Polly Toynbee went to Afghanistan to see if it was worth it.

It was.

She tells UK Guardian readers:

Who would not be moved by the sheer enthusiasm of those girls returning to school, determined to catch up on their studies? I saw the utter terror of the women who stayed indoors for years rather than risk random beatings, and their joy at escape.

She warns that Afghanistan's new found freedom is very delicate and needs more help from the West than is currently being supplied, if it is to last.