Zoomed Vinay Special · First-person editorial
"Arabian Dancing Boys" Is a Lie. The Real Story Is Worse.
You've probably heard the rumor. I checked what US government records actually say — not for one year, but for fifteen. The pattern that shows up should bother you far more than the rumor ever did.
The point of view
You've probably heard the rumor. I want to tell you what a U.S. government report actually documented — and why the gap between the two should bother you.
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U.S. Department of State — 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report: Afghanistan
U.S. Department of State
Original citation linked to this published story. Its downloadable Source record is still completing editorial publication.
Human Rights Watch — Afghanistan's Child Sexual Abuse Complicity Problem
Human Rights Watch
Original citation linked to this published story. Its downloadable Source record is still completing editorial publication.
SIGAR reporting on bacha bazi victim-protection failures
Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
Original citation linked to this published story. Its downloadable Source record is still completing editorial publication.