Harry Reid: “I love to read. I love to especially read history. One of the fine experiences I have had was reading a book by James…”

“I love to read. I love to especially read history. One of the fine experiences I have had was reading a book by James Michener entitled ``Caravans.'' It was about the history of Afghanistan. I read this book many years ago. Michener had already written ``Hawaii'' and some other books that were very famous, but this was a bestseller, and rightfully so. I really developed a strong, positive feeling about the people of Afghanistan after having read that book. As a result of what has happened to our country being so heavily involved in Afghanistan in the last 15 years, 20 years, I have reflected many times, since I read that book and since we have been so heavily involved in Afghanistan, about the people of Afghanistan and what has happened to them. Of course, I have given speeches on the Senate floor about how the reign of terror of the Taliban was a reign of terror to everyone in Afghanistan, but especially women. And during that period of time, women suffered irreparably in many instances. The reason I mention this today is that during and since the Loya Jirga that has been held in Afghanistan, delegates who have spoken out for human rights, including the Minister of Women's Affairs, have been threatened and in many instances intimidated. These threats going on in Afghanistan today, along with continued reports of violence and intimidation in the provinces, point to the imperative need for U.S. support for the immediate expansion of peace troops in Afghanistan.”