Washington, D.C.,
Sep 20, 2005 -
I rise today to express my solidarity with the courageous women of Afghanistan.
This past weekend, Afghani women once again made history as their country held their second round of free and fair elections to select a national parliament and provincial assemblies.
Despite threats of retaliation and retribution, 580 women stood for election. These 580 women have risen up to be leaders of their land, in a country that just four years ago prohibited women from participating in national life.
Just as significant, many men for the first time voted to support female candidates.
While skeptics on the Left and in the Media said it could not be done, this is an unmistakable victory for the forces of freedom and democracy in our battle against tyranny and oppression.
The Afghan election demonstrates that we have learned the lessons of history: If women are not allowed to participate in the decision making process, if women are denied the right to run for elective office, and if women are barred from determining their own future, then those women will suffer oppression and human rights violations.
Afghani women no longer have to fear the terrible cruelty of their past, because they now control their own future.
With our support, these women will continue to fan the flame of democracy and build a brighter future.
Veterans
