Tag Archives: Taliban

Malala Yousafzai and the Right to Female Education

Do you ever feel like not going to school because you’d rather be at home doing something better than sitting in a classroom all day? Well most people don’t realize how lucky they are to be getting an education. In Swat Valley, Pakistan girls aren’t allowed to go to school. They stay home and help their mothers. The Taliban were threatening the lives of families that sent their daughters to school. It seemed like the Taliban had complete control over everyone, but not quite.

Malala Yousafzai, the daughter of a school owner was only 11 years old when she spoke up about how the right to education should not be taken away. The Taliban threatened her life but that didn’t stop her. She snuck into school every day with only a few other girls because to her education means everything. One day on the way home from school her bus was attacked by the Taliban. Two other girls were injured but she was the target. Her speeches about education angered them and they wanted to stop her. Malala was shot in the head and many thought that would be the end, but due to the gunman’s shaky hand she survived. Malala is now 18, an author and the youngest person to receive the Nobel peace Prize. She has left Pakistan but travels around the world fighting for the right of education and inspiring millions of people with her story and beliefs. So next time you wish you didn’t have to go to school just remember that other people risk their lives for an education.

~Janna

Five Terrorists for one Soldier?!

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban on June 30, 2014. The United States broke it’s policy of not negotiating with terrorists when they exchanged five high-level terrorists for Sergeant Bowe. Even if the trade wasn’t fair, we still saved a loyal soldier, right? Kind of, but since his rescue many stories of him abandoning his post, which lead to his capture have arisen. Now, while this doesn’t look good as for being a smart decision, there were some other factors. One of these factors was the reports of the Sergeant being in ill health. This rumor appears to be true, as after he was rescued he was immediately taken to Germany for medical care. Another factor is that the terrorists have to stay in the country Qatari for at least one year. During this time they will be under constant surveillance to make sure they do not engage in military activities.

I have some mixed thoughts on what happened. In my opinion, it was not a good trade, very far from it. At the same time though, I believe we have the responsibility to save as many American lives as we can. We did, no doubt, save his life. In the end I believe it was worthwhile to save him, though the United States should be ready in case those terrorists try something against us. There is no fact to whether this decision was a good one or a bad one, that is up to you.

~Nick