Rethinking Afghanistan

Are we accomplishing anything positive in Afghanistan? Or are we making a bad situation worse with our current policy of increasing troops? Have we 'helped women', or made things far more difficult for them?

Can we find another way... a civilian solution? I believe so, and so do the following people.

Brave New Films has put together a documentary which is available to watch for free online (and you can purchase on DVD as well if you wish to support their efforts for peace), which discusses the complex issue by showing interview clips and footage on the ground with those who most understand the situation. It is a film strongly espousing the need for the US military to leave the country and for the US to seek civilian solutions to help the Afghan people, and the film tells you why this is the right decision. Visit ReThink Afghanistan.

The online version has divided the documentary into six 10-11 minute episodes. For me, as a woman, Episode five was the most compelling, the most difficult to watch. But they're all superb. We have invaded a country in order to pursue criminals (Al Qaeda) who no longer are there, but have moved into Pakistan - which is arguably the most dangerous country on earth at this time.



Please watch these videos, and get involved if you can. Even writing letters, signing petitions, etc, helps. Donate to causes which are working to get our troops out of there when possible.

Remember, we strongly disagree with our leaders who have pursued this agenda, but our troops deserve nothing less than our total support. We need to let President Obama know that the citizens of the United States are not ignorant warmongers, but people of compassion - for both the Afghan people and our own who fight in our name. I especially recommend books by Robert Baer - a former CIA operative who describes and conveys his understanding of the region with a clarity I have not often seen.

View a factsheet on Women's Rights in Afghanistan here.

View a factsheet comparing the US troop levels with civilian casualties since 2002 here.



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