The Taliban's War Against Women

[EdithWeston]

This is a document from the archive of Physicians for Human Rights which I mentioned in a thread last night about why the west went into Afghanistan. I expect most in this forum will be familiar with the detail, if not this particular document, as it is the most extreme example of repression in recent years.

OK, the tipping point for invasion was 9/11 and the presence of terrorist training camps, plus the supply of about 75% of the world's illegal narcotics. But a regime which makes Ghaddaffi look benign and enlightened (and which was responsible for the killing of 75% of the civilians who perished) must have been a factor too, especially after the assassination of Massoud.

So I was wondering if I could solicit your views on what should have been done? I am asking in this forum because of the horrific situation described in the linked document, and the inaction - beyond fine words - of the international community pre-9/11.

As as well as what should have been done then, what should be done now? Withdrawal to a timetable seems popular (especially to those who are sickened by the loss of British life there); but with the Taliban undefeated and the entirely predictable consequences for women of their re-restablishment, would that make withdrawal a mysoginist act now? Does/should the international community have a responsibility to consider the impact of its actions on women?

If it were one racial group who would suffer like this under the Taliban, then would withdrawal be under consideration?

I hope you didn't mind so many questions!

[SweetGrapes]

I started reading the document. Haven't got through more than 2 pages. Very depressing, even though it's not new.

[HerBeX]

To answer your question, no, if it were a specific group within Afghan society, such as the Marsh Arabs in Iraq, I don't think the West would leave.

But because it's only women, they don't matter.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

The international community has a responsibility to hand over the government of a more stable Afghanistan to the Afghans themselves. In return for the sacrifice of the coalition forces of the last few years, we can demand that any future Afghan government respects the principles of democracy & human rights, including the rights of women within the society. It is not our job to defeat the Taliban, per se and it is not our job to run Afghanistan by Western standards. Not because women 'don't matter' but because the political consequences of continuing to be an occupying force in that part of the world will create serious problems.

[meditrina]

Interesting links.

I don't think would overlook the acknowledged role that the west played in training, arming and funding that were given to the mujahideen. Nor the realities of the terrain which make Pakistani involvement inevitable.

Recalling the timelines - Taliban sweeping over the country within 2 years of Soviet withdrawal - what is likely to happen in the immediate aftermath of a western forces withdrawal?

I couldn't find it on the RAWA website - what is forecast on what follows withdrawal, and plans for that time? Because even if foreign men were no longer there, there seem to be few signs that indigenous warfare is close to ceasing.