Compare Christianity vs Islam. It is unacceptable the women status in the muslim countries. Sultana deserves the best, as an example to the world young generation.
4
I see the reason you wrote this column. However, I wonder if endangering this brave and indomitable soul is worth the slight chance of changing intractable government agencies or dinosaur congress people.
4
The White House should urgently intervene to bring Sultana to the US. If not a huge would be baynan tree would never raise its stump from under the crule earth that Sultana´s determined feet are on.
What a rejuvinatig, soul piercing story in the midst of all mayhem all over!! Thanks Mr. Kristof. May God bless you, always!!
What a rejuvinatig, soul piercing story in the midst of all mayhem all over!! Thanks Mr. Kristof. May God bless you, always!!
30
Sultana's goal reminds me of an Afghan girl who came to Canada as a refugee when she was eleven years old, and eventually graduated from university here. Maryam Monsef is now thirty, and a cabinet minister in the Trudeau government.
46
I cannot believe the presumably-positive comments I am reading! Are you people nuts? You are proposing we assist someone who is Muslim, female, seeks education, independent-minded, reads books with complex words, and embraces science. What are you thinking? You want to bring her to a country populated with people who reject science, fear Muslims, believe in reality TV, distrust education, are suspicious of people who are different, and want to put women in their place (as subordinate to men). No wonder much of the country is characterized as the "American Taliban". Sultana would be far better off in Canada, a country with far fewer phobias where immigrants are concerned; Prime Minister Trudeau personally met the first planeload of Syrian refugees accepted for resettlement there. True Sultana would not qualify as a refugee in the United States but would be an outstanding immigrant, period. In Canada she would be received as a valuable and contributing member of society. In the United States she would encounter so many members of the National Scaredy-Cats Association (Motto "Don't ask what we are afraid of because we are and that's it!") she would think she had been returned to an alternate-universe version of Afghanistan. In working internationally I have had the fortune of meeting many young women similar to Sultana....bright, energetic, thoughtful, and independent, ready to contribute to their societies. We need to assist them, not flee from them because they favor change.
75
Let her in? I suggest that the U.S. use the full force and might of our military to ensure safe passage and entry to the United States. She is an asset to the world's intellectual community and can only advance the cause of peace and intercultural understanding, not to mention science, math and the humanities. Let's not squander the opportunity. Welcome Sultana!
41
SULTANA is an excellent example of a brilliant young woman achieving great things on the Internet while having to live as a recluse in her family's walled home compound in order to prevent death threats against her from being carried out. I hope that Michelle learns of the case and convinces Barack to give a secret Executive Order that she be given political asylum in the US. Clearly her life is in danger. If she remains in her native Afghanistan, she will either have to remain a recluse or be killed. I hope that Nick Kristof back channel the White House to try to get political asylum for Sultana. I'm certain that there are many women worldwide who would flourish and bring their countries forward. But their talents go unrecognized and their hopes to improve their lives as well those of her family and community are destroyed by threats of violence against women. While they may exist in other cultures, such lethal violence seems to be more highly prevalent in Muslim societies. That's strange, because in the Quran, Mohammed is described as treating his wife, Jamila as an equal, inviting her to attend his meetings with other leaders and soliciting her opinion. And while there is mention of the head covering in the Quran, it is current repressive interpretations of the neutral naming to imply that the there is a religious mandate that women be required to submit to men as part of fulfilling their sacred roles as wives and mothers. Let Sultana & all women live free!
25
Once again, as Christopher Hitchens taught (and PC types dismiss as intolerance) religion poisons everything it touches. If this young lady is as bright and well-versed in science as is implied here, she certainly does not hold faith in superstitions and should leave the Afghan theological tyranny asap before we read about her murder.
Edward O. Wilson in "The Meaning of Human Existence" categorizes tribal religious faith as a genetically explainable trait now constituting the single biggest stopgap to human progress. I'd love this young lady to be directed to either the paper or audiobook versions.
Edward O. Wilson in "The Meaning of Human Existence" categorizes tribal religious faith as a genetically explainable trait now constituting the single biggest stopgap to human progress. I'd love this young lady to be directed to either the paper or audiobook versions.
23
Religion as poison? Painting with a broad brush are we?
4
There is something very important that needs to be pointed out to the NYT editorial board here: women like sultana are NOT refugees. They are not displaced. It is truly unfortunate that the so-called humanitarians of the world focus so many resources on the anointed 60 million displaced "refugees" today. There are dozens of organizations (international rescue committee etc) focused on aiding the displaced, and these people naively do not comprehend that doing so will disproportionately favor men from many regions of the world. Women in the middle east and south asia are heavily barred from movement and so cannot apply for asylum anywhere and cannot get away from oppressive situations. In pakistan, women face the brunt of honor killings in part because men have an easier time getting out of town. The bus drivers don't let single women travel to the next town! In India, there are female widows who would love to work, but their families do not let them leave the household compound and beat them if they try to leave. 4 times as many 2004 tsunami deaths were women because they are not taught how to swim- they are therefore less likely to risk their lives on a boat to Europe. Families are far less likely to save 1000s of dollars to help their daughters on their way on a voyage to Europe. Every day life for women from Yemen to Bangladesh is often worse than what war does to men in these regions, yet the powers that be obsess over those who can flee rather than those who cannot.
18
Ridding the world of men would be a liberating event for women.
4
Thank you so much, Nicholas Kristof, for being an "advocate" par extraordinaire !
We have so many inspiring girls/women in the world !
I read first about Malala Yousefzai, then Maria Topekai, now "Sultana".
Thank you also to Lawrence Krauss & Emily Roberts.
I want to be proud of our country, not embarrassed to own a passport with a blue cover.
I look forward to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul approving her visa with a smile, a statement of "congratulations" & a pat on the back.
We have so many inspiring girls/women in the world !
I read first about Malala Yousefzai, then Maria Topekai, now "Sultana".
Thank you also to Lawrence Krauss & Emily Roberts.
I want to be proud of our country, not embarrassed to own a passport with a blue cover.
I look forward to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul approving her visa with a smile, a statement of "congratulations" & a pat on the back.
10
Sultana, I can only echo all the inspiration that transpires across these comments. Best wishes for the 13th.
If you don't succeed, know you can come study in the Netherlands, which can in turn become your springboard to a later voyage to the US. Tuition is nearly free, the Dutch government can give you a small stipend, and you can have a free bedroom in my home for as long as you need.
The New York Times has my contact details in case you'd like to consider the option in more detail
Best of luck for the 13th!
If you don't succeed, know you can come study in the Netherlands, which can in turn become your springboard to a later voyage to the US. Tuition is nearly free, the Dutch government can give you a small stipend, and you can have a free bedroom in my home for as long as you need.
The New York Times has my contact details in case you'd like to consider the option in more detail
Best of luck for the 13th!
16
Once again, American bureaucratic wisdom impedes our national interest. Our immigration and visa services are a painful joke.
8
Who can we contact to assist this young lady? A sponsor perhaps? What does she need?
16
I noted that there is actually a link, CJW, in this article - I clicked on it, and it takes you to Emily's site, including a "Donate" button, "How you can help," etc.
16
A country made great again, or even for the first time, is one that erects bridges of enlightenment for people who will boldly risk crossing over them than one that impedes them with needless walls.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
17
I heard Lawrence Krauss tell Sultana's story at the Reason Rally yesterday. I was moved. The crowd was moved. Thanks Nik and Lar for bringing this focus to our country. You are my heroes!
12
This woman should not only be allowed to study in the US, but also she should be invited.
21
I am often in disagreement with Mr. Kristof. I often find that tolerance is used as an excuse to ignore the very real danger that Islamist represents to human survival. But he says something profound, something that all of us who advocate against religion need to remember: "I wish we understood that sometimes the most effective weapon against terrorists isn’t a drone but a girl with a book." This, in a nutshell, is how we will defeat Islamism.
29
Thank you for shining a spotlight on this story. It's so important for us to get past cartoonish political posturing, fear of "others," racial/political/religious profiling - and talk about a real person who shows us the way to prove that America really is about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We can focus on fear, defense, anger, and closing doors, or we can focus on REALLY being the great country we keep talking about.
28
Sultana, I am sorry our citizens' fear and hate is what is keeping you from coming to the United States for a college education. I suggest you apply to Canada, whose people aren't ruled by those emotions.
19
Strictly my subjective perceptions, which are not unusually praise-worthy.
What an insanity/ absurdity, Nicholas has written here today.
I can't believe our bureaucratic government is this lame--well, yeah I reluctantly believe we're considered as semi dysfunctional.
I am of course fearful for her and her family.
