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Jen L. Jones, Jen L. Jones

Jen L. Jones - Based in Canada, Jones writes on human rights, history,and the natural world. She focuses also on Turkish and Scottish travel and ...

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Afghanistan

Present-day Afghanistan is an uneasy mix of tribal peoples: Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, and more. The effects of its history which saw various powers— Arab, British, and Russian—trying to gain control are still being felt. A re-emerging Taliban threatens to disrupt democratic efforts there. Islam is afforded primacy in all Afghan affairs, as mandated by the new constitution.

Afghanistan's population of 30 million has a life expectancy of only 45 years. With shockingly high infant mortality rates and a low literacy rate, Afghanistan needs a new direction. But, the escalation of violence is an ominous sign. As Nato troops prepare to withdraw by the end of 2014, this is a pivotal time in the future of Afghanistan. Read more here about this war-torn land.

Leading Contributors

Latest articles in Afghanistan

 The Future of The War in Afghanistan: It's Decision Time

By June, the war in Afghanistan will have lasted 128 months, two years longer than the Vietnam War. The public is demanding clear answers on what's next.

Mar 16, 2012 – Elizabeth Hottenstein

Sahar Gul's Ordeal and the Ongoing Enslavement of Afghan Women

A young Afghan girl's torture and confinement shows the dire situation of Afghan women. Some choose death by suicide over the pain of daily life.

Jan 14, 2012 – Jen L. Jones

Review: Meena, Heroine of Afghanistan by Melanie Ermachild Chavis

Fighting for peace, democracy, and women's rights, Meena founded RAWA, the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan...and paid with her life.

Jul 5, 2011 – Jen L. Jones

Politics as the Continuation of War in Afghanistan

Michel Foucault's idea that politics is the continuation of war makes sense when we look at the end of war approaching in Afghanistan.

May 10, 2011 – Mark Guzylak-Shergold

The Death of bin Laden: Doomsday or Renewal

Chris Hedges sees the bin Laden execution as the end for America. Others see it as the end of a national nightmare. The answer lies in which side we take.

May 5, 2011 – Stan Moody

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