Not many Afghans can afford satellite dishes, and there seems to be no information on how many still exist. Video players are more common, though still limited largely to the urban elite. Sussman, whose organization compiles an annual study of press freedom worldwide, says he classifies 19 of 186 countries as repressive in their control of information. The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, wedged between India and China, also bans satellite dishes, on the ground that its distinctive culture could be quickly diluted. But the country plans to create its own television service and, in the meantime, allows video players.
Video shops proliferate.
Sussman said the Taliban's new rules appeared to be the harshest anywhere. But no other country wipes out the delivery system. The Taliban movement has yet to pronounce on that means of communication, which is almost nonexistent in Afghanistan outside the offices of international agencies. The United Nations and private relief organizations have satellite television and satellite telephone systems, but these have not been disturbed. Foreigners are also permitted to keep alcoholic beverages in their walled compounds.