A self-taught, brilliant 20 year old, and the apparently totalitarian Taliban would punish such people whom are exceptional, apparently not totally unlike a paranoiac Joseph Stalin who is said to have murdered outstanding, gifted individual Russians whom were apparently simply seen as a threat because of their individuality and achievements.
I perceive the Russians are to this day being unduly repressed, because I've read that older Russians think of Stalinism so favorably.
What an insanity/ absurdity, Nicholas has written here today.
I can't believe our bureaucratic government is this lame--well, yeah I reluctantly believe we're considered as semi dysfunctional.
I am of course fearful for her and her family.
A self-taught, brilliant 20 year old, and the apparently totalitarian Taliban would punish such people whom are exceptional, apparently not totally unlike a paranoiac Joseph Stalin who is said to have murdered outstanding, gifted individual Russians whom were apparently simply seen as a threat because of their individuality and achievements.
I perceive the Russians are to this day being unduly repressed, because I've read that older Russians think of Stalinism so favorably.
2
Investing in educating students in oppressive societies in the English language would be far more useful than drone attacks. Also, I commend the author for highlighting the potential and the suffering of Sultana, but it's important to note that Sultana faced barriers against movement in addition to barriers against education. Most women in the middle east and south asia are heavily barred from independent movement, so resources must be allocated to helping people where they are in order for it to reach women. Resources dedicated to would be immigrants from the middle east will be disproportionately allocated to men unless we work against their biases against women leaving home. While it is fair to claim that Trump would bar a Sultana from entering the US, please be honest with yourselves and realize that programs designed to allow people entrance into the US will be far overutilized by men from afghanistan rather than the people who are most oppressed there- women unless those programs are specifically designed to admit autonomous women (rather than women who are allowed to accompany male relatives). Women are far less literate than men in Afghanistan. A program dedicated to allowing student visas would favor men, who are better prepared since so many women were barred from school unless we make it a point to favor women. We need to actively work against rewarding male primacy in these societies, not just make blanket allowances for afghans to enter the US.
9
How about arranging a one-on-one swap with the Taliban: we'll take Sultana and send you Donald Trump.
58
I find it unbelievable that the U.S. would not permit Sultana (and presumably others like her) to enter the country for the purpose of furthering her education based on her religion. I implore Michelle Obama to pressure her husband to change this ridiculous law and all other women to demonstrate on Sultana's behalf. I naively had hoped that post-the-Holocaust things would have changed - guess I was wrong.
4
Stories such as Sultana's make me shake me head in sadness and disgust at my gender: the irony that men, with their physical strength over women, are threatened on some deep level by a woman, or women, and thus feel the need to control, dominate, enslave, disfigure, rape (Taliban), or merely bureaucratically stonewall them (U.S). May the courage of Sultana inspire and enlighten us in this increasingly violent and benighted world.
15
I truly hope she gets her visa and is able to come to the U.S. It's heart warming to hear these kinds of stories, but at the same time, it's very depressing as it suggests so many other women who are silenced by the fear and coercion rampant in the world of Islam.
Nick, incidentally, I was watching the segment on Real Time where Ben Affleck became agitated with Sam Harris and Bill Maher. I thought you made some nice points regarding people like Malala and ultimately like this young woman. However, these inspiring stories also can act as the exceptions that prove the rule of women being treated as sub-human by those who follow the Islamic faith. We need these stories to shine a light on the darkness that envelopes much of the female population in these parts of the world, but we also need Muslims to push for a reformation of the faith that will allow millions more of these stories to be told.
While U.S. policy can make a difference, the sea change needs to be brought upon by Muslims. I think it's important that you also call that out.
Nick, incidentally, I was watching the segment on Real Time where Ben Affleck became agitated with Sam Harris and Bill Maher. I thought you made some nice points regarding people like Malala and ultimately like this young woman. However, these inspiring stories also can act as the exceptions that prove the rule of women being treated as sub-human by those who follow the Islamic faith. We need these stories to shine a light on the darkness that envelopes much of the female population in these parts of the world, but we also need Muslims to push for a reformation of the faith that will allow millions more of these stories to be told.
While U.S. policy can make a difference, the sea change needs to be brought upon by Muslims. I think it's important that you also call that out.
7
The USA should promote the transformation and reformation of Afghanistan and other backward, repressive societies. It should not promote the emigration of females from these countries. Sultana's story is compelling but every female living in Afghanistan and dozens of other Islamic countries is Sultana. Do we propose all females leave Afghanistan, or just those with an aptitude in Physics?
2
Educated women who stay are the Taliban's worst fear. That they are forced to leave is a victory for barbarism and backwardness. This seems more hopeless than hopeful.
4
Nicholas, start a petition to the State Department, to bring Sultana to the US. Great for her, good for us, and incidentally good PR to show we don't just wage war.
5
What an amazing story!!
She should seek Asylum in USA. She (and her family) is at risk of being killed by Taliban. This article potentially shares information that would enrage Taliban once again similar to Malala. They will look for her to ensure she does not go to US.
USA may not grant her student visa on technical grounds (though that is hard to understand) but it has moral obligation to immediately grant her asylum.
Is there anyone who believes her life is not at risk?
She should seek Asylum in USA. She (and her family) is at risk of being killed by Taliban. This article potentially shares information that would enrage Taliban once again similar to Malala. They will look for her to ensure she does not go to US.
USA may not grant her student visa on technical grounds (though that is hard to understand) but it has moral obligation to immediately grant her asylum.
Is there anyone who believes her life is not at risk?
15
Canada. The US is too primitive a country for a woman of her grace and talent.
11
Looking forward to a follow up article after June 13th to say that she's been approved. This is a great article to share with one's children - particularly those that don't believe in the blessing of education.
9
The INS could give her a visa without a public announcement, help her assume a pseudonym, and allow her to study without publicity to protect her safety.
8
• Brilliant young men and women are accepted by American universities and then denied visas because, under U.S. law, they are seen as immigration risks.
Some risk!
Then, admit her as an immigrant. You can sure use young people like her! She already has at least two sponsors, Emily Roberts and Lawrence Krauss, She'll have no trouble finding others, you and Michelle Obama among them. I would, if I lived in the US.
Maybe I'll start a "Rescue Sultana" movement in Canada. We have no problem with either immigrants or Muslims here.
As to Trump, have no fear. I didn't read the word Quran once in the detailing of her interests and studies. She won't be Muslim for long, if she still is. She has already left the medieval world she was born into.
• She’s now working her way through more serious reading: Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason.”
She can follow up with Thomas Paine (The Age of Reason and Rights of Man), Diderot (all 21 volumes of the Encyclopédie, over 70,000 articles, which she'll probably devour in a week, 3 volumes/10,000 articles a day), Voltaire (Candide, about a young man, Candide, who is living a sheltered life in an Edenic paradise and being indoctrinated and how he escapes it – should sound familiar), Spinoza (Ethics, in which the refined conceptions of medieval philosophy are finally turned against themselves and destroyed entirely). That's for starters. She can find her own way from there.
“The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.” ~ THOMAS PAINE
Some risk!
Then, admit her as an immigrant. You can sure use young people like her! She already has at least two sponsors, Emily Roberts and Lawrence Krauss, She'll have no trouble finding others, you and Michelle Obama among them. I would, if I lived in the US.
Maybe I'll start a "Rescue Sultana" movement in Canada. We have no problem with either immigrants or Muslims here.
As to Trump, have no fear. I didn't read the word Quran once in the detailing of her interests and studies. She won't be Muslim for long, if she still is. She has already left the medieval world she was born into.
• She’s now working her way through more serious reading: Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason.”
She can follow up with Thomas Paine (The Age of Reason and Rights of Man), Diderot (all 21 volumes of the Encyclopédie, over 70,000 articles, which she'll probably devour in a week, 3 volumes/10,000 articles a day), Voltaire (Candide, about a young man, Candide, who is living a sheltered life in an Edenic paradise and being indoctrinated and how he escapes it – should sound familiar), Spinoza (Ethics, in which the refined conceptions of medieval philosophy are finally turned against themselves and destroyed entirely). That's for starters. She can find her own way from there.
“The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.” ~ THOMAS PAINE
21
While the world flails around looking for solutions to ISIS, the Taliban, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, etc., the real solution has been all but slapping us in the face for years now.
Stories like Sultana's are most inspiring, and simply MUST be made to spread more pervasively here in the West, especially among those thrashing about looking for "solutions" based on bullets and bombs. Sultana's story is especially appealing when you also consider the suite of subjects she chose for study: Physics and Mathematics.
If we could go around the world exposing everyone to the subjects of Physics and Mathematics, and the powerful ideas contained therein, the world would be a much better place, but then I am biased. Seriously, though, if there is a way to greatly amplify the process of finding and grooming the Sultanas of the world, we would be much better off than we could be via any bombing campaign.
