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<p><em>“America did not come to liberate us, but rather replaced one darkness with another, and destroyed what remained of our dignity.” – Malalai Joya, Afghan writer</em></p>
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<h2>The U.S. Justification for War</h2>
<p>When the U.S. initiated its war on Afghanistan in 2001, it promoted the narrative of “saving Afghan women” to garner public support for the invasion.</p>
<h2>Misconceptions about Afghan Women</h2>
<p>Enduring stereotypes depict veiled women stripped of basic rights under Taliban rule, seemingly in dire need of outside assistance. However, international women’s organizations testified otherwise.</p>
<h2>Afghan Women’s Actual Needs</h2>
<p>Afghan women did not seek military intervention; their primary concerns were safety, sustenance for their families, health services, and shelter. The promised “liberation” only stripped them of fundamental human needs.</p>
<h2>Similar Tactics in Other Conflicts</h2>
<p>The U.S. has applied the same rationale in other conflicts—claiming to defend women's rights in both Iran and Syria—while Western media and some feminist organizations have perpetuated misleading narratives about the plight of women in areas like Gaza.</p>
<h2>Malak Musleh’s Story</h2>
<p>Malak Musleh’s journey highlights the disparity between these claims and reality. At just 20, Malak aspired to box internationally for Palestine. Tragically, her true battle came when she was struck by a Western-manufactured missile while enjoying time at a café in Gaza.</p>
<h2>The Spirit of Resilience</h2>
<p>Despite the destruction wrought by conflict, Malak and her friends continued training on the beach, symbolizing their resilience. Even in dire circumstances, they embodied hope and the unwillingness to be subjugated. Malak’s story serves as a testament to the enduring strength of women in the Muslim world, contradicting Western portrayals.</p>
<h2>The Legacy of Malak Musleh</h2>
<p>Her untimely death not only buried her potential but underscored a world indifferent to suffering. As Gaza faces devastation, Malak’s companions persist in their training, embodying defiance against an oppressive system. Her spirit lives on, reminding us that every victim’s number carries with it a story filled with dreams and hopes.</p>
<strong>This piece is translated from Ismail Al Sharif's article published in the Arabic <a target="_blank" href="https://www.addustour.com/articles/1506233">Addustour</a> in Amman.</strong>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://crossfirearabia.com/">Crossfirearabia.com</a></p>
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