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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
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| The west needs to sustain Afghanistan | The west needs to sustain Afghanistan |
| (12 days later) | |
| I'm surprised Jonathan Steele, in his otherwise excellent piece (A decade of western folly has erased hope from Afghanistan, 11 December), makes no reference to the grim plight of women. Perhaps he does not mention it because he assumes it to be common knowledge. However, it is worth repeating that not only in Taliban-controlled areas of the country but also in other sections, women continue to suffer numerous abuses. They have their freedom curtailed and are denied an education or, if they succeed in achieving one, are frequently prevented from pursuing a career or holding public office. They are subjected to sexual abuse and death threats and even murdered. In many cases the authorities make little effort to track down their abusers and killers or are too intimidated to do so. It's important journalists take every opportunity to draw attention to this. Dr Paulina Palmer Cambridge | I'm surprised Jonathan Steele, in his otherwise excellent piece (A decade of western folly has erased hope from Afghanistan, 11 December), makes no reference to the grim plight of women. Perhaps he does not mention it because he assumes it to be common knowledge. However, it is worth repeating that not only in Taliban-controlled areas of the country but also in other sections, women continue to suffer numerous abuses. They have their freedom curtailed and are denied an education or, if they succeed in achieving one, are frequently prevented from pursuing a career or holding public office. They are subjected to sexual abuse and death threats and even murdered. In many cases the authorities make little effort to track down their abusers and killers or are too intimidated to do so. It's important journalists take every opportunity to draw attention to this. Dr Paulina Palmer Cambridge |
| • Jonathan Steele highlights how crucial it is for the international community to sustain its commitment to Afghanistan. As the international forces prepare to withdraw, aid levels are dropping, making it even more important that aid reaches those who really need it. Over the last 11 years, too much aid was militarised: driven by national interests and the desire to "win hearts and minds" rather than addressing the needs of people living in poverty. These "quick-fix" projects must be replaced by better, smarter and more effective aid which is based on what Afghans want and need. | • Jonathan Steele highlights how crucial it is for the international community to sustain its commitment to Afghanistan. As the international forces prepare to withdraw, aid levels are dropping, making it even more important that aid reaches those who really need it. Over the last 11 years, too much aid was militarised: driven by national interests and the desire to "win hearts and minds" rather than addressing the needs of people living in poverty. These "quick-fix" projects must be replaced by better, smarter and more effective aid which is based on what Afghans want and need. |
| Nevertheless, aid has made a real difference. There are now 2.7 million girls enrolled in school compared with just a few thousand under the Taliban. In more than 80% of districts, Afghans now have access to basic healthcare and life expectancy has risen dramatically. These gains are indeed fragile, but they can and should be built upon – not thrown away. The Afghan people need hope. Above all, they need to know they will not be abandoned after 2014. Dimitrije Todorovic Director, Oxfam Kabul Afghanistan | Nevertheless, aid has made a real difference. There are now 2.7 million girls enrolled in school compared with just a few thousand under the Taliban. In more than 80% of districts, Afghans now have access to basic healthcare and life expectancy has risen dramatically. These gains are indeed fragile, but they can and should be built upon – not thrown away. The Afghan people need hope. Above all, they need to know they will not be abandoned after 2014. Dimitrije Todorovic Director, Oxfam Kabul Afghanistan |
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