First Lady Stepping Out

Zeenat Karzai, the wife of former President Karzai, was kept hidden from view. Rula Ghani does not hide well. She will likely have a public role in advocating for Afghan women and children. Among urban and educated Afghans this is likely seen as a step forward. However, religious conservatives are fuming. Mrs. Ghani, a Christian, met here husband in Beirut, Lebanon and moved to the United States with him. She is Lebanese-American. Read more in "Jolting Some, Afghan Leader Brings Wife Into the Picture", The New York Times, October 15, 2014.