Story

Afghanistan: Attacks on Students and Teachers

Shaun McCanna, for the Pulitzer Center

Blog 2 OS 2

After setting up my equipment in a small open area near the entrance to the family's home, I began what seemed to be a pleasant discussion with the girl's father. A few minutes later, the subject of the interview emerged and announced she was not ready to be interviewed. When asked why she stated, "the interview offers me no advantage." I asked for clarification and was told she wanted to know what "benefit or advantage" my interview would bring. "People come to speak with me, but where is my advantage," she repeated again and again, growing more frustrated with each recitation. I asked my driver what she was seeking. "You won't meet her expectations," is all he said.

It is hard to say what advantage or benefit she thought might be forthcoming after her assault, or if her expectation stemmed from some monetary benefit she received during her first interviews. But sadly, whatever advantage she anticipated in the days following her horrific attack has failed to materialize. The steady stream of media that came to interview her in the first few days and weeks has slowed to a trickle, as new victims arise and take center stage. One can only wonder if the physical wounds she suffered will fade long before the emotional trauma caused by the loss of her expected advantage.