Stories like Sultana's are most inspiring, and simply MUST be made to spread more pervasively here in the West, especially among those thrashing about looking for "solutions" based on bullets and bombs. Sultana's story is especially appealing when you also consider the suite of subjects she chose for study: Physics and Mathematics.
If we could go around the world exposing everyone to the subjects of Physics and Mathematics, and the powerful ideas contained therein, the world would be a much better place, but then I am biased. Seriously, though, if there is a way to greatly amplify the process of finding and grooming the Sultanas of the world, we would be much better off than we could be via any bombing campaign.
17
Since she is reading Kant someone should tell Sultana about the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, one of the greatest educational resources on the net.
http://plato.stanford.edu
http://plato.stanford.edu
2
The basic point of this article is so important. The acquisition of knowledge by either a man or woman is the greatest weapon against dictators and despots. America should promote the education of the young men and women of the middle east as the best way to draw our peoples together and overcome the oppression of the Taliban and ISIS.
36
Sultana, if you're reading this here are some additional resources for you to investigate:
1) http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org Mike Simmons does a LOT and travels the Mideast including Tehran to help people learn about astronomy. Ashy Hasan over in Kurdistan is doing an event called AstroPeace where he does amateur astronomy with other amateur astronomers across borders of war zones.
2) Pranvera Hyensi's Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo https://www.facebook.com/Astronomy-Outreach-of-Kosovo-1403858876575289/ This 18-year-old girl is doing amazing things bringing her country the joys of the night sky. She was 5 when the conflict in Kosovo was raging. Now, she's a big TV star in Kosovo and has been invited to speak at the Texas Star Party. She's a kindred spirit, and you two would LOVE chatting.
3) Contact Meg Urry and Kevin Marvel of the American Astronomical Society. www.aas.org. The AAS is focusing on bringing women into astronomy and astrophysics. The AAS would be proud to have you as a member once you get your PhD. (It'll come!!!)
4) Remote observatories. Resources like Sierra Stars and iTelescope have research-quality facilities that will allow you to do astronomy research 100% over the internet. Rich at Sierra Stars is a great guy and would probably bend over backwards to help you. These resources can be used to get you started.
5) Some exercises I've written for my students: http://www.jasonkendall.com/WPU/
1) http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org Mike Simmons does a LOT and travels the Mideast including Tehran to help people learn about astronomy. Ashy Hasan over in Kurdistan is doing an event called AstroPeace where he does amateur astronomy with other amateur astronomers across borders of war zones.
2) Pranvera Hyensi's Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo https://www.facebook.com/Astronomy-Outreach-of-Kosovo-1403858876575289/ This 18-year-old girl is doing amazing things bringing her country the joys of the night sky. She was 5 when the conflict in Kosovo was raging. Now, she's a big TV star in Kosovo and has been invited to speak at the Texas Star Party. She's a kindred spirit, and you two would LOVE chatting.
3) Contact Meg Urry and Kevin Marvel of the American Astronomical Society. www.aas.org. The AAS is focusing on bringing women into astronomy and astrophysics. The AAS would be proud to have you as a member once you get your PhD. (It'll come!!!)
4) Remote observatories. Resources like Sierra Stars and iTelescope have research-quality facilities that will allow you to do astronomy research 100% over the internet. Rich at Sierra Stars is a great guy and would probably bend over backwards to help you. These resources can be used to get you started.
5) Some exercises I've written for my students: http://www.jasonkendall.com/WPU/
9
Since women being educated is such a great fear of ISIS and the Taliban shouldn't we be using that weapon? Instead of dropping bombs lets drop text books and graphic novels of smart educated women succeeding in the world outside? Offer asylum and a college education to any young woman shown to have aptitude to succeed. Win the war over there by welcoming their next generation of mothers here.
10
It's almost a shame that the NYT's is so set on painting any candidate as evil enough to hate all of any group. We currently have millions of legal and illegals that just don't want to assimilate. It's also a shame that any group of people isn't thinking enough to realize why people are backing this man. They are exhausted from working, paying taxes and watching the gov't give their hard earned money away. Their wages have stagnated but taxes and health care have increased at a extremely high rate. The middle class is going to disappear but the thought has to be that this is what the current administration wants. The feel good politics of the progressive liberals is killing us.
2
So you are blaming Mr. Trump...a private citizen, who has not even yet been nominated, let alone put into office.
The laws and behavior of the US Embassy in Kabul are 100% that of the Obama Adminstration -- in charge for the last 7.5 years.
You can't hang this on anyone else!
(BTW: Mr. Trump has called for a temporary freeze...and THEN a program to vet visitors from known terrorist nations -- who happen to be all Muslim -- it is not directed at a person's RELIGION. Right now, we don't vet people AT ALL, and that's how we got Tashfreen Maleek -- who outwardly was no different than Sultana -- an educated, attractive young Muslim woman.)
The laws and behavior of the US Embassy in Kabul are 100% that of the Obama Adminstration -- in charge for the last 7.5 years.
You can't hang this on anyone else!
(BTW: Mr. Trump has called for a temporary freeze...and THEN a program to vet visitors from known terrorist nations -- who happen to be all Muslim -- it is not directed at a person's RELIGION. Right now, we don't vet people AT ALL, and that's how we got Tashfreen Maleek -- who outwardly was no different than Sultana -- an educated, attractive young Muslim woman.)
2
"We don't vet people AT ALL..."
.
That is completely false. The reason why it takes people from certain countries so long (~2 years for Syrian WOMEN and CHILDREN) to be allowed entry in the US is *precisely* because of the vetting process.
.
This is Trumpthink in action. State a falsehood, repeat it endlessly, and it becomes fact. It worked the same way with the birther movement. And Nazism.
.
That is completely false. The reason why it takes people from certain countries so long (~2 years for Syrian WOMEN and CHILDREN) to be allowed entry in the US is *precisely* because of the vetting process.
.
This is Trumpthink in action. State a falsehood, repeat it endlessly, and it becomes fact. It worked the same way with the birther movement. And Nazism.
13
Inspiring, but...
How much danger is this young woman and her family in, now that Kristof has put her story in front of the world? As long as she is still within the control zone if rock or acid throwing thugs, more care and discretion is needed!
How much danger is this young woman and her family in, now that Kristof has put her story in front of the world? As long as she is still within the control zone if rock or acid throwing thugs, more care and discretion is needed!
2
Good luck Sultana. Your courage and ambition are to be admired.
You are a role model for all children around the world who are oppressed and face seemingly insurmountable hurdles. Yet, your drive, perseverance and creativity are enabling your to become educated and achieve your dreams. Best wishes for continued success.
You are a role model for all children around the world who are oppressed and face seemingly insurmountable hurdles. Yet, your drive, perseverance and creativity are enabling your to become educated and achieve your dreams. Best wishes for continued success.
3
thanks so much for being a man focusing on the good women can do
Your column continues to inspire me
You are making the world a much better place
Thanks
Your column continues to inspire me
You are making the world a much better place
Thanks
7
I hope that Sultana will consider higher education in Canada, where student visas are a lot easier to get, and where international students face less discrimination off-campus than they might in Iowa or Arizona.
9
Good Luck Sultana and I hope to hear more about your journey, we're prayng for you kid.
5
Educating women must really be a bad idea. Because God knows these countries like Afganistan function Sooooo effectively the way they are now.
6
I plan to make a contribution to Emily's website, to help Sultana achieve her dreams. Sadly for her, the U.S. is owned by precisely what Ike warned us about decades ago, to wit, the MIC. "A girl with a book" won't make that huge corporate boondoggle any profits, nor can she buy another term for a member of Congress, so she is relegated to the proverbial dust bin of our grotesquely-contorted priorities. It is equally appalling that her world has been opened through access to the internet, yet millions of Americans lack that very same access, so vital to job searching, educational research, and the world at large, due to extreme poverty. We need a massive national soul searching here at home, and we must demand tectonic shifts in our focus. For god's sake, give Sultana that visa - and let's get to work helping young women across the globe, not to mention here at home. I'd prefer to relegate the MIC to that dust bin, permanently.
27
An idea can perforate any regime.
What is needed is access to as many portals of information.
A paper certificate has importance but before certifying, access to information takes precedence.
Plant a seed, water it,
sow a million revolutions.
What is needed is access to as many portals of information.
A paper certificate has importance but before certifying, access to information takes precedence.
Plant a seed, water it,
sow a million revolutions.
1
What a story!! Lawrence Krauss is one of my heroes. Another of my heroes died two days ago. Mohammed Ali. So, I/we am/are in need of a new hero to fill the empty place. Please, please, someone come up with a plan. Then we will have two new heroes, Sultana and her rescuer(s). We could use a lot more heroes.
