It’s too easy to tune out news about Afghanistan’s impending elections. They might be corrupt, they’re in the midst of disarray, mm-hm, that sounds about right for that faraway fucked-up place. For a more gorgeous and engaging primer, check out the piece by the talented Mr. Tamim Ansary on The Rumpus. The author of Destiny Disrupted, who recently spoke with Mother Jones about his country and his newest book, makes the case for what’s at stake not just for Afghanistan but for America’s image there–perhaps a more accessible cause for concern.