The Taliban were not behind the slicing off of a woman’s nose and ears in central Uruzgan province, chief of the human rights commission said on Monday. The story of how Aisha Bibi, 19, was mutilated as punishment for running away from her abusive husband and in-laws a year ago caused an international outcry.
She was given refuge by an Afghan non-governmental organization, and sent to the US for reconstructive surgery and psychological treatment. Much of the western media blamed the Taliban for the brutal act, saying Aisha’s husband was a Taliban member and he and his father had orchestrated the punishment. The Taliban, however, denied any involvement. On Monday, Abdul Ghaffar Stanakzay, head of the AIHRC in Uruzgan, also absolved the Taliban after what he said was a “thorough investigation of the case”. "This was because of domestic violence which Aisha fell victim to," he told reporters. Aisha - who was reportedly given away by her family in childhood as a "blood debt" - had her trip to California for reconstructive surgery documented by ABC News.
The front cover of Time magazine generated debate over the headline "What Happens if We Leave Afghanistan" and over the use of the photo itself. Aisha's case has been used in the West to illustrate the fear of what will happen if US, British and other international forces leave prematurely.
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