Kabul’s budding cafe scene gives young people a break from tradition

Students set up 451 cafe in Kabul as a refuge for young people to find others to study with or make new friendships.

A young couple are smiling across the table at each other and whispering over their coffee. They are closer together than many people would find appropriate in a conservative Muslim country.

Instead of carpets, abstract paintings hang on the walls. Instead of glaring lights, the place is lit by soft lamps painted gold on the inside.