We've Failed Afghanistan (Plus Declaration of Peace)

You may remember that Women for Peace had the honor of hosting Afghan parliamentarian and human rights activist Malalai Joya, at this year's International Women's Day event in Madison.

Malalai harshly criticized the U.S. government, for allowing -- even encouraging -- local warlords to keep and consolidate their power. She also spoke about her home province, Farah, and projects she heads there to bring health services and education to its isolated and impoverished people.

According to the BBC, Farah province is now under Taleban control:

The Taleban have ousted Afghan security forces from a district headquarters in the western Farah province after days of heavy fighting, police say.

The forces were besieged and support was unable to reach them, Farah police chief Sayed Aqa Saqib told the BBC.

The Taleban have fought fierce battles with Afghan and foreign troops this year, mostly in the south and east, in which hundreds of people have died.

The Farah attack has raised concerns of a new front opening up in the west.

Hundreds of heavily-armed Taleban fighters have been involved in this week's violence in the province, the authorities say. ...

Farah province borders Iran, and Nato and Afghan officials say they are aware it could become a new front in the war with the Taleban as insurgents flee clashes in the south.

Way to go, "war on terror." Just days after the United States observed the fifth anniversary of 9/11 -- used by the Bush administration to seek support for illegal wiretapping, the Patriot Act and the occupation of Iraq -- the Taleban win a major victory in Afghanistan.

Our country owes the Afghan people more -- real security, reconstruction and assistance in developing the social and legal infrastructure needed to ensure basic human rights. Yet even the U.S. peace movement tends to forget about Afghanistan. Why?

Let's raise the issue of Afghanistan at next week's Declaration of Peace events:

• Candlelight Vigil: Thu Sept 21, 7:00 -10:30 pm Meet at 14 W Mifflin on the Capital Square, Madison. This will be our big event where we will expect a large crowd to vigil and remember those who have died as a result of the war and occupation of Iraq on International Peace Day


• 27 Hour Fast and Vigiling: 1:30 pm Thu Sept 21 through 5:30 pm Fri Sept 22 Meet at Grace Episcopal Church, 116 W Washington Ave at 1:30 with sleeping bag and other necessities if you will stay over night. Proceed to the sidewalk outside of Senator Kohl's office (14 W Mifflin St) where vigil will begin at 2:00 pm


• Nonviolent Civil Resistance: 1:30 pm Thu Sept 21 through 5:30 pm Fri Sept 22 Details will be discussed and finalized at the Sept 17 nonviolence training at St. John's Lutheran Church. Nonviolence training is required for anyone who will be participating in the action