War News Afghanistan

The situation of Afghan women, as of Afghan society as a whole, deteriorated in many ways as a result of the Soviet invasion in late 1979 and the long civil war that followed. Millions of men and women, probably around one-fifth of the entire population, were forced to take refuge outside the country, mainly to neighboring Pakistan and Iran. Millions more were internally displaced inside Afghanistan itself, swelling the population of Kabul well beyond its absorptive capacity. The lawlessness, endemic warfare, and general insecurity of this era created particular problems for women, including widespread violence, deprivation of sustenance, and disruption of family and social life. ... [Read More]

Women and the Transition to Democracy: Iraq, Afghanistan, Beyond

Thank you, Lisa, for that kind introduction. I’d like to thank Becky Norton Dunlop of the Heritage Foundation and Michele Easton of the Claire Booth Luce Policy Institute for inviting me to speak with you today about the U.S. Government’s approach to the role women can play in transitions to democracy. I am delighted to recognize someone whom many of you already know: Charlie Ponticelli. Charlie will play a crucial role on this vital issue, as the new Senior Coordinator for International Women’s Issues, working directly with me. Both of us look forward to continuing a very productive relationship with you and other key groups who have important contributions to make to our policy dialogue. I’d like to also recognize Cindi Williams from the White House, Office of Public Liaison, who has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of women. ... [Read More]

Afghanistan

In June 2003, police briefly arrested the editors of the weekly newspaper Aftaab and shut down the newspaper for allegedly contravening the old press law's injunction against anti-Islamic content. The charges were eventually dropped; however, the newspaper never resumed publication. ...

The independent media were active and publicly reflected differing political views, although this varied from region to region. The Government owned at least 35 publications and most of the electronic news media. Many other newspapers were published only sporadically, and many were affiliated with different provincial authorities. Factional authorities tightly controlled media in some parts of the country, and the degree of freedom of expression varied significantly between regions. The foreign media was covered under the freedom of speech law; however, they were prohibited from commenting negatively on the Islamic religion and from publishing materials that were considered a threat to the President. ... [Read More]

Afghanistan

Journalists were subjected to harassment, intimidation, and violence during the year. In June, police interrogated and arrested Saveed Mirhassan Mahdawi and Ali Payam Sistany, editor-in-chief and deputy editor of the weekly newspaper Aftaab, after the newspaper published an article that criticized senior leaders of the Northern Alliance, called for a secular government, and questioned the morals of Islamic leaders. Authorities banned the weekly Aftaab and copies of the publication were withdrawn from newsstands in Kabul after their arrest. On June 25, the two journalists were released; however, the charges of blasphemy were pending at year's end. ... [Read More]

2. Overall Situation in Afghanistan

The problems in Afghanistan are complex and much remains to be accomplished. In the short term, extraordinary efforts are still necessary to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of the Afghan people. But at the same time, the United States is heartened by the initial progress toward a new era of peace, stability, and economic reconstruction in Afghanistan. With that progress will come new hope of dignity and opportunity for Afghan women, children, and refugees. The fall of the Taliban and the creation of an interim administration to guide the country toward a permanent broad-based government have begun to brighten Afghanistan’s future, even as important challenges remain. ... [Read More]

White House Fact Sheet: Rebuilding Afghanistan

President Hamid Karzai and Afghanistan's leadership have a vision of their country as an effective partner with the international community. Presidents Bush and Karzai stand together for a new and better future for Afghanistan - a future free from terror, war, and want. In a joint statement on January 28, 2002, Presidents Bush and Karzai said: "We pledge our respect for the future and traditions of the different peoples of Afghanistan, and for the great religion of Islam, which has been tragically distorted and misused by the Taliban." ... [Read More]

AFGHANISTAN

TOP Websites Afghanistan (Military Ed. Research Library Network) Afghanistan:selected research & commentary (Rand Corporation) CNN: Afghanistan war & transition International Conference on Afghanistan (31 March - 1 April 2004) Yahoo news: Afghanistan ...

TOP Documents Afghanistan: from presidential to parliamentary elections (Nov. 2004) Afghanistan opium survey 2004 (Nov. 2004) Afghanistan: state building, sustaining growth, & reducing poverty. a country economic report (Sept. 2004) Between hope & fear: intimidation & attacks against women in public life in Afghanistan (Oct. 2004) How the drug war in Afghanistan undermines America's war on terror (Nov. 2004) The Taliban file, part IV (Sept. 2004) ... [Read More]

South Asia - US Department of State

Terrorists, like the ones who launched an attack on London July 7, "believe that the world's democracies are weak, and that by killing innocent civilians they can break our will," he said. (complete text) Rice Says Six-Party Talks To Focus on Ending Nuclear ThreatSecretary also discusses Iran, London bombings in interviewAlthough North Korea's decision to return to the Six-Party Talks with South Korea, China, Russia, Japan and the United States is a positive development, "our focus now is going to be on how to make progress there," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says. ... [Read More]

Rebuilding Afghanistan News - US Department of State
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