I would like to invite you all to support Aïna Photo in Kabul. They need both cash and gear, so whatever you can spare is welcome. Possibly not underwater gear..in my experience the diving in Afghanistan is poor...
Anyway, there are many ways to support an emerging democracy. Helping independent media and fellow photographers is one way. You can read more about it here:
http://www.felixfeatures.com/english/aina2.html
thanks!