145;Afghans poor but still optimistic146;

On the cold streets of an overcast Kabul, opinion seemed divided about how people were faring four years after US-led forces ousted the Taliban. Only for a few businessmen and investors are better off, said labourer Syed Kamal. 8216;8216;Ordinary people are getting poorer. Jobs are so few some are willing to work just for bread.8217;8217;.

Despite the poverty, Kabul8217;s streets are packed with markets full of imported goods. The city8217;s newest shopping centre is lined with electronics, and clothes outlets. There8217;s a trendy coffee shop and teenagers wear the latest Western fashions.

Development will be a main issue at an international conference on Afghanistan in London at the end of the month, where it is hopes to get promises of economic help.