InfoAnda - Afghan women fear peace plans will reverse rights

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

New Policy Measures To Upgrade Synergies Among U.S. Departments | 31 December 2009
Thirteen Syrian protesters killed attempting to cross into Israel | 6 June 2011
White House tries to give healthcare a human face | 22 September 2010

Norway could have prevented Breivik massacre, says commission | | 13 August 2012

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Afghan women fear peace plans will reverse rights

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Afghan women fear peace plans will reverse rights AFP - Friday, February 5 Send IM Story Print Afghan women fear peace plans will reverse rights KABUL (AFP) - – Farida Tarana defied age-old Afghan tradition, death threats and sexual discrimination to become a pop star and later the public face of post-Taliban women's politics. Now a local legislator, she is a prominent example of the progress Afghan women have made since the 2001 overthrow of the radical Islamist regime that barred them from education and working outside their homes. But as President Hamid Karzai airs plans to mediate with Islamist insurgents who have waged war since being forced from power in 2001, Tarana and other Afghan women fear any reconciliation could reverse their hard-won gains. "I want peace but not at the cost of women's freedom," Tarana told AFP. Tarana's journey from repression to freedom began in 2005 when she shot to stardom in television talent show "Afghan Star", the local version of "American Idol", representing the western province of Herat. With desperate love melodies and upbeat pop songs she became popular among young Afghans for her talent and bravery, but stirred up violent opposition among conservative Islamic circles and extremist groups who accused her of breaching Afghanistan's religious and cultural traditions. "Not only conservative groups but my own relatives, my cousins, my uncles, everybody was opposing me, everybody was telling me that I shouldn't do it," Tarana said of her stint on "Afghan Star". "They even threatened to kill me," she told AFP. The anonymous telephone death threats only made her more ambitious and determined to consolidate her musical career, which she did by recording new songs that helped make her both famous and rich. "It was not easy," Tarana, aged in her late 20s, said of her decision to become a singer. "People (in Afghanistan) don't like women to sing. "Becoming a politician who sings was even harder." Tarana stood for a seat on the Kabul provincial council -- one of 34 local legislatures nationwide -- in elections held last August at the same time as a presidential poll that became mired in scandal and fraud. Vying for one of 29 seats against 524 candidates, she secured 8,421 votes, the second highest. Emboldened, she is now looking at standing for national parliament in elections due in September. The 1996-2001 Taliban regime barred Afghan women from all public activities, including school. They could only leave home accompanied by a male relative and were routinely beaten in public and even stoned to death for perceived breaches of Islamic law. Now, under the Afghan constitution, women are equal to men. Nevertheless, women's groups say they remain the most marginalised and underprivileged group in the country, subject to violence and discrimination in the name of Afghan tradition. And as they fight to apply constitutional guarantees to the reality of their daily lives, some voice concerns that Karzai may be forced to compromise on women's rights in return for cooperation from Taliban leaders. At a conference in London attended by around 70 countries and international organisations to map out a plan for Afghanistan's future, Karzai outlined proposals that could see Taliban leaders invited to share power. "The memory of the Taliban time is still alive in the minds of Afghan women," said Sabrina Saqeb, a women's rights activist and member of parliament. "I think first of all the new (peace) programme will not succeed because it doesn't have the backing of the people. "But let's say it does succeed, Afghan women will suffer greatly," she said. "I think if the Taliban are brought back, the democracy we have achieved will be pushed backwards," Saqeb said, adding: "I'm afraid of them, I feel it in my heart and in my soul." But Shukria Barakzai, another lawmaker and leading rights activist, said she is optimistic about Karzai's peace programme and believes the Taliban will change once reconciled. "I think change is possible," she told AFP. "Look at Mullah (Abdul Salam) Rocketi -- he was a Taliban, he opposed women working outside the home," she said, referring to a former Taliban leader now a parliamentarian. "But today he sits next to me in the parliament, he has changed." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Aussie model joins campaign to save red-faced banker AFP - 1 hour 17 minutes ago Report: China sentences kidnapper to death AP - 1 hour 18 minutes ago Shackleton whisky recovered after 100 years in polar ice AFP - 1 hour 18 minutes ago American-born pandas near their new home in China AP - 1 hour 21 minutes ago Mayor vows continued crackdown in China's west AP - 1 hour 24 minutes ago News Search Top Stories British pub fights get safer with new design glasses Jackson doctor to surrender Friday: lawyer Blushing Pluto? Dwarf planet takes on a ruddier hue: NASA NY sues Bank of America alleging fraud in Merrill deal Shell cuts jobs after profits plunge More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Fury heats up after new AIG bonuses Shell cuts jobs after profits plunge New technique helps search for another Earth Jackson doctor to surrender Friday: lawyer Scientists 'grow' edible insects in Costa Rica More Most Viewed » More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Friday, 5 February 2010
