True Strength

<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/washpost/afghan_women_put_lives_on_line_to_run_for_office">Afghan Women Put Lives on Line To Run for Office</a><br />n<br />n<blockquote>Charkhi, 36, is a journalist based in the capital, Kabul, who is campaigning for a seat in Afghanistan's new parliament. But in this mud-walled village in Logar, the home province she hopes to represent, Charkhi's candidacy is such a challenge to tradition that she and her relatives, including her cousin Shah, have faced repeated threats.<br />n<br />n"I'm not going to quit, because I want to show people that a woman should be able to do these things. But definitely I fear for my life. . . . The people who did this already have blood on their hands," Charkhi said during a visit to Shah's home, 50 miles south of Kabul. "I'm even more afraid that they will smear my reputation," she added. "That would be worse than death."<br />n<br />nCharkhi's situation underscores both the difficulties facing female candidates running for office in the Sept. 18 parliamentary elections and the determination many have expressed as they embark on an unprecedented bid for political power.</blockquote><br />n<br />nTrue strength of convictions shown here. What role models they are developing for the young girls of the country. Empowering women in the Muslim world is a step that will help us all. They will be Founding Mothers of the country. Hopefully this works out for all. I will pray.<br />n<br />n<b>My strength is as the strength of ten,Because my heart is pure. Alfred Tennyson</b>