Armed Afghan women take to streets in show of defiance against Taliban

[Jilly_in_VA]

Women have taken up guns in northern and central Afghanistan, marching in the streets in their hundreds and sharing pictures of themselves with assault rifles on social media, in a show of defiance as the Taliban make sweeping gains nationwide.

One of the biggest demonstrations was in central Ghor province, where hundreds of women turned out at the weekend, waving guns and chanting anti-Taliban slogans.

They are not likely to head to the frontlines in large numbers any time soon, because of both social conservatism and lack of experience. But the public demonstrations, at a time of urgent threat from the militants, are a reminder of how frightened many women are about what Taliban rule could mean for them and their families.

“There were some women who just wanted to inspire security forces, just symbolic, but many more were ready to go to the battlefields,” said Halima Parastish, the head of the women’s directorate in Ghor and one of the marchers. “That includes myself. I and some other women told the governor around a month ago that we’re ready to go and fight.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/07/armed-afghan-women-take-to-streets-in-show-of-defiance-against-taliban
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If the women of the Peshmerga can do it, why not?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Exactly! And more power to them.

[marble falls]

2. This will not go well for either side. A 14th century civiization with 21st century weapons.

[mdbl]

6. The Taliban in an much earlier century than 14

They make Gilead look like spring break.

[Jilly_in_VA]

3. Afghanistan is a 19th century construct

British colonialism. As is Pakistan. There is a part of each that probably should unite into "Waziristan" and be basically walled off by everyone bordering it. The rest of each country is somewhat westernized and can be dealt with. I've heard this from numerous sources.

[leftyladyfrommo]

4. It would be better to go into battle than to let

the Taliban get to them. That's how I would feel. I would rather die fighting.

[Habibi]

5. Shit goddamn yes. nt

[phandancer917]

7. To quote (or paraphrase) Kipling

When you are wounded and dying on Afghanistan's plains
And the women come out to cut up what remains
Just roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
And go to your gawd like a good soldier

[ansible]

8. This won't end well if you're already familiar with the Peshmerga

Peshmerga women are treated horribly when they're captured.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

10. This isn't going to end well regardless

The Afghan government will fall, its army will flee. Better these women die fighting then any of the hundreds of horrible ways they will when the Taliban take over.

[Jilly_in_VA]

13. They've handed out

more than a little of their own horrible treatment beforehand, you can bet on it. My son served in Kurd country and had nothing but respect for those badass women. He said he wished he had a few of them on our side.

[Wicked Blue]

9. Goddess bless and protect them nt

[iluvtennis]

12. + 1. n/t

[iluvtennis]

11. Badass women - love it!