BENEATH THE BURQA IN AFGANISTAN

Afghanistan is one of the world’s poorest, most war-stricken countries. Natural disasters—including severe droughts and famine—have left Afghans impoverished. Meanwhile, man-made afflictions, such as gross economic misappropriation and moral corruption at the hands of governmental officials, have done even more damage. As a result, millions have relocated to refugee camps in neighboring countries, where living conditions are scarcely better. Since the Taliban regime gained power, women in Afghanistan have lost virtually all basic human rights. The nation’s laws allow for the severe beating, stoning and imprisonment of women who exhibit the slightest misbehavior.