I remember seeing a lot of this online when I became interested in Ravi Shankar after reading about a lot of his work worldwide. I remember being somewhat excited about it, and I remember it didn't last for very long. I haven't seen any continuance of it in the really heavily war-torn provinces. If he would've remained there much longer than he did, he would have become a target eventually, especially for being associated with groups that advocate women's rights. Remember the assassination of Bhutto in Pakistan? In tribal run areas where people advocate peace or women's rights, the extremist factions become infuriated. It's very similar to ignorant rednecks in America who are either racist or male chauvinists. The only difference is that we are about 50-60 years ahead of them in evolving past some of their behaviors. Another thing to consider is that he was only in areas that were currently under control and had ample security. He would've never made it into the Helmand or Farah Province of Afghanistan; it would've been too risky. Moreover, Ravi Shankar understands the need for military forces in these countries, as indicated in the quote below:
Interacting with the media here, Sri Ravi Shankar said: "India believes that international forces have played a major role in Afghanistan and they need to continue to play a major role. And I hope countries, including the US should stay in Afghanistan to bring about a balance." This is part of the reason i've always preferred Ravi's point of view. Not because it justifies my own, but more so because it is balanced. He understands peace must be brought to these areas, but at least acknowledges that in the beginning stages there will be a formidable resistance that has to be dealt with. Although he praises Islam as a whole, he will still make occasional remarks of how many of these terrorists are misguided. But his point of view is unlike many people who believe we can just send doctors, teachers and other healers without any risk or serious threat. They often think they can just walk into these villages without someone disliking them to a point of serious mistreatment....or much worse. At least Sri Ravi is a bit of a realist in the midst of his idealism. The good thing is that there are provinces in Afghanistan that are becoming much safer, mostly in the northeast though. But in the south, and southwest civilians are still being killed by Taliban. If they are seen seeking medical care by American military doctors they can be executed. I've heard from someone overseas now that they tried to blame civilian casualties on American aircraft bombings somewhere out west, problem is they were killed by Chinese grenades, which no NATO forces carry at all. They will kill civilians to make it look like us. It's often times their best chance of victory. I also remember a village about 30-40 miles from where I was based that a 15 year old boy was hung to death for carrying American currency. These are not safe places for anyone who is not Islamic, or anyone not living in accordance with the warlord faction's guidelines. seekliberation > > ""Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's organization started an operation in Iraq > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq> in 2003, aimed at relieving the > war-ravaged Iraqi population of stress.[12] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Sri_Ravi_Shankar#cite_note-11> [13] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Sri_Ravi_Shankar#cite_note-12> A > Program was implemented in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2006 teaching to war > victims, UN and ngo personnel. In 2007, Sri Sri visited Iraq at the > invitation of Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki, and also met with Sunni, > Shia, and Kurdish leaders.[14] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Sri_Ravi_Shankar#cite_note-13> [15] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Sri_Ravi_Shankar#cite_note-14> He > visited Pakistan in 2004 and met with some political and religious > leaders there as a part of his efforts to promote global peace.[16] > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Sri_Ravi_Shankar#cite_note-15> "" > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Sri_Ravi_Shankar > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Sri_Ravi_Shankar> > > http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3393327.stm > <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3393327.stm> > > > > OffWorld >
