Elections in Afghanistan??? Why don't you ask if they have clean water, food every day, fuel, electricity or a decent place to live? Maybe the few who haven't got shot by the US military and have a computer with internet access will answer you questions.

Great questions, Omar!

It is always a very important debate: what is the most important human need.

One of my passions is the correlation between political freedom, social freedom, education and basic human needs-as you stated: public health, safety, basic societal infrustructure. What is fascinating is that some people will defend their political rights over their basic needs. Working with people coming out of prison in the United States, I have learned that voting is as important as employment, housing, basic health, food, childcare, etc.

Are you familiar with Malalai Joya? http://www.malalaijoya.com/dcmj/ Thanks so much for your reply.