Rare Protest by Afghan Women Dispersed by Taliban

Image copyright: AFP [via Al Jazeera]

The Facts

  • Taliban security forces reportedly opened fire over the heads of women who staged a protest in Kabul on Sat. - two days before the first anniversary of the group coming to power in Afghanistan.

  • Approximately 40 women marched through the capital demanding rights, with Taliban fighters seizing their mobile phones. The protesters chanted demands for "bread, work, and freedom" carrying a banner stating "August 15 is a bad day."


The Spin

Republican narrative

The current attacks on women's rights in Afghanistan are a direct result of the Biden administration's decision to withdraw from the country. His administration may express rhetoric about women's rights, but it has no way of enforcing them without troops on the ground to guarantee humanitarian security.

Democratic narrative

An indefinite US presence wasn't possible in Afghanistan, and Afghan security forces haven't been able to guarantee the hard-fought gains for women's rights during US involvement. This is a tragic situation, but Republicans need to take responsibility for the unfavorable agreement brokered by former President Trump that created the groundwork for the catastrophe in Afghanistan.


Metaculus Prediction


Political split

LEFT

RIGHT

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