LR, thanks very much for the links. I will take a look at them.

The last I'd read they had already destroyed the statues, but that was based solely on Taliban reports, no eyewitnessing, so I am delighted to hear that they may still be intact. (I wonder if LaFrance is a relative of my SO...same last name.:-)

Sorry, LR, I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I do not consider the sanctions against women as just inconveniences. It is not inconvenient to be unable to have any kind of medical treatment based on examination of your own body rather than that of your male relative who doesn't even have the same parts. It is not a minor inconvenience to be excluded from any outlets for education. With the next generation of Afghan women they will have totally wiped out entire generations of knowledge, industry, etc. It is not an inconveniece for a whole gender to be oppressed. I also do not think it would be that easy for many of them to "get a gun and join the opposition." Please do not trivialise what these women go through.

Granted sanctions may not be helping, but as long as the women ask for our voices and our assistance, as individuals, I cannot be silent.

kat...hey, you are doing good on those Clear Entries the past few!