5
What a wonderful article and what a young woman. It seems that the constraints of religion and of culture can still be overcome by the search for knowledge. Can we say the same about our bureaucrats and politicians who mindlessly accept rules and formulas to dictate their decisions instead of allowing thought and compassion to be part of the process. This is our loss as well as Sultana's.
5
I have an earned Ph.D. in mathematics from a top ten university, and coincidentally, two weeks ago I finished reading "Quintessence", the book referenced in this article that was written by professor Krauss. I found this a difficult technical book, and if this young woman, who has little formal education, can master even a small percentage of this book's contents then without question she should be welcomed to study in the United States. In addition, I greatly admire her strength of character, her fortitude and her unwavering courage in educating herself under such difficult conditions.
43
Educating women, and giving them the vote, is the only way to save the planet. We can't enslave and restrict 52% of human beings and equip our society with the tools to solve our over-population and resource depletion. The election of Donald Trump, who is a throwback to extreme patriarchy, threatens our democracy, media, and humanity. Along with all of the other deliberately truth-denying patriarchs he would appoint to the judiciary, Donald and the Republican Party would destroy natural resources around the world to make themselves richer. Tyrants are initially elected to power when people are frustrated by overwhelming disorder, money buys elections, and frustrated voters with diminishing economic prospects are subject to unmitigated propaganda. Trump leads among male voters. Women vote against Trump 70% to 30%. We are looking to the educated women of the United States in this election to save our own democracy and earth's biome. We should reach out to Sultana to help her complete her education. But if we do, she will never be able to return to Afghanistan - it's too dangerous. Until she establishes a family support system in the US, she will be at risk. All three major monotheistic religions are based on patriarchy. America confuses patriotism with patriarchy. Escaping the Taliban means leaving her family.
11
She is correct. Win the minds of the women, free them, is way more powerful to ending extremism than drones. Probably less expensive as well.
10
Fear of terrorists is the terrorists aim. US immigration authorities show that they are succeeding. How rational is it to deny a student visa for someone as Sultana? She is the weapon the US needs to defeat the Taliban. I hope Mr. Kristof sends letters to the appropriate authorities to shame them into action.
22
Early in this war, once the Taliban was on the run and large areas of Afghanistan were under control of American forces, IF ONLY the United States had flooded the country with a well organized effort by trustworthy and vetted NGOs to make the lives of ordinary Afghans better.
Think what that small country could have been like today if the trillion plus dollars we've spent there had gone for education, sanitation, infrastructure and a jobs program to upgrade cities and villages instead of war.
My heart aches for the millions of girls and women like Sultana all over this world who have important gifts to give and never get the opportunity to do so because of sexism and wars.
Why do the leaders of the countries on this planet always have enough money to send troops, bombers, drones and soldiers with weapons that kill and maim women, children and men into any conflict but "can't afford it" when it comes to expenditures for the good of human beings.
I have written to my Congresswoman, Barbara Lee, a woman of conscience and wisdom, who will likely take steps to help Sultana get her visa.
Think what that small country could have been like today if the trillion plus dollars we've spent there had gone for education, sanitation, infrastructure and a jobs program to upgrade cities and villages instead of war.
My heart aches for the millions of girls and women like Sultana all over this world who have important gifts to give and never get the opportunity to do so because of sexism and wars.
Why do the leaders of the countries on this planet always have enough money to send troops, bombers, drones and soldiers with weapons that kill and maim women, children and men into any conflict but "can't afford it" when it comes to expenditures for the good of human beings.
I have written to my Congresswoman, Barbara Lee, a woman of conscience and wisdom, who will likely take steps to help Sultana get her visa.
35
Nick, thanks for continuing to report on the issues of the day that matter. Education is the ultimate game changer. And Sultana's story reminds us once again of the power of educating women and providing broad access to education. Exciting to contemplate how far Sultana will go!
6
Instead of turning a blind eye to those who enter the US illegally, the various government agencies involved (as well as some of our politicians) should encourage LEGAL immigrants from around the world who display the intelligence, determination and desire such as this amazing young woman. If fundamentalist religions or societies wish to remain in the Stone Ages by denying half their population basic human rights it is their loss and, potentially, could be our gain.
7
Iowa or Arizona are probably not the most welcoming places for a smart Muslim woman. Better off going to Canada no doubt.
7
You'd be surprised; there are Muslim immigrants from many nations (including Pakistan and Indonesia) in every state in the union.
1
"...fighters shot Malala Yousafzai in the head. If only we were as cleareyed as the Taliban about the power of girl's education to transform societies." Yeah, and that lack clear of eyes may well be what get's "Mr. T" elected. America deserves to have him as a president, mysogeny is one of our "dirty little secrets" and yes, women are shamed for pointing it out, women are ashamed of the mysogeny and like all good Americans prefer to ignore it. Naivete will defeat Hilary regardless of how cagey she is.
3
How many other Malalas are out there?
Ii appears insane--at least to someone in the so-called industrialized world--world that we are keeping the Marie Curie's, Angela Merkel's and Janet Yellin's back. Whatever you may feel about their work, they are, or have, made a true contribution--to the world and their countries.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Ii appears insane--at least to someone in the so-called industrialized world--world that we are keeping the Marie Curie's, Angela Merkel's and Janet Yellin's back. Whatever you may feel about their work, they are, or have, made a true contribution--to the world and their countries.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
7
More delusions from a master.
The Taliban fears Sultana, okay.
The Taliban loves fears what Mao knew: power from the barrel of a gun.
Anything else is delusions from, again, a master of them.
The Taliban fears Sultana, okay.
The Taliban loves fears what Mao knew: power from the barrel of a gun.
Anything else is delusions from, again, a master of them.
1
" immigration risk"? I thought great USA always welcome intelligent, talented people to make America great. Why does the American law has such " immigration risk" term for people going through legitimate visa route, yet, crying loud for the rights of illegal immigrants, whom we have no ideas of what and who they are!
17
BECAUSE of illegal aliens from Mexico and Central America, we are so overwhelmed (especially in large cities near the border), that we CANNOT take in truly worthy, deserving young people like Sultana.
And remember: despite the hysteria here at the NYT, Donald Trump is just a private citizen. He has no power and has not stopped anyone from visiting or immigrating! The only laws in effect are OBAMA's laws.
And remember: despite the hysteria here at the NYT, Donald Trump is just a private citizen. He has no power and has not stopped anyone from visiting or immigrating! The only laws in effect are OBAMA's laws.
Sultana may in fact be the Taliban's worst fear. She may be Saudi Arabia's worst fear as well as the worst fear of every Islamic theocracy today.
That will not protect her or her family.
Nor will books and education protect her and her family, although such an approach might protect her great-grandchildren if she is lucky enough to survive a potential Wahhabi transition to secular liberalism.
Right now, and in her lifetime, only an escape to a secular liberal western democracy can save Sultana.
Right now, and in her lifetime, only armed force killing as many Taliban, as many ISIS, as many Al Qaeda, and all of their wannabes can save Sultana and people like her.
The only way people like Sultana will ever have the chance to become what their human potential suggests is to eliminate theocracies and their power structures from the face of the earth.
That will not protect her or her family.
Nor will books and education protect her and her family, although such an approach might protect her great-grandchildren if she is lucky enough to survive a potential Wahhabi transition to secular liberalism.
Right now, and in her lifetime, only an escape to a secular liberal western democracy can save Sultana.
Right now, and in her lifetime, only armed force killing as many Taliban, as many ISIS, as many Al Qaeda, and all of their wannabes can save Sultana and people like her.
The only way people like Sultana will ever have the chance to become what their human potential suggests is to eliminate theocracies and their power structures from the face of the earth.
10
Basically it means eliminating all males between 15 and 65.
3
For one Taliban women that wants change there are thousands that want things to remain the same. What we hear is propaganda that brainwashes our thinking, believing that they backward, uncivilized heathens. What we hear is designed to get support for the ambitions of those who want to build the TAPI pipeline through Afghanistan to India.
However, for the most part the Taliban do not want to conform to the western ideology of the global economy... all they want to do is protect their drug trade, which sustains the Taliban financially.
It seems to me that there is room to negotiate what both want without attacks on one another.
However, for the most part the Taliban do not want to conform to the western ideology of the global economy... all they want to do is protect their drug trade, which sustains the Taliban financially.
It seems to me that there is room to negotiate what both want without attacks on one another.
2
A very sick and mentally disturbed society but for these ultra brave young women.
1
Thanks, Nick, for bringing this story to light.
Sultana, if you are reading this, congratulations on your accomplishments to date and good luck with the visa process. Know that many ordinary Americans like myself support giving you a chance here in the US.
Sultana, if you are reading this, congratulations on your accomplishments to date and good luck with the visa process. Know that many ordinary Americans like myself support giving you a chance here in the US.
