Before the Taliban : living with war, hoping for peace / Mary Smith.

“The women of Afghanistan, living in a country long plagued by war and displacement, have also had to struggle with a form of cultural and religious oppression, which makes life immeasurably more difficult. The rise of Islamic fundamentalism, citing mediaeval Sharia Islamic law as its authority, severely curtailed women’s right to full participation in the social, economic, cultural and political life of the country”—back cover.

Contents: Acknowledgements—1. Introduction(p. 1)—2. Flea bites, power cuts and women with no trousers (p. 9)—3. chicken soup to clear the tubes (p. 21)—4. Condoms and abortions (p. 32)—5. I won’t sell my sister (p. 44)—6. Go safely, come back quickly (p. 54)—7. When you can eat sugar (p. 65)—8. Social etiquette and toilet training (p. 77)—9. Blessings on the goat (p. 89)—10. Stereotypes and misconceptions (p. 102)—11. What’s wrong with eating potatoes? (p. 114)—12. Praying for a husband (p. 127)—13. Prudery and Penises (p. 137)—14. Trouble with the Government Bread (p. 150)—15. The village of love (p. 161)--I6. No smoke! (p. 174)—17. Who are these Taliban? (p. 184)—18. Burnt macaroni (p. 196)—19. Wandering navels (p. 208)—20. Drunk chickens (p. 218)—22. Where are the dollars? (p. 229)—22. Grabbing the goat (p. 241)—23. Women’s voices should not be heard (p. 251).