Taliban

In “In a Rare Visit, U.S. Envoy Will Warn Taliban” (April 9) I read that U.N. ambassador Bill Richardson would visit Afghanistan to deliver a warning to the Taliban militia about their continued “repression” of women. I am gratified that a high-ranking U.S. government official is publicly censuring the Taliban militia. However, “repression” is far too mild a characterization of the situation of women inside Afghanistan.

Women are being denied civil rights and even basic human rights. They have become slaves and prisoners within their own households. I keep taped to my computer a photograph, published in The Times, of women in Afghanistan covered completely with a thick veil, even covering their eyes and hands. The Taliban’s treatment of women is horrendous and should not be tolerated by civilized nations. Our government must continue to bring attention to this situation and all governments must pressure the Taliban militia to treat women with the dignity and respect that all human beings deserve.

KATHRYN TARBELL

Fountain Valley