31
And many ordinary Americans don't want anymore terrorists. I'm sure there's much more to this story than is being told.
From the description of her dedication and determination, it sounds like America might be the ultimate beneficiary if she ever did chose to immigrate.
115
Great article, although it also serves to stoke the anti-Islamic sentiments I constantly struggle to keep in the proper perspective. A religion that is so perverted as doing this kind of atrocity to the women in its culture and getting away with it on the global scale for me is the epitome of blasphemy.
We can't save the women who willingly and consciously want to submit to this kind of psychological rape and slavery, but we can save those like Sultana who do not want to do this and want to get out to live in freedom. That is what our government should be focusing on. It is the only way to conquer these backward barbarians.
In the end, it always has to be the pen that is mightier than the sword!
Even though the pen sometimes has to be protected by the sword.
We can't save the women who willingly and consciously want to submit to this kind of psychological rape and slavery, but we can save those like Sultana who do not want to do this and want to get out to live in freedom. That is what our government should be focusing on. It is the only way to conquer these backward barbarians.
In the end, it always has to be the pen that is mightier than the sword!
Even though the pen sometimes has to be protected by the sword.
69
The women who "willingly and consciously submit" come from lifetimes of women being raped, stoned and otherwise forced into such submission that they cannot even conceptualize living in any other than submission. Even Sultana is forced to hide her studies lest she be brutalized. Stop blaming the victims for having no choice.
6
The article references a home compound with high walls, a father who is a businessman, and internet access. I am so happy for Sultana's sake that she has the support of her family, and her family has the resources to help her realize what is clearly immense potential.
But I do not think it is fair to say of those women who don't, or can't, do the same that they "willingly and consciously want to submit to this kind of psychological rape and slavery." Not unlike our own country, money and resources and support make it more likely that children--boys as well as girls--can realize their full potential. There may be many young women, like Sultana, who are just as gifted--or perhaps not gifted but still interested in learning and in the larger world--who do not have the support and resources to allow them to accomplish what Sultana has.
It is they who we should be concerned about, perhaps, even more--the ones with no one to speak for them, who may live their whole lives without ever really having a life of their own.
But I do not think it is fair to say of those women who don't, or can't, do the same that they "willingly and consciously want to submit to this kind of psychological rape and slavery." Not unlike our own country, money and resources and support make it more likely that children--boys as well as girls--can realize their full potential. There may be many young women, like Sultana, who are just as gifted--or perhaps not gifted but still interested in learning and in the larger world--who do not have the support and resources to allow them to accomplish what Sultana has.
It is they who we should be concerned about, perhaps, even more--the ones with no one to speak for them, who may live their whole lives without ever really having a life of their own.
41
Rational people despise Islam for extremely good reasons.
1
Why would Sultana (and every woman in oppressive Arab and Muslim societies) not be automatically granted refugee status in the Western country of her choice? Women's rights are human rights. If a man were treated as oppressively as women are treated in these societies, he would be granted asylum in the West in a heartbeat. It's time we started regarding the appalling treatment of women in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, etc., as human rights atrocities.
11
A great story. I see from the linked funding website that she has cousins in Canada. My guess is that she might also have a reasonable chance of getting refugee status in Canada, although apparently there is a significant processing backlog given the number of Syrian families being admitted this year.
A letter to Ms Maryam Monsef, Canada's Afghan-born federal Minister of Democratic Institutions, also couldn't hurt.
A letter to Ms Maryam Monsef, Canada's Afghan-born federal Minister of Democratic Institutions, also couldn't hurt.
9
Bravo, Nick, for another story that gets behind the cliches and gets behind someone working hard to learn--despite all the tribal (including U.S. tribal) obstacles she faces.
3
It sounds like the Taliban are this courageous and ambitious young woman's greatest fear. And for good reason. Hopefully she can pursue her dreams and her life far away from the Afghan/Pakistan havens of the Taliban.
3
What an amazing story. A woman from Taliban-controlled territory Skyping with the astrophysicist Lawrence Krauss?? It boggles the mind. Truly inspiring.
It's remarkable to read about how she found a way to overcome her culture's inherent misogyny and discouragement of free thought. This kind of story demonstrates once again the vapid delusions of the Islamists - and of the cultural relativists in the West who think they provide an equally worthy, but merely different, worldview. Being forced to live in a cloth bag and learn about only one particular book isn't "different" - it's immoral.
Good luck with your studies, Sultana. We wish you the best.
It's remarkable to read about how she found a way to overcome her culture's inherent misogyny and discouragement of free thought. This kind of story demonstrates once again the vapid delusions of the Islamists - and of the cultural relativists in the West who think they provide an equally worthy, but merely different, worldview. Being forced to live in a cloth bag and learn about only one particular book isn't "different" - it's immoral.
Good luck with your studies, Sultana. We wish you the best.
8
Nicholas yours is a winning strategy.
World wide educated women can destroy the global terrorist networks and at the same time bring down our military industrial complex that will be rendered obsolete as its raison d'être will be annihilated.
World wide educated women can destroy the global terrorist networks and at the same time bring down our military industrial complex that will be rendered obsolete as its raison d'être will be annihilated.
7
Let the girls and women in. Now.
1
Sultana I hope you make it, you are already an inspiration. Never give up. Thank you for sharing your story.
3
What can readers do to help realize a favorable outcome at Ms. Sultana's visa appointment?
1
This column is a nice assessment of extremism. The extremism of the US in terms of immigration and the extremism of the Taliban. How ironic that the US has been fighting the Taliban, when the two sides seem to agree.
5
So....the answer is for everyone in Afghanistan to emigrate to the USA?
Or do you mean "just the women of Afghanistan"?
Or do you mean "just the women of Afghanistan"?
1
Just the women.
2
What is the origin of Sultana's motivation to learn and expand her mind? Is she a genius as Krauss's comment about her suggests? Or is she an example of the human spirit, applicable to all of us? If it is the latter, then there must be something about the way most people are raised that stifles the thirst for knowledge.
Please Mr. Kristof, give readers some insight about her family or her background. You can do that while still preserving her anonymity.
Please Mr. Kristof, give readers some insight about her family or her background. You can do that while still preserving her anonymity.
3
Never quit pursuing your dreams, Sultana. The very essence of your own Afghan culture is a Caravan of Dreams whose end was always meant to be reality.
2
Thank you Nick Kristof for always being the voice for the Sultanas of this world, for always being on the side of decency and humanity.
9
Any organization, whether it is political or religious, that is afraid of girls is doomed to eventual oblivion. Unfortunately, those organizations can do a lot of damage as they go down.
That the United States is standing in the way of Sultana's coming here to study is stupid and shameful.
That the United States is standing in the way of Sultana's coming here to study is stupid and shameful.
9
Sultana's story shows how small the world has become. So many in this country want to exclude all Muslims for no other reason than that is the religion to which they were born. We worry about ISIS radicals and paint all Muslims with the same brush. Some people in this world are vicious, but because of this we need desperately to promote the cause of brilliant women like Sultana.
Thank you Mr. Kristof for advancing the good causes of people everywhere and especially for this girl, Sultana.
Thank you Mr. Kristof for advancing the good causes of people everywhere and especially for this girl, Sultana.
7
Has Sultana tried the UK for admission to a College or University. She might have more success and fewer barriers.
5
Thank you, Nick Kristof
The key point here is that the US must use its powers to promote immigration for women (and men) who need to leave from repressive societies in order to pursue freedom.
So the state department rejected her visa application as an "immigration risk."
Sounds to me as if our society would be far far better off with immigration risks like Sultana in our midst!
The key point here is that the US must use its powers to promote immigration for women (and men) who need to leave from repressive societies in order to pursue freedom.
So the state department rejected her visa application as an "immigration risk."
Sounds to me as if our society would be far far better off with immigration risks like Sultana in our midst!
8
While the immigration policy clearly fails in cases like this, I don't believe totally open borders is any better (See Germany). These special cases (and don't fool yourself, that is exactly what Sultana is), should be handled as such by immigration officials. We should remember that neither ISIS nor Sultana is representative of all Muslims.
Thanks for writing this beautiful article. I'll not be surprised if Sultana gets a visa because of this article. I'm optimistic.
4
Ignorance has been at war with intelligence for a long time. Intelligence always wins.
It's basic math. You keep half your most talented people ignorant, you are defeated by those who don't.
The irony is that after the war is done,we shove the dames back in the closet.
It's basic math. You keep half your most talented people ignorant, you are defeated by those who don't.
The irony is that after the war is done,we shove the dames back in the closet.
