AFGHANISTAN: Hearts, minds and do-rah.

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Amid a chasm of cultural differences, the Americans and Afghans share a love of sports.

And so U.S. troops helped organize a do-rah tournament in Oruzgan province, one of the areas where the Taliban has been most prevalent. The contest pitted various village squads competing for bragging rights in Deh Rawood district.

The sport is a bit like wrestling, with teams inside concentric circles trying to throw or kick each other. Judges award points for hits and aggressiveness.

About 1,500 spectators were in attendance. Trophies were awarded. U.S. troops and Afghan forces provided security.

-- Tony Perry, San Diego.