Known and Unknown Afghanistan
The stereotypes that we think of when we think about Afghanistan are that it is a backward area, containing terrorists, drug growers and drug dealers, may not be true, but even the most positively produced films, have to acknowledge their existence.
Technology on the Rise
Technology and access to the internet have been developed and careers in IT are developing at a rapid pace. There are a lot of people in Afghanistan who are interested in learning all that they can about technology and how to develop it and develop careers in this industry. Herat, and more specifically the University of Herat are really promoting the modernization of their country. Students are motivated to work on projects in and out of the University. The Information Technology Center of Herat, (ITCH) and the Network Operation Center, NOC, are providing IT services to all of these students. ITCH provides the technological know how to all students and faculty members who want to become connected with the world. The NOC provides the access to the world through the internet, and is supported and provided by NATO.
//The Apparent Disconnect
Watching this there seems to be a real disconnect between the hopes of the younger generation for a more modern future and the reality of the ruling older generation. This video is supposed to show you the unknown things about Afghanistan, but it is clearly just a biased view toward the education that is being provided by NATO. If they want real change, then they will have to get the older more traditional generation involved in the desired change. This is a generation that treats women like second class citizens, not allowing them to participate in politics or education. This disconnect is continually ignored. I am sure that things are markedly better for the young and for women in some aspects of their lives but once the US and NATO forces withdraw, there seems little hope that any real change will stick. What will happen to the University of Herat when the foreign influence is removed from Afghanistan? What will happen to these students and faculty? Nobody can say for sure but there is the potential for it to be a very bad situation. Much like in Cambodia during the time of the Khmer Rouge, that all people associated with these activities or education or modernization in any way may be in danger of being killed, or imprisoned. Time will tell
Treatment of Women Slowly Improving
As for the treatment of women in Afghanistan, the next video paint a picture for you. Ushuma Neill, she approached looking at the Film Annex project of teaching people through social media. Also by helping to provide education to people, and thus providing them with an opportunity to advance themselves and be successful in their life. It is true that providing the spark of education to a group of people will propel them toward the future and empower them.
//Again I look at these success stories about women in business is so recent a phenomenon that you do not know if there is any long term benefit. If all of these business are destroyed and the people behind them are removed from their society in some way, the less chance that change will continue. I am afraid that all of the projects like the Film Annex will quickly fall by the wayside when there is no NATO or United States backing. Hopefully there has been enough education and change has taken deep enough roots to continue regardless of who is ruling the country, but history would seem to send a warning to us all that tough times are ahead for this region. http://www.jonathanhilton.com/2474/women-learni... http://www.filmannex.com/posts/blog_show_post/w...
