It's almost as if Afghanistan is run by two parties and both are in power - the modernisers and the traditionalists. One side initiates policy and the other countermands it. And the female population is right in the middle. It is really amazing and alarming to know that Afghanistan is the only country in the world to forbid women an education. As the authors point out how economically risky and how damaging to the efficient working of society. So did the UN visit achieve anything of substance? Perhaps the administration is still considering a response. The provinces vary in attitude towards women's rights, particularly on education, and health is already an exception for female employees; possibly the universities could at least be opened again for female students in approved sectors. The article suggests if all else fails, taking the administration to court. It would be mostly symbolic but could have considerable influence on decisions. A very practical article.