If Trump Cut Off Pakistan, Where Does That Leave Women?

If Trump Cut Off Pakistan, Where Does That Leave Women?

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Last Monday, President Trump laid out his plans to recommit the U.S. military to Afghanistan. In his speech, Trump said “Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan [and] much to lose by continuing to harbor criminals and terrorists.”

Pakistan, like Afghanistan, have long been places where peace depends on development aid, particularly aid for women’s programs. While Trump’s strategy in the region depends on keeping terrorism at bay, many terrorists are now recruiting women being turned away from defunded women’s programs. 

To discuss Trump’s new promises on South Asia, we’re joined by Rafia Zakaria — an attorney teaching constitutional law and political philosophy, columnist for DAWN Pakistan, and author of The Upstairs Wife: An Intimate History of Pakistan.