In the United States, the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) reports that independent surf shops are suffering.

BBC: How surfing became a global lifestyle industry

"The action sports retail landscape has definitely shifted, " says SIMA president Dough Palladini.

BBC: How surfing became a global lifestyle industry

Two women were named to posts -- Sima Samar, one of five deputy premiers as minister of women's affairs, and Suhaila Seddiqi as health minister.

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In an interview with BBC reporter Sima Kotecha for the Broadcasting House show, Mr Chinnery said he approached the star directly when he heard rumours relating to his private life.

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In June, Sima Samar, the former minister for women's affairs, was summoned before a court for blasphemy, after allegedly telling a Canadian magazine that she did not believe in sharia, the Islamic law.

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Surfers view the industry as a "lifestyle... a culture and sport defined by passion, it's not a hobby, says Sima's executive director Sean Smith, and that will support the industry "even in a down economy.

BBC: How surfing became a global lifestyle industry

Nor are they likely to, though on May 25th, Mr Karzai's women's affairs minister, Sima Samar, who is responsible for drafting the guidelines for a human-rights commission, insisted there should be no amnesties for militia leaders accused of abuses, even if they support the government.

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