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Our words are shaped by our thoughts and attitudes, and go on to shape the thoughts and attitudes of those who hear them. Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai's description of Australian aid as 'kind and generous' is, itself, kind and generous. They are words of the heart rather than the strategic mind.
In Afghanistan, the past isn't the past yet. The last 150 years bear directly on its present perilous state. Now that the US is leaving, some US lobbyists and Afghan women wonder what will happen if the Taliban return.
The situation in Afghanistan is far more complex than the Australian parliamentary debate seems to credit. The international community and the Afghan government should be starting a bigger conversation about how a more transparent and accountable political culture can be encouraged.
Tolo TV is the most popular network in Afghanistan. A young population enjoys its Indian soap operas, racy by conservative Afghan mores. The Government tried to censor Tolo and another leading network. The latter bowed to pressure. Tolo refused.
When asked if America was winning the war in Afghanistan, Obama answered: 'No'. His call for dialogue with the Taliban reflects a form of inter-religious dialogue that goes beyond a lovey-dovey, 'underneath we're all the same' approach.
The tribal peoples of northern Pakistan distrust foreigners due to centuries of interference that have left them marginalised. The casual nature with which US forces excuse civilian casualties suggests an abject ignorance of this history.
Will America take over the world? Not necessarily, says David Glanz.
Jessica Gadd interviews Dr Nouria Salehi about the rights of Afghan women.