Sear Zia

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Sear Zia is the primary anchor for the nightly news on Afghanistan's Tolo TV. Sear has worked as a reporter with Tolo since 2006, and has interviewed prominent officials such as EU Foreign Affairs Policy Chief Javier Solana, the US Ambassador to Afghanistan William Wood, and the UK Foreign Minister Margaret Becket. Sear is from Kabul, Afghanistan and is currently studying engineering at Kabul University. From 2002 through 2005, Sear worked as a cultural advisor and translator in the Presidential Protective Service of Afghanistan.

Highlights:

In an exclusive interview for Tolo TV, Zia spoke with Defense Secretary Robert Gates about the Obama administration's new regional strategy, concerns over Afghan civilian casualties and a new US approach to breaking up the Afghan narcotics trade. His interview will be showcased on AAM and Tolo TV's program, PUL.

Watch a web excerpt from his interview >

As part of his reporting fellowship, Sear spent five days with farmers in the Midwest in an effort to learn more about American agricultural methods and to see how they can be applied to rebuilding Afghanistan’s agricultural sector.

The first stage of the trip focused on the Advancing Afghan Agriculture Alliance , a USAID-funded exchange program between Purdue University and Kabul University. His trip included:

•    Interviews with five of the Afghan Merit Scholars studying for Masters of Science degrees at Purdue University. After receiving their MS degrees, the students will use their updated knowledge of agriculture when they return to rebuild Afghanistan.
•    Interview with Kevin McNamara, Purdue agriculture professor, director of the exchange program and advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Higher Education. McNamara discusses the similarities between American and Afghan agriculture and opportunities for improvement.

The second stage of the trip focused on American agriculture, through several visits to family farms in Galena, Illinois. His trip included:

•    A walk through orchards kept by Gen. David Grange (retired). General Grange discussed the uses of fruit orchards and methods of planting trees as well as the need for agricultural development in Afghanistan.
•    A visit to a sheep farm, including a discussion of the economics of raising sheep and their veterinary care.

* Sear attended his first-ever baseball game on Opening Day at Camden Yards, providing him with the rare opportunity to meet Vice President Joe Biden.