US military rushes delivery of bomb dogs to Iraq
Shell cuts jobs after profits plunge
US Congress to examine Google pro-democracy role
U.S. commander offers more upbeat Afghanistan view |
NY sues Bank of America alleging fraud in Merrill deal
Settler house to be evacuated in Jerusalem
Iraq condemns lifting candidate ban, MPs to meet
Watchdog urges Libya to stop blocking websites
Netanyahu assures Syria after Israeli FM's threat |
Metro reports best ever quarterly results
Sinn Fein says believes has basis for Northern Ireland deal |
Magnum Photos selling past to ensure future
Costa Rica poised to elect first woman president |
Two charged with selling Samsung trade secrets
Hackers rigging blogs, email, websites: Websense
Cisco profit up 23 percent, will hire up to 3,000
Mexico gangs cut into Super Bowl avocado bounty |
Greek minister not optimistic on Cyprus talks |
IMF chief says may quit early: for run in France? |
Two charged with selling Samsung trade secrets
Officials: Suicide bomb kills 3 in Afghan south
China migrant workers may not return from holiday
Thai PM downplays fears of Thaksin 'People's Army'
Hong Kong people should be angry with govt: activist
Beijing, Washington spar on trade as row rolls on
Kiradech shares lead at Thai golf Pro-Am
U.S. teens lose interest in blogging: study |
Uzbek film director faces jail over slander charge
India offers official talks with Pakistan
Obama aunt testifies at her 2nd asylum hearing
Video gamers get their skates on for Winter Olympics |
Report: China sentences 25 kidnappers to death
Dalai Lama to meet Obama at White House this month
NATO: 32 suspected militants killed in Afghanistan
Kiteboarder killed by sharks in rare deadly attack
New York AG filing civil charges against BofA
Man, 70, freed from jail after Nevada casino crash
Thomas: Some questioning of Court 'irresponsible'
Gay NY teen's harassment suit gets federal notice
Brown taking over the late Sen. Kennedy's seat
Path cleared for plea by former Intel executive
India growth seen back on track: IMF
Toyota's US woes compounded by Prius probe
India outsourcers forecast sharp export rise
Pakistan's forex reserves fall to $14.52 bln
Wayne Newton's abandoned jet rots at Mich. airport
Coroner: Casey Johnson's death diabetes related
Attorney says Jackson's doc is talking surrender
Art world hails record price for Giacometti
Brittany Murphy died from pneumonia, anemia, drugs |
Polish banknote to mark Chopin anniversary
Jackson doctor negotiating surrender: lawyers |
China's Olympic swim centre to become water park
In a London bunker, robo-art comes to life
Review: Hot Chip calms down with 'One Life Stand'
AZ sweat lodge leader pleads not guilty in deaths
Camilla visits set of UK soap 'Coronation Street'
Not clear if Gaza war probes are credible -U.N.'s Ban
China envoy to visit North Korea; U.S. activist released |
Publishers, Amazon in flux in e-book pricing fray
Jackson doctor to surrender Friday: lawyer
Afghan women fear peace plans will reverse rights
N.Ireland parties agree devolution deal |
N.Ireland power-sharing saved as party backs deal
Blushing Pluto? Dwarf planet takes on a ruddier hue: NASA
Justice Dept says Google books deal troubled
Riot-hit Xinjiang capital at risk for years |
UN chief can't judge if Gaza probes are 'credible'
Not clear if Gaza war probes are credible: U.N.'s Ban |
Google, US intel teaming up to fight cyberattacks: reports
Iraq parliament to debate Saddam-era poll candidates
Malaysian media shapes battleground in Anwar trial |
Be 'reasonably polite' Engadget asks as comments return
Israel FM warns Assad will lose power if Syria goes to war
Samsung aims to triple smartphone sales in 2010
Discussing Iran sanctions hinders diplomacy
YouTube's Eun latest Google exec to join AOL
Google, NSA to team up in cyberattack probe
Venezuela opposition decries appointment of Cuban |
Sun CEO resigns... with a Twitter haiku
U.S. teens lose interest in blogging: study
Video gamers get their skates on for Winter Olympics
Samsung aims to triple smartphone sales in 2010
Google, NSA to team up in cyberattack probe |
US-born pandas on way 'home' to China
Publishers, Amazon in flux in e-book pricing fray |
Justice Dept says Google books deal troubled |
Riot-hit Xinjiang capital at risk for years
U.S. teens lose interest in blogging: study |
China sentences one to death for kidnapping
Video gamers get their skates on for Winter Olympics |
Report: Chinese envoy to visit NKorea next week
Samsung aims to triple smartphone sales in 2010 |
NKorea says it will free detained US missionary
Sen. Landrieu defends Medicaid deal for La.
