Missing Nose Opens Our Eyes
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You can tell that the 18-year-old Afghan on Time’s cover this week was beautiful. And once you get past her grotesque disfiguration – courtesy of the Taliban – Aisha is still a beautiful young lady. Not only that, she displays a sense of pride and quiet strength that transcends her ordeal.
I’m glad that she had the courage to pose and Time had the courage to run the photo. Disturbing as it is, the picture forces us to confront the reality and brutality of war, shaking us from our normal casual observations and unintentional indifference. It also shows us the consequences for Afghan women if the Taliban isn’t defeated.
The two most horrendous offenses in my book are the abuse of women and the abuse of children. And atrocities don’t come much worse than cutting off noses and ears, splashing acid on faces or being stoned to death. Afghan women – among others – face that and more, and it’ll be even worse once the United States armed forces withdraw.
I know we’re going have to leave sooner or later. I can only pray that Aisha and her countrywomen don’t suffer further indignities as a result.
DS
