Stamps from Afghanistan are hilarious. You can tell when the revolutions are because suddenly they stop having pictures of the mullahs and the independence monument and they start having fish on them.

In this quote, Samuel West, a British actor and playwright, humorously reflects on the changes in Afghan postage stamps during times of political revolution. He notes that in periods of significant political shifts, such as revolutions, the designs of the stamps shift away from typical symbols of authority, like the mullahs (religious leaders) and the independence monument, and instead feature more neutral or whimsical images, such as fish. West uses this observation to highlight how political upheavals can lead to drastic changes in national symbols and imagery, even in something as everyday as postage stamps.

The quote plays on the idea that during times of political instability, the symbols of power and national identity often change. Stamps, as a form of public messaging, reflect the values and ideologies of the ruling regime. The shift from images of authority figures to something as mundane as fish could be seen as a reflection of the chaos and disconnection that comes with a revolution, as the country grapples with new forms of leadership and identity. West's humor here draws attention to the often unexpected and sometimes absurd transformations that occur in such times.

The origin of this quote likely stems from West’s experience with Afghanistan's political history, where revolutions and regime changes have frequently altered national symbols, including currency and stamps. Afghanistan’s turbulent history, especially during the late 20th century with its various changes in leadership, is marked by shifts in government ideology, which can be seen in the changing imagery on everyday items like stamps.

In essence, West’s quote uses humor to comment on the often absurd yet significant changes that occur during periods of political revolution. By noting the shift from images of mullahs to fish, he highlights the sometimes chaotic and unpredictable nature of regime changes and their impact on national symbols. It suggests that the imagery on stamps is a reflection of the broader political and cultural shifts in a country during times of upheaval.