7
As Gandhi used to say, if a man keeps his foot on your neck, you cannot move, but neither can he. I urge her to read about nonviolence, Socrates, Jesus, Buddha (Wake Up by Kerouac), and Gandhi. Violence negates reason, as Socrates said. Ethics gives high purpose to any area of study. With her drive, what can she not do. And the United States should give her a visa to study, and asylum if she needs it.
4
What is wrong with a UK education? Why doesn't she apply for a visa there? Or maybe Australia or New Zealand or Canada? The only restraint to where she could go is language... and given her history, that might not even be a problem and she could easily learn another language.
13
McCain, McConnell,
Meet Sultana. A hero.
Then look in a mirror and meet cowards of the worst sort:
They betrayed their country.
Meet Sultana. A hero.
Then look in a mirror and meet cowards of the worst sort:
They betrayed their country.
7
The only thing that will save this world and humans is education.
81
The bravery of the girls who endure these horrific conditions, refusing to accept these bizarre and truly evil restrictions on their humanity, is beyond imagining. The free nations of the world should do everything in their power to assist them in their struggles for basic freedoms.
103
What else can random citizens like us to do to help Sultana, beyond signing up for updates about her, and donating (I just did)?
The height of irony that one of the last remaining justifications for our failed intervention in this barbaric land is so that women might have an opportunity to be educated .
What this lovely young woman does not know is that the USA is in a state of decay, an irreversible death spiral.
She might choose a European country or perhaps Canada.
What this lovely young woman does not know is that the USA is in a state of decay, an irreversible death spiral.
She might choose a European country or perhaps Canada.
2
Yeah, because Europe is doing SOOOO well, with massive Islamic immigration and economic migrants from the Middle East flooding into banileius and slums all over European cities.....millions arriving to live off generous welfare payments there.
That can't possibly be a death spiral or anything.
I have no idea why Sultana did not look into immigrating to Canada; surely she'd have some pull with the snowboarder pretty boy PM there.
That can't possibly be a death spiral or anything.
I have no idea why Sultana did not look into immigrating to Canada; surely she'd have some pull with the snowboarder pretty boy PM there.
Excellent column. I hope we hear Nicholas Kristof’s message that in order to combat terrorism and enable failing states to heal begins by allowing profound human beings like Sultana to flourish. This is the constructive and non-violent approach that is filled with promise. We will rue our indifference to the plight of the many Sultanas around the world if creative solutions are not found to assist her and others.
Ebrahim Moosa
Keough School of Global Affairs, Notre Dame, IN 46556
Ebrahim Moosa
Keough School of Global Affairs, Notre Dame, IN 46556
3
Are you concerned that on June 13th the Taliban will be watching the Kabul embassy to attempt to identify this young woman?
4
It might be helpful to post a link that the readers of your article can click to sign a petition to President Obama and others who are responsible for issuing visas to students.
1
Dear Sultana, Never give up. This is how the world will be won. You have my vote.
3
When the Communists were in Afghanistan, they educated boys and girls alike, women taught school and practiced medicine and other professions, and they had basic housing, running water, electricity, and health care.
Driven by cold-war anti-Communism, our government supported the Mujahadeen in their revolt against the Communist government, and supplied them with anti-aircraft missiles that were able to destroy Soviet helicopters. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Wilson_%28Texas_politician%29
The Mujahadeen won, established a Wahabi-influenced religious government, banned women from public life, ended modern education, and replaced the study of science and technology with rote memorization of the Koran (for those lucky enough to get an education).
The Taliban abuses that you report, including their opression of women, are the result of American intervention.
As Bernie Sanders says, intervention can have "unintended consequences."
Driven by cold-war anti-Communism, our government supported the Mujahadeen in their revolt against the Communist government, and supplied them with anti-aircraft missiles that were able to destroy Soviet helicopters. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Wilson_%28Texas_politician%29
The Mujahadeen won, established a Wahabi-influenced religious government, banned women from public life, ended modern education, and replaced the study of science and technology with rote memorization of the Koran (for those lucky enough to get an education).
The Taliban abuses that you report, including their opression of women, are the result of American intervention.
As Bernie Sanders says, intervention can have "unintended consequences."
10
Mr. Kristof,
I applaud you for highlighting that the "greatest untapped resource around the globe isn’t gold or oil, but the female half of the population."
Girls like Sultana deserve every opportunity they can get. But blaming our visa process is short sighted.
If we had sent teachers and doctors to Afghanistan instead of guns and military troops, my child might be Skyping Sultana today to learn English !
I applaud you for highlighting that the "greatest untapped resource around the globe isn’t gold or oil, but the female half of the population."
Girls like Sultana deserve every opportunity they can get. But blaming our visa process is short sighted.
If we had sent teachers and doctors to Afghanistan instead of guns and military troops, my child might be Skyping Sultana today to learn English !
2
An incredibly impressive young woman, and I am depressed that we are denying her a visa so far! Do you think an online petition would help?
2
It's too bad girls in certain parts of the world are not allowed to be educated in subjects that Sultana is taking on herself. It's equally (or maybe more) unfortunate that MANY children in the United States, who have education available to them, have no interest. Just take a look at school attendance records, reading levels, etc. Sultana wants it. Thousands of American kids don't seem to care.
1
Such a courageous young woman! Will be praying that she will get a visa!
1
To deny this young woman an opportunity to seek further education is a crime against humanity. After all, it is humanity who suffers the loss of brilliant minds.
8
I am so impressed! The desire and passion to learn is not frequently seen. Please keep us posted on this journey!
1
She's absolutely amazing and inspirational! Unfortunately, we live in a world with many ignorant people. I myself believe knowledge is power and Sultana proved it. I wish you the best and hope you make to the United States.
Thank you bringing this story to the forefront.
To win a Clausewitzian war, the target must be the "centre of all gravity." To win an ideological dispute you need evidence, attractiveness, and compromise. The people who sympathise with the Taliban do so for ideological reasons. We must act appropriately.
An incredible story.
Saving women from a draconian life under these radical Islamic restrictions is something that both conservatives and feminists can agree on.
The problem is, we never seem to hear from the world's feminists on this issue.
Saving women from a draconian life under these radical Islamic restrictions is something that both conservatives and feminists can agree on.
The problem is, we never seem to hear from the world's feminists on this issue.
2
If that's true, you must not be listening.
Feminist organizations were talking about Afghanistan while three administrations first helped the Saudis create and then did their best to form a working relationship with the Taliban.
But nobody was listening.
Feminist organizations were talking about Afghanistan while three administrations first helped the Saudis create and then did their best to form a working relationship with the Taliban.
But nobody was listening.
2
i sincerely hope she is granted the visa. her determination is inspiring.
2
I get the point Kristoff is making, but is it even wise to use this brave young woman's first name? And is it wise to mention what online avenues she is using?
5
Thanks to RevWayne for writing to his/her senator. I'd do the same, except we have 2 Republicans representing us, and the governor of our state was one of those idiots who protested the President's proposal to admit Syrian refugees. I can't wait for our state to go at least purple and get at least one reasonable senator in Washington. Hang in there, Sultana.
2
Nick, I assure you that the plutocrats (donor class) is aware that sometimes the most effective weapon against terrorists isn’t a drone but a girl with a book. Or a slave with a book. If a misogynist culture wants the women to be slaves to the men.....the best thing to do is not let girls learn. Knowledge is power.
62
The disconnect between our politics and our actual interests could not be higher.
American Exceptionalism should mean "give me your tired, your poor, your hungry, yearning to be free", not "ban the Muslims". Obama, and our immigration policies, are strongly biased to avoid any risk, so anyone from Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan is viewed with extreme skepticism. This risk avoidance is not irrational, given circus acts like the never-ending Benghazi investigations where fewer than half the Americans died than we lost yesterday in military training and rescue operations in our own country.
I have had the good fortune to work with a woman who left Afghanistan for the US, completing her education here. While it is a shame that people like her have no chance at a professional career in their own country, there is no reason for us to do the dirty work of the Taliban for them.
Ironic that the "Khan Academy" courses sourced from Mountain View, CA that have helped Sultana learn are themselves the product of the son of immigrants from Bangladesh and India, and could well come from a Moslem tradition. (His actual religious practices are not know to me.) Doubtful that we would have Khan Academy with our current immigration cowardice.
American Exceptionalism should mean "give me your tired, your poor, your hungry, yearning to be free", not "ban the Muslims". Obama, and our immigration policies, are strongly biased to avoid any risk, so anyone from Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan is viewed with extreme skepticism. This risk avoidance is not irrational, given circus acts like the never-ending Benghazi investigations where fewer than half the Americans died than we lost yesterday in military training and rescue operations in our own country.
I have had the good fortune to work with a woman who left Afghanistan for the US, completing her education here. While it is a shame that people like her have no chance at a professional career in their own country, there is no reason for us to do the dirty work of the Taliban for them.
