[Cowperson]

The literacy rate in Afghanistan in 1960 was about 11% and is about 36% today. The pictures paint a rosy scenario but ....

I'm pretty sure the Soviet backed regime was forcing equality of the sexes on the masses when in power. High heels, shorter skirts and lipstick were fairly common on the streets of Kabul in the early 1980's.

But the underlying predilection has always been to a more traditional society and women in particular have always had a literacy standard substantially underneath men.

This has always been a primitive, stunted place relative to the rest of the world although I like it the most popular television program in the country is Afghan Star, the rough equivalent of American Idol.

The common person general wants peace, security and ....... more, just like you and me