Acid Attackers Are Arrested

Two weeks ago in the Afghan city of Kandahar, some vile and vicious crimes were committed. Some men on a motorcycle attacked fourteen people by splashing them with acid. The victims were ten schoolgirls and four of their teachers. What had these young girls done to warrant such an attack? They went to school.

Last week the Afghan government arrested ten men involved in the attacks. Yesterday, they announced the arrests, and said several of the men had confessed. The men had been paid a bounty for each person they successfully attacked for a total of about $2000. The attacks were arranged and paid for by the Taliban, who are so opposed to schooling for girls that they are willing to kill or disfigure the youngsters.

After this vicious crime against innocent school children, there can be little doubt of the evil intent of the Taliban militants. No religious or political belief is so important that it justifies attacking innocent children with acid.

President Karzai has condemned the crime and called for the execution of the perpetrators. I am normally opposed to the death penalty, but if it is handed down to these criminals you won't hear any whining or complaining from this blog. The Afghan government must establish in no uncertain terms that this kind of action will not be tolerated.

The Taliban had hoped to scare Afghani girls so badly they would never try to attend school again. They failed. The schools were closed for a few days, but they are now open again and the young girls have returned. I have to admire their courage and persistence.