Who Had the REAL Weapons of Mass Destruction?

In the Iraqi city of Fallujah there has been a recent increase in the levels of birth defects. Some are blaming weapons used by the United States after the Iraq invasion. The city was heavily bombed in 2004, and ruble from bombed buildings was dumped into the river. Citizens use that river for drinking water, which some suspect may be the cause of the birth defects.

A doctor reports that she is seeing 2 or 3 cases a day of serious birth defects in children. Some are born with too many fingers and toes, some are brain damaged or paralyzed, many have cardiac defects, one was born with three heads, and other problems are so graphic and horrible that media outlets, such as the BBC, couldn't bear to show the images.

The birth defects are so common and horrific that officials are now advising women not to have children.

An independent investigation is required to determine if the cause of the birth defects is in fact from the American bombs. Although it has yet to be proven, many in the city of Fallujah blame the Americans. And if that's true, it begs the question: Who had the REAL weapons of mass destruction?

The BBC has a short video documentary about this, which I highly recommend. A warning though, the images are very graphic and the story is extremely sad.

Recommended Reading – A Woman Among Warlords by Malalai Joya

This is a fantastic book for anyone who wants to understand the REAL situation that women in Afghanistan are facing today.

Malalai Joya has been called "the bravest woman in Afghanistan." At a constitutional assembly in Kabul in 2003, she stood up and denounced her country's powerful NATO-backed warlords. She was twenty-five years old. Two years later, she became the youngest person elected to Afghanistan's new Parliament. In 2007, she was suspended from Parliament for her persistent criticism of the warlords and drug barons and their cronies. She has survived four assassination attempts to date, is accompanied at all times by armed guards, and sleeps only in safe houses.

Often compared to democratic leaders such as Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi, this extraordinary young woman was raised in the refugee camps of Iran and Pakistan. Inspired in part by her father's activism, Malalai became a teacher in secret girls' schools, holding classes in a series of basements. She hid her books under her burqa so the Taliban couldn't find them. She also helped establish a free medical clinic and orphanage in her impoverished home province of Farah.

While many have talked about the serious plight of women in Afghanistan, Malalai Joya takes us inside the country and shows us the desperate day-to-day situations these remarkable people face at every turn. A controversial political figure in one of the most dangerous places on earth, Malalai Joya is a hero for our times, a young woman who refused to be silent, a young woman committed to making a difference in the world, no matter the cost.

We Remember

Captain Nichola Goddard was the first female Canadian soldier killed in combat. She was killed on May 17, 2006 during a firefight in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

Tonight's Show: Condi Takes on Calgary

Sorry for the late post everyone! This evening, Geea and I had a chat with Joanne Costello, a local activist, feminist and grad student who has started a petition asking the University of Calgary to rescind its invitation to former U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. The U of C's new school of public policy will be opening shortly and to celebrate this event, the school has invited Dr. Rice to speak at the opening gala. The Bush Administration was a tumultuous one as several of you know and as the Secretary of State, it is said that Condoleezza Rice played a large role in much of the instigation of what is called an illegal war by many.

For this reason, Joanne is collecting signatures in protest of Dr. Rice's visit since having her speak at the event would in some ways condone her involvement in the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. In support of the efforts made by Joanne and fellow anti-war citizens, you can sign the petition and/or attend a protest that will take place on the 13th of May outside of the Hyatt Regency Calgary where the gala will take place.

If you missed tonight's program you can listen to it by clicking the link to the right of this post.

Disclaimer: Please excuse the brief technical difficulties! We had some issues getting Joanne on the air but we sorted it out and the discussion was very engaging.

Tonight's Show - Women & Children Affected by War

On tonight's show Jennie and Geea will discuss how women and children are affected by war. We will be sharing a few examples from recent wars in Africa and the Middle East.

We will also be doing a brief interview with a representative from Engineers Without Borders. They are hosting their Annual Development Conference in Calgary on May 1 and 2, and their keynote speaker for Friday May 1st is a very inspirational woman. Dr. Samantha Nutt is the founder of War Child Canada, and she has dedicated her work to peace, human rights and social justice. Her ambition has always been to help war-affected women and children, and you can see her speak at the conference for just $25.