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The July 29, 2010, cover of Times Magazine is certainly disturbing and intended to raise public awareness concerning the way in which cultural values can affect society in general and some individuals in particular. Although it would be ignorant to claim that events like the one that happened to Aisha are very common in Afghanistan, the article is nonetheless important because of the way it addresses this matter.

The "Women of Afghanistan Under Taliban Threat" Times article addresses the topic of women being severely discriminated in Afghanistan. The article brings forward a series of women who had the courage to come out and speak about their suffering and the way that gender in general represents a reason for discrimination in their community. The Taliban authority made it especially difficult for women to be able to be considered equals in the Afghan community and it shaped the public's idea regarding gender roles. Men have traditionally been inclined to believe that they have the right to oppress women simply because of their gender.

Stories like Sakina's further emphasize the gravity of the situation, with her marriage being especially harmful for her. "He used her as an indentured servant and beat her with weaving tools when she didn't work fast enough." (Women of Afghanistan Under Taliban Threat) Conditions are critical when regarding gender roles in Afghanistan and articles such as the one in Times magazine provide society with the ability to actually understand them.