As I have begun to research many articles, newscasts, documentaries, and interviews, I have reflected on the importance of small local events in the context of larger national and international events. I recognize that there are many contributing factors that influence the way we act and the decisions we make.
As a reader the personal events in Parvana’s life and her commentary on the war have heightened my level of understanding the complexities of armed conflict. I certainly do not think that by reading this novel I will have a thorough understanding of the complexities of the international and national conflicts in the Middle East. I also know that the articles that I have read and watched, particularly the HBO documentary has coloured my perspective of the American presence in the Middle East. I would like to continue to gather more perspectives to increase my own understanding.
I still find Parvana’s question about the Women of the West haunting. In light of her life circumstances, women in the west appear to have unlimited opportunity to pursue their dreams, receive an education and live the life they imagined. While I am reminded to be grateful of the rights that women in Canada enjoy today, I am also aware that there are concerns about the rollback of women’s rights to pre-war conditions after the American presence withdraws from Afghanistan in 2014. I wonder about the living standards, protections and rights that women in Afghanistan will have in the future.