Connie Duckworth, founder of Arzu Studio Hope based out of Chicago, examines the handmade Afghan rugs during her visit to the Bamyan Womens Center in the Dragon Valley region of Bamyan, Afghanistan, June 11. Arzu employs Afghan women to produce the high-end rugs and in return receive an income, education and healthcare. Bamyan, a former Taliban stronghold, has become a model of stability for other provinces throughout Afghanistan. Duckworth visited Helmand province to search for possible locations to expand her organization.