Ironic that the "Khan Academy" courses sourced from Mountain View, CA that have helped Sultana learn are themselves the product of the son of immigrants from Bangladesh and India, and could well come from a Moslem tradition. (His actual religious practices are not know to me.) Doubtful that we would have Khan Academy with our current immigration cowardice.
87
Embedded within every Sultana out there is a possible cure for cancer or Alzheimer's Disease, the invention of a clean energy source, or my favorite - the long-promised flying car. And so advocating for Sultana and girls like her is one of the most powerful ways we have of improving life on our planet for future generations.
The good news is there is little or no cost involved. All it takes is for people like us to pay attention, get involved, share this story and continue to advocate for worldwide education for girls. Thanks to people like Nicholas and Malala and many others who are doing exactly that.
Perhaps we may yet live to see mankind begin to emerge from this ancient and devastating compulsion to subjugate women. And perhaps we may yet see the rapid growth in enlightenment that will come about as a result.
The good news is there is little or no cost involved. All it takes is for people like us to pay attention, get involved, share this story and continue to advocate for worldwide education for girls. Thanks to people like Nicholas and Malala and many others who are doing exactly that.
Perhaps we may yet live to see mankind begin to emerge from this ancient and devastating compulsion to subjugate women. And perhaps we may yet see the rapid growth in enlightenment that will come about as a result.
132
Dear Mr. Kristof,
In the long run, Sultana and other courageous Afghan youths, both male and female, might just change this woe begotten land run by religious "zealots' and corrupt politicians. I sincerely hope she can receive a proper education in the United States along with hundreds others if they are, indeed, going to help bring the country into the 21st Century.
The real question is how long the United States must stay there to help this happen?
Right now, I might suggest the sound of "drone motors" somewhere in the sky are much more feared by your average Taliban coward.
In the long run, Sultana and other courageous Afghan youths, both male and female, might just change this woe begotten land run by religious "zealots' and corrupt politicians. I sincerely hope she can receive a proper education in the United States along with hundreds others if they are, indeed, going to help bring the country into the 21st Century.
The real question is how long the United States must stay there to help this happen?
Right now, I might suggest the sound of "drone motors" somewhere in the sky are much more feared by your average Taliban coward.
1
Well though I favor the extermination of every living Taliban, I don't get how they can be called cowards. Though they are purely evil, they do seem fearless.
3
Dear Tullymd,
How many Taliban leaders have strapped explosives on themselves?
How come the "leadership" of this bunch hides in Pakistan while others do their bidding?
Fearless indeed.
How many Taliban leaders have strapped explosives on themselves?
How come the "leadership" of this bunch hides in Pakistan while others do their bidding?
Fearless indeed.
1
Just to be clear. Trump does not think all muslims are bad. That's a lie. He does want more vetting to be done to not have our country inundated with dangerous muslims of which there are many and that means a moratorium until we find that way to vet properly.
I'm sure this young woman would be the type of person Americans of all political stripes would admire and want to see further educated. However, there are already Americans here who also need assistance to grow. Sultana is exotic because she is a foreigner from a bad place. People love to help the exciting person over the same old white trailer park girl who may also be a diamond in the rough. I get it.
I'm sure this young woman would be the type of person Americans of all political stripes would admire and want to see further educated. However, there are already Americans here who also need assistance to grow. Sultana is exotic because she is a foreigner from a bad place. People love to help the exciting person over the same old white trailer park girl who may also be a diamond in the rough. I get it.
7
The old white trailer park girl as you put it was able to go to high school, and if she is as brilliant as this girl, get grants and go to very prestigious colleges for very little money (Places like Harvard and Princeton have big endowments for local girls like her, that's not where the college debt problem is.) That is not to say there is not sexism in her way but if she is determined she can get to school. This young woman can not. Therein lies the difference.
Also, you need alternatives if you want to create a better society in places you were at war with.
Also, you need alternatives if you want to create a better society in places you were at war with.
17
The problem is that while Kristof has painted a very sympathetic picture of Sultana -- and I extend her the benefit of the doubt, that she is very intelligent, motivated and a good person -- in fact, there is nothing about Sultana that is any different than what you'd have said about Tashfeen Maleek (before she committed mass murder).
Tashfeen was also an educated Muslim girl, defying many restrictions in her society, and had a college degree. She was also attractive and well-spoken. She did not get any scrutiny from the INS or immigration because of that. She married a US citizen. She gained entry easily to the US.
I am not saying Sultana is a terrorist; I want to think not, to believe she is an intellectual and a good person. But the fact is, we've been fooled before.
Tashfeen was also an educated Muslim girl, defying many restrictions in her society, and had a college degree. She was also attractive and well-spoken. She did not get any scrutiny from the INS or immigration because of that. She married a US citizen. She gained entry easily to the US.
I am not saying Sultana is a terrorist; I want to think not, to believe she is an intellectual and a good person. But the fact is, we've been fooled before.
@NSH: if you were...it happened a good long while ago. Today, all the programs to assist poor students go to poor black and hispanic kids. There is literally NOTHING for poor white kids.
They are handicapped by lousy high school educations, in horrible schools run by public unions (100% Democratic and blue, giving their union DUES to only one party!). So they cannot compete with other white kids from affluent areas.
Virtually all programs for "affirmative action" or "minority representation" go to black and hispanic kids, who get oodles of sympathy and handholding. A white kid from Appalachia gets NOTHING. They never get a shot.
Go to Harvard, NSH. Go to Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, the whole Ivy League. Show me all the white kids from Appalachia. I'm waiting.
They are handicapped by lousy high school educations, in horrible schools run by public unions (100% Democratic and blue, giving their union DUES to only one party!). So they cannot compete with other white kids from affluent areas.
Virtually all programs for "affirmative action" or "minority representation" go to black and hispanic kids, who get oodles of sympathy and handholding. A white kid from Appalachia gets NOTHING. They never get a shot.
Go to Harvard, NSH. Go to Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, the whole Ivy League. Show me all the white kids from Appalachia. I'm waiting.
2
Our country is overrun by cowards who think that their gun makes them courageous. Our xenophobes own the same cowardice as the Taliban or other zealous extremists. Fear is the driving force. Some of the fears are real and legitimate; however, how one copes with any fear is the truest measure of one's courage or cowardice.
13
Nick Kristof, Sultana is Afghanistan's Malala Yousafzai. Does she have to shot by the Taliban and survive the assassination in order to attract global attention? Malala was lucky and her plight earned her a visa to Britain, where she can live and study.
If Sultana reads Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason" and impresses physicist with "penetrating questions about astrophysics" she deserves a visa to study in the US or Britain.
Indeed, Islamists like ISIS and Taliban are misogynists and view women as homemakers and mothers. They stick to their archaic way of life and prohibit birth control, while having no idea how to deal with youth bulge and provide for education, let alone economic opportunities.
If Sultana reads Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason" and impresses physicist with "penetrating questions about astrophysics" she deserves a visa to study in the US or Britain.
Indeed, Islamists like ISIS and Taliban are misogynists and view women as homemakers and mothers. They stick to their archaic way of life and prohibit birth control, while having no idea how to deal with youth bulge and provide for education, let alone economic opportunities.
49
Switzerland has an excellent educational system and universities, why not try and get her a visa there. LOL. As if the land of black bank accounts where minarets are illegal, all non-Swiss are under suspicion, etc, ... would indulge a true intellectual. That being said, my country is filled with gun toting cowards who wave their stars and stripes and scream, 'freedom,' without having a basic clue that true freedom requires the courage to accept risk. We mistake our response to fear as courage whether it's someone or thing who knows more, looks different, or behaves differently.
4
I have only one piece of advice for brave Sultana and her friends: Try helping her get a student visa to a Canadian university. I am sure it is possible, and she will be truly welcomed there.
123
Great suggestion! I hope Justin Trudeau, or one of his advisors, reads your post, RoseMarie, and acts on it. Sultana would do really well at McGill or Toronto, and Canadians being Canadians, they would welcome her.
2
Agree. She should avoid the US. We don't deserve her.
1
It is not only sultanas are denied US visa for studies, sultans too. My son, a major in Math and Physics, had secured admission in a Cleveland university to continue his Ph D, but was denied repeatedly F 1 visa. This was 7 years agao. I am a US citizen, and brought him to the US after a seven year wait under family reunion route to secure PR. Now he is here, but the seven years he waited and worked in Malaysia, I believe were lost for him.
41
Dear CRPillai losing seven years to attain his goal is a long wait for any young man or woman. The good news is now he could go for his doctorate and in this Courtly " still" age might not be a factor.
3
The US policy on denying visas to foreign students who have been accepted to American universities is based on the fact that the factors that play a role in whether to grant a visa have nothing to do with those used by American universities over whether to accept a student.
