If a woman gets raped, her family can kill her because she's brought shame unto them BUT that same family can use a child as a human table and still be allowed to walk the streets with no shame themselves. And we're putting out billions of dollars a day and thousands of American lives at risk to keep these people "free"? What really enrages me is the fact that our government uses the women and children/human rights argument to justify having troops in Afghanistan but our forces on the ground aren't allowed to do anything to stop these abuses. It's a different culture than ours, they're told, and we must respect that. What a load of crap.

I know it would never happen but I'd feel a lot better about paying taxes if the money was being spent on airlifting every woman and child out of that mess. Just another day I thank my lucky stars that I was born a girl in America. Our country has problems, no doubt, but any adult who abuses a child the way Gulsoma was abused would be spending decades in prison.

poor girl and how sick are people?? I just can't imagine how people abuse others like this.

At least she seems willing to still trust people. I hope she is able to achieve her goal of returning and helping the cause of human rights.

I know there are all kinds of reasons people to do this, but I will never understand it. How can you possibly do such things to a four-year-old girl? Why? What motivates people to be monsters? I just don't understand.

Women for Women International also helps abused women to take control of their lives in Afghanistan and other war-torn countries. You can sponsor a woman for the nominal amount of $27 a month. Almost all of the money goes directly to your "sister," so that she can be financially stable while learning a trade, studying human rights, and preparing for an independent future. The sponsorship lasts for one year, and sponsors are encouraged to write letters of support to their sister. This is a pragmatic way that we can help women and girls like those described by Mr. Kristof and Ms. Harris. Check out www.womenforwomen.org.

I tried 3 times to get my online donation (don't have a PayPal account) to the Women for Afghan Women, and couldn't get my transaction processed. Finally, gave up and gave to UNICEF. Anyone else having problems? Maybe we could let the organization know.