Blessed the world that has no more need for heroes

The demonstration for the freedom of information was postponed so that it wouldn't clash with the national day of mourning for the Italian soldiers killed in Kabul. For us, this decision was mistaken and dishonest. We gave our support to the demonstration because we believe that freedom on information is a vital factor in the struggle against war and violence and in the struggle for women's rights - struggles that cannot be separated.

I am very sorry to see governments putting the lives of their soldiers in danger in Afghanistan in the name of bringing democracy. In fact the soldiers are serving the strategic and regional interests of the White House and the consequences of their occupation so far have been devastating for my people. Malalai Joya

If we really believe in the importance of the freedom of information, it should be clear that the lack of serious information about the motives and consequences of the military mission in Afghanistan has played an important role in the killing of the six Italian soldiers.

To stand back and remain silent as the tragedy that has struck these men and their loved ones is manipulated by those who sent them to their deaths is not a sign of respect - quite the contrary.

So, despite the rain the decision of many to postpone the demonstation, the Women in Black of Bergamo kept the appointment, dressed in black for the sorrow we feel for wars, for every war.

If the media provided news and documentation about the motives for each war, perhaps there would be more peace.

We also offer are solidarity to Simonetta Salacone, headteacher of the Iqbal Massih school in Rome, who refused to participate in another manipulation - the minute silence for the fallen in Afghanistan. Simonetta Salacone explained her decision with clarity and eloquence:

Click the text to read the complete letter.

I feel sorrow and sincere participation in the sorrow of the families of the dead soldiers. I add it to the sorrow that I feel each day for so many innocent civilian victims of this and and all wars that are being waged around the world. But I ask myself: why didn't we have a minute silence last month, when a soldier from Campobasso was killed in Afghanistan?

Is it the number that forms a critical mass for state mourning? Or could it be the moment in which, by appealing to the sorrow of so many, one attempts to realign a public opinion that is very divided on the theme of the so-called peace missions. ”?

War in Afghanistan - an alliance with murderers and rapists

One of the most quoted "benefits" of the NATO intervention is to have improved the condition of Afghan women, but Malalai Joya doesn't agree : "Just as air raids haven't brought security to Afghanis, the occupation hasn't brought security to Afghan women. The reality is exactly the opposite. The now infamous family law is only the point of the iceberg of the catastrophe that has struck women's rights in our country, under occupation. The entire system, in particular the judiciary, is infected by the virus of fundamentalism and so, in Afghanistan, men who commit crimes against women can do so with impunity".

Western soldiers fight the Taliban, causing "collateral damage" among the civilian population, while western governments also have their victims of collateral damage. The civil rights of the Afghan people, but above all, the rights of women, are sacrificed to preserve alliances with fundamentalists and warlords who might bring a superficial stability that will allow our governments to promote their own interests but which will not bring peace or security to the Afghan people.

Shortly after the elections of 20 August, , Malalai Joya wrote:

Like millions of Afghans, I have no hope in the results of the elections. In a country ruled by warlords, occupation forces, Taliban terrorists, drug money and guns, no one can expect a legitimate or fair vote. Even international observers have been speaking about widespread fraud and intimidation and, among the people on the street, there is a common refrain: the real winner has already been picked by the White House. President Hamid Karzai has cemented alliances with brutal warlords and fundamentalists in order to maintain his position. Although our constitution forbids war criminals from running for office, the incumbent has named two notorious militia commanders as his vice-presidential running mates – Karim Khalili and Mohammad Qasim Fahim, both of whom stand accused of brutalities against our people. Deals have also been made with countless fundamentalists. This week saw the return from exile of the dreaded warlord Rashid Dostum. And the pro-Iranian extremist Mohammad Mohaqiq, who has been accused of war crimes, has been promised five cabinet positions for his party in exchange for supporting Mr Karzai. Rather than democracy, what we have in Afghanistan are back-room deals among discredited warlords who are sworn enemies of democracy and justice. The President has also continued to absolutely betray the women of Afghanistan. Even after massive international outcry – and brave protesters taking to the streets of Kabul – Mr Karzai implemented the infamous rape law, targeting Shia women, to gain support of the fundamentalist elements in the election. He had initially promised to review the most egregious clauses, but in the end it was passed with few amendments and the barbaric anti-women statements not removed. As Human Rights Watch recently stated: "Karzai has made an unthinkable deal to sell Afghan women out in return for the support of fundamentalists." And the two main challengers to a continuation of the Karzai rule do not offer any change. Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah are both former cabinet ministers in this discredited regime and neither has a real, broad footing among the people. We Afghans know that this election will change nothing and it is only part of a show of democracy put on by, and for, the West, to legitimise its future puppet in Afghanistan. It seems we are doomed to see the continuation of this failed, mafia-like, corrupt government for another term. Democracy will never come to Afghanistan through the barrel of a gun, or from the cluster bombs dropped by foreign forces. The struggle will be long and difficult, but the values of real democracy, human rights and women's rights will only be won by the Afghan people themselves. The Western governments that claim to be bringing democracy to Afghanistan ignore public opinion in their own countries, where growing numbers are against the war. In my tours to countries that have troops in Afghanistan, I've met many bereaved parents who have lost their loved ones in the war in my home. I am very sorry to see governments putting the lives of their soldiers in danger in Afghanistan in the name of bringing democracy. In fact the soldiers are serving the strategic and regional interests of the White House and the consequences of their occupation so far have been devastating for my people. I believe that if the ordinary folk of Afghanistan and the Nato countries were able to vote, and express their wishes, this indefinite military occupation would come to an end and there would be a real chance for peace in Afghanistan.