We all maintain ardent opinions about the American invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the subsequent and seemingly endless wars, but how much do we actually know about these regions and their daily struggles? A holier-than-thou we-command-all kind of attitude from the "liberators" doesn't imply they understand what the people of war-torn Iraq and Afghanistan really need.
Admittedly, I was against the war for many reasons but never really took the time to learn more about not only the regions our troops were invading but also the lives of their people. Since November, I've been volunteering for Aina, a Paris-based NGO & non-profit founded in 2001 by Reza, the world-renowned Iranian photojournalist and National Geographic Fellow. They do amazing work in Afghanistan and are committed to fostering civil society through education, communication and the dissemination of information. With a particular focus on women and children, Aina trains and supports locals in new communication technologies and media in order to ensure the development of local Afghan media structures.
One such success since the inception of the organization is the film "Afghanistan Unveiled", the first documentary filmed and produced by an all female team of video journalists trained by Aina in Kabul. The film uncovers the effects on women and children of the Taliban's oppressive rule and the US sponsored bombing campaign. Nominated for an Emmy award in 2005, it is an unbelievably gripping and moving film that showed an Afghanistan that most Westerners have never seen. Most of the women were struggling to survive and support their children after witnessing the Taliban massacre and torture their husbands.
During the film, I couldn't help but think to myself that I have absolutely no reason to complain about your life ever again, which I believe is a normal reaction. But this always happens, doesn't it? Our eyes are opened for a fleeting moment, filling us with resolve and gratitude, but just as soon as these feelings come to the surface, the woe-is-me returns shortly after.
I'm ashamed to say that I knew very little about how much the people are suffering in Afghanistan as a result of media brainwashing but I feel good about helping in the way that I can knowing that if anything, I will become a better informed global citizen as a result.
Contact Aina to get involved or support them by making a donation at www.ainaworld.org/help
Photo by Reza courtesy of Aina