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For example, our ambassador to Pakistan is abiding by the fasting rules of Ramadan. That is a superb gesture by her -- nor is it trivial; hunger hurts. But it's a show of respect for Muslim traditions at a time when Muslim doubt about US intentions is rising. Equally, the UN will use women on the ground in Afghanistan, and they'll cover their heads with scarves, but they won't have to wear burqas. And that, too, is good. The scarves won't hurt them, and it will be a sign of good faith that we're not there to destroy Afghan traditions. But western women will operate in Afghanistan as professionals carrying out their duties; that was non-negotiable. The Afghan women, too, are suddenly coming out of the woodwork. In the western city of Herat, near the Iranian border, the Northern Alliance warlord who is now running the place met with 80 local women and asked them what they thought he should do, and they had plenty of suggestions; so many, in fact, that he was a bit swamped by it all and asked them to put together a concrete proposal. They want education for their girls, and they want to be able to work again (in many cases as teachers). Some may wear the burqa and some may keep their faces bare; the real issue isn't clothing but freedom of movement and freedom of choice. (Any doubt that the women of Afghanistan hated the Taliban should long since be dispelled. The rapidity with which they've been organizing is stunning.) The US is fighting this war for its own partisan reasons (because we were attacked and are threatened with future attacks) but the big winner of this war will be the women of the world. (discuss) |
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