Kris & Allie are short on laughs in light of the tragedy unfolding—particularly for girls and women—in Afghanistan. Instead, we offer these recs and links. Please email your suggestions to [email protected].

WORTHWHILE READS

• The Taliban's Return Is Catastrophic for Women, by photojournalist/writer Lynsey Addario, The Atlantic. Powerful photos and a boots-on-the-ground reflection of the past two-plus decades for women in Afghanistan.
• Historian Heather Cox Richardson in her newsletter Letters from an American offers a succinct explanation of the past 20 years of US involvement in Afghanistan.
• Four Concrete Actions the US Should Take Now to Help Afghan Women Activists: An opinion piece co-written by the executive director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and the founder/executive director of Mina’s List.
• How to Save the Lives of Afghan Women: Three urgent actions you or your organization can take, from the GIWPS.

A WORTHWHILE LISTEN

• The Fall of Afghanistan: Via voice memos, one Afghan woman—an outspoken critic of the Taliban—shares her experience day by day as her country falls under Taliban control. Reported by the NYT's Lynsea Garrison for The Daily Podcast.

HOW TO SUPPORT

• Women for Women International: Investing in women survivors of war and conflict. Connects women with women in conflict zones. 
• Women for Afghan Women: Grassroot organization dedicated to protecting Afghan women and girls in Afghanistan and New York.
• Afghanaid: Focuses on vulnerable households in Afghanistan, such as those headed by women. Based in London.
• The Red Cross has worked in Afghanistan for 30 years and pledges to continue.
• International Rescue Commitee (IRC) has supported Afghanistan since 1988.
• Enabled Children Initiative supports children with disabilities.
• Canada is seeking 1,000 volunteers to help welcome and integrate Afghan refugees. Volunteers will not be asked to host.
• Here's how to ask President Biden to boost refugee admissions numbers in the US.
• Mina's List: Working to advance global peace and women's political leadership.
• Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security: Building an evidence-based case for a focus on women, peace and security.