Shaharzad AkbarVerified account

Ok, since you asked @SrinjoyBose83 , a couple quick reactions to this piece by Dr. Bernard. First, it is obviously written from a position of previliage, by someone who hasn’t bothered 2 talk 2 many Afg women, or Af feminists, or listened 2 them, or has been to Af recently.https://twitter.com/SrinjoyBose83/status/1101214285823270912 …

2nd, in d grand tradition f orientalism, it treats Af, “this one little country”, as a place without history. Only a Western, White, American academic cud conveniently forget US’s role n starting dis war in Af, & d war against Soviets, or d historic struggle f Af women 4 equality

Now to come back & pretend that this was all done for benefit of Af women, & that we have to find d way 2 lasting peace & US can conveniently leave factoring only American domestic politics is not only inaccurate but selectively ignorant & disrespectful 2 sacrifices of Afghans.

Also, with gratitude 2 our international friends, running for public office as women has history in Af & people who taught me to speak effectively were my parents. They also taught me to fight for equality before Americans ever got to Af.

Additionally, she uses the label Af feminists to I assume discuss all Afg women writing, speaking & advocating around peace. There is no such thing as one kind of Af feminists. As much as it might amaze Dr. Bernard, Af women can & do have diverse & opposing opinions & strategies.

Also, the author suggests we work internally, organize etc. If she can find a translator to help her follow Af media, she will realize Af women r a few steps ahead of her advice on mobilization, advocacy, writing, & engaging d Af public, politicians & Taliban often at great risk.

Dr. Bernard shud also know that Taliban don’t need American academics as speakers & we don’t need tutors on art of negotiation. Let us Afs decode Taliban messages & decide how 2 negotiate. You may advice ur politicians on how 2 negotiate their multiple conflicts around d world.

I won’t comment on d author’s understanding of Pashtun “honor code” or Islam, I will only, as a Muslim & student f Anthropology, recommend her 2 develop a more nuanced understanding of Af culture, Islam & Tb be4 she decides 2 lecture Afghans who have lived under Taliban rule.