Happy Hello Dear Readers!

The morning sun shines through completely frost covered double windows here in my home Castle reminding me once again of the more beautiful aspects of cold weather. And cold it is today, 11 degrees or 8 with wind chill. Little difference. Also very beautiful was the snowfall in the Smokey Mountains, easing me back to winter wonderland. Left in the recesses of my mind are the gorgeous pink skies at sunrise and sunset on the Atlantic.

Castle duties call. I am preparing for the upcoming AAUW conference April 17 and 18, 2009 at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. I will be presenting at the breakout session tentatively set for 9:45 - 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18. I will speaking about my latest book, The Women of Afghanistan in the Post - Taliban Era. If you are located nearby, please come.

I am also assisting two more students in their research. The first student is a Criminology and Psychology student from London Southbank University. As part of her final year research project, she has chosen to explore the rise of the Middle Eastern female suicide bomber, taking into account the cultural, religious and patriarchal contexts from which she has emerged.

The second is a graduate student pursuing a MA in International Affairs, Conflict Resolution and Civil Society Development at the American University of Paris.

As for book projects, I’m still contemplating.

Cheers!
R