The governor of Nangarhar is Gul Agha Shirzai. You can read about him in books that talk about the fall of Kandahar when the Taliban fled in late 2001; he was leading one of the forces. His role was controversial, and that's all I say here about that. Anyway, his compound is probably the most impressive governor's compound in the country. It's the site of an old palace of the king. It has extraordinary gardens, and a reflecting pool just outside his office. His office, now that you mention it, is enormous, with ornately carved fine wood chairs, plush carpets - and some paintings, including this one. The scene is in front of the governor's palace. The people are gathered for a shura, and it is certainly coincidental that all are in positions of supplication and admiration. Of the two men hugging, the one who is facing you is - surprise! - Governor Shirzai. I have some impolitic colleagues who have compared him - physically only, mind you, nothing worse - to Jabba the Hut, but that is mainly because the word "Jalalabad" just naturally brings to mind images of Jabba. It's a phonetic thing only.
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