Many could argue that the “war on terror” has been dragging on for too long now. We tend to agree. However, I cannot imagine where Afghanistan would be today if it were not for the war. I never realized until living here how much terror the people of Afghanistan have experienced. Among their struggles are small amounts of electricity, no running water and little to no education opportunities or decent healthcare. On top of all that, the country has been reduced to rubble from years of fighting.
When the Taliban was in power they took away the small things the people of this country could still enjoy despite their rough living conditions: dancing, music, even kite flying. Ironically, the September 11th attacks on America are what brought Afghanistan, the land of the Taliban, a chance to be free of terror. America and other supporting countries have paid a high price for the freedom of Afghanistan, but it is not paid in vain. September 11th was the day the rest of the world awoke and experienced the evilness of the Taliban. Despite the controversy over the war I am thankful that Afghanistan has a chance to pursue a future full of possibilities.
3 comments:
Although living in America has it's own version of stress...the comparison is hard to make. I cannot imagine what everyday life must be like - living in bombed buildings, no basic infrastructure (I don't think the mail even works), and no real options to protect and provide for your children. I'm glad America has been able to make a small difference. I am curious – what do the people of Afghanistan say about US involvement?
The people of Afghanistan that we have had contact with say very little about the US involvement. We have been here for over two months and have not once seen a US soldier. The work our military is doing in Afghanistan must be to support and train Afghan officials behind the scenes.
The only reoccurring comment we have heard from Afghans is how significant 911 was on their lives. They well aware of the pain caused to Americans because of September 11th but they know life would be very different for them had the attacks never happened. I believe if we were to ask directly, most Afghans would be thankful the US and allied countries did not close their eyes to what was happening in their country.
it's a shame it took thousands of people to die instantly for the rest of the world to "take notice" of the taliban and the plight of the afghan people. the taliban have been ravaging afghanistan since the early 90's. the russians leaving afghanistan created a huge power vacuum. all of the different tribes began to fight over who would hold the power over afghanistan. after about six months of chaos, after the russians left, the afghan people were beginning to say that they missed the russians. some were even wanting them back because at least there was some predictability in their lives (i did experience this first hand, because i happened to be living in the area at the time). this was the perfect opportunity for an organized group to step in - enter the taliban. where were the international leaders working to help the afghans rebuild their lives? where were we (i include myself in this, btw)? i could go on, but i feel that i will begin to not make sense as this is more of a rant, than a well thought out dialogue.........
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