Watch the video entitled ?Peace Unveiled? and review the discussion guide for this video. After watching the video and completing the reading, answer the questions
•Highlighting the efforts of Afghan women to play an active role in Afghanistan’s peace process and to empower other women in their country. •There is a great danger to any woman in Afghanistan who speaks out, takes action, and even demands an education •Oppression: the rights of women during and after Taliban rule and the efforts of Afghan women to play an active role in their country’s peace process, as well as efforts by the US to support their efforts.

•Clip 1: “Women in Afghanistan Today” •A look at efforts two Afghan women are taking to help others, as well as dangers faced by women in Afghanistan today.

•Clip 2: “Life During and After Taliban Rule” •An overview of life in Afghanistan during and after Taliban rule and women’s efforts to participate in the country’s peace process. •

Clip 3: “Fighting to be Heard” •A look at efforts by women of Afghanistan to participate in government and the peace process.

•Clip 4: “Supporting the Women of Afghanistan” •A look at Afghanistan’s need for international support and actions taken by the US to advocate for Afghan women. PLEASE SEE THE QUESTIONS TO ANSWER:

1. What new insights about Afghanistan did this film give you? Has seeing this film made you aware of events and conditions you did not know about? Give an example. 2. Why do you think Hamid Karzai has chosen to work closely with warlords who were responsible for killing and atrocities during Afghan’s civil war? Why would he allow them to have such prominent positions in the peace jirga? 3. Do you think the decision that the Afghan Women’s Network (AWN) made to support Karzai was the right one? Did they have a real choice? Why or why not? 4. In some countries experiencing conflict and civil rights abuses, women have banded together to demonstrate against these conditions through marches, sit-ins, and other nonviolent actions, and they have achieved a certain level of success in attaining their demands. Would such an approach work in Afghanistan? Or should women continue to go through official, established channels to secure their rights? 5. Ambassador Eikenberry asked AWN representatives to “inspire us,” and his wife, Ching Eikenberry, advised them to avoid using a negative approach. What were your thoughts when you heard their remarks? Do you agree with their advice? 6. Palwasha Hassan’s presentation at the donors’ conference fell on deaf ears. Why didn’t the conference stipulate that women should take part in rebuilding Afghanistan? What would it mean to have women involved in healing the fractured nation? 7. Secretary of State Clinton has made numerous statements in support of women’s rights in Afghanistan. When the U.S. pulls its troops out of the country, can the U.S. still support the rights of women there? How would that be possible? 8. Should a society have rules about gender roles? Why or why not? 9. Why is it important for women to be involved in a country’s political life? How does women’s involvement benefit men? 10. What recourse does the international community—governments as well as NGOs—have in dealing with the Taliban? Do you see any possible ways to achieve an effective compromise that doesn’t sacrifice women’s rights? 11. What is your assessment of the AWN’s prospects for gaining the full participation of women in Afghanistan’s public life?