Kandahar.  

"There was a time when Pashtunwali was strong, when words meant something, when the people were united, when leadership was at its peak.   It was a symbol of honesty, truth and unity.

"We would like these good aspects to return," said Mr Naseem.

Mr Naseem is something of a revolutionary in Kandahar and the second stage of the revolution is the extension he is building upstairs, here there will be pool tables, internet facilities and a section for women.

"We want somewhere where women can come and meet, chat and surf the internet," said Mr Naseem.

As always in Kandahar security concerns remain an everyday concern, yet Mr Naseem has decided to forgo the usual armed security guards.

""People who haven't been here are very negative about Kandahar but we have to focus on the positive, low key is the best way." said Mr Naseem who also runs an advertising agency and a newspaper.

The Coffee Shop draws its customers from across Kandahar's social spectrum, although with coffee going for 35 Afghanis a cup (just less than a dollar), expensive in a country where the police are paid just $50US a month, most are educated professionals or university students.

Javid Khan, 22, a university student and regular, said: "The first time I had coffee was here and it's great, I'm hooked now and come everyday. It's a great place to come and hang out."

ENDS