Video game makers look for 2010 turnaround |
2-inch toy gun in school means trouble for NYC boy
Police release feng shui master in tycoon estate case
Netezza teams up with NEC to battle Oracle |
Global Weather-Celsius
YouTube's Eun latest Google exec to join AOL |
Prosecutors review CO middle school 'sexting' case
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Firm to pay $200K after importing lead-laden toys
RIM device development holds promise, analyst says |
China envoy to visit North Korea; U.S. activist released
3 charged over Malaysia Muslim prayer room attacks
Couple accused of abducting Dugard seek visits
Calif man to be sentenced for tattoo parlor arson
Police: Man stuffed 75 bottles of lotion in pants
Murder trial of man accused of tossing boy ending
NY court sniffs at ex-cop's drugged-dinner claim
Obama tells Democrats to keep faith
Seoul shares post lowest close in over 2 mths
Rio Tinto appoints new China chief
China announces anti-dumping steps on US chicken
Taiwan air force to get 3 helicopters from Europe
China to impose anti-dumping penalties on US chicken
Inflation in Philippines slips to 4.3 percent
Jackson doctor negotiating surrender: lawyers |
Brittany Murphy died from pneumonia, anemia, drugs |
Toyota woes deepen as Prius recall looms
Oscar contenders vie for underdog status |
Global markets rout hits Asia
New art auction record may not be end, say experts |
International Potato Center opens Asia branch in China
Lady Antebellum set to crush Lil Wayne on U.S. chart |
Taiwan says to buy miltary helicopters from Europe
Who can afford Howard Stern? |
Jay-Z sues lender over loan for NYC property |
Hollywood loses landmark copyright case in Australia |
US justice department slams Google book deal
Up a favorite in quality Oscar race for animation |
Self-help guru in court on manslaughter charges
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Web-based mystery romance lures indie producer |
Springsteen wants name off lawsuit against NYC bar
Only in America: Legal duel over heart attack burger joints
Videogame star "Fallout 3" heading for Sin City
Kenny Rogers to mark 50 years in music on TV
The Who's Townshend defends Super Bowl performance
Coroner: Pneumonia killed Murphy, drugs had role
Iraq mortar attack kills 31 Shiite pilgrims
Euro hits nine-month dollar low
Car bombs kill 40 in Iraq, tensions simmer |
Facebook marks sixth birthday with new home page
Euro climbs back above $1.37 after US data
Israel's new rocket shield not going to Gaza front
Darfur rebel infighting drives 10,000 from their homes
British Airways losses widen, forecasts annual loss
British pub fights get safer with new design glasses
N.Ireland parties agree policing deal: British PM
Taliban reject deal with Afghanistan, West |
Blasts kill 32 at height of Iraq Shiite pilgrimage
U.N. Security Council may discuss Iran: Russia's Lavrov |
Dubai police may pursue Israel PM for Hamas killing
Bomb kills two, wounds up to 20 at Afghan dog fight
Twin blasts in Pakistan's Karachi kill about 22 |
After U.S. deal, Taiwan to buy helicopters from Europe |
Iraq condemns lifting candidate ban
Turkish Cypriot leader says peace talks progressing |
Dubai police may pursue Israel PM for Hamas killing: report |
UK troops pave way for massive NATO Afghan assault |
China warns locals to settle migrant pay disputes
NKorea says it will free detained US missionary
Bomb hit bus carrying Shiites in Pakistan, 11 dead
Immigrant smuggling raids hit Texas bus companies
Timberlake to get pudding pot from Harvard
Indonesia's controversial Obama statue to be moved
US military leaders faulted over Afghan ambush
Obama plan would expand some small-business loans
Blast hits Karachi hospital treating bomb victims
Media rights group slams Kazakh gag order
Urban farmers fight nationwide to sow green biz
Police: Casualties feared in Pakistan blast
Leader of feared Mexican cartel gets 17 years
3 Indians killed in Philippine road accident
Explorers' century-old whisky found in Antarctic
Alaska OKs some exotic cats; bars chimps, sloths
Obama to help commemorate 7 slain CIA employees
Washington cities clamp down on bikini baristas
The nation's weather
Toyota CEO to break silence amid recall crisis
HK man has 'zero interest' in buying Portsmouth
Panasonic returns to profit in third quarter
New photos of Marilyn Monroe up for sale |
Group: China passenger car sales up 84 pct in Jan.
Cambodia blasts Google map of disputed Thai border
S.Korea BOK plays down fallout from recent jitters
Avatar poised for eighth box office win |
South Korean won falls 1.6 pct vs dollar
New photos of Marilyn Monroe up for sale
Taiwan's Formosa to invest 20 billion dolllars in 2010
Robin Williams loses $6 million lawsuit |
Robin Williams loses $6 million lawsuit
Indonesia to remove Obama statue from public park
Indonesian Islamists block horror film: producers
Christie's to auction Michael Crichton art works |
Johns' 'Flag' owned by Michael Crichton to be sold
Somali pirates: the unlikely heroes of Kenya's fishermen
Kosovo tourist site: test case in Belgrade vs. Pristina
Christie's to auction Michael Crichton's art works
10 months on, Italian quake capital still an 'empty city'
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01