Afghan woman rebuts another's 'oppression' claims

"The reality is that the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 was not about peace, security and development or women's liberation and democracy. The Western hegemonic alliance rationalized a system of governance in Afghanistan to facilitate the West's desire to control Central Asia. (p.44, "Afghan Women: Identity and Invasion," by Elaheh Rostami-Povey)

"I dare say that 'the reality' is that Elaheh Rostami-Povey wrote this book to give voice not to Afghan women, but to her own contempt for the United States, George W. Bush, neo-liberalism, neo-conservatism, Christian fundamentalism, free-market economy and Zionism. Afghan Women is based on one fundamental principle: Everything that is wrong in Afghanistan today is to blame on the 'invading forces', among which she generously counts the military, UN agencies, international financial institutions, embassies, NGOs and humanitarian organisations."

Anja Havedal is an editor with the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, a policy research institute based in Kabul, and was previously on the editorial staff of the Journal of Democracy. She basically, with a metaphorical rapier, slashes this leftist crybaby to ribbons.

It's true much of Afghanistan is still barbaric. But as Ms. Havedal shows, there are many women working hard toward equality and helping get the fledgling democracy on its way.

An excellent piece -- many thanks to Blazing Cat Fur.