Political Quotes

“the conflict in Afghanistan has changed dramatically in recent months. In September 1996, the Taliban coalition seized the capital city of Kabul, thereby securing control of two-thirds of the territory of Afghanistan. The Taliban, many of whom grew up and were educated in the refugee camps in Pakistan during the war years of the 1980's, see themselves as the guardians of Afghan security and stability. Unfortunately, this guardianship has had very harsh consequences for the women and young girls of Afghanistan. Moreover, in an effort to solidify total control over Afghanistan, they continue to engage militarily with the other factions led by various leaders of that country. Today, the Taliban controls three-quarters of the nation. Mr. President, my concern here is that we have had significant reports of terrible abuse of the young women of Afghanistan by the Taliban, including denying them even the basic opportunities to work. Many of the teachers in Afghanistan were women. They have been denied entirely the right to work, to teach. Internal tensions have been exacerbated by players who have encouraged the various factions to continue the armed conflict in order to advance their own selfish economic and security interests. Outside assistance in the form of arms transfer, military training, and financial aid seriously undermined international efforts to broker a political solution to the conflict.”