http://wsradio.com/021115-albania-afghanistan-history-rule-of-law-republicans-minority-communities/
February 11, 2015
Michael L. Galaty is Professor of Anthropology and Head of the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures at Mississippi State University. His recently published book is titled Light and Shadow: Isolation and Interaction in the Shala Valley of Northern Albania. Dr. Galaty discusses the similarities and complexities of “tribal” societies and cultures in the remote mountains of Albania and Afghanistan. Dr. Galaty comments on the “missed opportunities” by the withdrawal of western troops in Afghanistan and the resurgence of the Taliban and the newly formed (“its own animal”) ISIS. Dr. Galaty notes the role of women in “tribal societies” in Afghanistan and Albania and points to education, as the “key” to empowerment and prosperity. And lastly, Dr. Galaty speaks of the roller-coaster marriage between archaeology and politics, “linked to nation building,”( as in Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, etc.) and giving as an example, the recent destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, dating from 550 AD, by the Taliban because it represented a “diverse multicultural past, presenting a threat to the kind of nation” the Taliban envisioned.
Barbara Dillon Hillas, Attorney, Rule of Law, comments on Afghanistan’s Buddhist heritage and speaks of “Mes Aynak, the largest copper deposit and ancient settlement of 400 Buddha statues,” now facing destruction …for the sake of mining… and commercial opportunities….(“In 2008, the China Metallurgical Group Corp. promised $3 billion to the Afghanistan Ministry of Mines for a 30-year lease on the site, with plans to start digging within five years, and build railways and other infrastructure projects to support the mine.” More )…Mrs. Hillas speaks of the progress made in Afghanistan in the past few years, pointing to Afghanistan’s modern culture of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and noting that “it is easy to destroy a building in seconds but for rebuilding, time is needed…” Mrs. Hillas also commented on her experience as part of a three-member legal team acting as special counsel to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in connection with the structuring and negotiation of documentation required to implement private sector investments in Albania.” Mrs. Hillas concludes the interview by explaining the ” parallel tracks” between US customary law and “tribal societies’ codes/laws…”
Jeffery Corey, conservative Republican Activist.. wants to “bring more blacks into the Republican Party by running more qualified black Republicans for federal office….” The challenge is always fundraising and getting the money needed to mount a successful campaign in order to get out of the Republican primary….
Segment 1 Dr. Michael Galaty
Segment 2 Dr. Michael Galaty
Segment 3 Barbara Dillon Hillas, J.D
Segment 4 Jeffrey Corey
