Reasonable observers have already realized that the pullout of US forces in Afghanistan will create a power and security vacuum that would inevitably be filled by the Taliban or other warlords. The radical feminist “anti-war” group “Code Pink” realized this recently when a number of them visited Kabul Afghanistan. Code Pink has been responsible for a number of prominent protests and has been against the Afghanistan and Iraq war from the start. Code Pink before their visit advocated the immediate withdrawal of US forces. But after the recent visit their views have shifted. After being repeatedly confronted by Afghan women explaining that the retreat of international forces means a considerable loss in rights and safety, Code Pinks tone towards the war changed. When Code Pink talked with Masooda Jalal the former Afghan minister of women, she said “It is good for Afghanistan to have more troops, more troops committed with the aim of building peace and against war, terrorism, and security, along with other resources.” This was not what Code Pink expected.

It is clear that the US presence is the main reason why women have received education and other rights. This progress is fragile though. Shinkai Karokhail, an Afghan member of Parliament and a women’s rights activist, at a meeting of international rights groups said “In the current situation of terrorism, we cannot say troops should be withdrawn… International troop presence here is a guarantee for my safety.” The Taliban don’t like women gaining rights, in fact to intimidate women the Taliban have thrown acid onto the faces of girls who attend school. The penalty for teaching women was even worse for Mohammed Halim who was dragged out of his home in front of his wife and children and then had his arms and legs tied to motorbikes and disemboweled. His remains were put on display as a warning to others for defying Taliban orders to stop educating girls. While these things happen often, strangely “anti-war” and feminists groups advocate for less security and less funding in the area. For Afghani’s this truly is a battle for the humanity of their people.

A person who wants US forces in Afghanistan must realize that their position will result in innocent people dying because of accidents and collateral damage. One who is for pulling forces out of Afghanistan must accept the fact that the outcome of their desired course of action will directly result in the subjugation, torture, and murder of a large number of men and especially women in Afghanistan. This issue is not a war versus peace argument if you hadn’t noticed. The “anti-war” person believes that they are on the compassionate side, but in reality their position results in more cruelty. One who says they’re “anti-war” feels like they’re against all those bad words like death, war, torture, etc. yet in reality they are anything but.

There is more at stake than the control and safety of Afghanistan. Like in Iraq the world is watching, particularly the bad people in the world. How we handle Afghanistan sets a precedent for other terror groups, rogue regimes, and dictators. Nothing is a better deterrent to international conflicts than a strong united America. Pakistani militants are watching Afghanistan; our actions can either embolden or deter them. Once again the wolves are at the door of a helpless people and once again the “anti-war” movement would prefer to open that door.

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