Thread by @MollyMcKew

At Afghanistan hearing, RonJon notes a classified document discussed in the closed session about what will happen to women & girls after US withdrawal.

Zal gives some answer like “yes the renewed war has caused some erosion of rights.” As if this is an “all sides” situation /1

Let’s be clear this is linked to the resurgence of the Taliban

“Should we use US troops to enforce particular values?” Zal says, saying after 20yrs <<shrug>>. Doesn’t really answer a question on what leverage we have after we leave.

Terrorism first, women second, he says. /2

“Those rights could suffer” if the Taliban takes over the government, which he does not believe will happen (many disagree).

I for one would like this document on the future of Afghanistan’s women and girls to be declassified, at least in broad terms. /3

The idea we can “shape Taliban actions” with incentives post-departure seems pretty 🦄 🧚‍♀️ 🪄 ✨ /4

Now @SenatorShaheen up — champion defender of Afghanistan’s women. She highlights women targeted with violence for doing things like being a journalist, defending human rights — women killed by the Taliban for being women /5

Shaheen is incredibly emotional telling these women’s stories, the barbarous acts that ended their lives. One was a midwife; the Taliban killed her and the woman and baby she was helping to deliver.

Shaheen outraged we are being asked to take the word of the Taliban on this /6

“We can’t let those two decades of hard work [on women’s rights, minority rights] be ignored in peace talks.”

Shaheen blows up Zal’s talking point about terrorism first, reminding that women’s rights and safety are a security issue for Afghanistan as much as anything else /7