What achievements have been made in Afghanistan’s political development?
In 2001, Afghanistan was a state hijacked by extremism and intolerance. The Afghan people lacked almost every universal human freedom, they could not speak out against the government, listen to music, watch television or enjoy any leisure activities. Children were not free to play games or sports, and women were subject to the brutality of religious police. There was no free media and criminal punishments included amputations and public executions. During this period of cruelty and chaos, millions of Afghans fled their homeland. Today, over 4.7 million refugees have demonstrated their vote of confidence in the political process and the Government by returning home. Afghanistan held successful Presidential elections in October 2004 (with 86% voter turnout) and successful Parliamentary elections in September 2005. Women were elected to 68 of the188 seats in the lower house of parliament. Afghans today enjoy more political, economic, and social rights than at any time in the history of th
