Afghan women depend on NATO forces: Dr. Yacoobi

Melbourne, Aug 30 (ANI): Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, Executive Director of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), has said that women of the country completely depend on the NATO allies and that with any foreign troop withdrawal "the first blood shed will be of women and children".

"The women of Afghanistan completely depend on the NATO allies. At this moment, I think it would be unfair for the people of Afghanistan, especially for the women and children, who have been suffering for 20 and 30 years to just leave them and walk out. As soon as allied soldiers walk out and leave Afghanistan, the first blood shed will be women and children," The Age quoted Dr Yacoobi, as saying.

She also insisted that foreign soldiers, including the Australians, should be there at least for another five years, especially in a situation where extremists deliberately poison the drinking water in schools to scare away children.

Her plea for a sustained international presence has come after the 21st Australian soldier was killed in Afghanistan last week, sparking debate over the nearly nine-year war.he Greens have called for a debate in Parliament on Australia's troop deployment.

"For years and years, women of Afghanistan have been abused and are very submissive, but in reality, they are very intelligent.

Once you give them opportunity...people are more responsible, they are taking action and trying to solve problems on their own," Dr. Yacoobi added. (ANI)