The media face of the war in Afghanistan is a woman's face--one particular mutilated woman, in the case of Time. Sonali Kolhatkar of the Afghan Women's Mission notes, though, that this is a clear strategy from those who benefit from the war to win over European and American audiences. Meanwhile, Afghan women who oppose occupation, like former GRITtv guest Malalai Joya, are silenced in the media just as they are silenced in Afghan politics.
Sonali joins guest host Esther Armah to talk about the media obsessions in Afghanistan--and why almost no attention is being paid to Pakistan, heavily flooded and still facing U.S. drone strikes.
Hi Laura: Unfortunately, I just discovered that a month ago we were not invited to respond to Sonali Kolhatkar accusation that Ayesha’s photograph on the cover of Time is “a clear strategy from those who benefit from the war”. This is the most disgusting statement to emerge on the subject so far. We have a staff of 150 Afghan men and women throughout the country risking their lives every minute to help women and girls. This includes Manizha Naderi, our ED. I myself spend 6 months a year there, as a volunteer. I am also taking personal risks. Do you think I benefit from the war? You know me and my organization, Women for Afghan Women. Perhaps you didn’t know that we are the org. that took care of Ayesha and agreed to put her on the cover. Please take a look at my article in the Huffington Post on this subject. Esther (Hyneman) Women for Afghan Women board of directors.
By Esther Hyneman on September 23rd, 2010 at 10:51 am