I came across two AP stories from the heart of war-torn Iraq and Afghanistan that gave me pause. Both stories do not just reconfirm the golden-oldie cliche that music is a universal language; they underline how music is a universal need.
The Afghan report is about a music school in Kabul, where young people are eagerly learning instruments, Western ones and those from the region. Just a decade ago, in the neo-medieval days of the Taliban, instrumental music was banned entirely, and only songs of worship or praise to the Taliban were officially permitted.
The Afghanistan National Institute of Music has been open for a brief while, but is already buzzing with the activity of 150 students, the AP's Jerry Harmer reports. Enrollment is expected to double soon. Among the schools goals: to rekindle knowledge and appreciation of folk music traditions, and to create the country's first symphony orchestra.
Here's a quote from the school's web site (how encouraging it is to see that site): "The institute is committed to providing a dynamic, challenging and safe learning environment for all students regardless of gender, ethnicity or social circumstances. We also have a special focus on supporting the most disadvantaged group in Afghan society – the orphans and street working kids - to help them attain a vocation that will allow them to reach their full potential, while contributing to their emotional healing."