Kristoff's problem with this policy is a very small minority of those effected by this policy. That the US should grant visas to girls from places that the Taliban govern. And this is not because allowing these girls to study in the US is of any particular benefit to the US, nor is it of any great benefit to the women of Afghanistan, since the illiteracy rate for women is over 85%.
The reason the Taliban shot Malala Yousafzai in the head is not because they were threatened by a girl getting an education in a county where even among men the rate of illiteracy is well over 70%. They shot her for the same reason they shoot all those who violate their edicts and are not freighted by warnings.
Kristoff ends his piece in a way that shows his great naivety in that he believes that a local American official working out of Kabul would even contemplate the idea that he has the power to change US visa policy. This is because government policy, especially that of the state department is set in matter less flexible than stone. To think that visa policy can be changed simply because an official in kabul things its a good idea is not how government policy works
Kristoff's problem with this policy is a very small minority of those effected by this policy. That the US should grant visas to girls from places that the Taliban govern. And this is not because allowing these girls to study in the US is of any particular benefit to the US, nor is it of any great benefit to the women of Afghanistan, since the illiteracy rate for women is over 85%.
The reason the Taliban shot Malala Yousafzai in the head is not because they were threatened by a girl getting an education in a county where even among men the rate of illiteracy is well over 70%. They shot her for the same reason they shoot all those who violate their edicts and are not freighted by warnings.
Kristoff ends his piece in a way that shows his great naivety in that he believes that a local American official working out of Kabul would even contemplate the idea that he has the power to change US visa policy. This is because government policy, especially that of the state department is set in matter less flexible than stone. To think that visa policy can be changed simply because an official in kabul things its a good idea is not how government policy works
8
You totally miss the spirit & power of a girl now a woman be king educated. Policy that does this as well is no better and society suffers greatly because of it. Now we have a candidate who uses threats & insults to assault our better selves forcing us to become fearful sheeple following the words of a repetitive man who speaks at the level of a second grader. That will end in needing walls & force to maintain. But educated people have power that can raise a society toward our better selves. I applaud Sultana & those working on her behalf. I only wish others would wake up & see she's not the real threat. Ignorance is.
2
An inspiring article indeed. I would like to clarify though that the fear of educating women is not in general an Islamic thing, though it can seem that way. (We only hear about women not being educated, or gain education against overwhelming odds, the rest of it is not news)
19
Kudos for Sultana. The Taliban is so retrograde, and so ignorant of the ways of the world, that Afghanistan must push to block these religious dogmatic thugs, hypocrites using the most advanced technology that education provides (witness the weaponry at their disposal, thanks to rich donors from Saudi Arabia, Catar, etc), and yet try to forbid and destroy their own people eager to learn and advance science and improve their own day-to-day lives. Radical Islam's return to the dark ages is a warning, that secular education is not carried out so their society may, one day, escape its dependency on others; instead, a free and proud people capable of deciding their own destiny.
28
There is one heroine in this story and two villains. The heroine is Sultana whose name is perfect for a fairy tale. The villains are the Immigration Authority and Islam. I cannot believe that the governmental agency that lets a flood of undocumented labor into the country would put bureaucratic obstacles in the path of this girl. The trillions wasted in Afghanistan chasing Taliban would be much better spent on scholarships and online classes for women and men like her. The second villain is self-evident. The religion/culture that threatens a woman with acid because she wants to learn calculus is barbaric, savage and unworthy or respect. And yes, religion and culture are inseparable.
244
There is no culture called "Islam" and saying such things encourages bigotry. Islam is a big thing that can be many different things for different people and what it means is filtered through a political/social/cultural context specific to each society. There are many Muslim countries which have made massive strides in girls education and are a world apart from Afghanistan.
55
Thanks for pointing this out. Indeed, both villains equally retrograde.
You'd be surprised to hear each year more women graduate from Iranian universities than men. Islam has nothing to do with it. Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, educates just as many female physicians as male. These facts are not because Iran or Indonesia are Muslim countries - it is because Iran and Indonesia have Persian and Indonesian and not Afghan cultures. Your statement calling Islam a villain leads to further bigotry against a historically exploited people.
3
"It is good."
--Kant's last words
It is good that this young woman's visa application will be given another review, one in which the support she has received from the community college in Iowa, Arizona State University, and the many who are following her story will be given as much consideration as her family ties in Canada, where we suggested that she apply instead, on that basis alone, if I am not mistaken. I don't know much about physics or philosophy. I have only a vague sense that both are ways in which we ask what can be truly Known, and what must remain Unknown. What I do know is that this young woman has already shown the perseverance necessary for study in physics, which is not for the faint-hearted. (The search for the Higgs boson took forty years.) It would be good for her to receive this visa; good for science; good for America; good for her and her family; and just plain good.
--Kant's last words
It is good that this young woman's visa application will be given another review, one in which the support she has received from the community college in Iowa, Arizona State University, and the many who are following her story will be given as much consideration as her family ties in Canada, where we suggested that she apply instead, on that basis alone, if I am not mistaken. I don't know much about physics or philosophy. I have only a vague sense that both are ways in which we ask what can be truly Known, and what must remain Unknown. What I do know is that this young woman has already shown the perseverance necessary for study in physics, which is not for the faint-hearted. (The search for the Higgs boson took forty years.) It would be good for her to receive this visa; good for science; good for America; good for her and her family; and just plain good.
134
Thank you for sharing Sultana's story. She sounds like an incredibly motivated young woman. I wrote to my Democratic Senator (fortunately, PA has at least one!) and asked him to review your article, do any further investigating his office feels necessary and then use the influence of his office to request Sultana be granted a student visa. Hopefully, she will receive approval from the Embassy on June 13.
I will not request my Republican Senator or Representative speak on Sultana's behalf. I must assume since no GOP politicians are challenging or rejecting the anti-Muslim attitude of Trump that they agree with him. My Senator sent a letter to the Iran leadership rejecting President Obama's negotiations with them. I am discouraged by those who represent me and my state. I hope many will vote for change and for a more benevolent America in November.
I will not request my Republican Senator or Representative speak on Sultana's behalf. I must assume since no GOP politicians are challenging or rejecting the anti-Muslim attitude of Trump that they agree with him. My Senator sent a letter to the Iran leadership rejecting President Obama's negotiations with them. I am discouraged by those who represent me and my state. I hope many will vote for change and for a more benevolent America in November.
190
Sultana appropriate name by Kristof, daughter of a Sultan .
Donald Trump should not be a worry to stop her from coming to United States for studies. Yes, listening such rhetoric by Trump is painful but there could be a Woman to become the President and there is still Michelle Obama.
As Mrs. Obama stated she now lives in a house built by the slaves and now the Resident of the house is the President of United States.
What a pretty girl behind the curtain nothing will be far fetched for her to attain her goal.
Sky is the limit Sultana.
Donald Trump should not be a worry to stop her from coming to United States for studies. Yes, listening such rhetoric by Trump is painful but there could be a Woman to become the President and there is still Michelle Obama.
As Mrs. Obama stated she now lives in a house built by the slaves and now the Resident of the house is the President of United States.
What a pretty girl behind the curtain nothing will be far fetched for her to attain her goal.
Sky is the limit Sultana.
63
Why is her prettiness being considered by you? Why would that be mentioned? Do you not get the irony of mentioning it? Here is an article in which a brilliant young woman is prevented from schooling because all the Taliban can see of her worth is how she can serve men for sex and children and you have to praise her looks ( a measure of how well she'd serve men for sex and children) even though you can't even really see her ----and then link it not her brilliance to her success in life?
I mean c'mon, isn't there any time in which women can be measured solely on their own worth and not the male gaze?
I mean c'mon, isn't there any time in which women can be measured solely on their own worth and not the male gaze?
25
It is criminal that a young woman with such a desire to learn and who has been accepted at two US schools should be denied a visa. Is there anything an ordinary citizen can do to help her get the necessary visa. We pay for bombs and bullets and train police and soldiers who sometimes turn on us but we can't grand a visa to this talented and willing student.
3
If I may say so, I thought B Sharp's comment was really lovely. In some cultures, it may be considered discourteous to make one's point directly, and I see this comment as following a timeless structure, much like a sonnet. It begins with praise as greeting--Sultana is like a Queen, as beautiful as she is wise, and in this case, the courtly praise has the merit of truth--then, it places the regrettable attitude toward Muslims within an historical narrative of progress, and even triumph--and brings us back to Sultana's story, softening the blow of the reality of her life as it is today, behind a curtain, with another gentle compliment--"pretty" is a word that can be used between the ages of eight and eighty--and ends with powerful encouragement, of the kind that would be entirely appropriate for either a man or a woman--she should reach for the stars. I couldn't agree more.
2