Afghanistan Quote by Arundhati Roy
“The war in Afghanistan was fought for feminist reasons, and the Marines were really on this feminist mission. But today, all the women in all these countries have been driven back into medieval situations. Women who were liberated, women who were doctors and lawyers and poets and writers and - you know, pushed back into this Shia set against Sunnis. The U.S. is supporting al-Qaeda militias all over this region and pretending that it's fighting Islam. So we are in a situation that is psychopathic.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Afghanistan policy, 2011
The conflict is portrayed as feminist, yet women’s rights have regressed, and U.S. actions paradoxically support extremist groups.
In simple terms: War claimed for women’s rights, but outcomes worsen women’s status.
Key Takeaway
Question policies that claim to help women.
Themes
feminism
war
politics
humanrights
hypocrisy
Mood
critical
skeptical
concerned
Type
analysis
political
social
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- humanitarian aid
- media critique
- activism
- academic study
Key Concepts
imperialism
gender
propaganda
Questions to Reflect On
- Can external interventions truly empower local women?
- What alternative strategies could improve women’s rights?
A Different Perspective
The quote oversimplifies complex regional dynamics and agency of local actors.
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