Opinion | U.S. troop withdrawals leave Afghan women scared for their rights, and their lives

, told me over WhatsApp this week."However, we still need the support of U.S. troops until the peace talks reach a positive and stable conclusion and there is a complete ceasefire between Afghan troops and Taliban."As secretary of state, Hillary Clinton spoke frequently of the plight of Afghan women.this year at the United Nations:"Women are essential to combating corruption, building economic growth and ensuring the longevity of any agreement that is reached.

As talks continue and discussion of troop levels proceeds, a deal that considers the fate of only half the nation will not serve us all. A deal with the Taliban that overlooks these gains or sees women's rights as regrettable but necessary fodder for gains in negotiations would not serve U.S. interests. As talks continue and discussion of troop levels proceeds, a deal that considers the fate of only half the nation would not serve us all.

"Afghan women are now working in leadership roles in different sectors," Sidiqi said."We have a greater measure of control over our destiny now. I am hopeful that our efforts of the past decades will not be wasted, and we will continue to have the opportunity to move forward." For the sake of our collective security, let us hope she is right.Gayle Tzemach Lemmon is an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

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