I work with the UN as a gender advisor, and I continue to work with Afghan women every chance I get. I'll go back to Kabul again soon, but right now I'm wrapping up a new book about the impact of war on women around the world. It's based largely on a project I did in 2007-08 for the International Rescue Committee and UNHCR [The UN Refugee Agency]. Working in post conflict zones in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, I gave digital cameras to women and watched in amazement as they documented their lives and spoke up for change. The book is called War Is Not Over When It's Over. It will be out next fall.
~
Is there anything you'd like to add, Ann?
~
Just my thanks for your concern and for letting me sound off. You know, Joan, I've been surprised at the number of men, including military men, who write to me to support my conclusions. I think there are a great many Americans of all political persuasions who would be happy to see the end of macho-man politics and foreign policy. War and war-contracting have become ways of transferring money from the public treasury to the pockets of the already rich. It's time to change that.
~
Kabul in
Winter should be required reading for
everyone from our highest public officials down to us lowly taxpayers.
Read it and you will radically increase your understanding of Afghanistan, past and present. That is particularly timely in light of Pres. Obama's speech on Tuesday
evening. Thank you so much for speaking with me, Ann. Good luck to you.
***
Part
one of my interview with Ann
Ann's website
Ann's post-speech analysis for NPR, December 1, 2009: Obama's Still Wrong, But 'Winning' Is Everything. On Commentary: 'Obama's Wrong: It's Time To Walk Away From War'
Observers:
Plight Of Afghan Women Often Overlooked, Interview with NPR, November 3,
2009
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
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