With Michelle Obama’s arms being so much in the news, it’s hard to imagine that most Afghani women remain entombed in their stifling burkas.

There was a moment, when the Taliban were on the run, that it seemed possible Afghan women would throw off those oppressively prescribed garments, but like so much else that isn’t quite the case. Today, it seems increasingly likely that the small gains women have made will be rolled back as the security situation deteriorates and talk about talks with the Taliban become reality.

To view the full story please visit The Huffington Post.

Originally published at The Huffington Post on the 16th of April, 2009.