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November 22, 2009
Posted: 1532 GMT

Daoud Sediqi is the former presenter of 'Afghan Star,' his country's version of the 'Pop Idol' TV talent show.

Send your questions for Daoud Sediqi.
Send your questions for Daoud Sediqi.

Having been the show's host for its first four seasons, he is one of the most recognized names in the Afghani media.

A British documentary film about 'Afghan Star' has won two awards at the Sundance Film Festival in the U.S..

The talent show and documentary have turned Mr Sediqi into an overnight celebrity. But his new-found fame has also brought him numerous death threats.

The Taliban and its followers do not agree with the cultural values of the show - which sees women dancing and singing, and promotes popular culture and democracy.

Since traveling to the U.S. to promote the documentary, Sediqi has chosen not to return to Afghanistan, and rumors suggest that he is attempting to apply for asylum in the U.S.

Send your questions for Sediqi below and we'll put the best of them to him on Monday's show.

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Deepika   November 22nd, 2009 1608 GMT

Hey Daoud,

Death threats sounds really scary!!! How did you deal with that?? What made you feel safe and kept you going? I understand that being in the media makes you an influential person and gives you enough resources and connections to have fled the country earlier. What made you stay?

Ilyes Eaton   November 22nd, 2009 1614 GMT

I really feel that the biggest problem with Afghanistan is that the world doesnt really kknow what the people want. Some feel they are all Taliban and want a strict sharia state, others feel they want a democracy and others feel that the Taliban has hijacked the peoples voice.

Why dont you use your position and outreach to help the world understand what the Afghan people really want?

suzanne   November 22nd, 2009 1840 GMT

You have given hope to others in your country – how will they feel if you leave them now and who will replace the work you are doing for the people of Afghanistan? Why can't the Afghani people, the government, the armies, the foreigner legions remove the Taliban?

sharon osser   November 22nd, 2009 2133 GMT

Salamoona,
if all progressive afghans who are so important for the rebuilding of Afghanistan, leave the country, how can the common man, who has no place to run to, feel, and who will be left to help him?

Azmat Jamalzai   November 22nd, 2009 2158 GMT

Hello Daud,
You did a good job in Afghanistan, but do you think is it as worse as you can't go back to Afghanistan?
You need to give new hope to Afghan youth and new democracy and not to back up go forward and make a diffrence in your country.

maya rutherford   November 23rd, 2009 135 GMT

mr. sediqi,

i would like to commend you for the work that you have done for your country. i can just imagine the danger and the threaths! my heart breaks eveytime there will be news of bomb blasts and people being killed for nothing. how much more of you are actually there?

but what i can say is that, now that you know yo can influence people in your country and now that you have the resource and the venue o be heard, then the best way to help your countrymen is to STAY ALIVE. Dead heores are great but they're greater when they're breathing and can still continue being a concrete hero to their fellowmen.

I know you can find a way to continue delivering good deeds for your fellow afghans. goodluck!

N. Dalili   November 23rd, 2009 719 GMT

Hey, Daud jan. Do you know what you have left behind in your country? Finally, you found the chance to escape your motherland for ever, but keep in mind that one day you will be back here and answer to hundreds of questions of people who had been always told that "Daud will be back soon" by Arman FM, before everybody knew the secret that you never wanted to come back before you left to US.

Mike G of NYC, NY   November 23rd, 2009 811 GMT

The Afghan people need to join militias, and fight these animals off. Is it easier to sit back and expect the Army do all the work.

You as a popular voice can now lead and express these views. Freedom is not provided by the Army, The people must fight the Taliban with bullets and bombs. Let them know the everyday person will not accept a dictatorship. Kill them anyway you can. Use the same tools they do, car bombs, IED's, and whatever. Talk like a Taliban follower, get shot in the head.

Nothing stops you from putting the fear of God into these idiots.

popal   November 23rd, 2009 1055 GMT

dear Daoud jan
is really you in danger here or just that is a reason to apply for asylum in the U.S?????????

Roshni   November 23rd, 2009 1124 GMT

Is this world gone crazy especially among the muslim community . I just have one question and that is WHY WHY WHY .
My heart bleeds each time the media reports on the violence taking place . Just watching the helplessness of the innocent especially the kids I want to reach out to them and so do most of my friends .
You have the power of media on your side ,please abuse this power and make the people around the globe aware of the culprits and there leaders .

Sporty   November 23rd, 2009 1158 GMT

Now that you are out of the country what will you do to help others that are still there? I cry when I see the terrible things happening to the children and hear that children work. Please keep the voice you have and help these people in some way!

Zel from Dahab   November 23rd, 2009 1319 GMT

Dear Doud,

I've read much about you and felt compelled to write to you to offer my heartfelt support thousands of miles away. I am an American who was born in Kabul in the mid-70s when it was a place where a diverse and culturally aware community of expats resided there to work and help the Afghan people. My parents always spoke about how living in Afghanistan as young parents were some of the best years of their lives. Thirty years later, I am also living abroad in small town within the Sinai after serving in the Peace Corps and starting grad-school to sudy forced mirgration/refugee studies.

What I want to convey to you is a message of hope and peace. May you follow your dreams in the United States and build a joyful life surrounded by family and good friends. The journey you are about to take can be hard work, but it is very possible. Don't give up brother.

gowhar   November 23rd, 2009 1621 GMT

Well, nothing should be taken away from you as the media reports would suggest you have a talent. But, seeking asylum in a country which many see is responsible for the destruction your country is facing, how brave and apt this reported decision of yours would be?

ali   November 23rd, 2009 2202 GMT

Hi Daoud

It is a shame that you couldn't answer the questions. As a Afghan Star presenter you shouldn't be such shy person. Your english is enough good to understand the journalists' question.

sorry but keep this for your future interveiw

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