Democracy in Afghanistan - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

lindalove · 07-27-2005, 11:41 AM

So my sister-in-law has 'volunteered' to travel to Afghanistan to help oversee the newly instated democratic elections. I'm scared to death for her. The EIC has been appointed to run the elections. Al Qaida has made an open statement that they will kill anybody related to the election and has targeted Americans

Quote:

The Department of State strongly warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. There is an ongoing threat to kidnap and assassinate U.S. citizens and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country. The ability of Afghan authorities to maintain order and ensure the security of citizens and visitors is limited. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist al-Qaida network, and other groups hostile to the government, remain active. U.S.-led military operations continue. Travel in all areas of Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, is unsafe due to military operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry among political and tribal groups, and the possibility of terrorist attacks, including attacks using vehicular or other Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and kidnapping. The security environment remains volatile and unpredictable. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 18, 2005. There is a potential risk for violence during the election period.

Yeah, I don't want to say anything too bad, but I think she's insane. Any thoughts? The government will not ensure protection if she goes.

Charlatan · 07-27-2005, 11:49 AM

Good for her! I'd be very proud of her for putting her life on the line for something worthwhile.

denim · 07-27-2005, 11:49 AM

I agree. She's insane. Get her committed. :-|

lindalove · 07-27-2005, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

Good for her! I'd be very proud of her for putting her life on the line for something worthwhile.

I agree and disagree. I am proud of her for doing something worthwhile.

I utterly respect the military, police, and firemen for the jobs that they do and for putting their lives on the line. But in the same respect, they train and are ready for situations that arise. She's a skinny 24 year old, I can't even think about how she/we would react if a situation went south.

Would anybody here honestly pack up and go there to help establish democracy without any guarantee of military aid/protection?

And while worthy, the trip will also give her an essential boost on her resume. I just think that the risks outweigh the rewards in this case.

Elphaba · 07-27-2005, 01:13 PM

Has she spoken with others that have already been there? That might provide a healthy reality check that the dangers are very real and that she won't be immune to them.

denim · 07-27-2005, 01:16 PM

I just don't see that it's worth your sister's safety to get in the middle of a civil war.

maleficent · 07-27-2005, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindalove

Would anybody here honestly pack up and go there to help establish democracy without any guarantee of military aid/protection?

/me raises hand.... I would... because it's something that is important and my ego is big enough that I would want to be a part of that, but I couldn't do it for free, my wallet needs to be fed...

What are the odds that something bad would happen?

State department advisories tend to give you worst case...

If she was leaving children behind, then I might think twice about it, but if there are no kids involved - I'd be so proud of her for doing that...

07-27-2005, 11:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Good for her! I'd be very proud of her for putting her life on the line for something worthwhile. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

07-27-2005, 01:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
Elphaba Deja Moo Location: Olympic Peninsula, WA	Has she spoken with others that have already been there? That might provide a healthy reality check that the dangers are very real and that she won't be immune to them. __________________ "You can't ignore politics, no matter how much you'd like to." Molly Ivins - 1944-2007

07-27-2005, 11:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
denim Banned Location: Massachusetts, USA	I agree. She's insane. Get her committed. :-\|

07-27-2005, 01:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
denim Banned Location: Massachusetts, USA	I just don't see that it's worth your sister's safety to get in the middle of a civil war.