Remember Afghanistan?

I just received an email from RAWA, the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. Remember that the US went to war against the Taliban there and replaced it with its own strongman President? (Actually, he is not so strong, and things have reverted to the chaotic situation that was in place before the Taliban came to power: rape, poppy growing, and tribal warfare.)

I have not heard from these courageous women in a long time and was worried that they might have been destroyed by either the warlords or the weak govt. or even the Taliban (who still have much power).


Here's what they have to say on recent events. As always, they are giving voice to the oppressed and dispossessed in that country. This time it is the women and children who are forced to work 18 hours a day. They make those beautiful Afghan carpets that sell for thousands of dollars in chic American stores.

Most of them spend up to 18 hours a day working in poor conditions, with many becoming ill or taking drugs to relieve pain, said campaigner Nilofar Sayar, releasing the findings of a months-long survey of about 300 weavers.

Yes, these are the same women that Pres. Bush and his wife once said that the US war had liberated. Liberated for what? To make carpets for peanuts to sell to rich folk in the west?

Bush and his minions left this country like a seducer does a deflowered virgin. I guess they did leave some money on the table as they laughed from the doorway on the way out. That's something, isn't it?