Afgan Women Protest New Restrictive Law

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/world/asia/16afghan.html

Women, Extremism and Two Key States

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/15/opinion/15wed1.html?_r=1

There are many articles with very similar stories about various forms of violence against women and the lack of women’s rights within these countries. Often these articles are read and the initial reaction is shock, disgust and disbelief that a government can stand by and allow its citizens to be brutally beaten and be seen as acceptable based on gender. It is difficult to believe that images like this can be posted in the New York Times repeatedly yet still we haven’t figured out how to establish human rights. Why is the United States so heavily invested in these countries that it prevents them from instituting these basic human rights?
In Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzi signed a law that sanctions martial rape. It’s appalling that such a law can be created without any opposition. It’s obvious that the graphic images and videos of these women display the use of power though violence and sex and is condoned by their government but there is no explanation as to why violence against women is the most systematic and prevalent form of human rights abuses.

Pakistani woman being beaten by Taliban