Karl Gallagher ([info]selenite) wrote,
@ 2005-09-19 13:40:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend  Next Entry
Current mood: happy
Entry tags:freedom, war

Freedom Marches On

Afghanistan just elected national and provincial legislatures. There's a couple of significant things here. The women are feeling freer, if marginally so (that's the hem of her burka on top of her head--I presume she'll be fully tented when she's walking home). The jewelry and bright outfit may be a better indication of how things are improving. There's also been very little violence despite extreme threats from the Taliban. So Afghanistan seems headed for the happy ending. Let's hope Iraq is doing this well in 2007.

Meanwhile, The President of Pakistan made a speech to the American Jewish Congress meeting. Since when was "Leader of Muslim country meets with Jews" a minor news story? I'd put this as one of the payoffs for Israel withdrawing from Gaza.

Hat tip to Varifrank.


(5 comments) - (Post a new comment)


[info]celticdragonfly
2005-09-19 06:46 pm UTC (link)
I think I've read here and there that they typically wear bright colors and jewelry underneath them.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]selenite
2005-09-19 06:50 pm UTC (link)
In Saudi Arabia, yes. The Taliban used to execute women for wearing makeup or jewelry.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]hornedhopper
2005-09-20 12:28 am UTC (link)
Definitely Saudi and Pakistani/Afghani women do. Many moons ago, I taught a Saudi wives ESL class at ASU. Because no man could pick them up, I got to drive the passenger van to pick up my students, all waiting in their somber outfits (not burkhas, but headscarves and the outer cloak that reached neck to wrists to ankles). One time, a good friend who also taught ESL to a Saudi wife had a party off campus, just for the women.

Under the scarves and dusters, were gorgeous hairdos, designer dresses, and beautiful jewelry. Put me right to shame (g)!

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]unwilly
2005-09-19 06:56 pm UTC (link)
Great pic, speaks volumes.

A number of Arab states have sent, or are sending envoys to Israel.

A trickle of progress.

(Reply to this)


[info]carbonelle
2005-09-19 07:52 pm UTC (link)
It's also tactically wise. I wonder if the local mobs there are aware of this?

(Reply to this)

(5 comments) - (Post a new comment)

Create an Account
Forgot your login or password?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…