To follow up on my diary of yesterday:
As mysteriously as they were taken, they have been returned. The father and brother of Andeisha Farid, founder of Afghan Child Education and Care Organization (AFCEC0), are now free. We will likely never know why this terrifying incident occurred, who ordered it or why. It would probably be dangerous to press the issue at this point.
More below.
A person, a perfectly innocent person, can be betrayed by an anonymous tip, an angry neighbor, a jealous lover, a business or political competitor, an overzealous junior officer trying to impress higher ups. That unfortunate person will likely never know why and, if he isn't an internationally known public figure, he may find himself tortured and imprisoned... forever. This is the kind of world US policy is creating for too many people in too many places.
The reason for the assault the other night may never be uncovered. It may remain a "need to know" basis, stopping at a low level officer who followed orders. But the effects will be known and felt for some time. My mother was in shock and went to hospital. The children are traumatized. In the present war, it is important to gather information, to follow leads, to do what is possible to prevent the spread of terror, but this method of terrorizing in order to fight terror is the quickest way to lose that battle. My family is fortunate. Thousands of average citizens endure such over the top, go get them methods, innocent people who may be detained for days, weeks, or even killed. It is important to know this was not an accident or a simple one time mistake.
Again, Ms Farid gets the last word.
As we prepare the children for their Afghanistan Independence Day party, we reinforce all that is good in the strive for a peaceful and free Afghanistan. We will give light to what is hopeful, what is alive in the hearts of these children.
If you can, contribute to AFCECO here.