re: #184 haakondahl

My understanding from reading a couple of books on Afghanistan is that they were relatively progressed for that region before the taliban took over- at least in the cities. They had decent schools that both sexes were allowed to attend, including university. So they do have a history of a more progressive society then just being a 3 world hell hole.

Same is true in Iraq, where despite his evil rule, Saddam promoted public education. The Iraqis overall are better educated than some of their neighbors.

I think both countries can beat the odds and make a better future for themselves, but not if we fail to support their fledgling democracies.