Our hope is that a humane and tolerant government will be created for and by the Afghan people to bring about positive and progressive change for all Afghans. This government would reflect the ethnic diversity, cultures, and religions of this land, along with the many differing viewpoints of its people. This includes the equal participation for and by Afghan women. How can a country such as Afghanistan hope to heal and progress without the avid participation of 55% of its population? And, for those who are very unfamiliar with recent Afghan history, even in the 1950's women were included in all aspects of life, including as ministers within the government so this hope for political participation by women is not far fetched at all. We hope the American people, our government, and the peoples of the world will join to help bring an end to the suffering of the Afghan people, and assist them in rebuilding their country and their dreams. They need our help desperately, and will need a commitment of time, aid, assistance and resources for a long time to come. We created this album to spread the word about the horrible and inhumane conditions that have existed in Afghanistan, and to raise funds and awareness to help the Afghan people in their struggle to live and heal. The album was conceived, written and recorded prior to the events of September 11, 2001. No one could have predicted that the entire world's attention would have been turned on a remote country in Central Asia because of its subjugation and association with a reign of terror. Sadly, because of the September 11th tragedies the world is made aware of the brutality and oppression suffered at the hands of the Taliban regime and others whose self-serving and cruel agendas have long shackled and abused the Afghan people. Now, more than ever, the people of Afghanistan need the world's help. Starvation, sickness, bitter cold and drought, and unending war have nearly destroyed a people known for their tenacity and independence. A country already broken from nearly 23 years of war is now bombed and ruined beyond all recognition. When peace finally comes, and it will hopefully soon, Afghanistan will need to be rebuilt from the inside out. Some say it will take fifty years, some say more. Whatever time it takes, its needs to be done, and we who live in the free and prosperous world need to do whatever it takes to help Afghanistan start again. It is not only up to government resolutions or UN delegations and treaties. It is up to an ongoing commitment of individual contributions, purpose and action, the likes of which has been so generously displayed by people in all walks of life following the recent horrific strikes on American soil.
Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Artists for Afghanistan Foundation